Role of Nigella sativa L. seed (black cumin) in preventing photoaging (Review)

Photoaging is a group of clinical and pathological manifestations caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, characterized by deep wrinkles, rough skin textures, dyspigmentation and disturbance of skin elasticity. UV radiation can cause skin damage due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which activates matrix metalloproteinase and increases collagen damage. One natural ingredient that has antioxidant properties by reducing ROS production is black cumin or Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seeds; this effect is attributed to key components such as thymoquinone, flavonoids, essential fatty acids and essential minerals. The present review aimed to describe the potential ingredients of N. sativa and its mechanism against photoaging. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer and Google Scholar databases were searched between 2014 and March 2024. The keywords were N. sativa, black seed, thymoquinone and photoaging. The search was limited to articles in Indonesian and English. Based on the critical appraisal, the eligibility of the included articles was evaluated; nine eligible articles were selected. The authors indicated that N. sativa and its active ingredient, thymoquinone, may have a role in preventing photoaging through various potential mechanisms, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have compared the effects of various types (oral and topical) of N. sativa and thymoquinone with good outcomes. N. sativa and thymoquinone may prevent photoaging by neutralizing UV-induced ROS accumulation. More studies are required to determine the exact mechanism of N. sativa and thymoquinone as an alternative therapy for photoaging.