Antimitotic and antibacterial effects of the Nigella sativa L. Seed

Abstract A large number of medicinal plants have therapeutic potentials. Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae), known commonly as “black cumin”, is a herbaceous plant that grows in Mediterranean countries. Recently, many biological activities of Nigella sativa L. seeds have been reported, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimicrobial. In this study several seed extracts from Nigella sativa L. have been tested for antimitotic and antibacterial activity. Allium cepa L. has been used for evaluating cytotoxicity. Each extract was toxic on root number and length and reduced the mitotic index. All extracts shows antimitotic activities but ether extract has found the most effective on reducing mitose in root meristem cells. Ether extract has also found effective against Gram-positive bacteria.