Dermatological effects of Nigella sativa

Abstract

Nigella sativa seed, commonly known as black seed, has been employed as a natural remedy for many ailments for centuries in many cultures. It contains many active components including thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, dithymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol, nigellimine, nigellicine, nigellidine and alphahederin. It was reported to possess numerous pharmacological effects related to several organs of the body. In this article, the literature pertaining to dermatological effects of N. sativa is reviewed. To the best of our knowledge this is the first review in this subject and we expect it stimulates further studies on the dermatological effects and application of N. sativa.