EFFICACY OF NIGELLA SATIVA IN THE OROFACIAL REGION: A REVIEW

Nigella sativa (N. sativa), commonly known as black seed or black cumin, is a medicinal plant with a rich history in traditional medicine systems, including Unani, Ayurveda, and Prophetic Medicine. Its seeds and oil are abundant in bioactive compounds, particularly thymoquinone (TQ), which exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. These pharmacological attributes make N. sativa a promising therapeutic agent for orofacial conditions such as periodontitis, gingivitis, oral mucositis, orofacial pain, Behcet’s disease-related ulcerations, and otitis media. This comprehensive review synthesizes preclinical and clinical evidence on the efficacy of N. sativa and its active constituent, thymoquinone, in the orofacial region. It explores the underlying mechanisms of action, evaluates therapeutic potential, and critically assesses the limitations of existing research. The review also proposes future directions for integrating N. sativa into dental therapeutics and hygiene products, emphasizing the need for standardized formulations and robust clinical trials to validate its efficacy and safety in clinical practice.