Thymoquinone content in marketed black seed oil in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active compound in black seed oil (BSO, Nigella sativa oil or black cumin oil), which constitutes approximately 30% of the seeds.[1] Many pharmacological effects of TQ, such as anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic, have been reported.[23] Badary et al.[4] reported that the TQ can be used as an antioxidant. Many other medical and pharmacological uses of TQ, such as immune stimulator and anticancer, have also been reported.[56] Recent studies have attempted to use the standardized N. sativa extract based on the quantification of TQ.[78] Therefore, TQ can be used as a biomarker for N. sativa oil. BSO is used in folk medicine to treat several illnesses, such as cough, fever, diarrhea, and abdominal disorders, but only…