Nigella Sativa (Black Seed) Inhibits Growth Of Candida In Mice

Abstract Title:

The in vivo antifungal activity of the aqueous extract from Nigella sativa seeds.

Abstract Source:

Phytother Res. 2003 Feb;17(2):183-6. PMID: 12601685

Abstract Author(s):

M A U Khan, M K Ashfaq, H S Zuberi, M S Mahmood, A H Gilani

Article Affiliation:

Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University Medical College, Karachi-74800, Pakistan.

Abstract:

The effect of an aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds was studied on candidiasis in mice. An intravenous inoculum of Candida albicans produced colonies of the organism in the liver, spleen and kidneys. Treatment of mice with the plant extract (6.6 mL/kg equivalent to 5 mg of estimated protein, once daily for 3 days) 24 h after the inoculation caused a considerable inhibitory effect on the growth of the organism in all organs studied. A 5-fold decrease in Candida in kidneys, 8-fold in liver and 11-fold in spleen was observed in the groups of animals post-treated with the plant extract. Histopathological examination of the respective organs confirmed these findings. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds exhibits inhibitory effect against candidiasis and this study validates the traditional use of the plant in fungal infections.

Article Published Date:

Feb 01, 2003

Study Type:

Animal Study

Tags: black cumin, black seed, cancer awareness, cancer killer, nigella sativa