Therapeutic and Pharmaceutical Potential of Nigella sativa and its Bioactive Constituents in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases: Progress, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Introduction: Nigella sativa (black cumin) is a widely recognized medicinal plant known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties and potential role in enhancing transdermal and systemic drug delivery. Among its phytoconstituents, thymoquinone has been identified as the principal bioactive compound responsible for its therapeutic efficacy and drug permeationenhancing effects. Methods: This review comprehensively explores the phytochemical composition of Nigella sativa, with emphasis on the isolation and quantification of thymoquinone using gas chromatography– mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Extraction techniques, particularly cold pressing, were analyzed for their impact on yield and purity. Pharmacological mechanisms, including inhibition of inflammatory enzymes, modulation of cytokine expression, and reduction of oxidative stress, were evaluated. Additionally, literature was reviewed on the capacity of Nigella sativa oil and thymoquinone to enhance drug penetration across biological membranes. Results: The findings confirm that cold-press extraction significantly influences thymoquinone concentration. GC-MS remains the gold standard for its precise quantification. Thymoquinone exhibits strong anti-inflammatory effects and demonstrates the capacity to enhance drug permeation through biological barriers, indicating its potential in synergistic drug delivery systems. Discussion: The dual role of Nigella sativa in exerting anti-inflammatory activity and enhancing drug delivery underscores its promise in pharmaceutical formulations. However, variations in extraction methods affect compound consistency, highlighting the need for standardization to ensure therapeutic reliability. Conclusion: Nigella sativa, particularly its thymoquinone content, holds substantial potential for anti-inflammatory therapy and as a natural permeation enhancer. Optimizing extraction and analytical methodologies is critical for its successful application in novel drug delivery platforms.