Pharmaceutical perspectives of thymoquinone, a lead molecule from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) with diverse biological targets

Thymoquinone (TQ), a vital monoterpene diketone obtained from Nigella sativa L., is an oxidized product of thymol. Due to its diverse pharmacological activities, it is used as an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in medications and nutritional supplements. The clinical applications of TQ-based formulations highlight the importance of TQ in the pharmaceutical and food industries. Structural modification and formulation approaches have been adopted to maximize utility and improve TQ's stability, solubility, and bioavailability. Furthermore, we have attempted to demonstrate the therapeutic utility of TQ, its synthesis covering the derivatives of TQ prepared by its synthetic modifications, and related applications. This review anticipates rendering substantial scientific help to researchers in developing a potent TQ-based drug candidate or formulation for clinical applications.