Abstract
In this investigation, the quality of consumer-grade seeds of Nigella sativa was assessed using TQ (TQ) as a standard compound. Assessment of the seeds was based on the amount of TQ present in the seeds and on the antioxidant, activity exhibited by the crude oil extracted from the seeds. Seeds were purchased from Natco Foods Ltd (UK). Hexane extract from crushed seeds was prepared using rotavapor and filtered to produce crude oil. TQ in the crude oil of N. sativa was successfully identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. TQ was then quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography and compared to a commercially available cold-pressed oil. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was carried out to test the antioxidant activity of pure TQ and N. sativa crude oil using quercetin as a reference antioxidant compound.
doi: 10.17756/jfcn.2023-165
Citation: Duminis T. 2023. The Use of Thymoquinone as a Standard for Quality Assessment of the Seeds of Nigella sativa and Investigation of Their Antioxidant Activity. J Food Chem Nanotechnol 9(4): 176-183.
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