Abstract
The anti-oxidant effect of Nigella sativa (NS) on human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) on a PHA (phytohemagglutinin) and a non-PHA stimulated proliferation were tested using SYBR Green based Real Time PCR analysis for antioxidant enzyme’s gene expression [glutathione-stransferase (GST) and catalase (CAT)]. Cells isolated from human PBMCs were treated with methanolic extract of NS for 48 h in two separate environments (PHA and non-PHA stimulated). The results obtained indicate that extracts from NS had down regulation effect. GST was down regulated to 1 and 1.5 fold after exposure to 2.5 µg/L NS extract for 48 h in PHA stimulated cells compared to respective controls whereas it decreased to 4 and 2 fold at dose of 5 µg/L in non-PHA stimulated cells compared to respective controls. Similarly, CAT was down regulated to 2 and 6 fold after exposure to 2.5 µg/L NS extract for 48 h whereas, it decreased to 4 and 2 fold at dose of 5 µg/L in PHA and non-PHA stimulated cells compared to respective controls. This in-vitro study reveals the effects of NS plant extract on GST and CAT gene expression in human PBMCs.
Highlights
Nigella sativa (NS) seeds, a natural food additive and a condiment are consumed by mixing with honey and in baking products or pastries
GST was down regulated to 1 and 1.5 fold after exposure to 2.5 μg/L NS extract for 48 h in PHA stimulated cells compared to respective controls whereas it decreased to 4 and 2 fold at dose of 5 μg/L in non-PHA stimulated cells compared to respective controls
CAT was down regulated to 2 and 6 fold after exposure to 2.5 μg/L NS extract for 48 h whereas, it decreased to 4 and 2 fold at dose of 5 μg/L in PHA and non-PHA stimulated cells compared to respective controls
Summary
Nigella sativa (NS) seeds, a natural food additive and a condiment are consumed by mixing with honey and in baking products or pastries. NS seeds are a good source of essential fatty acids (Al-Ghamdi, 2003), as well as antioxidants (Salem, 2005). NS has clear antioxidant properties and can be used as an antioxidant against oxidative stress (Sen et al, 2010; Yoruk et al, 2010). NS seeds are good source of natural antioxidants such as selenium, thymoquinone, vitamins E and A. One of the potential properties of NS is the ability of its constituents to reduce toxicity due to its antioxidant activities (Yoruk et al, 2010). The consequences of consuming high levels of antioxidants, even naturally occurring ones, over the long period of time are not clear.Consuming supplements risk toxicity and the higher the dose, the greater the risk of harm. To prove a clear benefit from taking antioxidant supplements, it would be irresponsible for health care professionals to make such recommendations
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
