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Background: Black cumin (Nigella sativa Linn.) is a widely accepted remedy and spice in Middle Eastern countries. Traditionally, it has been used for treating and preventing various chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Methods: This study aimed to characterize the chemical components of black cumin oil using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Additionally, the anticancer activity of black cumin oil was evaluated using an MTT assay on MG-63 human osteosarcoma cell lines. Results: The GC-MS analysis identified 30 chemical compounds in black cumin oil. The major non-volatile components were thymohydroquinone (31.40%), linoleic acid (18.23%), stearic acid (18.02%), 2,4-decadienal (E,E) (11.14%), diethyl phthalate (5.22%), and palmitic acid (4.33%). The major volatile components included citronellal (0.29%), carvacrol (0.35%), β-pinene (0.41%), and limonene (0.19%). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of alkanes (hydrocarbons), aldehydes, aliphatic esters, cyclopentanone, and alkenes. The oil exhibited dose-dependent (0.5-500 µg/mL) and time-dependent (24 h) inhibition of MG-63 cell lines, with an IC50 value of 33.66 µg/mL. Conclusion: This study enhances the understanding of the chemical composition of black cumin oil and provides evidence supporting its ethno-medicinal use by demonstrating its anticancer activity.
A 2024 study studied this question.