Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening and GCMS Analysis of Aqueous Extract of Nigella sativa (Black Seed)

Nigella sativa, commonly known as black seeds, is a medicinal plant native to Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia.Traditionally, it has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory and digestive issues, and is recognized for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.This study aims to conduct qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis of the aqueous extract of Nigella sativa to identify its bioactive compounds and evaluate their potential medicinal properties.The Nigella sativa seeds were collected, processed, and subjected to qualitative and quantitative phytochemical tests.Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to identify bioactive compounds.The qualitative analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, phenols, and steroids.Quantitative analysis indicated the abundance of flavonoids (2.946 mg/g), polyphenols (1.519 mg/g), and tannins (1.02 mg/g).The GC-MS analysis identified 24 bioactive compounds, with Linoelaidic acid (69.034%) being the most abundant.The findings highlight a diverse presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, and saponins, all of which contribute to the plant's antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.The most abundant compound, Linoelaidic acid, highlighted strong anticancer activity, while flavonoids and polyphenols emphasized potent antioxidant effects.Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanisms of action of these bioactive compounds and conducting clinical trials to validate their efficacy and safety for therapeutic applications.