Protective Effect of Nigella sativa Oil against CCl4-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Abstract

The role of Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae) (NS) was investigated in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver toxicity.Twenty four Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into four groups (6 rats each), first and second groups received either 2m/kg normal saline or 10 ml/kg/day NS oil for seven days and sacrificed at day 8 with diethyl ether; third and fourth groups received either 2ml/kg normal saline or 10 ml/kg/day NS oil for seven days for 7 days, and on day 7 they received 2ml/kg CCL4 (1:1v/v mixture of CCL4 99% and corn oil )1 hour prior to the last dose, then sacrificed with diethyl ether on day eight. Blood samples were obtained from the hearts to prepare serum for estimation of bilirubin, activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Liver tissue homogenate was prepared and used for estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH), and liver tissue sections were prepared for histological examinations.The results indicated that NS oil decreased significantly the elevated serum levels of liver enzymes and improve the state of oxidative stress induced by CCl4.In conclusion, NS oil protects rats against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.