Hepatoprotective Effect of Black Seed (Nigella sativa) oil on Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) Induced Liver Toxicity in Adult Wistar Rats.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of N. sativa oil on carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)- induced liver damage using 35 adult Wistar rats. The experimented animals weighed between 130-180g and were randomly divided in to seven groups. Each group comprised of 5 rats. Group 1 rats were administered normal Saline (volume per body weight) orally for 2 weeks. Group 2 rats were administered olive oil 4m1/kg body weight orally for 2 weeks. Group 3 rats were administered 2ml/kg body weight of N. sativa oil orally for 2 weeks. Group 4 rats were administered 4ml/kg body weight of N. sativa oil orally for 2 weeks. Group 5 rats were administered 4ml/kg body weight CCl4 (30% CCl4 in 70% olive oil) orally for 2 weeks. Group 6 rats were administered 2ml/kg body weight of N. sativa oil plus4ml/kg body weight CCl4 (30% CCl4 in 70% olive oil) orally for 2 weeks. Group 7 rats were administered 4ml/kg body weight of N. sativa oil plus 4ml/kg body weight CCl4 (30% CCl4 in 70% olive oil) orally for 2 weeks. Histopathological or biochemical changes were not evident following administration of N. sativa alone. Serum levels of aspartic transaminase (AST) was significantly increased in animals treated with CCL4 when compared to the control group while L-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly decreased in animals treated with CCL4 when compared to the control group. This increase and decrease in liver enzymes was almost restored to normal in animals treated with N. sativa and CCl4 has that of the control. Antioxidant status in the blood serum was estimated by determining the activities of superoxide dismustase (SOD), catalase (CAT), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. For histopathological evaluation, liver of all rats were excised and processed for light microscopy. CCl4 caused elevated level of TBARS and marked depletion of liver endogenous antioxidant enzymes. N. sativa treatment positively protects the alterations in these biochemical variables in the CCl4 + N. sativa-treated rats. N. sativa markedly reduced elevated TBARS and significantly increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes. The histological examination of the liver tissues in group 1, 2, 3 and 4 showed normal liver architecture. The histology of the liver in group 5 showed wide spread inflammation, oedema, vascular congestion, dilated sinusoidal spaces, N.sativa oil showed hepatoprotection on histological section of the liver in groups 6 and 7. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that N. sativa through