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©2009 The WJG Press and Baishideng. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. May 7, 2009; 15(17): 2170-2171
Published online May 7, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.2170
Published online May 7, 2009. doi: 10.3748/wjg.15.2170
Emerging clinical and therapeutic applications of Nigella sativa in gastroenterology
Shailendra Kapoor, Kristin 24, Schaumburg, IL 60195, United States
Author contributions: Kapoor S wrote the entire manuscript.
Correspondence to: Shailendra Kapoor, MD, Kristin 24, Schaumburg, IL 60195, United States. shailendrakapoor@yahoo.com
Telephone: +1-847-8866789
Fax: +1-847-8979878
Received: December 30, 2008
Revised: February 11, 2009
Accepted: February 18, 2009
Published online: May 7, 2009
Revised: February 11, 2009
Accepted: February 18, 2009
Published online: May 7, 2009
Abstract
Nigella sativa (N. sativa) decreases DNA damage and thereby prevents initiation of carcinogenesis in colonic tissue secondary to exposure to toxic agents such as azoxymethane. N. sativa is of immense therapeutic benefit in diabetic individuals and those with glucose intolerance as it accentuates glucose-induced secretion of insulin besides having a negative impact on glucose absorption from the intestinal mucosa. N. sativa administration protects hepatic tissue from deleterious effects of toxic metals such as lead, and attenuates hepatic lipid peroxidation following exposure to chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride.