Cat. No.: HY-D0803

Thymoquinone

15 Cited Publications

Customer Review

Based on 15 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Thymoquinone is an orally active natural product isolated from N. sativa Thymoquinone down-regulates the VEGFR2-PI3K-Akt pathway. Thymoquinone has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, anticonvulsant, antifungal, antiviral, antiangiogenic activity and hepatoprotective effects. Thymoquinone can be used to study Alzheimer's disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease and inflammation .

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

Purity: 99.80%
CAS No.: 490-91-5
Formula: C₁₀H₁₂O₂
Molecular Weight:164.20

Storage:

4°C, protect from light

* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light)

Thymoquinone Chemical Structure

CAS No.: 490-91-5

Size

Price

Stock

Quantity

Amount: USD 0.00

* Please select Quantity before adding items.

Top Publications Citing

Use of MCE Products

Fluorescent Dye

Strong Fluorescence Signal / Multi-Disciplinary Applications / High Fluorescence Specificity

Biological Activity
- Description
- IC₅₀ & Target
- Cellular Effect
- In Vitro
- In Vivo
- Clinical Trial
Chemical Information
Publications (15)
Solvent & Solubility
- In Vitro
- In Vivo
Purity & Documentation
References
Help & FAQs
Classifications
Bioz

Biological Activity

Description

IC₅₀ & Target

VEGFR2

PI3K

Akt

All VEGFR Isoforms :

All PI3K Isoforms :

All Akt Isoforms :

Cellular Effect

Cell Line	Type	Value	Description	References
518A2	IC₅₀	28 μM Compound: TQ	Cytotoxicity against human 518A2 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human 518A2 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 21216607]
A2780	IC₅₀	7.9 μM Compound: 1; TQ	Growth inhibition of human A2780 cells after 72 hrs by SRB assay Growth inhibition of human A2780 cells after 72 hrs by SRB assay	[PMID: 29519737]
A2780cis	IC₅₀	7.8 μM Compound: 1; TQ	Growth inhibition of human A2780cis cells after 72 hrs by SRB assay Growth inhibition of human A2780cis cells after 72 hrs by SRB assay	[PMID: 29519737]
ADR5000 cell line	EC₅₀	0.3 μM Compound: 6	Cytotoxicity against human CEM/ADR5000 cells over-expressing P-gp assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by resazurin dye based assay Cytotoxicity against human CEM/ADR5000 cells over-expressing P-gp assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by resazurin dye based assay	[PMID: 29887512]
ADR5000 cell line	EC₅₀	0.3 μM Compound: 3; TQ	Cytotoxicity against human CEM/ADR5000 cells overexpressing P-gp assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by resazurin dye based assay Cytotoxicity against human CEM/ADR5000 cells overexpressing P-gp assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by resazurin dye based assay	[PMID: 29937978]
CCRF-CEM	EC₅₀	0.3 μM Compound: 6	Cytotoxicity against human CCRF-CEM cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by resazurin dye based assay Cytotoxicity against human CCRF-CEM cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by resazurin dye based assay	[PMID: 29887512]
CCRF-CEM	EC₅₀	0.3 μM Compound: 3; TQ	Cytotoxicity against human CCRF-CEM cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by resazurin dye based assay Cytotoxicity against human CCRF-CEM cells assessed as reduction in cell viability after 72 hrs by resazurin dye based assay	[PMID: 29937978]
HCT-116	IC₅₀	50.1 μM Compound: Thymoquinone	Antiproliferative activity against human HCT-116 cells Antiproliferative activity against human HCT-116 cells	[PMID: 31945642]
HeLa	IC₅₀	2.06 μM Compound: Thymoquinone	Antiproliferative activity against human HeLa cells assessed as growth inhibition after 72 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human HeLa cells assessed as growth inhibition after 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 25556101]
HFF	IC₅₀	33 μM Compound: TQ	Cytotoxicity against human HFF after 72 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HFF after 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 21216607]
HL-60	IC₅₀	28 μM Compound: TQ	Cytotoxicity against human HL60 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HL60 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 21216607]
HT-29	IC₅₀	47 μM Compound: TQ	Cytotoxicity against human HT-29 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay Cytotoxicity against human HT-29 cells after 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 21216607]
MCF7	IC₅₀	6.19 μM Compound: Thymoquinone	Antiproliferative activity against human MCF7 cells assessed as growth inhibition after 72 hrs by MTT assay Antiproliferative activity against human MCF7 cells assessed as growth inhibition after 72 hrs by MTT assay	[PMID: 25556101]
OVCAR-8	IC₅₀	11.6 μM Compound: 1; TQ	Growth inhibition of human OVCAR8 cells after 72 hrs by SRB assay Growth inhibition of human OVCAR8 cells after 72 hrs by SRB assay	[PMID: 29519737]
PC-3	IC₅₀	50.1 μM Compound: Thymoquinone	Antiproliferative activity against human PC-3 cells Antiproliferative activity against human PC-3 cells	[PMID: 31945642]
U-937	IC₅₀	101.9 μM Compound: 5	Antiinflammatory activity in PMA-activated human U937 cells assessed as inhibition of LPS-induced TNF-alpha expression preincubated for 2 hrs followed by LPS challenge measured after 6 hrs by ELISA Antiinflammatory activity in PMA-activated human U937 cells assessed as inhibition of LPS-induced TNF-alpha expression preincubated for 2 hrs followed by LPS challenge measured after 6 hrs by ELISA	[PMID: 24491635]

In Vitro

Thymoquinone (20-100 μM, 24-72 h) has anti-proliferation and pro-apoptotic activity in non-small cell lung cancer SCLC cell lines, and has a synergistic effect with Cisplatin (CDDP) (HY-17394) ^[3].
Thymoquinone (100 nM, 24 h) inhibits VEGF expression in HUVECs cells through the VEGFR2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway^[5].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Cell Proliferation Assay^[3]

Cell Line:

SCLC cell line NCI-H146
Concentration:

20-100 μM
Incubation Time:

24-72 h
Result:

Thymoquinone of 80 and 100 μM showed significant inhibition of cell proliferation, most pronounced at 24 hours. The effect of Thymoquinone alone on cell proliferation diminished over time.

In Vivo

Thymoquinone (5-20 mg/kg/day for 3 days, i.p.) can play a protective role against hepatotoxicity induced by paraquat by activating SOD inhibition mediated by paraquat^[1].
Thymoquinone (10 mg/kg/day for 5 days, p.o.) can protect against Doxorubicin (HY-15142A)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats through superoxide clearance and anti-lipid peroxidation^[2].
Thymoquinone (5-20 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for 3 weeks) alone can effectively reduce the tumor volume of NCI-H460 mouse xenograft model, overcome Cisplatin (CDDP) (HY-17394) resistance, and improve its efficacy ^[3].
Thymoquinone (10 or 20 mg/kg/day for 15 days, i.g.) could clear Aβ plaques and restore neuronal vitality, which could improve the memory ability of Aβ1-42 perfusion rats^[4].
Thymoquinone (single 3 mg/kg, i.p.) down-regulates the VEGFR2-PI3K-Akt pathway and inhibits inflammation and new angiogenesis in asthmatic mice^[5].

MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

Animal Model:

Male albino mice (22-27g), Paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity in mice^[1]
Dosage:

5-20 mg/kg/day for 3days
Administration:

i.p.
Result:

Significantly reduced the level of LPO and restored the endogenous antioxidant capacity of liver tissue.
Restored SOD activity inhibited by Paraquat.
Thymoquinone’s optimum, safe, and protective dose against Paraquat-hepatotoxicity is about 10 mg/kg, which is comparable to the antioxidant properties of Vitamin E.

Clinical Trial

NCT Number	Sponsor	Condition	Start Date	Phase A549
NCT01329991	Plexxikon\|		2011-05	PHASE1

Chemical Information

CAS No. 490-91-5
Appearance Solid
Molecular Weight 164.20
Formula C₁₀H₁₂O₂
Color Light yellow to yellow
SMILES

O=C1C(C)=CC(C(C(C)C)=C1)=O
Structure Classification
- Quinones
- Benzene Quinones
Initial Source
Shipping

Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
Storage

4°C, protect from light

* In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light)

Publications (15)

All Cell Proliferation/Viability AssayIFWBRT-PCRHistological Imaging/Staining

Sort by:

Journal Impact Factor

Int J Biol Sci

Thymoquinone Suppresses the Proliferation, Migration and Invasiveness through Regulating ROS, Autophagic Flux and miR-877-5p in Human Bladder Carcinoma Cells. [Abstract]

2021 Aug 12;17(13):3456-3475. PMID: 34512159
Phytomedicine

Bruceantin inhibits the c-Myc/RL27A axis to suppress tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma. [Abstract]

2025 Dec 24:150:157740. PMID: 41477978
Int J Mol Med

Thymoquinone mitigates cardiac hypertrophy by activating adaptive autophagy via the PPAR‑γ/14‑3‑3γ pathway. [Abstract]

2025 Apr;55(4):59. PMID: 39918010

Thymoquinone purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Int J Mol Med. 2025 Apr;55(4):59. [Abstract]

The viability of H9C2 cells following treatment with varying concentrations of Thymoquinone (TQ) (0, 1, 5, 10 and 20 µM) was assessed.

Thymoquinone purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Int J Mol Med. 2025 Apr;55(4):59. [Abstract]

Images of H9C2 cells stained for wheat germ agglutinin expression treated with Thymoquinone (TQ) (10 μM).

Thymoquinone purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Int J Mol Med. 2025 Apr;55(4):59. [Abstract]

Immunoblotting analysis of ANP and BNP protein expression levels in H9C2 cells treated with Thymoquinone (TQ) (10 μM).

Thymoquinone purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Int J Mol Med. 2025 Apr;55(4):59. [Abstract]

The effects of Thymoquinone (TQ) (10 μM) on collagen I mRNA expression in vivo was assessed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR.

Thymoquinone purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Int J Mol Med. 2025 Apr;55(4):59. [Abstract]

Masson's trichrome staining for cardiac fibrosis treated with Thymoquinone (TQ) (50 mg/kg. i.g.).
Int J Mol Sci

Integrating Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology to Reveal the Mechanism of Thymoquinone Alleviating Renal Interstitial Fibrosis in UUO Mice. [Abstract]

2026 May 28;27(11):4901. PMID: 42278429
Biofactors

Metformin and thymoquinone co-treatment enhance 5-fluorouracil cytotoxicity by suppressing the PI3K/mTOR/HIF1α pathway and increasing oxidative stress in colon cancer cells. [Abstract]

2023 Jul-Aug;49(4):831-848. PMID: 36929658
Molecules

Characterization of Thymoquinone-Sulfobutylether-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex for Anticancer Applications. [Abstract]

2023 May 15;28(10):4096. PMID: 37241838
World J Stem Cells

Thymoquinone inhibited the chondrogenic differentiation of tendon-derived stem cells caused by tendon injury. [Abstract]

2025 Nov 26;17(11):112393. PMID: 41356382
J Cell Mol Med

Thymoquinone Protects Against Cardiac Hypertrophy via PPAR-γ/PI3K/Akt Pathway. [Abstract]

2026 Feb;30(3):e70911. PMID: 41614426
BMC Neurosci

Thymoquinone ameliorate oxidative stress, GABAergic neuronal depletion and memory impairment through Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in the dentate gyrus following cypermethrin administration. [Abstract]

2024 Sep 27;25(1):45. PMID: 39333878
Genes (Basel)

Thymoquinone Potentially Modulates the Expression of Key Onco- and Tumor Suppressor miRNAs in Prostate and Colon Cancer Cell Lines: Insights from PC3 and HCT-15 Cells. [Abstract]

2023 Aug 30;14(9):1730. PMID: 37761870
J Egypt Natl Canc Inst

Exploring potential additive effects of 5-fluorouracil, thymoquinone, and coenzyme Q10 triple therapy on colon cancer cells in relation to glycolysis and redox status modulation. [Abstract]

2025 Mar 10;37(1):7. PMID: 40059278
Narra J

Thymoquinone and madecassoside improve motor function in a rotenone-induced mouse model of early Parkinson's disease: Role of dopamine, alpha-synuclein and mBDNF. [Abstract]

2025 Aug;5(2):e2439. PMID: 40951472
Heliyon

Thymoquinone alleviates cisplatin-induced kidney damage by reducing apoptosis in a rat model. [Abstract]

2024 Jan 17;10(2):e24840. PMID: 38304804
Instituto tecnologico de Querétaro

2023 Jul 27.
Research Square Preprint

2023 May 22.

Solvent & Solubility

In Vitro:

DMSO : 100 mg/mL (609.01 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Preparing Stock Solutions

View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Concentration Solvent Mass

1 mg

5 mg

10 mg

Concentration

Solvent

Mass

1 mM

6.0901 mL

30.4507 mL

60.9013 mL

5 mM

1.2180 mL

6.0901 mL

12.1803 mL

10 mM

0.6090 mL

3.0451 mL

6.0901 mL

Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

Molarity Calculator

Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

Mass Mass

Concentration Concentration

Volume Volume

Molecular Weight Molecular Weight

Dilution Calculator

Concentration _(start) × Volume _(start) = Concentration _(final) × Volume _(final)

Concentration _(start) Concentration _(start)

Volume _(start) Volume _(start)

Concentration _(final) Concentration _(final)

Volume _(final) Volume _(final)

In Vivo:

Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

Stock Solution Working Solution

For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for In Vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

Protocol 1

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 40% PEG300 5% Tween-80 45% Saline

Solubility: ≥ 5 mg/mL (30.45 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (50.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.

Protocol 2

Add each solvent one by one: 10% DMSO 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)

Solubility: ≥ 5 mg/mL (30.45 mM); Clear solution

This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL DMSO stock solution (50.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.

In Vivo Dissolution Calculator

Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

Dosage Dosage
mg/kg
Animal Weight (Per Animal) Animal Weight (Per Animal)
g
Dosing Volume (Per Animal) Dosing Volume (Per Animal)
μL
Number of Animals Number of Animals

Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.

Please enter your animal formula composition:

%
DMSO +

Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
%
+
+
%
Tween-80 + +
%
Saline +

The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).

Working solution concentration: 0.22 mg/mL

Purity & Documentation

Select Batch:

Purity: 99.98%

Assay: 99.98%

ee.: 99.98%

Data Sheet (282 KB)
SDS (393 KB)
- English - EN (393 KB)
- Français - FR (393 KB)
- Deutsch - DE (393 KB)
- Norwegian - NO (393 KB)
- Español - ES (393 KB)
- Swedish - SV (393 KB)
- Italian - IT (393 KB)
- Korean - KR (393 KB)
- Portuguese - PT (393 KB)
COA (2659 KB)
Elemental Analysis Report (2659 KB)
HNMR (2659 KB)
CNMR (2659 KB)
RP-HPLC (2659 KB)
NP-HPLC (2659 KB)
MS (2659 KB)
LCMS (2659 KB)
IR (2659 KB)
GC (2659 KB)
OR (2659 KB)
SDS-PAGE (2659 KB)
SEC-HPLC (2659 KB)
Other Report (2659 KB)
Handling Instructions (2659 KB)

References

[1]. Zeinvand-Lorestani H, et al. Protective role of thymoquinone against paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Pestic Biochem Physiol. 2018 Jun;148:16-21. [Content Brief]

[2]. Nagi MN, et al. Protective effect of thymoquinone against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats: a possible mechanism of protection. Pharmacol Res. 2000 Mar;41(3):283-9. [Content Brief]

[3]. Jafri SH, et al. Thymoquinone and cisplatin as a therapeutic combination in lung cancer: In vitro and in vivo. J Exp Clin Cancer Res. 2010 Jul 1;29(1):87. [Content Brief]

[4]. Elibol B, et al. Thymoquinone administration ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-like phenotype by promoting cell survival in the hippocampus of amyloid beta1-42 infused rat model. Phytomedicine. 2020 Dec;79:153324. [Content Brief]

[5]. Su X, et al. Thymoquinone inhibits inflammation, neoangiogenesis and vascular remodeling in asthma mice. Int Immunopharmacol. 2016 Sep;38:70-80. [Content Brief]

Help & FAQs

How should lyophilized recombinant proteins be reconstituted and stored?

1. Before opening the cap, centrifuge the vial at 13000 rpm for 20-30 seconds. This step will ensure that any lyophilized powder that may have adhered to the cap or walls is collected at the bottom of the vial, minimizing the risk of product loss.

Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

Optional Solvent	Concentration Solvent Mass	1 mg	5 mg	10 mg	25 mg
DMSO	1 mM	6.0901 mL	30.4507 mL	60.9013 mL	152.2534 mL
	5 mM	1.2180 mL	6.0901 mL	12.1803 mL	30.4507 mL
	10 mM	0.6090 mL	3.0451 mL	6.0901 mL	15.2253 mL
	15 mM	0.4060 mL	2.0300 mL	4.0601 mL	10.1502 mL
	20 mM	0.3045 mL	1.5225 mL	3.0451 mL	7.6127 mL
	25 mM	0.2436 mL	1.2180 mL	2.4361 mL	6.0901 mL
	30 mM	0.2030 mL	1.0150 mL	2.0300 mL	5.0751 mL
	40 mM	0.1523 mL	0.7613 mL	1.5225 mL	3.8063 mL
	50 mM	0.1218 mL	0.6090 mL	1.2180 mL	3.0451 mL
	60 mM	0.1015 mL	0.5075 mL	1.0150 mL	2.5376 mL
	80 mM	0.0761 mL	0.3806 mL	0.7613 mL	1.9032 mL
	100 mM	0.0609 mL	0.3045 mL	0.6090 mL	1.5225 mL

Thymoquinone

15 Cited Publications

100 mg Get Quote

Subscribe to the

MedChemExpress

Newsletter

Product Name:
Cat. No.:
Quantity:
MCE Japan Authorized Agent:

Product Name:
CAS No.:
Species:
Purity:
Quantity:

Thymoquinone

Anti-Infection Compound Library

Apoptosis Compound Library

Immunology/Inflammation Compound Library

Kinase Inhibitor Library

PI3K/Akt/mTOR Compound Library

Protein Tyrosine Kinase Compound Library

Stem Cell Signaling Compound Library

Natural Product Library

Anti-Cancer Compound Library

Clinical Compound Library

Antiviral Compound Library

Autophagy Compound Library

Anti-Aging Compound Library

Drug Repurposing Compound Library

Antioxidant Compound Library

Differentiation Inducing Compound Library

Reprogramming Compound Library

Oxygen Sensing Compound Library

Anti-Cardiovascular Disease Compound Library

Endocrinology Compound Library

Ferroptosis Compound Library

Medicine Food Homology Compound Library

Glycolysis Compound Library

Cytoskeleton Compound Library

Orally Active Compound Library

Glutamine Metabolism Compound Library

Traditional Chinese Medicine Active Compound Library

Anti-Alzheimer's Disease Compound Library

Anti-Breast Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Lung Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Pancreatic Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Blood Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Cancer Metabolism Compound Library

Neurodegenerative Disease-related Compound Library

Anti-Obesity Compound Library

Angiogenesis-Related Compound Library

Glucose Metabolism Compound Library

Food-Sourced Compound Library

Anti-Liver Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Colorectal Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Cancer Natural Product Library

Antiviral Traditional Chinese Medicine Active Compound Library

Anti-inflammatory Traditional Chinese Medicine Active Compound Library

Plant-Sourced Natural Product Library

Human Metabolite Library

Anti-Prostate Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Pulmonary Fibrosis Compound Library

Cancer Stem Cells Compound Library

Pain-Related Compound Library

Membrane Protein-targeted Compound Library

Membrane Receptor-targeted Compound Library

Cytokine Inhibitors Library

Cell Death Library

Serine/Threonine Kinase Inhibitor Library

Anti-Hematopathy Compound Library

Anti-Ovarian Cancer Compound Library

Multi-Target Compound Library

Radioprotector Library

Bioactive Compound Library Max

Natural Product Library Plus

Drug Repurposing Compound Library Plus

Clinical Compound Library Plus

Natural Product and Natural Product-Like Compound Library

Bioactive Compound Library

Anti-Gastric Cancer Compound Library

Anti-Fibrosis Compound Library

Anti-Brain Cancer Compound Library

Protein Kinase Compound Library

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Compound Library

RO5 Drug-like Natural Product Library

Cell Proliferation Compound Library

Flavor Compound Library

High-Throughput Bioactive Compound Library

High-Throughput Natural Product Library

Anti-Rheumatic Arthritis Compound Library

Mass Spectrometry Human Metabolite Library

Posttranslational Modification Library

Quinones Library

RNA Binding Bioactive Compound Library