Nigella Sativa Extract Research Articles

Inhibitory Effect of Standardized Extract and Fractions of Nigella sativa L. on Nystatin Susceptible and Clinically Nystatin Resistant Candida albicans.

Candidiasis infection is caused by different species of Candida, which are characterized by host immunologic weakness. Black cumin seeds (Nigella sativa) have shown an inhibitory effect against Candida albicans. In this work, the inhibitory effect of standardized extract and different fractions of Nigella sativa seeds has been evaluated on both nystatin-susceptible and resistant strain of C. albicans. Canadida albicans (NSCA) with ATCC 76645 and nystatin-resistant Candida albicans (NRCA) were prepared from oral samples of HIV individuals. Total extract and different fractions of N. sativa were prepared using maceration and sonication methods. Thymoquinone (TQ) content of the plant was determined by spectrophotometric method. Total extract (TTE) and the fractions along with TQ were evaluated on NSCA and NRCA by the microdilution method. TQ content of the plant was 0.92 ± 0.37g/100g dried extract. The least MIC and MFC (62.5 and 125 μg/ml, respectively) were due to petroleum ether fraction (PEF) against both NSCA and NRCA, followed by chloroform fraction (CHF) with MIC and MFC of 125 and 250 μg/ml, respectively. TQ exhibited MIC of 0.78 and 3.12 μg/ml against NSCA and NRCA, stronger than nystatin (MIC of 2 and 16 μg/ml, respectively). Thymoquinone was detected in the PEF and CHF. Considering more inhibitory effects of PEF and CHF than TTE, we can conclude that active components of the plant belong to non-polar compounds. PEF showed identical inhibitory effects on NRCA and NSCA, which is a valuable result for finding novel medicaments against NRCA infections.

Bio-Guided Isolation of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Inhibitors from Medicinal Plants: In Vitro Assay and Molecular Dynamics.

Since the emergence of the pandemic of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the discovery of antiviral phytoconstituents from medicinal plants against SARS-CoV-2 has been comprehensively researched. In this study, thirty-three plants belonging to seventeen different families used traditionally in Saudi Arabia were tested in vitro for their ability to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease (MPRO). Major constituents of the bio-active extracts were isolated and tested for their inhibition potential against this enzyme; in addition, their antiviral activity against the SARS-CoV-2 Egyptian strain was assessed. Further, the thermodynamic stability of the best active compounds was studied through focused comparative insights for the active metabolites regarding ligand–target binding characteristics at the molecular level. Additionally, the obtained computational findings provided useful directions for future drug optimization and development. The results revealed that Psiadia punctulata, Aframomum melegueta, and Nigella sativa extracts showed a high percentage of inhibition of 66.4, 58.7, and 31.5%, against SARS-CoV-2 MPRO, respectively. The major isolated constituents of these plants were identified as gardenins A and B (from P. punctulata), 6-gingerol and 6-paradol (from A. melegueta), and thymoquinone (from N. sativa). These compounds are the first to be tested invitro against SARS-CoV-2 MPRO. Among the isolated compounds, only thymoquinone (THY), gardenin A (GDA), 6-gingerol (GNG), and 6-paradol (PAD) inhibited the SARS-CoV-2 MPRO enzyme with inhibition percentages of 63.21, 73.80, 65.2, and 71.8%, respectively. In vitro assessment of SARS-CoV-2 (hCoV-19/Egypt/NRC-03/2020 (accession number on GSAID: EPI_ISL_430820) revealed a strong-to-low antiviral activity of the isolated compounds. THY showed relatively high cytotoxicity and was anti-SARS-CoV-2, while PAD demonstrated a cytotoxic effect on the tested VERO cells with a selectivity index of CC50/IC50 = 1.33 and CC50/IC50 = 0.6, respectively. Moreover, GNG had moderate activity at non-cytotoxic concentrations in vitro with a selectivity index of CC50/IC50 = 101.3/43.45 = 2.3. Meanwhile, GDA showed weak activity with a selectivity index of CC50/IC50 = 246.5/83.77 = 2.9. The thermodynamic stability of top-active compounds revealed preferential stability and SARS-CoV-2 MPRO binding affinity for PAD through molecular-docking-coupled molecular dynamics simulation. The obtained results suggest the treating potential of these plants and/or their active metabolites for COVID-19. However, further in-vivo and clinical investigations are required to establish the potential preventive and treatment effectiveness of these plants and/or their bio-active compounds in COVID-19.

Effect of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Shelf Life of Commonly Used Vegetables

Most of the harvested fruits and vegetables cannot be stored in natural conditions for satisfactory shelf life duration due to their perishable nature. Applications of nanotechnology to fruits and vegetables shelf life extension may overcome the shortcomings of traditional preservation technologies because nanotechnology has many unique properties. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized from Nigella sativa extract on shelf life of cucumber and tomato. Nanoparticles were characterized by using UV-Vis spectrophotometry and particle size analyzer. Vegetables were soaked in tap water, distilled water and treated with different concentrations of ZnO NPs (0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 g/100 mL). The effect of ZnO NPs on vegetables quality factor like external appearance, weight loss measurement, carotenoid content and total phenolic content was observed. The result showed that ZnO NPs reduced weight loss, delayed disease development and maintained firmness to extend shelf life of vegetables.

Efficacy of Nigella sativa extract on individual activity and viability of cryopreserved sperm of Holstein bulls raised in Iraq

The present study was performed on Holstein bulls at the Department of Artificial Insemination pertaining to the Directorate of Animal Resource, Ministry of Agriculture, Abu-Ghraib, Baghdad, during the period from December 2021 to June 2022. The experiments were conducted to improve low semen quality by addition of Nigella sativa aqueous extract to semen Tris extender. Four bulls, 3-5 years old and 500-750 Kg live body weight were trained to semen collection using artificial vagina (AV) weakly bad pooled fresh semen was divided into four groups. First group using as a control containing Tris extender only (C), second group added 0.5% NS extract, third group added 2% NS extract, forth group added 4% NS extract.

Effect of aqueous Nigella sativa extract on the functional parameters of post-thaw human spermatozoa during vitrification.

ObjectiveSperm vitrification leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage the functional parameters of sperm. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of Nigella sativa extract on motility, plasma membrane function, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), DNA damage, and intracellular ROS production.MethodsA total of 20 sperm samples were used. Samples were divided into six experimental groups, including groups with aqueous extract from N. sativa seeds at concentrations of 1% to 6%, a cryopreserved control group, and a fresh control group.ResultsStatistical analysis showed significantly higher total sperm motility at concentrations of 3% to 6% than in the vitrified semen control group. Additionally, progressive motility and all motion characteristics at all concentrations were significantly higher than in the vitrified semen control group. The presence of N. sativa seed extract also improved the quality of the sperm parameters assayed in all experimental groups (1%–6%; intracellular ROS production, DNA damage, MMP, and sperm membrane function) compared to the control group.ConclusionHigher concentrations of N. sativa led to improvements in all sperm parameters and sperm quality. These findings indicate that N. sativa seed extract is effective for improving the quality of sperm after vitrification.

Effects of Myrtus and Nigella sativa extracts on performance and metabolism of rats: A review

In the contemporary world due to technological development the human life has become vulnerable and more at risk because now the diseases are more complicated. Similarly the causative agents, particularly the viruses, have now become more complex due to mutation of their genetic material that results in more resistant and virulent strains. So to counter these diseases a strong immune system is required which can save the living body. Since medieval times the plants have been the main source of food, shelter, and to treat different diseases as well as enhancing the immunity status of both humans and animals. In every civilization the plant-based medicines or phytomedicine have been an important part of first aid. This review elaborates the importance of phytogenic substances i.e. myrtle plant and Nigella sativa by exerting positive effects on metabolism and particularly enhancing the immunity of rats which is used as a human model.

The effect of black seed (Nigella sativa) extract on lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells

Black seed extract stimulates apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) gene expression in hepatocytes and intestinal cells in part by elevating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and retinoid X receptor α (RXRα) levels. To explore potential ramifications of these observations, we examined the effects of black seed extract on hepatocyte lipid content and expression of key transcriptional regulators of fatty acid β-oxidation and lipogenesis in HepG2 cells. PPARα, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), RXRα, thyroid hormone receptor β (TRβ), sterol-responsive element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), and sterol-responsive element binding protein 2 (SREBP2) levels were measured in black seed extract treated liver-derived HepG2 cells. Black seed extract treatment increased PPARα and RXRα expression and decreased intracellular neutral lipid content. Black seed extract treatment increased TRβ expression and activity, and PPARα activity. In contrast, PPARγ, SREBP1 and SREBP2 levels were decreased in black seed extract treated cells. Black seed extract treatment also increased acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 5 (ACSL5), peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), and carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (CPT-1A) expression, three PPARα-dependent rate-limiting genes that facilitate fatty acid oxidation, similar to fenofibrate. PPARα knockdown reversed the effects of fenofibrate and blackseed on ACSL5, ACOX1, and CPT-1A expression. In conclusion, black seed extract-mediated lipid lowering in HepG2 cells is associated with increased expression of fatty acid oxidation enzymes and PPARα and reduced lipogenic signaling. Thus black seed extract may be potentially beneficial in metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.

Green synthesis, characterization, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity of iron oxide nanoparticles usingNigella sativaseed extract

AbstractGreen synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) is a more sustainable, safe, and environmentally friendly method. This study aimed to investigate the synthesis procedure of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) using the seed extract ofNigella sativa(N. sativa) as a strong reducing agent and to estimate their cytotoxic and antibacterial properties. The obtained IONPs were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential (ZP), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The cytotoxicity of the biosynthesized IONPs was demonstrated by the MTT on a Vero cell line. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the fabricated biosynthesis metal oxide NPs was tested onEscherichia coli(E. coli) (ATCC 35218) andStaphylococcus aureus(S. aureus) (ATCC 29213) bacterial strains using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. This study showed the formation of a well-dispersed, highly stable (ZPζ= −51.8 mV) IO NPs with an average diameter of about 31.45 nm. Moreover, the biosynthetic NPs (IONPs) exhibited a significantly noncytotoxic effect when analyzed by the MTT assay. The biosynthetic NPs (NS-IONPs) exhibited excellent antibacterial activity againstE. coliandS. aureus, where the inhibition zones were 12.34 ± 0.58 and 11.52 ± 0.58, respectively.

A novel green synthesized NiO nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode for non-enzymatic glucose sensing

A novel nickel oxide nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode was fabricated and used as a non enzymatic sensor for glucose determination. Aimed as promising alternative to conventional chemical methods, NiO-NPs were synthesized via a green synthetic approach using Nigella sativa Extract. NiO NPs were characterized using Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy with EDS profile. Electrochemical measurements were performed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and Chrono-ammperometry (CA) in 0.1 M NaOH solutions, revealing a well defined redox couple of NiIII/NiII. The electrogenerated NiIII species on the electrode surface act as an excellent catalyst toward the glucose oxidation reaction. Our modified electrode presents good stability, short response time < 3 s, low detection limit around 3.2 µM, and two linear ranges of detection from 50 µM to 600 µM, and from 1 mM to 10 mM with sensitivity equal to 987.85 mA cm-2mM−1 and 170.85 mA cm-2mM -1 respectively.

Effect of Nigella sativa L. extract on improving memory function through reducing GSK3β activation and Aβ42/40 ratio

Context: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the biggest causes of public health problems today, especially in older, where women have a greater risk of developing AD than men. However, the current AD therapy has not been satisfactory. Nigella sativa(NS) has bioactive compounds of flavonoid compounds and estrogenic effects that could be alternative medicine. Aims: To evaluate an extract of N. sativa on improving memory function through reducing GSK3β activation and Aβ42/40 ratio in a model of AD in rats. Methods: This research was an experimental study with the post-test-only group design using 24 Wistar rats divided into eight groups. Conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) 0.018-0.0036 mg/day and NS 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW were administered orally two weeks before intraperitoneal AlCl3 induction, then continued for up to 8 weeks. In the last five days of the study, the Morris water maze memory test was performed to analyze the expression of amyloid β (Ab), neurofibrillary tangles (NFT), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), and Aβ42/40 ratio. Results: There were significant differences in the memory test (p = 0.000), the expression Aβ40 (p = 0.000), Aβ42 (p = 0.000), NFT (p = 0.000) and GSK3β levels (p = 0.000). The lowest expression of Aβ40 in the NS100 group, Aβ42 in the NS400, NFT in the CEE group, and GSK3β levels in the NS100 group. Administration of NS increased the plasma ratio of Ab42/40 with the highest mean in the CEE group (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The administration of NS extract affected improving memory function by decreasing the expression of Aβ, NFT, GSK3β in ovariectomized Wistar rats supplemented with AlCl3.

Nigella sativa and its main constituent, thymoquinone protect against glycerol-induced acute kidney injury in rats.

Rhabdomyolysis is a life-threatening disease caused by releasing myoglobin from injured myocytes, which results in acute kidney injury. In this study, the effect of aqueous-alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa (NS) and thymoquinone (TQ) on rhabdomyolysis-induced kidney damage in rats was investigated. There were five groups of rats (n=8): Control, rhabdomyolysis, rhabdomyolysis treated with NS aqueous-alcoholic extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) and TQ (15 mg/kg). Treatments were given for 7 days (two days before and four days after glycerol injection). Glycerol was injected intramuscularly on the third day of the experiment for induction of rhabdomyolysis. Renal function parameters on the first, fourth, and seventh days of the experiment and renal oxidative stress and histological changes at the end of this study were assessed. Glycerol injection caused a significant increase in serum level of urea, creatinine, creatine phosphokinase, urine output and tissue MDA compared to the control animals (p<0.05-0.001). Administration of NS extract and TQ significantly decreased serum urea and creatinine on days 4 and 7, creatine phosphokinase on day 4, and urine output on day 7 compared to the rhabdomyolysis group (p<0.05-0.001). Compared to the rhabdomyolysis group, treatment with NS extract and TQ improved kidney histological abnormalities (p<0.01-0.001). The catalase enzyme activity in the group treated with NS 400 mg/kg and thiol content in the NS 400 mg/kg and TQ groups were significantly higher than those of the rhabdomyolysis group (p<0.05-0.01). NS extract and to some extent TQ protect the kidney from rhabdomyolysis-induced injury.

Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Nigella sativa Extracts Encapsulated in Hydroxyapatite Sodium Silicate Glass Composite.

N. sativa is an interesting source of bioactive compounds commonly used for various therapeutic purposes. Associate its seeds extracts with biomaterials to improve their antimicrobial properties are highly demanded. This study aims to investigate the encapsulation of NS extracts in hydroxyapatite nanoparticle sodium silicate glass (nHap/SSG) scaffold. NS essential oil (HS) was extracted by hydrodistillation, while hexane (FH) and acetone extracts (FA) were obtained using Soxhlet extraction. (FH) was the most abundant (34%) followed by (FA) (2.02%) and (HS) (1.2%). GC-MS chromatography showed that the (HS) contained beta cymene, alpha thujene, β-pinene and thymoquinone, while (FH) had mostly fatty acids and (FA) decane, 2.9-dimethyl, benzene 1,3,3-trimethylnonyl and beta cymene. Loaded nHap/SGG scaffolds with various amount of (FH), (HS) and (FA) at 1.5, 3, and 6 wt%; were elaborated then characterized by ATR-FTIR, X-ray and SEM techniques and their antimicrobial activity was studied. Samples loaded with 1.5 wt% HE was highly active against C. albicans (19 mm), and at 3 wt% on M. luteus (20 mm) and S. aureus (20 mm). Additionally, loaded scaffolds with 1.5 wt% AE had an important activity against M. luteus (18.9 mm) and S. aureus (19 mm), while the EO had low activities on all bacterial strains. The outcome of this finding indicated that loaded scaffolds demonstrated an important antimicrobial effect that make them promising materials for a wide range of medical applications.

Prevention of doxorubicin-induced experimental cardiotoxicity by Nigella sativa in rats

IntroductionDoxorubicin (DOX) is an anthracycline cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drug that is commonly used in cancer treatment. A major side effect limiting the clinical use of DOX is cardiotoxicity due to oxidative injury. Nigella sativa (NS) is an annual flowering plant with antioxidant properties. Its seeds contain several bioactive constituents such as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, and thymol. In this study, we investigated the effect of NS extract on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. MethodsThe experimental study animals consisted of 28 male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 300 and 400 g. Four study groups each of seven rats were defined: controls; NS extract; DOX; and DOX+NS. Control and DOX rats received standard food, while each rat in the NS and DOX+NS groups also received 100 mg/kg NS extract orally. At day 28 of follow-up, rats in the DOX groups were administered a single 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of DOX, while rats in the control and NS groups received a single 10 mg/kg dose of physiological saline solution. All animals were monitored for 35 days. On day 35, the rats were decapitated and serum and cardiac tissue samples were obtained. Troponin and NT-proBNP levels were measured in blood sera, while malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidative stress (TOS) levels were quantified in sera and tissue samples. Histological alterations that were assessed in cardiac tissue included myocyte disarray, small vessel disease, myocyte hypertrophy, and fibrosis. ResultsThe DOX group had significantly higher NT-proBNP, TOS, and MDA, with greater histopathological derangement. TAC was significantly elevated in the DOX+NS group, which also exhibited significantly lower troponin, TOS, and MDA, as well as significantly higher TAC compared to the DOX group. Histopathological examination showed that the significant structural derangement observed in DOX rats was markedly and significantly reduced in DOX+NS rats. ConclusionOur results suggest that NS extract may prevent DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and thus represents a promising cardioprotective agent.

Effect of Diode Laser and Iontophoresis with Aqueous Extract of Nigella sativa and Fluoride-Based-Agent on Dentin Permeability

Effect of Diode Laser and Iontophoresis with Aqueous Extract of Nigella sativa and Fluoride-Based-Agent on Dentin Permeability

Comparative Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Neem Leaf Extract, 2% Chlorhexidine, Nigella sativa Extract and 3% Sodium Hypochlorite

Comparative Evaluation of Cytotoxicity of Neem Leaf Extract, 2% Chlorhexidine, Nigella sativa Extract and 3% Sodium Hypochlorite

Protective Effect of Nigella sativa and Onion Extract against 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Hepatic Toxicity

Aim: The present study intended to compare the antioxidant, anti-lipid peroxidation, and anti-inflammatory potentials of Nigella Sativa (NS) and onion extract on 5-FU-induced liver damage in rats. Material and methods: 48 rats were divided into control, control group of the onion extract, control group of the NS extract, 5-FU-treated, concomitant NS-treated, and concomitant onion extract-treated. Liver sections were processed for histological analysis (light and electron microscopic examination). Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-1), antioxidant markers (SOD, GSH, and GSH/GSSG ratio), 4-HNE, NF-κB, and Nrf2 were evaluated. Results: The 5-FU-treated group exhibited inflammation, congested hepatic sinusoid, and steatosis. Improvement with few pathological residues was seen in the concomitant extract-treated groups. The 5-FU-treated group showed higher liver enzymes. The enzymes decreased in the concomitantly treated groups. 5-FU induced liver damage through oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid peroxidation. Concomitantly using NS and onion extracts resulted in a reduction in oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and inflammation. Conclusion: NS and onion extracts attenuated 5-FU-induced liver damage via antioxidative, anti-lipid peroxidative, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. NS’s role was exceptional when compared with onion extract.

Calculation of the Zone of Inhibition and Sensitivity Pattern of Fenugreek Seeds Extract and Negila sativa Seeds Extract on ESBL E. coli Growth Plates

Background: The reason behind the poor outcomes in treating bacterial infections is mainly the limited treatment options. The strains of ESBL are generally resistant to broad-spectrum penicillin, monobactams, and third-generation cephalosporins. Literature is currently highlighting the efficacy of herbs against many resistant organisms. Hence, the study aims to identify the sensitivity pattern and zone of inhibition of Fenugreek seed extract and Nigella sativa Extract against ESBL E. Coli.&#x0D; Methodology: The calculated sample size was n = 40. The ESBL E. coli growth plate samples were recruited from an associated lab which were identified by performing biochemical tests on appropriate media i.e. Mueller-Hinton agar was used. Agar dilution methods were performed to examine the antibacterial effects of fenugreek seed extract (FGSE) and Nigella sativa seed extract (NGSE) against ESBL E. coli. wells of 8mm diameter were punched in the inoculated plates by using sterile cork borer, 100μl of different concentrations of Fenugreek seed extract (30, 40, 50, 60, and 80mg/ml) and Nigella sativa extract (30, 40, 50, 60, and 80mg/ml) were added to wells and the plates and the plates were incubated for 24 to 48 hours at 37°C. After 48 hours presence or absence of zones of inhibition were investigated.&#x0D; Results: Total 40 samples were calculated for each concentration of the solution of extracts i.e. FGSE group and NGSE group. The effective concentration of FGSE was found to be 40mg/ml and for NGSE was found to be 60mg/ml that showed maximum. Both the extracts showed inhibition of growth of organism at different concentrations table 2 shows the zone of inhibition.&#x0D; Conclusion: The Fenugreek seed extract at 40mg/ml and Nigella sativa seed extract at 60mg/ml have highest sensitivity and are effective in inhibiting the growth of ESBL E. coli on growth plates.

Nigella sativa L. Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities: A Review (2019-2021).

Medicinal and aromatic plants are mainly characterized by the presence of different bioactive compounds which exhibit various therapeutic activities. In order to investigate the different pharmacological properties of different Nigella sativa extracts, a multitude of research articles published in the period between 2019 and 2021 were obtained from different databases (Scopus, Science Direct, PubMed, and Web of Science), and then explored and analyzed. The analysis of the collected articles allows us to classify the phytochemicals and the pharmacological activities through their underlying molecular mechanisms, as well as to explore the pharmacological activities exhibited by several identified compounds in Nigella sativa which allow a better understanding, and better elucidation, of the bioactive compounds responsible for the pharmacological effects. Also shown are the existence of other bioactive compounds that are still unexplored and could be of great interest. This review could be taken as a guide for future studies in the field.

Proximate and sensory analysis of wheat bread supplemented with Nigella sativa oil and Nigella sativa extract

Wheat is one of the important food crops worldwide while wheat bread is the most commonly consumed form of it in different populations. As Nigella sativa is rich in several phytochemicals that possess disease preventive properties hence, the proximate and sensory analysis of the breads supplemented with Nigella sativa extract and oil have been discussed in this study. Nigella sativa is one of the famous medicinal plants that has been used for treatment of various illnesses in different parts of the world. Compositional analysis revealed that Nigella sativa extract supplemented bread contains 14.75% moisture content, 10.32% crude fat content, 4.40 % ash and 3.55 % crude fiber, 11.89% crude protein and 55.09% Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE). In comparison, analysis of Nigella sativa oil supplemented revealed that it contains 14.23%, moisture content, 10.53% crude fat content, 4.10% ash and 3.20 % crude fiber, 11.79% crude protein and 56.15% NFE. Sensory evaluation was evaluated using 9 points-hedonic scale. Maximum score for overall acceptability was recorded for Nigella sativa extract fortified bread. In the meantime, the requests for wheat-based items with value addition are developing quickly in the previous couple of decades, as customers understood that eating foods with medical advantages is superior to taking medicine. The breads fortified with Nigella sativa will not only meet the consumer demands in terms of sensory attributes but might also aid in improving their health. Keywords: Bread; Food fortification; Nigella sativa; Proximate composition; Sensory attributes http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2021.100122

Effect of Nigella sativa on Testosterone Level in Albino Rats Treated with Doxorubicin

Objective: To measure the influence of Nigella sativa on testosterone level of albino rats treated with doxorubicin&#x0D; Study Design: Investigational study.&#x0D; Place of Study: Animal House, JPMC, Karachi,&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This study was accompanied on 3-4 months old, 40 albino rats, in the animal house of BMSI, Anatomy department, Karachi for 5 weeks were taken for this study and distributed into 4 groups, A1, A2, A3 &amp;A4. A1 served as control, A2 receive Doxorubicin 3 mg/kg /week intraperitonealy, A3 receive extract of Nigella sativa 1000mg/kg daily orally along with Doxorubicin 3 mg / kg /week intraperitonealy and A4 receive extract of Nigella sativa 1000mg/kg daily orally. At completion of study, animals were sacrifice and tissues were preserved for staining.&#x0D; Time of Study: The time of study was 35 days.&#x0D; Results: In A2 serum Testosterone was markedly decreased, i.e 3.093+0.091 ng/ml as compared to A1 though serum levels were extremely substantial raise in A3 when compared with A2. This shows amended role of Nigella sativa on Doxorubicin induced kidney.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study reveals that Nigella sativa amended the serum levels of testosterone of doxorubicin induced kidney.