THERAPEUTICS, PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF AN IMPORTANT UNANI DRUG KALONJI (NIGELLA SATIVA LINN): A REVIEW

*Wasim Ahmad, Rizwan Mohiyuddin Khan, Fahmeeda Zeenat and Ansari Shaiqua

ABSTRACT

The seed of Nigella sativa, Linn is known as Kalonji. The plant Nigella sativa is a short-lived, aromatic, annual herb. It is an amazing herb with a rich historical and religious background. The height of the plant is approximately 20-60 cm. The seeds are angular, of generally small size. They are black or dark gray with a rough grooved surface and an oily white interior. The seeds are the source of active ingredients of this plant. The seeds have an immense medicinal value and are known to have numerous medicinal properties. They are also used for flavouring and seasoning bread, pickles, and bakery products. It is among widely used seeds and has been employed either as a medicinal grain or as a food ingredient in several countries. The plant has shown diverse biological and pharmacological activities. It has been used in Unani Medicine (Tibb-e-Unani) and other Traditional Systems of Medicine from time immemorial. Keeping in view the medicinal importance of the drug in Unani Medicine, an attempt has been made to review the available literature on traditional uses and pharmacological properties of the plant.

Keywords: Nigella sativa, Kalonji.