Nanocarriers: more than tour de force for thymoquinone

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Thymoquinone (TQ), 2-isopropyl-5-methylbenzo-1, 4-quinone, the main active constituent of Nigella sativa (NS) plant, has been proven to be of great therapeutic aid in various in vitro and in vivo conditions. Despite the promising therapeutic activities of TQ, this molecule is not yet in the clinical trials, restricted by its poor biopharmaceutical properties including photo-instability.

Area covered: This review compiles the different types of polymeric and lipidic nanocarriers (NCs), encapsulating TQ for their improved oral bioavailability, and augmented in vitro and in vivo efficacy, evidenced on various pathologies. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of TQ in relation to its encapsulation approaches advancing the delivery and improving the efficacy of TQ.

Expert opinion: TQ was first identified in the essential oil of Nigella sativa L. black seed. TQ has not been used in formulations because it is a highly hydrophobic drug having poor aqueous solubility. To deal with the poor physicochemical problems associated with TQ, various NCs encapsulating TQ have been tried in the past. Nevertheless, these NCs could be impending in bringing forth this potential molecule to clinical reality. This will also be beneficial for a large research community including pharmaceutical & biological sciences and translational researchers.

KEYWORDS:

• Nigella sativa
• thymoquinone
• nano formulations
• bioavailability
• polymeric nanoparticles
• lipid-based formulations

Article highlights

• Thymoquinone, a strong antioxidant derived from black seed, is a promising therapeutic molecule.

• Poor biopharmaceutical properties hinder its delivery through conventional methods.

• Past research evidenced the usefulness of nano-carrier-based strategies to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

• This review is focused on the compilation of various researches carried out on polymeric and lipidic nanocarriers for the improved delivery of thymoquinone.

• Design of nano-carrier-based strategies could be beneficial for a large research community including pharmaceutical, biological sciences, and clinical translational researchers.

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was funded by Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences.