Evaluating the potential of polymer-based nanoparticles in the delivery of thymoquinone: implications for bioavailability and drug efficacy

Nigella sativa, commonly known as black cumin, kalonji, or kalajeera, belongs to the Ranunculaceae family and is renowned for its diverse therapeutic applications in conditions such as asthma, diarrhea, and dyslipidemia. This study focuses on thymoquinone, the primary bioactive compound in Nigella sativa, chemically characterized as 2-isopropyl-5-methylbenzo-1,4-quinone (C10H12O2). Thymoquinone exhibits various pharmacological activities, including anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cardiac stimulant effects. We have investigated various nanoparticle formulation techniques, such as solvent evaporation, salting-out, emulsification, and nanoprecipitation, to develop polymeric nanoparticles to enhance thymoquinone delivery. Special attention was given to thymoquinone-loaded PLGA nanoparticles, which demonstrated significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, and to chitosan-based nanoparticles prepared via ionic gelation. Our findings indicate that these polymeric nanoparticles hold considerable promise for targeted and effective drug delivery, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of complex diseases. The study highlights critical methods and characterization techniques, including morphology, zeta potential, chemical composition, particle size distribution, and in vitro release kinetics, which are essential for optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticle formulations.