Thymoquinone: A Review on its Pharmacological Importance, and its Association with Oxidative Stress, COVID-19, and Radiotherapy.

Widely consumed worldwide, Nigella sativa (NS) is a medicinal herb commonly used in various alternative medicine systems, such as Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda, and Siddha. Recommended for regular use in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine), NS is considered one of the most notable forms of healing medicine in Islamic literature. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main component of the essential oil of NS, has been reported to have many properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antineoplastic. Its chemical structure indicates antiviral potential against many viruses, including the hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and other coronavirus diseases. Interestingly, molecular docking studies have demonstrated that TQ can potentially inhibit the development of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by binding to the receptor site on the transmembrane serine protease 2 (the activator enzyme that attaches the virus to the cell). In addition, TQ has been shown to be effective against cancer cells due to its inhibitory effect by binding to the different regions of MDM2, according to the proposed molecular docking study. Detailed in this review is the origin of TQ, its significance in alternative medicine, pharmacological value, potential as a cancer antiproliferative agent, use against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and for treatment of other diseases.

Moringa Oleifera: A Review of Its Occurrence, Pharmacological Importance and Oxidative Stress.

Oxidative/nitrosative stress can be caused by excessive production of ROS and RNS with metabolic reactions that change the balance in favor of oxidants in cases where oxidants increase and antioxidants decrease in organisms using oxygen. ROS and RNS react with several biological macromolecules in cells, such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, and alter their functions. Some natural antioxidants are constantly being researched for their benefits in terms of human health, which can strengthen the body's antioxidant defense system and have the potential to scavenger free radicals. It is a well-known and practical strategy to prevent and / or treat diseases due to the consumption of more suitable fruits, herbs, spices and vegetables, and the presence of bioactive antioxidant compounds. Moringa oleifera, a new and important one of these plants, has a wide range of bioactive compounds that can be obtained in different herbal structures such as leaves, seeds, stems and shells. It consists of bioactive molecules, such as phenolic compounds, fats, fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins, functional peptides, vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids as well as a number of glycosides and has great potential for use in various formulations in various health and food products. This review highlights the formation of MO, its importance in natural medicine, its pharmacological value, and its role as a possible anti-proliferative agent against cancer and its use in some diseases.