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Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1389-2010
ISSN (Online): 1873-4316

Review Article

Thymoquinone Shows the Diverse Therapeutic Actions by Modulating Multiple Cell Signaling Pathways: Single Drug for Multiple Targets

Author(s): Masood A. Khan and Hina Younus*

Volume 19, Issue 12, 2018

Page: [934 - 945] Pages: 12

DOI: 10.2174/1389201019666181113122009

Price: $65

Abstract

Thymoquinone (TQ), derived from the seeds of Nigella sativa, has lately been shown as a miracle drug because of its wide range of therapeutic effects against various diseases, including cancer, asthma, diabetes, colitis and infectious diseases. In the present review, we aimed to decipher the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic action of TQ by modulating the cell signaling pathways. Many in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of TQ against a wide range of ailments. TQ possesses potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by specifically targeting the NF-kB, IL-1β and TNF-α signaling pathways. The anticancer activity of TQ has been primarily shown by altering the expression of signal transducers and activator transcription (STAT3), PTEN and p53 genes. TQ alleviates the hyperglycemia-associated complications, the hepatic or renal ailments through its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Interestingly, the liposome- or nanoparticle-based TQ formulations have shown greater effectiveness against various diseases in animal models. Thus, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of TQ action may lead to the development of its therapeutic formulations to cure a wide variety of diseases.

Keywords: Thymoquinone, cell signaling pathways, drug-delivery, herbal medicine, Nigella sativa, ROS.

Graphical Abstract

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