Abstract

The seed (Nigella sativa), commonly known as black seeds, is a widely used medicinal plant, and it is prevalent in various traditional systems of medicine. The oil has been used in traditional medicine and flavouring. This research study reported that the percentage yield of the essential oil obtained by the hydrodistillation method was (48%). The study of the physicochemical parameters determined the specific gravity (1.0475g/ml) degree of acidity of the oil is (7.29mg/KOH/g) while the saponification value (192mg/g) and Iodine value (122mg/100g.) The mineral composition determined were Ca (1104.7mg/100g), Mg (630mg/100g), K (4725mg/100g), P (2460mg/100g), Fe (2318.7/100mg). The results suggested that N. sativa has specific physicochemical properties and that N. saliva is also rich in minerals, with (K) being the most abundant element and (Mg) being the least. The seed oil serves as a good source for use in medicinal applications.