Cumin Extract Research Articles

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Hepatoprotectors of Black Cumin Extract and Temulawak Extract in SGOT and SGPT Induced by Paracetamol


 ABSTRAK
 
 Latar Belakang: Parasetamol digunakan untuk analgesik dan antipiretik, pemakaiannya yang berlebihan dapat merusak hepar. Herbal pencegah gangguan hepar adalah temulawak. Jintan hitam dapat meningkatkan antioksidan.
 Tujuan: Membandingkan efektivitas ekstrak jintan hitam dan temulawak terhadap fungsi hepar tikus yang diinduksi parasetamol.
 Metode: Penelitian eksperimental laboratorik posttest only with control group design. Sebanyak 4 kelompok diberi perlakuan selama 7 hari. Uji kadar SGOT dan SGPT dilakukan. Analisis data menggunakan one-way ANOVA post hoc Games-Howell.
 Hasil: Kelompok K- dan K+ pada penelitian ini menunjukkan peningkatan kadar SGOT SGPT. Terdapat pengaruh pemberian parasetamol dosis 500 mg/kgBB pada fungsi hepar, tidak terdapat perbedaan dan pengaruh signifikan pemberian ekstrak jintan hitam dan temulawak dosis 500 mg/kgBB terhadap hepar tikus yang telah diinduksi parasetamol (p>0,05).
 Kesimpulan: Pemberian parasetamol memiliki pengaruh terhadap kerusakan hepar tikus. Serta tidak adanya perbedaan efek hepatoprotektor pada kelompok yang diberikan ekstrak jintan hitam dan temulawak pada tikus yang diinduksi parasetamol.
 
 Kata Kunci: jintan hitam, parasetamol, SGOT, SGPT, temulawak

BLACK CUMIN (NIGELLA SATIVA) EFFECT ON BLOOD PRESSURE, MEAN ARTERIAL PRESSURE, PROTEINURIA IN PREECLAMPTIC MODEL RATS

Objective: This research aimed to show effect of black cumin (nigella sativa) on blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), proteinuria in preeclamptic model rats.
 Methods: This is analytical research with true experimental design in laboratory pregnant female rats (Rattus norvegicus), which get black cumin seed extract (Nigella sativa) at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day and 2000 mg/kg/day. Treatment of all samples was performed simultaneously and during the treatment was observed using Postest Only Control Group Design. The research was conducted at Biology Laboratory in July 2019. To assess the comparison of parameters (systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and proteinuria) between groups the ANOVA test was used if the data were normally distributed and Kruskal Wallis test was used if the data were abnormally distributed.
 Results: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure and MAP decreased in preeclampsia models rats by administering 500 mg (P1) and 2000 mg (cumin) black cumin extract (P2). However, a dose of 2000 mg black cumin extract had a more significant decrease in systolic blood pressure and MAP. The results of this research indicate that all treatment groups showed improvement after day 9 of the administration of nigella that no treatment group showed proteinuria.
 Conclusion: Black cumin is proven to reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure and proteinuria.

BLACK CUMIN (NIGELLA SATIVA) EFFECT ON EXPRESSION OF TNF-α, IL-2, DANsFlt-1IN PREECLAMPTIC MODEL RATS

Objective: To prove the effect of giving black cumin seed extract (Nigella sativa) to decrease levels of TNF-α, IL-2, sFlt-1, and in PE model mice.
 Methods: This study is an analytical study with true experimental research design in laboratory mice (Rattus norvegicus) pregnant female has given black cumin seed extract (Nigella sativa) at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day and 2000 mg/kg/day. The treatment of all samples was carried out simultaneously and during the treatment was observed using the type of Postest Only Control Group Design. To assess whether the sample is normally distributed or not the Shapiro-Wilk test was carried out because the sample was ≤50. To assess the comparison of parameters (differences in expression of IL-2, sFlt-1, and TNF-α) between groups, the ANOVA test was used if the data were normally distributed and the Kruskal Wallis test if the data were not normally distributed.
 Results: From these results, it can be seen that there are significant differences in the administration of black cumin extract on TNF-α, IL-2, andsFlt-1 expression (p<0.001); the administration of black cumin extract can reduce TNF-α, IL-2, and sFlt-1 expression in preeclampsia mice. The administration of 2000 mg black cumin extract can reduce TNF-α and IL-2 expression more significantly.
 Conclusion: Black cumin can reduce levels of TNF-α, IL-2, sFlt-1 in models mice with preeclampsia (p<0.001).

A nanotechnology-based new approach in the treatment of breast cancer: Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using Cuminum cyminum L. seed extract

The present study reports the anticancer activities of Cuminum cyminum L. (Cumin) seed extract, chemically synthetized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNPs) from Cumin seeds on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and human breast adenocarcinoma metastatic cell line (AU565). The synthetized nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cytotoxic and anticancer effects of AgNPs and Bio-AgNPs were determined by MTT assay. According to the cytotoxicity analysis, Bio-AgNPs appears to be less toxic against J774 macrophage cells than AgNPs since IC50 values were measured as 0.75 and 1.25 μg/ml for AgNPs and Bio-AgNPs, respectively. On the other hand, Bio-AgNPs demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on human breast cancer cells at non-toxic concentrations such as 0.25 and 0.5 μg/ml. However, at increased concentrations, the lethal effects of AgNPs on breast cancer cells were higher than Bio-AgNPs. When cytotoxic and anticancer characteristics of Cumin extract were investigated, it was established that it did not show any inhibitory effect on J774 cells, while killing the half of MCF-7 cells at investigated concentrations. Interestingly, Cumin extract gave rise to no inhibitory effects against AU565 cells. On the other hand, AgNPs and Bio-AgNPs exhibited considerable anticancer activities on both cell lines. The inhibition percentages of AgNPs on MCF-7 and AU565 cell lines were respectively evaluated as 95% and 97% at the highest concentrations applied (12.5 μg/ml). Similarly, we determined that 87.5% and 96% of MCF-7 and AU565 cells were respectively inhibited when they were exposed to the highest concentrations of Bio-AgNPs. Considering relatively toxic-free features of Bio-AgNPs prepared from Cuminum cyminum L. seed extracts, it can be thought that this formulation will be a pioneer in development of nanotechnology-based new anticancer drug for the treatment of breast cancer in near future.

Normality of The Mice's Fetal Spine during Fennel Flower Extract (Nigella sativa) Feeding

Black cumin (Nigella sativa ) is an annual flowering herbal plant that is widely planted in India, Egypt, and the Middle East. Black cumin essential oil contains p-cymene, α-pinene, dithymoquine, thymohydroquinone, and thymoquinone (more than 50%). This study aims to determine the effect of black cumin extract on the structure of the spine, length, and fetal weight of the mouse. The study was conducted in December 2019 to February 2020 at the Zoology and Botany Laboratory of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Lampung. This study uses a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 4 groups, each group with 5 repetitions (K1, P1, P2, P3). Black cumin extract is given orally as much as 0.3 ml/day on the 6th to 17th day of pregnancy. The control group K1 (Aquabides), P1 was given black cumin extract (2.1 mg/30 g), P2 (8.4 mg/30 g), and P3 (33.6 mg/30 g). Data on the structure of the spine were observed descriptively while the length and weight of the fetus of mice were analyzed using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) with a significance level of α = 5%. The results obtained on the structure of the spine from each treatment did not cause abnormalities in the structure of the mice's fetal spine. Black cumin contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and iron which are useful in the process of bone growth and development. Besides, the results of fetal length and weight data based on the ANOVA test one factor level α = 5% statistically did not show a decrease in the length and weight of the fetus of mice.

Characterization of microcapsule containing black cumin seed (Nigella sativa) extract as preventive antioxidant

The aim of this analysis was to complete antioxidant activity in microcapsule and to develop black cumin seed extract microcapsules by spray drying technique. The analysis was performed using a non-factorial completely randomized design. Firstly, microcapsules were made with 4 formulations using maltodextrin and soy protein as coating materials for the microcapsule and with black cumin extract and water. Formulation were using in this research were formula A (28,57:14,29:42,86:200), formula B (28,57:14,29:51,43:220), formula C (28,57:14,29:60,00:240), formula D (28,57:14,29:68,57:260). The analysed parameters moisture content, solubility and antioxidant activity (IC50 value). The result showed that the addition black seed extract provides a very significant different (P<0,01) effect on content of moisture, solubility, and antioxidant activity. The best formulation was formula D (28,57:14,29:68,57:260) with result activity antioxidant (IC50) 22,29 µg/ml.

Uji Efektivitas Ekstrak Jintan Hitam (Nigella Sativa) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bakteri Staphylococcus Aureus Pada Medium MHA (Mueller Hinton Agar)

Indonesia merupakan salah satu negara berkembang yang menghadapi penyakit infeksi. Staphylococcus aureus merupakan patogen utama pada manusia dan hampir setiap orang pernah mengalami infeksi Staphylococcus aureus yang bervariasi dalam beratnya, mulai dari keracunan makanan hingga infeksi kulit ringan sampai berat yang mengancam jiwa. Namun mengingat tingginya angka resistensi antibiotik maka penggunaan tanaman obat sebagai alternatif terapi merupakan pilihan yang lebih aman. Penelitian Ini Bertujuan Mengetahui khasiat ekstrak jintan hitam dalam menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri Staphylococcus aureus. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian experimental post test dengan menggunakan metode disc diffusion untuk melihat bagaimana efektivitas Ekstrak Jintan Hitam (Nigella sativa) sebagai antimikroba terhadap Staphylococcus aureus secara in vitro. Pada ekstrak jintan hitam didapatkan zona hambat yang paling tinggi pada konsentrasi 100% dengan rerata zona hambat sebesar 24 mm, sedangkan zona hambat yang paling rendah yaitu pada konsentrasi 25% dengan rerata zona hambat sebesar 10 mm.Pada kontrol positif menggunakan antibiotik Kloramfenikol didapatkan rerata zona hambat sebesar 30 mm yakni sensitif menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri, sedangkan pada kontrol negatif menggunakan akuades tidak terbentuk zona hambat. Terbentuk daya hambat terhadap bakteri Staphylococcus aureus dengan pemberian ekstrak jintan hitam pada semua konsentrasi.

The Antioxidant Potential of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Extracts Through Different Extraction Methods

Background: Herbal foods possess significant amounts of essential bioactive nutrients and offer clinical and therapeutic benefits. The aim of present research was to compare the antioxidant potential of black cumin extracts obtained using different extraction modes. Materials and Methods: Three solvents (methanol, acetone and hexane) were employed at different time intervals and ratios. However, Supercritical Fluid Extracts (SFE) were obtained at varying pressures (5500, 6500 and 7500 psi). Results: Outcomes revealed that total phenolics were maximum in methanolic extract (790.79±31.67 mg GAE/100 g) at 50 min. Similarly, DPPH and FRAP activity of methanolic extract was also better than other extracts as 80.99±4.02% and 27.44±0.88 mg TE/g, respectively. HPLC quantification exhibited that highest recovery of major bioactive component (thymoquinone) was obtained via supercritical extraction (12.38 mg/g) at 7500 psi. Conclusions: It is concluded that Pakistani variety of black cumin possess appreciable antioxidant activity which directly depends upon the extraction conditions. Among conventional solvents, methanol was evidenced to be more efficient. However, supercritical fluid extracts have proved a reliable mean for the extraction of thymoquinone.

Effect of Commercial Phytase Enzyme, Yeast Extract and Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Extract on some Blood indicators and Hormones of White Rats

Effect of Commercial Phytase Enzyme, Yeast Extract and Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Extract on some Blood indicators and Hormones of White Rats

Effect of Commercial Phytase Enzyme, Yeast Extract and Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Extract on some Blood indicators and Hormones of White Rats

Effect of Commercial Phytase Enzyme, Yeast Extract and Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Extract on some Blood indicators and Hormones of White Rats

Ethanol Extract with Black Cumin (Nigella Sativa) Against sFlt‑1 Level and VEGF Serum on Laboratory Mice with Preeclampsia

Introduction: Preeclampsia is one of the complications that occur in pregnancies. This study was aimedto study the factors that affect the of giving ethanol extract with black cumin (Nigella sativa) against sFlt-1level and VEGF serum on laboratory mice induced preeclampsia.Method: Laboratory experimental research with posttest only control group design. This study used 30BALB/C laboratory mice, divided into 6 groups, namely negative controls: pregnant mice injected serumfrom normal pregnant women, positive controls; mice modeled preeclampsia, and treatment groups 1, 2,3 and 4 are preeclampsia mice received a dose of 500 mg, 1000 mg, 1500 mg and 2000 mg/kg weight ofNigella sativa ethanol extract for 5 days. Statistical analysis using ANOVAResult: The mean serum sFlt-1 level in mice modeled preeclampsia and treatment group dose 500mg,1000mg, 1500mg and 2000mg (2510.3+182.2 pg/mL, 2142.5+171.9 pg/mL, 1309+161.3 p/mL, and1500+169.9, respectively) pg/mL) showed a significant difference (p<0.05) and found a decrease in serumsFlt-1 levels with increasing doses. The mean serum VEGF levels in preeclampsia mice and treatment groupswere 500 mg, 1000 mg, 1500 mg and 2000 mg (50.25±2.85b pg/mL, 60.18±4.81c pg/mL respectively,71.89±2.38d pg/mL, 66.51±1.87 e pg/mL) showed a significant difference (p<0.05) and found an increase inserum VEGF levels as the dose increased.Conclusion: Giving of Black Cumin extract (Nigella sativa) decreases serum sFlt-1 levels and increasesserum VEGF levels in preeclampsia mice model and the effect is dependent dose.

In Vitro Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Three Traditionally Used Medicinal Plants; Umbilicus Intermedius Boiss, Cuminum Cyminum and Zingiber Officinale Extracts

Background and Aims: The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of three medicinal plant extracts on fungi with three methods and to compare methods. Material and methods: This study examined the antifungal properties of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) and Nafe Venus (Umbilicus intermedius boiss) extracts against fungi including, Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Mucor spp., Stemphylium spp., Drechslera spp., Alternaria spp., Cladosporium spp., and Aureobasidium pullulans. Furthermore, 17 candida isolates including, C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. dubliniensis were tested. In the present study two methods of disc diffusion method, agar wells diffusion method were used for assay. Then, the mixing with culture medium method was used for assessment of the antifungal activity of extracts against Alternaria sp.(as black mold), A. terreus (as hyaline mold) and C. albicans (as yeast) to compare methods as well. Results: No fungi were susceptible to extracts in disc diffusion method and agar wells diffusion method. But, this study showed that in mixing with culture medium method, cumin extract has valuable anti-fungal property and Umbilicus intermedius boiss has the inhibitory properties against the black fungi. Furthermore, it is found that mixing with culture medium method is more efficient than disc and agar well diffusion methods. Alternaria sp. and C. albicans were susceptible and resistant to all extracts. Conclusions: it is found that mixing with culture medium method is more efficient than disc and agar well diffusion methods and inhibitory potency of the extracts varies according to the type of extraction and their concentration.

CONTROL OF THE CAUSES OF THE DAMPING OFF DISEASE ON PEPPER BY SOME BIOLOGICAL AGENTS IN BABYLON PROVINCE-IRAQ

The aim of the study was to isolate and diagnose the pathogens of the Damping off of pepper seedlings in Babylon province-Iraq and to evaluate the effectiveness of some biological control agents in disease control. 7 species of fungi associated with root rot and Damping off of pepper seedlings were diagnosed. Fusariumsolani was the most common fungus followed by Macrophominaphaseolina and Rhizoctoniasolani. The results showed that Trichodermaharzianium and Pseudomonas fluorescens have a high level of antagonistic contrast with pathogens. The results appeared the efficacy of the Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) extract in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic fungi. All the used treatments resulted in an increase in the percentage of pepper seed germination. A significant improvement in the biologic integration of T. harzianum and P. fluorescens and water extract of the Black Cumin increasing the percentage of germination of pepper seeds and provide good protection from the infection by pathogenic fungi causing Damping off disease, ranging between 62.5 - 87.5%. The conclusion of this study the effectiveness of the T. harzianum, P. fluorescens and the black cumin seed water extract in the protection of pepper seeds and seedlings from the infection by some pathogenic fungi Keywords: pepper; damping off, Biological control, Plant Extracts, Black Cumin.

Cuminum cyminum methanolic extract – Fe3O4 nanocomposite: A novel and efficient insecticide against the potato tuber moth (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) to protect potatoes

Phthorimaea operculella is a significant insect pest of cultivated potatoes in tropical and subtropical regions such as Iran. Since the potato is one of the most valuable sources of human food, non-chemical control of potato pests is essential. Application of medicinal plant extracts is a low-risk alternative method to synthetic chemical insecticides. Hence, the present study was conducted to investigate a potential strategy to improve the insecticidal activity of plant extracts for efficient management of P. operculella. The insecticidal efficacy of pure methanolic extract (PME) and Fe3O4@methanolic extract (FME) of Cuminum cyminum were evaluated against the potato tuber moth under laboratory conditions. The morphological characteristics of Fe3O4@Cumin were investigated by scanning electron microscope. Magnetic properties of the samples were determined using a vibration sample magnetometer. XRD was used to prove the crystalline structure of Fe3O4@Cumin. SEM, FTIR, XRD, and VSM analyses confirmed that the methanolic extract was loaded on Fe3O4. The toxicity of PME and Fe3O4@Cumin were evaluated on one-day-old eggs and penetration the first instar larvae of P. operculella into potato tubers and leaves. The LC50 values of Cumin extract and Fe3O4@ Cumin were 961.07 and 601.48 and 496.84 and 268.82 ppm for penetrating neonate larvae to tubers and leaves, and 874.90 and 595.16 ppm for eggs, respectively. Bioassays revealed that Fe3O4@Cumin was more toxic than non-formulated Cumin methanolic extract against eggs and neonate larvae of P. operculella. The formulated methanolic extract was significantly more repellent against the pest. Our results suggested that the prepared nanocomposite could be used as a new effective tool for P. operculella management strategies to protect potatoes.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Nigella Sativa L. Seed Against Streptococcus mutans

Dental caries or cavities are most commonly found in the oral cavity. Dental caries is caused by plaque-forming bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans. Getting dental care with a professional dental expert every two weeks or three-monthly intervals can prevent caries but it is expensive and difficult for most individuals. So an alternative is sought, especially in herbal plants. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) from the Ranunculanceae family has been used as a medicinal plant for various diseases for more than 2000 years. This study aims to determine the antibacterial effect of Nigella sativa L. seed ethanol extract on Streptococcus mutans and to find out at what concentrations Nigella sativa L. seed ethanol extract provides antibacterial activity. This research was carried out by extracting Nigella sativa L. seed using ethanol solvent. Activity tests are carried out using paper disc diffusion method. The results of inhibition zones obtained from concentrations of 400, 600, and 800 mg/mL of black cumin extract were 13.3, 16.4 and 20.3 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration test (MIC) for Streptococcus mutans bacteria was obtained at a concentration of 380 mg/mL.

Investigation of different interactions between Staphylococcus aureus phages and pomegranate peel, grape seed, and black cumin extracts

AbstractToday, antibiotic resistance is one of the most crucial problems so that researchers have begun to search for alternatives to antibiotics. Among these alternatives, phage therapy and phytotherapy became prominent. The present study aims to put forward a different approach by combining these two methods. For this purpose, Staphylococcus aureus phages were isolated from commercial mixtures. After that, extraction of phenolic compounds from pomegranate peels (Ps), grape seeds (GSs), and black cumin (NS) was carried out and antimicrobial activities were determined. Phage‐phenolic interactions were investigated by examining the effect of phenolic extracts on phage plaque sizes and then on phage titer and bacteria count. As a result, it was found that only the NS extract had a positive effect on phage activity and increased the size of phage plaques. However, no synergistic effect was observed in experiments performed in liquid media. It was also found that P and GS extracts inhibited phage activity.Practical ApplicationsThe present study was focused on effects of extracts obtained from pomegranate peel, grape seed, and black cumin on Staphylococcus aureus phage activity. It is known that antibiotic resistance constitutes a major obstacle to the pathogen elimination. In this study, phage therapy and phytotherapy, which are prominent methods in pathogen elimination, have been combined and the effect of phenolic compounds isolated from natural sources on phage activity and bacteria count have been examined. Given the results of the current study, it has been demonstrated that the combined use of phages and antimicrobial compounds could be an important alternative to combating pathogens. It is thought that this combined method should be taken into consideration both in the practice of phage therapy on humans and animals, and in applications in the food industry.

Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Pizza Dough-base Enriched with Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Extracts

Background: Changing lifestyles have paved the way towards various physiological dysfunctions. Phytochemicals derived from spices are being widely utilized in diet from ancient times to fight against these physiological dysfunctions owing to their therapeutic potential and high pharmacological activities. Methods: Methods: The current investigation was an attempt to explore the antioxidant potential, physicochemical, and sensory properties of black cumin (Nigella sativa) enriched pizza base that was developed by using conventional and supercritical extracts. Results: It was observed that the texture of product becomes harder during storage from 4.36±0.16 to 4.71±0.17 kg force. Nonetheless, supercritical extract pizza base got better hedonic scores compared to other treatments. Antioxidant potential of pizza base enriched with supercritical extracts (Total Phenolic Content 108.08±4.88 mg GAE/100g) was also better than control and conventional solvent extract enriched treatment as 63.24±3.03 and 95.34±3.66 mg GAE/100g, respectively. Conclusion: Conclusively, the results depicted that pizza base containing supercritical extract exhibited superior physiochemical, hedonic and antioxidant properties.

The effect of black cumin (Nigella sativa) extract on spermatozoa morphology of male albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) after induced with 2-Methoxyethanol

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 2-ME and administration of black cumin extract on sperm motility of male white rats. The research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) of 24 male white rats. The 2-ME solution is given intraperitoneally, and black cumin extract is given orally. The samples were divided into 6 groups, treatment given for 21 days. Data analysis used One Way ANOVA and continued with Duncan’s test. The results, after induced 2-ME spermatozoa morphology mean as much as 31.25%, after being given average black cumin extract spermatozoa morphology of 89.75%, after administration of 2-ME and black cumin extract dose of 1.2 g/kgBW average morphology of spermatozoa 35.75%, the dose of 2.4 g/kgBW mean morphology of spermatozoa was 47.00%, while the dose of 3.6 g/kgBW resulted in an increase in morphology of spermatozoa by 57.25%. Conclusion, 2-ME induction can reduce the morphology of male white rat spermatozoa. While the administration of black cumin extract can improve the morphology of male white rat spermatozoa. The administration of black cumin extract at a dose of 3.6 g/kgBW after 2-ME induced can improve the morphology of the sperm and is significantly different.

Effect of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) Extracts in Inhibiting of the Mutagenic Activity of Mitomycin C in Albino Mice

The aim of this study is to investigate the ability of black cumin (Nigella sativa) aqueous extracts in reducing the genotoxic effects induced by mitomycin C (MMC) in male mice Mus musculus (balb/c strain). Nigella sativa (N. sativa) has been widely used as a medicinal plant that treats different diseases. To determine the genotoxic effects of mitomycin C, the mitotic index of somatic and germ cells and chromosomal aberrations (chromatid breaks, chromosome breaks, and ring chromosomes) were tested. Twenty-five animals were divided into three main groups: group one was used as a negative control treated with buffer saline, group two was used as a positive control treated orally with mitomycin C (2 mg/kg b. w.) for two days; group three, which was divided into three sub groups, was treated orally with three different doses of N. sativa extracts (50, 100, 150 mg/kg b. w.) for one week, and then treated with mitomycin C for two days. The results of this study showed a protective role of N. sativa effecting a significant increase (P<0.05) of the frequency of mitotic index of both somatic and germ cells. Additionally, N. sativa may improve therapeutic efficiency of mitomycin C by inhibiting the chromosomal aberrations.

In vitro anti-amylase activity of some Indian dietary spices

Growth and yield performance of mutant ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) lines in South-Eastern NigeriaMary N. Abua, Godfrey A. Iwo, Macauley A. Ittah, Ekemini E. Obok, Richmond E. Edugbo