Comparative analysis of the compositions of Nigella sativa (black cumin) oil from Syria and Pakistan using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the chemical composition of essential oil from Nigella sativa L. from
Pakistan and Syria. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), oil components from both
countries were identified and analyzed in detail. The results showed unsignificant differences in the content
of chemical components between cumin oil from Pakistan and Syria. The essential oil from Pakistan showed increased content of palmitic acid, (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid and (Z,Z)-9,12-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester (linoleic acid, methyl ester), while the essential oil from Syria contains more heptadecanoic acid and oleic acid. These results suggest that location influences the chemical composition of cumin oil, which has important implications for its medicinal and culinary uses. The study also revealed the presence of a number
of other components, including -thujene, α-pinene, β-pinene, o-cymene, m-menthane-6,8-diene, limonene,
γ-terpinene, cis-4-methoxytujane, longifolene, methyltetradecanoate, and many others, which can have a variety of biological effects. These results provide important data for the scientific community and industries involved in the production and use of cumin oil. Knowing the differences in oil composition depending on its origin helps to optimize production and expand the possibilities for its medicinal and culinary use. The resultsof this study provide a valuable basis for future research into the biochemistry and medicinal uses of cumin oil.