The Benefits of Nigella Sativa for Skin Diseases and Heal Skin Injuries: An Overview of Phytochemicals and Pharmacological Properties

Abstract

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) is a medicinal plant with a long history of use in various traditional systems of medicine, such as Arab and Islamic medicine, Unani, Ayurveda, and Chinese medicine. N. sativa has many active compounds, such as alkaloids, saponins, and thymoquinone, that give it a wide range of health benefits. It can act as a diuretic, bronchodilator, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and analgesic. Moreover, N. sativa has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties, which make it a promising natural treatment for skin conditions. This article summarizes the current evidence on the effects of N. sativa for the management of acne vulgaris, melanoma, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, plaque psoriasis, and wound healing. This review examines the most recent studies on the role of N. sativa in preventing and treating skin diseases and injuries, with a focus on its phytochemicals and pharmacological properties. We conducted a comprehensive literature review using various electronic databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and MedlinePlus, to collect data on the therapeutic properties of N. sativa and thymoquinone in skin disorders. Our findings provide substantial evidence supporting the efficacy of N. sativa/thymoquinone in facilitating the healing of a variety of skin diseases. However, it is essential to establish the most effective treatment dosages and the optimal administration route. Further research is also required to explore potential side effects and to evaluate the performance of these natural products in clinical trials.