International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology
Volume 15, Issue 1

Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activities of Nigella sativa Based Nanoemulgel (NEGIS)

Amol R. Patil*, Avish D. Maru1 

 SNJB's Sureshadad Jain College of Pharmacy, Chandwad, Nashik- 423101, Maharashtra, India 

Received: 29th Nov, 2024; Revised: 5th Jan, 2025; Accepted: 9th Feb, 2025; Available Online: 25th Mar, 2025

ABSTRACT

This study looks at the physicochemical and therapeutic aspects of Nigella sativa gel (NEGIS) enhanced with Nigella sativa oil and nanoparticles. FTIR examination demonstrated the existence of OH, CH, C=O, and aromatic groups, representing bioactive and nanoparticle interactions. The UV-Visible spectroscopy revealed an absorption peak at 262 nm (1.38 absorbance), confirming the existence of bioactive chemicals and nanoparticle stability. The zeta potential analysis yielded a value of -4.6 mV, representing minimal colloidal stability. The antioxidant assays showed moderate action, with IC50 values of 680.23µL/mL (ABTS) and 405.13µL/mL (DPPH). Anti-inflammatory investigation utilizing protein denaturation and HRBC membrane stabilisation assays revealed that NEGIS was as effective as Diclofenac Sodium and Aspirin, with peak inhibitory values of 70.25% and 82.79%, correspondingly. Antibacterial testing found inhibition zones of up to 16 mm, while antifungal tests demonstrated action against Candida albicans (10 mm) and Aspergillus niger (8 mm). These findings suggest that NEGIS possesses promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal activities, representing its potential as a multifunctional therapeutic agent for numerous biomedical applications.

Keywords: Nigella sativa, DPPH, HRBC, FTIR

How to cite this article: Amol R. Patil, Avish D. Maru. Phytochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activities of Nigella sativa Based Nanoemulgel (NEGIS). International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2025;15(1):230-37. doi: 10.25258/ijddt.15.1.32

REFERENCES

  1. Abdelrazek HM, Kilany OE, Muhammad MA, Tag HM, Abdelazim AM. Black seed thymoquinone improved insulin secretion, hepatic glycogen storage, and oxidative stress in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic male wistar rats. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2018;2018(1):8104165.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/8104165
  2. Aljabre SH, Randhawa MA, Akhtar N, Alakloby OM, Alqurashi AM, Aldossary A. Antidermatophyte activity of ether extract of Nigella sativa and its active principle, thymoquinone. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2005;101(1-3):116-119. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.002
  3. Ara I, Maqbool M, Fekadu G, Hajam TA, Dar MA. Pharmaceutical significance of Nigella sativa , a wonder herb. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2020;3(4):04-13. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31069/japsr.v3i4.2
  4. Asgary S, Sahebkar A, Goli-Malekabadi N. Ameliorative effects of Nigella sativa on dyslipidemia. Journal of endocrinological investigation. 2015;38:1039-1046. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-015-0337-0
  5. Attia AM, El-Hamid A, Marwa I, El-Reheem A, Mohamed E, El-Fattah A, Nehad A. Impact of Nigella sativa and clove oils on cell wall genes expression in multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Zagazig Veterinary Journal. 2016;44(2):167-76. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/zvjz.2016.7859
  6. Bashandy SA, Amin MM, El-Marasy SA, Ibrahim FA, Sharaf HA. Whey protein and Nigella sativa oil mitigate potassium dichromate induced hepatic injury, oxidative stress and hematotoxicity in rats. Asian Journal of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2018;3(1):13-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18311/ajcps/2018/22586
  7. Chaieb K, Kouidhi B, Jrah H, Mahdouani K, Bakhrouf A. Antibacterial activity of Thymoquinone, an active principle of Nigella sativa and its potency to prevent bacterial biofilm formation. BMC complementary and alternative medicine. 2011;11:1-6. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-11-29
  8. Dwita LP, Yati K, Gantini SN. The anti-inflammatory activity of Nigella sativa balm sticks. Scientia Pharmaceutica. 2019;87(1):3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/scipharm87010003
  9. Ebuehi OA, Olowojaiye AA, Erukainure OL, Ajagun‐Ogunleye OM. Nigella sativa (black seed) oil ameliorates CCl4‐induced hepatotoxicity and mediates neurotransmitter levels in male Sprague Dawley albino rats. Journal of food biochemistry. 2020;44(2):e13108. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.13108
  10. Hanoem EH, Imam B, PurnamaPranoto K. The effectiveness of Nigella sativa seed extract in inhibiting Candida albicans on heat cured acrylic resin. Dental Journal. 2011;44(3):137-40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20473/j.djmkg.v44.i3.p137-140
  11. El-Majeed SA, Bashir MB, Bulla HA, Ahmed AS, Saeed OM, Gorish BM, Abdelmula WI. In vitro Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of Nigella sativa against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Shendi Town, Sudan. International Journal of Pathogen Research. 2023;12(6):76-82. DOI: https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpr/2023/v12i6255
  12. Elmowalid GA, Ahmad AA, El-Hamid MI, Ibrahim D, Wahdan A, El Oksh AS, Yonis AE, Elkady MA, Ismail TA, Alkhedaide AQ, Elnahriry SS. Nigella sativa extract potentially inhibited methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus induced infection in rabbits: potential immunomodulatory and growth promoting properties. Animals. 2022;12(19):2635. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192635
  13. El-Sayed MA, El-Dokky NA, Eissa SA. Evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of coconut and NG oils on streptococcous mutans, lactobacilli and candida albicans an invitro-study. Egyptian Dental Journal. 2017;63(4):2969-2978. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21608/edj.2017.76077
  14. Geetha KM, Anitha KN. Protective Effect of Nigella sativa Seeds Extract against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats: Possible Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Inhibition. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2022;84(1):41-48. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36468/pharmaceutical-sciences.893
  15. Gheita TA, Kenawy SA. Effectiveness of Nigella sativa oil in the management of rheumatoid arthritis patients: a placebo controlled study. Phytotherapy research. 2012;26(8):1246-1248. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3679
  16. Habib MA, Afroze M, Islam MF, Sajid M, Chowdhury AI, Ahmed N. Nigella sativa : a traditional remedy for the prevention of non-communicable and communicable diseases. Scholars International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2020;3(7):149-56. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36348/sijtcm.2020.v03i07.004
  17. Hatipoğlu D, Özsan M, Dönmez HH, Dönmez N. Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa oil against acrylamide-induced liver injury in rats. Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi. 2023:1-22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33988/auvfd.1096306
  18. Hosseini SA, Zar A, Dehghani Z. Lipid lowering effects of Nigella sativa and swimming training in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Annals of military and health sciences research. 2018;16(3):e84153. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5812/amh.84153
  19. Kafi LA. The cytotoxic effect of olive oil, Nigella sativa and their combination on Hela cancer cell line (in vitro). Kufa J. Vet. Med. Sci. 2015;6(2):87-97. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36326/kjvs/2015/v6i23996
  20. Kooshki A, Forouzan R, Rakhshani MH, Mohammadi M. Effect of topical application of Nigella sativa oil and oral acetaminophen on pain in elderly with knee osteoarthritis: a crossover clinical trial. Electronic physician. 2016;8(11):3193. DOI: https://doi.org/10.19082/3193
  21. Alberts A, Moldoveanu ET, Niculescu AG, Grumezescu AM. Nigella sativa : A Comprehensive Review of Its Therapeutic Potential, Pharmacological Properties, and Clinical Applications. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024;25(24):13410. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_364_22
  22. Mehboob A, Abbas T. Synergistic Effect of the Combination of Commercial Essential Oils with Standard Antibiotics: In vitro Evaluation: Antimicrobial Effect of Essential Oil on Tested Food Isolates. Biological Sciences-PJSIR. 2020;63(3):242-252. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52763/pjsir.biol.sci.63.3.2020.242.252
  23. Mohammed NK, Meor Hussin AS, Tan CP, Abdul Manap MY, Alhelli AM. Quality changes of microencapsulated Nigella sativa oil upon accelerated storage. International Journal of Food Properties. 2017;20(sup3):S2395-2408. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2017.1371189
  24. Mohammed NK, Abd Manap MY, Tan CP, Muhialdin BJ, Alhelli AM, Meor Hussin AS. The effects of different extraction methods on antioxidant properties, chemical composition, and thermal behavior of black seed (Nigella sativa ) oil. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2016;2016(1):6273817. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/6273817
  25. Mousavi SE, Noori M, Marandi H, Fazlollahi A, Nejadghaderi SA, Rahmani S, Noordoost M, Karamzad N, Sullman MJ, Kolahi AA, Safiri S. The efficacy and safety of Nigella sativa in the management of osteoarthritis: A systematic review. Health Science Reports. 2024;7(4):e1989. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.1989
  26. Mouwakeh A, Radácsi P, Pluhár ZS, Németh Zámboriné É, Muránszky G, Mohácsi-Farkas CS, Kiskó G. Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Nigella sativa crude and essential oil. Acta Alimentaria. 2018;47(3):379-386. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1556/066.2018.47.3.14
  27. Nader MA, El-Agamy DS, Suddek GM. Protective effects of propolis and thymoquinone on development of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Archives of pharmacal research. 2010;33:637-643. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-010-0420-1
  28. Rahman MM, Shahriar MR, Meghla NS, Ishika T, Roy PC, Kamruzzaman M. Antimicrobial activity of some medicinal plant extracts against gram positive and gram negative bacteria in Bangladesh. Asian Journal of Medical and Biological Research. 2017;3(4):405-411. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/ajmbr.v3i4.35329
  29. Hassanien MF, Assiri AM, Alzohairy AM, Oraby HF. Health-promoting value and food applications of black cumin essential oil: an overview. Journal of food science and technology. 2015;52:6136-6142. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-015-1785-4
  30. Rasoli MS, Khalili M, Mohammadi R, Soleimani A, Kohzadi R, Ilkhanipour M, Heidari R, Golkari S. The chemical composition of Nigella sativa and its extract effects on lipid peroxidation levels, total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity of the liver and kidney in rats under stress. Gene, Cell and Tissue. 2018;5(1):e61323. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5812/gct.61323
  31. Rusda M, Siregar MF, Lelo A, Ilyas S, Ganie RA, Effendi Y, Hasibuan PA, Iswara RR. A therapeutic effect of Nigella sativa extract on female Wistar rats vulvovaginal candidiasis model. Medicinski Glasnik. 2020;17(2):472-476.DOI: https://doi.org/10.22159/ijcpr.2020v12i3.38308
  32. Rusda M. Antifungal Effect of Nigella sativa Extract on Female Wistar Rats Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Model. International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research. 2020;12(3):66-68. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.4-12-2019.2293816
  33. Salem NA, Mahmoud OM, Al Badawi MH, Gab-Alla AA. Role of Nigella sativa seed oil on corneal injury induced by formaldehyde in adult male albino rats. Folia Morphologica. 2016;75(4):518-526. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5603/fm.a2016.0010
  34. Salim HM, Awwalia ES, Alam IP. Protective Effect of Nigella sativa Seed Extract on Alloxan-Induced Mice Kidney Histology. Warmadewa Medical Journal. 2022;7(2):70-73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22225/wmj.7.2.4768.70-73
  35. Salimzadeh A, Ghourchian A, Choopani R, Hajimehdipoor H, Kamalinejad M, Abolhasani M. Effect of an orally formulated processed black cumin, from Iranian traditional medicine pharmacopoeia, in relieving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, randomized, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled clinical trial. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases. 2017;20(6):691-701. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1756-185x.13066
  36. Sandhya A, Kannayiram G. Pharmacological, bioactive screening of medicinal plant Nigella sativa and the derived compound thymoquinone: an in vitro study. International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2020;11(2):2458-2465. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26452/ijrps.v11i2.2239
  37. Rana AS. Antifungal action of some natural oils on acrylic resin denture base materials. Al-Rafidain Dental Journal. 2012;12(2):295-300. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33899/rden.2012.65062
  38. Wojtasik‐Kalinowska I, Guzek D, Brodowska M, Godziszewska J, Górska‐Horczyczak E, Pogorzelska E, Sakowska A, Gantner M, Wierzbicka A. The effect of addition of Nigella sativa oil on the quality and shelf life of pork patties. Journal of Food Processing and Preservation. 2017;41(6):e13294. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jfpp.13294
  39. Yildiz F, Coban S, Terzi A, Ates M, Aksoy N, Cakir H, Ocak AR, Bitiren M. Nigella sativa relieves the deleterious effects of ischemia reperfusion injury on liver. World journal of gastroenterology: WJG. 2008;14(33):5204. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.14.5204
  40. Negi AS, Ram V, Kumar A. Pharmacognostic, Phytochemical, and Antioxidant Investigations of Asparagus curillus Buch.-Ham. Ex Roxb: Ethnomedicinal Species of the Lower Himalayas. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2024;14(4):2004-12. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.14.4.9
  41. Singh PK, Rawat AKS. Physiochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity, Antimicrobial Activity and Phenolic Profile of Ipomoea eriocarpa R. Br. Leaves. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. 2024;14(3):1531-1538. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.14.3.39
  42. Pulipaka S, Suttee A, Kumar MR, Kasarla R. Exploration of In-vitro Antidiabetic Activity of ZnO NPs and Ag NPs Synthesized utilizing Methanolic Extracts of Alpinia mutica and Tradescantia spathaeca Leaves. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance. 2023;14(3):464-469. DOI: 10.25258/ijpqa.14.3.01
  43. Laware SG, Shirole NL. Formulation and Development of Polyherbal Ointment containing Clerodendrum serratum, Solanum xanthocarpum, and Nyctanthes arbortristis Extracts and Assessment of Anti-inflammatory Activity in Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema Model. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance. 2023;14(3):523-528. DOI: 10.25258/ijpqa.14.3.10