Exploring anti-yeast activity of Nigella sativa seed extracts

• The anti-yeast properties of Nigella sativa have not yet been studied in detail.
• Anti-yeast compounds from Nigella sativa seeds were extracted and identified using GC–MS.
• Anti-yeast activity of extracts were checked by agar well diffusion method against Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCIM 3495, Candida utilis NCIM 3496, and Candida albicans NCIM 3466.
• Anti-yeast activity further elucidated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• The extracts obtained from Nigella sativa seeds show the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and tannin having high antioxidant potential.

Seed extract of Nigella sativa contains various phytochemicals having antibacterial, anti-fungal and medicinal properties. Their anti-yeast properties have not yet been investigated thoroughly. In this context, phytochemicals from N. sativa seeds were extracted in methanol and acetone. Anti-yeast activity of each extract was checked by agar well diffusion method against Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCIM 3495, Candida utilis NCIM 3496, and Candida albicans NCIM 3466. Further elucidation of anti-yeast activity was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The identification of phytochemicals was done by using GC–MS and the antioxidant properties checked by using DPPH assay. The maximum anti-yeast activity was reported at pH 7 and 30 °C temperature. Qualitative analysis of extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides and tannin. Thus, these results confirmed the anti-yeast and antioxidant properties of compounds extracted from N. sativa seeds which might be useful for further technology development processes.