Nigella sativa

This book outlines current knowledge on the nutritive value of Nigella sativa (black cumin). N. sativa has many therapeutic effects and is considered one of the most important medicinal plants in the world because of its antioxidant, anticoccidial, anthelminthic and antimicrobial properties. Based on the use of N. sativa in traditional medicine as a treatment for some diseases, researchers have investigated its effects on asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and inflammation. Much of the biological properties of N. sativa including antihypertensive nephroprotection, antipyretic, antimicrobial, and antineoplastic has been attributed to presence of thymoquinone. As such, the authors accounts for therapeutic potential of thymoquinone. Additionally, a field experiment was conducted to determine the influence of plant density and fertilization on seed and biomass yield and quality of N. sativa in order to define alternatives to local forage and feed sources for animals feeding in the Mediterranean region.