The effect of different solvent selection on the antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity of Nigella sativa extracts

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed is used for treatment as well as food use. In the study, N. sativa seed was extracted using methanol (ME), water (SE), vinegar (SiE) and total phenolic/flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging activity and effects on human skin cell line (HDF) and human melanoma cell line (451-Lu) were determined. According to the findings, total phenolic substance amount in N. sativa extract prepared with methanol (ME) was determined as 72.08 mg GAE/g extract; total flavonoid substance amount as 192.30 mg QE/g extract; DPPH activity as 85.17%. In cytotoxic assays, selective toxicity of the extracts was observed. No significant toxic effect was detected in the HDF cell line, while suppression of cell viability was noted in the 451-LU melanoma cell line. These findings suggest that the extracts may have the potential to selectively target cancer cells without damaging healthy cells and are promising as potential anticancer agents.