Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activities of Nigella sativa Vinegar Extract: An Insight Into Hypoglycemic...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Phytochemistry
• Metabolic Disorders Research
• Nutraceutical Science

Background:

• Nigella sativa (black cumin) is traditionally used for various health benefits.
• Understanding the phytochemical profile and biological activities of its extracts is crucial for scientific validation.
• Vinegar extraction offers a method to potentially enhance the bioavailability of bioactive compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the vinegar extract of Nigella sativa (NSE).
• To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo biological activities of NSE.
• To explore its potential as a natural remedy for metabolic disorders and as a nutraceutical ingredient.

Main Methods:

• Nigella sativa seeds were extracted using a water and synthetic vinegar mixture.
• In vitro antioxidant assays (total phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging) were performed.
• In vivo studies involved alloxan-induced diabetic rats to assess metabolic parameters.
• Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and in silico molecular docking were utilized.

Main Results:

• NSE exhibited high antioxidant potential with significant total phenolic and flavonoid content.
• In vitro anticancer activity against HepG2 liver cell lines was insignificant.
• In vivo, NSE significantly reduced blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL, while increasing HDL in diabetic rats.
• GC-MS identified diverse bioactive compounds, and in silico analysis showed alpha-amylase inhibition.

Conclusions:

• Nigella sativa vinegar extract possesses significant antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties.
• The extract demonstrates potential for managing diabetes and related metabolic disorders.
• NSE is a promising candidate for functional food applications due to its rich phytochemical profile and biological activities.