Black seed (Nigella sativa): Pharmacological and therapeutic applications in endocrine dysfunction

Natural plants and compounds are nature’s precious gift to humankind that has solution of every health problem. Nigella sativa, also named as black cumin or black seed, is well known for its many health advantages in traditional medicinal system. N. sativa seed is rich in alkaloids and possesses healing ability in hormonal and endocrine dysfunction. Thymoquinone is the main active constituent of N. sativa and possesses antioxidant and antidiabetic properties and boost endocrine function. Compared to other biological properties, proendocrine properties of Nigella were not extensively studied. However, the scientific communities have started taking interests in Nigella’s healing ability to maintain hormonal homeostasis and other disease conditions. This chapter is summarizing the previous findings of Nigella in endocrine dysfunction and emphasizing on better understanding of mechanism behind proendocrine capabilities of Nigella plant or its active components to regulate body’s normal physiology.