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Osteoporosis is a medical condition which affects millions of men and women. People with osteoporosis
have low bone mass that places them at increased risk of bone fracture. A promising approach is
developed as alternative (non pharmaceutical) strategies for bone maintenance, as well as for the
prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Certain plants from the different families have shown the
greatest benefits on bones such as Alliceae, Asteraceae, Thecaceae, Fabaceae, Oleaceae, Rosaceae,
Ranunculaceae, Vitaceae, and Zingiberaceae. Among them Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) is
becoming more popular day by day due to its potential and broad spectrum effects on many diseases.
Animal studies have shown that Nigella sativa and thymoquinone (active component of Nigella sativa)
may be used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, diabetes-induced osteoporosis and for the
promotion of fracture healing. The mechanism involved in the treatment of osteoporosis is unclear, but it
was postulated that the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities of Nigella sativa or thymoquinone
may play some roles in the treatment of osteoporosis because this bone disease has been linked to
oxidative stress and inflammation. Nigella sativa and thymoquinone were found to be safe at the current
dosage for supplementation in human. Both Nigella sativa and thymoquinone have shown potential
against osteoporosis but more animal and clinical studies are required to further assess their
antiosteoporotic efficacies. This review article highlights studies on the antiosteoporotic effects of Nigella
sativa and thymoquinone, the mechanisms behind these effects and their safety profiles and their uses in
future.
Keywords: Osteoporosis, Nigella sativa, postmenopausal osteoporosis, thymoquinone, diabetes- induced osteoporosis.