Chemical and Pharmacological Activities of Rape Seed Mustard Brassica nigra (Black Mustard): A Magic Herb

Brassica nigra (Black mustard) is a much-branched annual herb belonging to the family Brassicaceae. This plant is native to Mediterranean Region and various other countries like India and Europe. Brassica nigra possesses many pharmacological effects. It is full of minerals and vitamins, including A, K and C, as well as other components found in mustard greens. A good source of iron, calcium, magnesium and other minerals are mustard seeds. Because they have an almost 1:1 ratio of omega 3 to 6 fatty acids, they are also a good source of omega-6 fatty acids. ManyBrassica nigra extracts and their isolated seed components have been shown to exhibit a variety of pharmacological characteristics, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial and neuroprotective effects. Leaf and dried seed extracts from Brassica nigra exhibit a wide range of pesticidal properties, such as insecticidal, nematicidal and molluscicidal effects. Consumption of Brassica nigraextracts by humans and animals has the advantage to put off in vivo oxidative damage linked with diseases and illnesses. Thus, the present review paper provides a detailed number of facts reported by scientists about the nutritional value and pharmacological activities associated with the Brassica nigra.