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International Journal of Innovative Approaches in Agricultural Research 2025, Vol 9(4) 326-337

From Global Origins to Local Fields: First Comprehensive Profiling of Nigella sativa L. Nutritional and Fatty Acid Composition in Albanian Agroecological Conditions

Jonida Biturku • Erta Dodana • Gökhan Büyük • Ceren Ayse Bayram • Adrian Maho
Cite this article
Article Type
Research article
Publication Date
December 17, 2025
Pages
326-337
DOI
10.29329/ijiaar.2025.1375.5

Abstract

Nigella sativa L. (black cumin) is a widely used medicinal and nutritional crop, yet its chemical characteristics under Albanian agroecological conditions remain unexplored. This study provides the first assessment of the fatty acid profile and macronutrient composition of N. sativa L. varieties cultivated in Tirana, with the aim of supporting breeding efforts, functional food development, and crop diversification. Eight varieties originating from different countries were grown at the Experimental Didactic Field of the Agricultural University of Tirana. Mature seeds were analyzed for fatty acids following derivatization to FAMEs using GCMS-QP2010 Ultra, while macronutrient concentrations (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P) were quantified using ICP-MS. The varieties exhibited significant inter-varietal variability. T7 showed the highest monounsaturated fatty acids (21.9%) and calcium concentration (2,012.31 mg kg⁻¹). T8 recorded the highest saturated fatty acids (17.2%) and sodium level (128.58 mg kg⁻¹), whereas T4 had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (63.0%). For minerals, T3 contained the greatest potassium (11,450.19 mg kg⁻¹) and magnesium (2,904.45 mg kg⁻¹), while T5 had the highest phosphorus content (9,309.01 mg kg⁻¹). These results highlight substantial nutritional diversity within N. sativa L. grown under Tirana conditions, identifying promising genotypes with superior fatty acid and mineral profiles. Such genotypes have strong potential for use in functional foods, nutraceutical production, and sustainable agricultural development.

Keywords: Nigella Sativa Fatty Acid Composition Macronutrients Albania Crop Diversification Nutritional Quality Functional Foods Sustainable Agriculture
Cite this article
Biturku, J., Dodana, E., Büyük, G., Bayram, C. A., & Maho, A. (2025). From Global Origins to Local Fields: First Comprehensive Profiling of <em>Nigella sativa</em> <em>L</em>. Nutritional and Fatty Acid Composition in Albanian Agroecological Conditions. International Journal of Innovative Approaches in Agricultural Research, 9(4), 326-337. https://doi.org/10.29329/ijiaar.2025.1375.5

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