Abstract
Back Ground Long-term administration of Nigella sativa showed cardiac hypertrophic and positive inotropic effects. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active ingredient in Nigella sativa. Therefore, we aimed to test the cardiac effects of long-term TQ administration. Materials and Methods Twenty adult Wistar rats weighing (150-250 g) were divided into two groups: control and TQ. A TQ-olive oil solution was administered orally to the TQ group (dose 10 mg/kg) for two months. An equivalent volume of olive oil was given to the control group. Langendorff isolated hearts were studied. Peak tension, time to peak tension, half relaxation time, and myocardial flow rate were determined. Heart and left ventricle weights and ratios were recorded. Results The TQ group exhibited significantly higher peak tension than the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in time to peak tension, half relaxation time, and myocardial flow rate. Likewise, there were no signs of cardiac hypertrophy. Conclusions Long-term administration of oral TQ induced a positive inotropic effect in the form of an increase in peak tension. TQ administration did not result in cardiac hypertrophy or an increased cardiac metabolic demand at the studied dose. TQ may be a promising inotropic agent.
Highlights
Heart failure is a major health problem
There was no significant difference between the two groups in final body weight, actual weight gain, or the percentage of weight gain (Table 1)
No evidence of cardiac hypertrophy was found in the two groups
Summary
Heart failure is a major health problem. It is estimated to affect approximately 38 million people worldwide, and this number is expected to increase exponentially due to the current modern life style [1, 2]. In the United States, the prevalence of heart failure was 8.3% in 2015 [3]. In Asia, the prevalence ranges from 1-3% in different countries [4]. Providing proper health care for the management and hospitalization of affected individuals creates an economic burden in many countries [5]. In the US, the medical cost of heart failure is approximately 32.4 billion annually [5]
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