Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the estrogenic activity of Nigella sativa (NS) by vaginal cornification assay using an ovariectomized rat model. Forty ovariectomized Sprague Dawley rats, weighting 250 to 350 g were used in the study. N. sativa powders were administered to ovariectomized rats for 21 consecutive days at dosages of 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg respectively, and were compared with each of daily treatment with 0.2 mg/kg conjugated Equine estrogen as positive control or distilled water as negative control. Vaginal smears were taken to observe the estrogenic effect on vaginal epithelium of rats. The vaginal smear showed an atrophic pattern at baseline. The occurrence of vaginal cornification after N. sativa supplementation indicated estrogenic activity of N. sativa, but this effect was not as much as CEE. The most influence of N. sativa in vaginal cornification was observed in low dose NS that this result was in agreement with serum Estradiol level of this group. The cornified cells percentage significantly differed from control group (P<0.05). These data suggest that N. sativa possesses estrogenic function in the ovariectomized rat model which can be helpful in managing menopausal symptoms as an alternative for Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Highlights
Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black cumin seed, belongs to the botanical family of Ranunculaceae (Kamal et al, 2010)
N. sativa (Black seed) increases milk production and promotes menstruation in the female, but the effects of N. sativa on reproductive organs have not been clarified and no scientific research was found on its effect on female reproductive system
There was no significant difference in the percentage of cornified cells between groups at baseline and results confirmed a menopausal pattern in OVX rats
Summary
Nigella sativa L., commonly known as black cumin seed, belongs to the botanical family of Ranunculaceae (Kamal et al, 2010). It has been used in many Middle Eastern countries as a natural remedy for 2000 years. N. sativa (Black seed) increases milk production and promotes menstruation in the female, but the effects of N. sativa on reproductive organs have not been clarified and no scientific research was found on its effect on female reproductive system It is necessary to determine if N. sativa does have any estrogenic activity on the female reproductive organ and what effect does it have. The present study was designed to determine the estrogenic activity of short term supplementation of N. sativa in ovariectomized rats’ using vaginal cornification assay
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