Determination of oxygen radical absorbance capacity of black cumin (Nigella sativa) seed quinone compounds

Nat Prod Commun. 2011 Feb;6(2):213-6.

Abstract

In this study, the antioxidant capacities of main quinone constituents of Nigella sativa seeds, namely dithymoquinone (1), thymohydroquinone (2) and thymoquinone (3), were compared using DPPH and ORAC methods. The best scavenging activity was produced by 2, which showed a remarkable activity of 2.60 Trolox equivalents (TE) in a concentration range between 1.6 and 6.4 microg/mL and IC50 value of 2.4 microg/mL in ORAC and DPPH assays, respectively. Contrastingly, 3 possessed only weak DPPH scavenging efficacy (IC50 = 170 microg/mL) but significant antioxidative action of 1.91 TE in ORAC assay. No effect has been observed for 1. Additionally, modified protocol for synthesis of 2 has been developed with aim to enhance its availability for further studies as well as for its future potential use. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that 2 could be considered as a compound with prospective antioxidative properties.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Benzoquinones / pharmacology
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology
  • Nigella sativa / chemistry*
  • Quinones / pharmacology*
  • Seeds / chemistry
  • Thymol / analogs & derivatives
  • Thymol / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Benzoquinones
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Quinones
  • thymohydroquinone
  • Thymol
  • thymoquinone