A simple method for extracting both active oily and water soluble extract (WSE) from Nigella sativa (L.) seeds using a single solvent system

Abstract

The current study provides a way of extraction for both active NSO and WSE from Nigella sativa seeds using 98% methanol. About 1 kg of ground seeds was macerated by 1:2.5 w/v (g/mL) for 72 hours. After rotary evaporation and 7 days of continuous drying and chilling at 50 and 4 °C, NSO and WSE were obtained at the same instant. Solubility tests of 24 solvents and 11 thin layer chromatographic analyses while 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging assay of NSO (73.66) , WSE (33.32) and NSO + WSE (78.22) against ascorbic acid (IC50 = 4.28 mg/mL) was performed. WSE was found to be highly soluble in water and 5% NaOH exhibiting the same Rf value of 0.95 for EtOH:DMSO (9:1) against the honey. WSE has revealed more than twofold higher anti-oxidant activity than others. Formulation of WSE with Tualang honey may provide better targeted hydrophilic drug delivery systems.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• N. sativa seeds
• extraction
• solubility
• thin layer chromatography
• antioxidant
• NSO
• WSE

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research work was not funded by any private or public organization but it was fully supported by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Integrated Centre for Research Animal Care and Use (ICRACU) of International Islamic University Malaysia.