herbal melanin

Herbal melanin is a natural biological polymer and dark pigment extracted from the seed coat of *Nigella sativa* (black cumin). It primarily acts as an immunomodulator and gastroprotective agent by serving as a ligand for Toll-like receptors, particularly TLR4 and TLR2. Activation of these receptors triggers downstream signaling through NF-kappaB and MAPK pathways, leading to the modulation of pro-inflammatory and gastroprotective markers such as IL-6, IL-8, and PGE2. In oncology research, herbal melanin has demonstrated anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against various cancer cell lines, including breast and colorectal cancers, by upregulating p53 and Bax while downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins like Bcl-2 and Survivin. Clinical development has focused on its safety and efficacy in treating gastritis and dyspepsia.

Brand names

Melanole

Other names

Nigella sativa-derived herbal melaninblack cumin seed melaninNigella sativa L. melanin