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Published on: April 22, 2019
Nigella sativa extract kills pre-malignant and malignant oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Selma Dagtas1,2, Robert J Griffin2
1University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, 1200 North University Drive, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601.
Abstract:
In this study, the potential of Nigella sativa was evaluated in the management of oral cancer through assays designed to mimic conditions expected when chewing the whole seeds or use of a seed extract. For this purpose, a water-based extract of N. sativa seeds was prepared, mimicking the chewing process. This extract demonstrated significant cytotoxic effect on oral cancer and pre-cancerous leukoplakia cells in vitro at a much lower concentration than the predicted oral concentration that could be achieved upon seed chewing. When the active constituent(s) in this water-based N. sativa seed extract, was explored significant quantities of the compound α-hederin was detected but only modest quantities of thymoquinone suggesting that thymoquinone is not fully released into the aqueous medium during the chewing process. While the N. sativa seed extract induced a different effect on the cells than that of pure thymoquinone, α-hederin alone induced a very similar effect on the cells to that of the extract. These results suggest that α-hederin and not thymoquinone, is the major component of the seed that is responsible for the inhibitory effect observed in vitro. Therefore, chewing N. sativa whole seeds or applying a concentrated extract on the oral lesions may be an inexpensive, widely available, and effective option for patients at risk of developing oral cancer who are receiving no other preventive treatment.
Insights
Nigella sativa seeds show potential for managing oral cancer. Chewing seeds or using extracts effectively targets cancer cells, with alpha-hederin identified as the key active compound.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Oncology
- Oral Medicine
Background:
- Oral cancer presents a significant global health challenge.
- Current preventive treatments can be limited or inaccessible for many at-risk individuals.
- Nigella sativa (black cumin) is traditionally used for various ailments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Nigella sativa in managing oral cancer.
- To investigate the in vitro effects of Nigella sativa seed extract on oral cancer and pre-cancerous cells.
- To identify the active compound(s) responsible for the observed effects.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of a water-based Nigella sativa seed extract simulating chewing.
- In vitro cytotoxic assays on oral cancer and leukoplakia cell lines.
- Chemical analysis to determine the presence of key compounds like alpha-hederin and thymoquinone.
Main Results:
- The Nigella sativa extract exhibited significant cytotoxicity against oral cancer cells at low concentrations.
- Alpha-hederin was detected in significant quantities, while thymoquinone was present in modest amounts in the aqueous extract.
- Alpha-hederin alone mimicked the extract's inhibitory effects, suggesting it is the primary active component.
Conclusions:
- Nigella sativa seed extract, particularly its alpha-hederin component, demonstrates potent in vitro anti-cancer activity against oral cancer cells.
- Chewing whole Nigella sativa seeds or using concentrated extracts may offer an accessible and cost-effective preventive strategy for oral cancer.
- Further research into Nigella sativa as an adjunct or preventive therapy for oral cancer is warranted.
