Nigella Sativa Seeds Afford Comparable Therapeutic Effect to that of Valsartan in Amelioration of Cardiovascular Complications in Dexamethasone-induced Hypertension Model in Adult Albino Rats

Abstract

Aim: To identify the role of Valsartan and Nigella Sativa Seeds in amelioration of cardiovascular complications in dexamethasone-induced hypertension model in adult albino rats. Methods: Animals were randomized in into 4 groups. Group 1; a control negative group, without intervention. Group2; dexamethasone was administrated orally (0.3 mg/kg/day) for 1 month. Group 3: Nigella sativa ground seed in solution was administered orally via oral gavage (2.5 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. Group 4; Valsartan was administered orally (30 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks. At day 1 baseline blood pressure measurement was done in all rats after proper conditioning for one week. Withdrawal of blood samples for spectral assay of NO and histopathological assessment of the heart and aorta were done. Results: there was an improvement in both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures in Nigella S. group and in Valsartan-treated group. NO assay showed increment in the aorta of the Nigella S. group only. The histopathological assessment has revealed a marked improvement in the Nigella S. group and Valsartan treated group with potentially better effect of Nigella S. Conclusion: Nigella S. has a better therapeutic potential in attenuating cardiovascular pathologies in rats treated with dexamethasone.