Nigellothionins from Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds Demonstrate Strong Antifungal and Cytotoxic Activity.

ABSTRACT: High-cationic biologically active peptides of the thionins family were isolated from black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) seeds. According to their physicochemical characteristics, they were classified as representatives of the class I thionin subfamily. Novel peptides were called "Nigellothionins", so-called because of their source plant. Thionins are described as components of plant innate immunity to environmental stress factors. Nine nigellothionins were identified in the plant in different amounts. Complete amino acid sequences were determined for three of them, and a high degree of similarity was detected. Three nigellothionins were examined for antifungal properties against collection strains. The dominant peptide, NsW2, was also examined for activity against clinical isolates of

SUBMITTER: Barashkova AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7914917 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature