Thymoquinone: A comprehensive review of its potential role as a monotherapy for metabolic syndrome

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

1 Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, P.O. Box 2000, Zarqa 13110, Jordan

2 School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa

3 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B 2346, Nigeria

4 Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria

5 Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2254, Sokoto, Nigeria

6 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Port-said University, Egypt

7 Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria

8 Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC), Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria

9 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences, P.M.B. 45, Azare, Nigeria

10 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X323, Gezina, 0031, South Africa

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a widespread global epidemic that affects individuals across all age groups and presents a significant public health challenge. Comprising various cardio-metabolic risk factors, MetS contributes to morbidity and, when inadequately addressed, can lead to mortality. Current therapeutic approaches involve lifestyle changes and the prolonged use of pharmacological agents targeting the individual components of MetS, posing challenges related to cost, compliance with medications, and cumulative side effects. To overcome the challenges associated with these conventional treatments, herbal medicines and phytochemicals have been explored and proven to be holistic complements/alternatives in the management of MetS. Thymoquinone (TQ), a prominent bicyclic aromatic compound derived from Nigella sativa emerges as a promising candidate that has demonstrated beneficial effects in the treatment of the different components of MetS, with a good safety profile. For methodology, literature searches were conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar for relevant studies until December 2023. Using Boolean Operators, TQ and the individual components of MetS were queried against the databases. The retrieved articles were screened for eligibility. As a result, we provide a comprehensive overview of the anti-obesity, anti-dyslipidaemic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetic effects of TQ including some underlying mechanisms of action such as modulating the expression of several metabolic target genes to promote metabolic health. The review advocates for a paradigm shift in MetS management, it contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of the application of TQ, fostering an understanding of its role in mitigating the global burden of MetS.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences
Volume 27, Issue 10
October 2024
Pages 1214-1227

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