The Official CAS Number for Black Seed Extract
For regulatory and identification purposes, the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number for the botanical extract of Nigella sativa seeds, commonly known as black seed extract, is 90064-32-7. This identifier is crucial for manufacturers, researchers, and regulatory bodies worldwide to track and reference the specific botanical substance. While it is often associated with the oil extracted from the seeds, the same CAS number is widely used for the general seed extract, reflecting its nature as a mixture of various compounds.
The Importance of a CAS Number
A CAS number is a unique numerical identifier for chemical elements, compounds, polymers, biological sequences, mixtures, and alloys. It is universally recognized and serves as a definitive tag to avoid ambiguity. For complex botanical substances like black seed extract, the number doesn't represent a single molecule but rather the entire substance, distinguishing it from other plant extracts and individual chemical compounds.
Distinguishing Black Seed Extract from its Active Compounds
One of the most common sources of confusion stems from the presence of multiple powerful compounds within the extract. The most prominent bioactive component is thymoquinone. It is important to remember that the extract as a whole has a different CAS number than its isolated constituents. The CAS number for pure thymoquinone is 490-91-5.
This distinction is vital for understanding the product you are purchasing or using. A product containing only purified thymoquinone would list CAS 490-91-5, whereas a product of the full extract or oil would feature CAS 90064-32-7. This separation is necessary because the pharmacological effects of the whole extract are not solely attributable to a single compound; they often result from the synergistic effect of multiple components.
How are CAS Numbers Assigned to Botanical Extracts?
For complex natural products like plant extracts, CAS numbers are typically assigned to the substance derived from a specific plant part using a certain extraction method. This categorization accounts for the fact that a whole plant extract is not a pure substance but a combination of hundreds of different phytochemicals, fatty acids, and other materials. This contrasts with the assignment for a discrete, single chemical compound like thymoquinone, which has an exact molecular formula and structure.
Factors Influencing the Composition of Black Seed Extract
The chemical makeup of black seed extract can vary depending on several factors, all of which underscore why its CAS number represents a mixture rather than a fixed formula. These variables include:
- Source and Geographic Origin: The climate, soil, and agricultural practices of where the Nigella sativa seeds are grown can significantly alter the phytochemical profile.
- Extraction Method: Different processes, such as cold-pressing for oil versus CO2 extraction for a more concentrated extract, will result in products with different concentrations of active compounds.
- Processing and Storage: Post-extraction handling and storage conditions can affect the stability and presence of volatile compounds like thymoquinone.
Comparison of Black Seed Extract and Thymoquinone
To further clarify the difference, the following table compares the black seed extract as a whole with its primary active component, thymoquinone.
| Feature | Black Seed Extract (Nigella sativa) | Thymoquinone |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 90064-32-7 | 490-91-5 |
| Substance Type | Complex mixture (phytochemicals, fatty acids, essential oils) | Single, isolated chemical compound |
| Composition | Varies based on growing conditions, extraction, and processing | Consistent molecular structure ($C{10}H{12}O_2$) |
| Appearance | Typically a dark amber or yellowish oily liquid or powder | Light orange to dark yellow crystalline solid |
| Origin | Derived directly from the seeds of the Nigella sativa plant | Can be isolated from black seed extract or synthetically produced |
| Use Case | Traditional herbal remedy, dietary supplement, cosmetic ingredient | Standardized extract, research, and pharmaceutical applications |
The Spectrum of Black Seed Products
The black seed market offers a range of products, each with a different profile based on the extraction method. These include:
- Cold-Pressed Black Seed Oil: The most traditional form, obtained by mechanically pressing the seeds. It contains a high percentage of fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic acids.
- CO2 Black Seed Extract: Uses supercritical fluid extraction to produce a highly concentrated, pure extract of the fat-soluble components, including a higher concentration of thymoquinone.
- Ethanolic or Aqueous Extracts: Utilizes solvents like ethanol or water to isolate specific compounds. An ethanolic extract might yield a different profile of active ingredients than a cold-pressed oil.
Conclusion
The CAS number for black seed extract is 90064-32-7, a unique identifier that refers to the complex botanical substance derived from Nigella sativa. This is distinct from the CAS number for its most studied active component, thymoquinone, which is 490-91-5. Understanding this difference is key to appreciating the product's chemical nature, as the extract is a dynamic mixture whose overall effect and composition differ significantly from that of an isolated constituent. For a deeper dive into the chemical composition and therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa and its components, resources from the National Institutes of Health provide further information.
