title: Mitigation of obesity-promoted diseases by Nigella sativa and thymoquinone.
abstract: Obesity is closely associated with increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, insulin resistance, and immune dysfunction, and thus obesity-mitigation strategies should take into account these secondary pathologies in addition to promoting weight loss. Recent studies indicate that black cumin (Nigella sativa) has cardio-protective, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory properties. While black cumin and/or its major bioactive constituent, thymoquinone have demonstrated bioactivity in a variety of disease models, the mechanisms of action are largely unknown. Given the growing interest in and the use of functional foods and nutraceuticals, as well as the increase in obesity and chronic diseases worldwide, further research into the therapeutic/preventive effects of black cumin may be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, 1571 Campus Mail, 206 Gifford Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA. jairam.vanamala@colostate.edu
authors.forename: Jairam
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vanamala
authors.forename: Andrew C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Kester
authors.forename: Adam L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Heuberger
authors.forename: Lavanya
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Reddivari
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D016227:Benzoquinones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D059186:Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D031881:Nigella sativa / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015431:Weight Loss
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D016227:Benzoquinones; D010936:Plant Extracts; C003466:thymoquinone