Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2016

Abstract

The loss of the ability for learning and memory is a prominent feature of dementia, which affects millions of individuals all over the world, due to either neurodegenerative diseases or brain injury. Although a lot of information is known about the pathology involved, treatment remains elusive at best. The Black Seed of Nigella sativa has been historically and religiously used for thousands of years for preventing and treating many different kinds of diseases. This review article looks at Nigella sativa and its potential role in facilitating learning and memory. The possible use of this seed’s extract or compounds isolated from it, such as thymoquinone, for treating damaged brain neural tissue is discussed. The evidence presented in this paper appears to be supporting the hypothesis that this plant and/or its bioactive constituents can enhance learning and memory in health and disease in animals and humans.

Keywords

Nigella sativa, Active Constituents, Learning, Memory

Divisions

InstituteofBiologicalSciences

Funders

FRGS FP039-2015A,UMRG RG202/11AFR,UMRG RG315/14AFR,PPP PG025-2013A

Publication Title

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Volume

2016

Publisher

Hindawi

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