Radiation Induced Gastrointestinal Damage and Protection: Nigella Sativa Seed Extract and Thymoquinone

Nidhi Pandey; Priya Shri; Harsh Pandey; Yamini B. Tripathi

doi:10.14429/dlsj.2.11665

Nidhi Pandey Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
Priya Shri Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
Harsh Pandey Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University
Yamini B. Tripathi Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dlsj.2.11665

Keywords: Nigella sativa, Thymoquinone, Radioprotector, Herbal, Radiation

Abstract

Ionising radiation therapy is a common treatment for different types of cancers. The side effects associated with radiation includes destruction of normal cells, especially the dividing cells. The cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bone marrow are the primary targets. The GI damage is reflected by early histological changes, functional alterations and symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. This has been designated as the radiation syndrome. Many synthetic drugs have been used to treat GI disorders but a definite cure has not been discovered so far and these available medications also cause several side effects. The herbal extracts are being tested for long time as preventive food supplement/drug in this disease. The radio protective effects of Nigella sativa (black cumin, (Ranunculacea) is already reported but its mechanism of action is not well established. Here in this review this aspect has been explored with special reference to various in vitro and in vivo models.

Author Biographies

Nidhi Pandey, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

Dr Nidhi Pandey, did her PhD from BHU, in 2015. He has worked on radio-protective drug Nigella sativa and did experiments related to molecular biology and histology. She also worked for NAFLD and anti-obesity drugs from ayurvedic medicines. At present she is in search of job related to teaching and research and settled in Delhi.

Priya Shri, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

Ms Priya Shree is pursuing his PhD in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, IMS, BHU and her research based on bioinformatics tools.

Harsh Pandey, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

Mr Harsh Pandey did his MPharm and presently pursuing his PhD in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, IMS, BHU. His expertise is preclinical toxicity and formulation development.

Yamini B. Tripathi, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University

Prof. Yamini Bhusan Tripathi did his PhD on role of Guggul on Thyroid enzymes, in 1984. He did his PDFs from : Tubingen University, Germany; Missouri University, Columbia, Temple University, Philadelphia; Oklahoma University, Stillwater. Currently working as a Professor of Biochemistry in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and also the Dean of the Faculty of Ayurveda at Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU. He is involved in research of drug development and exploring the mechanism of action of Ayurvedic medicines and basic concepts. He has 3 patents to his credit.