Abstract
Nigella sativa L. is a species of the Ranunculaceae family and belongs to the genus Nigella, which comprises 14 species native to the regions of the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and subcontinental India. Several significant groups of bioactive compounds, with pharmacological activities, have been isolated from the Nigella sativa L. species. Numerous beneficial effects have been demonstrated for these compounds. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the chemical constituents, bioactive compounds, modern administration methods, studies on the antidiabetic potential, evidence in commonly associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) conditions, and evidence of T2DM complications. Research shows that Nigella sativa L. can be successfully included in complementary and alternative therapy for T2DM pathology, having multiple benefits both in diseases associated with and in complications of T2DM.