The in vitro chromosomal aberrations and SCEs assays for antigenotoxic effect evaluation of the Nigella sativa L. seeds extract on cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Abstract

In this study Methotrexate (MTX) has been used as a positive mutagen to assess the antigenotoxic effects of the Nigella sativa L. seeds extract on human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Human lymphocytes cells cultures were treated by different concentrations of the methotrexate [from 5,5.10−8 to 5,5.10 μmol/l], either alone or mixed to 80 mg/ml concentration of the N. sativa seed extract. DNA damages (cytogenetic aberrations) and cells viability were assessed by Chromosomal Aberrations (CAs) and Sister Chromatid Exchanges (SCEs) assays, Mitotic Index (MI), Stimulation Index (SI) and Replication Index (RI). Results showed that the Nigella sativa L. seed extract decreases the genotoxic effect of the MTX and possesses significant genoprotective effect of DNA by decreasing the (CAs) and increasing the (RI).