Widely consumed worldwide, Nigella sativa (NS) is a medicinal herb commonly used in various alternative medicine systems, such as Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda, and Siddha. Recommended for regular use in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine), NS is considered one of the most notable forms of healing medicine in Islamic literature. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main component of the essential oil of NS, has been reported to have many properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antineoplastic. Its chemical structure indicates antiviral potential against many viruses, including the hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and other coronavirus diseases. Interestingly, molecular docking studies have demonstrated that TQ can potentially inhibit the development of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by binding to the receptor site on the transmembrane serine protease 2 (the activator enzyme that attaches the virus to the cell). In addition, TQ has been shown to be effective against cancer cells due to its inhibitory effect by binding to the different regions of MDM2, according to the proposed molecular docking study. Detailed in this review is the origin of TQ, its significance in alternative medicine, pharmacological value, potential as a cancer antiproliferative agent, use against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and for treatment of other diseases.

Oxidative/nitrosative stress can be caused by excessive production of ROS and RNS with metabolic reactions that change the balance in favor of oxidants in cases where oxidants increase and antioxidants decrease in organisms using oxygen. ROS and RNS react with several biological macromolecules in cells, such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, and alter their functions. Some natural antioxidants are constantly being researched for their benefits in terms of human health, which can strengthen the body's antioxidant defense system and have the potential to scavenger free radicals. It is a well-known and practical strategy to prevent and / or treat diseases due to the consumption of more suitable fruits, herbs, spices and vegetables, and the presence of bioactive antioxidant compounds. Moringa oleifera, a new and important one of these plants, has a wide range of bioactive compounds that can be obtained in different herbal structures such as leaves, seeds, stems and shells. It consists of bioactive molecules, such as phenolic compounds, fats, fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins, functional peptides, vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids as well as a number of glycosides and has great potential for use in various formulations in various health and food products. This review highlights the formation of MO, its importance in natural medicine, its pharmacological value, and its role as a possible anti-proliferative agent against cancer and its use in some diseases.

Background: Cardioprotection is an important aspect of preventive medicine. Quercetin, a plant-derived flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has been linked to reduced cardiovascular risk. Objective: To investigate the cardioprotective effects of quercetin in rats with traumatic cardiac injury (TCI). Methods: Fifty-two Wistar Albino rats were randomly divided into six groups: control ( n = 7); TCI only ( n = 9); TCI + DMSO ( n = 6); and TCI + quercetin at 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg ( n = 9 each). Quercetin or DMSO was given intraperitoneally at 0.5, 12, and 24 h after trauma. Cardiac trauma was induced by dropping a standardized weight on the chest. Serum biochemical parameters (GPx, SOD, IL-1, IL-33, sST2, MDA) were measured by ELISA, and histopathological damage was scored semiquantitatively. Data were analyzed using ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests with p < 0.05 as significant. Results: GPx elevation was detected only at 10 and 20 mg/kg (vs. TCI; p < 0.05); 40 mg/kg was non-significant ( p > 0.05). Overall, IL-1 differed among groups ( p = 0.008), with no pairwise comparisons significant after correction (all p > 0.05). For IL-33, an overall group effect was observed ( p = 0.025), while adjusted pairwise tests did not show a consistent between-group pattern ( p > 0.05). In contrast, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly reduced, particularly at the highest dose of 40 mg/kg ( p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) levels showed no significant differences among groups ( p > 0.05). Histopathological evaluation demonstrated that quercetin mitigated myocardial degeneration, inflammatory infiltration, edema, vascular congestion, hemorrhage, and necrosis in a dose-dependent manner, with the most pronounced protective effects observed at 40 mg/kg ( p < 0.05). Conclusions: Quercetin, especially at 40 mg/kg, may help prevent secondary cardiac injury after trauma by reducing oxidative stress and limiting histopathological damage. These results support quercetin's cardioprotective potential and warrant confirmation in larger preclinical models with broader designs.

Scorpion stings are generally associated with local symptoms, but they may also cause systemic toxicity, including clinically significant cardiac involvement. We report an 84-year-old woman with a history of hypertension who presented to the emergency department (ED) after a scorpion sting to the left great toe. Her initial complaint was localized pain, and vital signs were stable on admission. Subsequent evaluation demonstrated elevated high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) levels. The initial electrocardiogram (ECG) showed T-wave inversion in V2 and the lateral precordial leads (V5-V6), without dynamic changes on repeat recordings. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed a left ventricular ejection fraction of 35%, with mild aortic, tricuspid, and mitral regurgitation. Myocardial injury or cardiotoxicity due to scorpion venom was suspected, and one vial (1 mL) of scorpion antivenom was administered intravenously as a slow infusion over 30 minutes in the ED. The patient was admitted to the coronary intensive care unit (CICU), and coronary angiography was recommended; however, she declined the procedure and further in-hospital evaluation and treatment. Acute coronary syndrome could not be fully excluded. She left the hospital voluntarily after informed refusal was documented. At subsequent clinical follow-up, the patient reported no complaints, and repeat cardiac enzyme testing was not suggestive of ongoing myocardial injury. This case highlights that scorpion sting-associated cardiotoxicity can occur in older adults despite minimal systemic manifestations, underscoring the importance of serial ECG, cardiac biomarker monitoring, cardiology consultation, and close observation.