Protective effect of Nigella sativa L.to gastric mucous of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer rats

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Nigella sativa L.as gastric protective on indomethacin-induced rats.METHODS the design of this research is randomized post test control group design.The rats were randomly divided into 5 groups which 5 rats in each.Rats were fasted for 8h before treatment.The first group was a control group(only gave aquadest as vehicle orally).The second group was subjected to induced with indomethacin 30mg·kg-1.The rest groups were subjected to induced by indomethacin and methanolic extract of Nigella sativa L.200,300 and 400mg·kg-1 every 8h for 24 h,respectively,for third,fourth and fifth group.Rats were sacrificed after anesthetized with ketamine and gastric were washed before observed.Macroscopic observation based on a score of lesion and microscopic observation on gastric based by histological HE staining.Whole data were analysis of an ANOVA statistical program.RESULTS The administration of Nigella sativa L.significantly decreased gastric ulcer macroscopically starting at dose 100,200 and 300mg·kg-1(P<0.05).Microscopic observation showed significant decreasing at dose 200 and 300mg·kg-1(P<0.05).Interestingly,there was no significant different between control and dose 300mg·kg-1.Negative correlation between lesion and doses were-0.919,-0.953 for macroscopic and microscopic lesion respectively.It means there was strong correlation between dose and lesion,higher dose lesser lesion.The mechanism of gastric protective of NigellasativaL.may caused by the bioactive compound such as thymoquinone which known as antiinflammation and antioxidant.CONCLUSION Methanolic extract of Nigella sativa L.decreased peptic ulcer both macroscopic and microscopic conditions on indomethacin-induced rats.

Characterization of the black cumin(Nigella sativa L.)honey from Türkiye

This case report study investigated the botanical,physicochemical,and phenolic compositions,as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of varying amounts of black cumin honey(Nigella sativa)from Burdur region of Türkiye.The samples had an average moisture value of 17.23%and a Nigella sativa pollen ratio ranging from 19%to 51%.Electrical conductivity(EC)values ranged from 0.36 to 0.54 mS/cm.The average color values of Hunter(L,a,b)were 43.55(L^(*)),32.77(a^(*)),and 64.52(b^(*)),respectively.The proline contents were ranged from 875 to 1624 mg/kg.The average F/G ratio and F+G value were 1.43±0.11 and 68.75±4.75,respectively.The average of total phenolic(TP)and total flavonoid(TF)contents were 36.87±7.00 mg GAE/100 g and 5.63±1.45 mg QUE/100 g,respectively.The antioxidant capacities of the samples were tested using the ferric reducing/antioxidant power(FRAP)and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH)assays,with mean values of 179.40±25.35μmol FeSO_(4).7H_(2)O/100 g and 46.07±12.87 mg/mL,respectively.The phenolic composition of the samples were tested using the HPLC-PDA method with 25 phenolic standards.Gallic acid,p-OH benzoic acid,t-cinnamic acid,p-coumaric acid,chrysin,and pinocembrin were determined as common components.The sam-ples exhibited high antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Chromobacterium vio-laceum,Bacillus cereus,Klebsiella pneumoniae,and Acinetobacter haemolyticus,but did not affect Candida albicans,Candida parapilopsis,or Mycobacterium smegmatis.

Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa L and Urtica dioica L on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride-treated rats

AIM： To investigate the effects of Nigella sativa 1 （NS） and Urtica dioica 1 （UD） on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and liver enzymes in CCl4-treated rats. METHODS： Fifty-six healthy male Wistar albino rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly allotted into one of the four experimental groups： A （CCl4-only treated）, B （CCl4＋UD treated）, C （CCl4＋NS treated） and D （CCl4＋UD＋NS treated）, each containing 14 animals. All groups received CCl4 （0.8 mL/kg of body weight, sc, twice a week for 60 d）. In addition, B, C and D groups also received daily i.p. injections of 0.2 mL/kg NS or/and 2 mL/kg UD oils for 60 d. Group A, on the other hand, received only 2 mL/kg normal saline solution for 60 d. Blood samples for the biochemical analysis were taken by cardiac puncture from randomly chosen-seven rats in each treatment group at beginning and on the 60th d of the experiment. RESULTS： The CCl4 treatment for 60 d increased the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and also decreased the antioxidant enzyme levels. NS or UD treatment （alone or combination） for 60 d decreased the elevated lipid peroxidation and liver enzyme levels and also increased the reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. The weight of rats decreased in group A, and increased in groups B, C and D. CONCLUSION： NS and UD decrease the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and increase the antioxidant defense system activity in the CCl4-treated rats.

Irrigation regimes modulate non-structural carbohydrate remobilization and improve grain filling in rice(Oryza sativa L.)by regulating starch metabolism

Recently developed ‘super’ rice cultivars with greater yield potentials often suffer from the problem of poor grain filling, especially in inferior spikelets. Here, we studied the activities of enzymes related to starch metabolism in rice stems and grains, and the microstructures related to carbohydrate accumulation and transportation to investigate the effects of different water regimes on grain filling. Two ‘super’ rice cultivars were grown under two irrigation regimes of well-watered(WW) and alternate wetting and moderate soil drying(AWMD). Compared with the WW treatment,the activities of ADP glucose pyrophosphorylase(AGPase), starch synthase(StSase) and starch branching enzyme(SBE), and the accumulation of non-structural carbohydrates(NSCs) in the stems before heading were significantly improved, and more starch granules were stored in the stems in the AWMD treatment. After heading, the activities of α-amylase, β-amylase, sucrose phosphate synthase(SPS) and sucrose synthase in the synthetic direction(SSs)were increased in the stems to promote the remobilization of NSCs for grain filling under AWMD. During grain filling, the enzymatic activities of sucrose synthase in the cleavage direction(SSc), AGPase, StSase and SBE in the inferior spikelets were increased, which promoted grain filling, especially for the inferior spikelets under AWMD.However, there were no significant differences in vascular microstructures. The grain yield and grain weight could be improved by 13.1 and 7.5%, respectively, by optimizing of the irrigation regime. We concluded that the low activities of key enzymes in carbon metabolism is the key limitation for the poor grain filling, as opposed to the vascular microstructures, and AWMD can increase the amount of NSC accumulation in the stems before heading, improve the utilization rate of NSCs after heading, and increase the grain filling, especially in the inferior spikelets, by altering the activities of key enzymes in carbon metabolism.

A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa:A miracle herb

Nigella sativa(N.sativa)(Family Ranunculaceae)is a widely used medicinal plant throughout the world.It is very popular in various traditional systems of medicine like Unani and Tibb,Ayurveda and Siddha.Seeds and oil have a long history of folklore usage in various systems of medicines and food.The seeds of N.saliva have been widely used in the treatment of different diseases and ailments.In Islamic literature,it is considered as one of the greatest forms of healing medicine.It has been recommended for using on regular basis in Tibb-e-Nabwi(Prophetic Medicine).It has been widely used as antihypertensive,liver tonics,diuretics,digestive,anti-diarrheal,appetite stimulant,analgesics,anti-bacterial and in skin disorders.Extensive studies on N.sativa have been carried out by various researchers and a wide spectrum of its pharmacological actions have been explored which may include antidiabetic,anticancer,immunomodulator,analgesic,antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory,spasmolytic,bronchodilator,hepato-protective,renal protective,gaslro-prolective,antioxidant properties,etc.Due to its miraculous power of healing,N.sativa has got the place among the top ranked evidence based herbal medicines.This is also revealed that most of the therapeutic,properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone which is major bioactive component of the essential oil.The present review is an effort to provide a detailed survey of the literature on scientific researches of pharmacognostical characteristics,chemical composition and pharmacological activities of the seeds of this plant.

Nigella sativa protects against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction by alleviating oxidative stress,biochemical alterations and histological damage

Objective: To evaluate the cardioprotective effect of Nigella sativa L.(N.sativa) in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction(MI).Methods: Groups were treated with different doses of ethanol extract of N.sativa(EENS)and N.sativa oil alone and along with enalapril for 28 days.MI was induced by subcutaneous administration of isoproterenol(85 mg/kg) in two consecutive doses.Levels of cardiac biomarkers and antioxidant enzymes such as creatine kinase–N-acetyl-L-cysteine, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione and catalase were evaluated along with gross histopathological examination.Results: Isoproterenol(85 mg/kg) induced MI by causing the significant(P < 0.01)reduction in the activity of cardiac biomarkers(creatine kinase–N-acetyl-L-cysteine,lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase) and antioxidant markers(superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione) along with significant(P < 0.01) increase in the level of malondialdehyde.Furthermore, histopathological evaluation also confirmed the isoproterenol-induced MI.Pretreatment with EENS(800 mg/kg) and combination of EENS(800 mg/kg) with enalapril(1 mg/kg) significantly(P < 0.01) prevented the development of these alteration and restored activity of cardiac biomarkers as well as antioxidant markers almost near to normal levels.Histopathological evaluation of cardiac tissue further confirmed the restoration of biochemical activity.Conclusions: Experimental findings thus indicate that EENS(800 mg/kg) demonstrated cardioprotective effect against isoproterenol-induced MI by restoring cardiac biomarkers and antioxidant status.

Gastroprotective activity of Nigella sativa L oil and its constituent, thymoquinone against acute alcohol-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats

AIM: To evaluate the role of reactive oxygen species in the pathogenesis of acute ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions and the effect of Nigella sativa L oil (NS) and its constituent thymoquinone (TQ) in an experimental model.METHODS: Male Wistar albino rats were assigned into 4groups. Control group was given physiologic saline orally (10 mL/kg body weight) as the vehicle (gavage); ethanol group was administrated 1 mL (per rat) absolute alcohol by gavage; the third and fourth groups were given NS (10 mL/kg body weight) and TQ (10 mg/kg body weight p.o) respectively 1 h prior to alcohol intake. One hour after ethanol administration, stomach tissues were excised for macroscopic examination and biochemical analysis.RESULTS: NS and TQ could protect gastric mucosa against the injurious effect of absolute alcohol and promote ulcer healing as evidenced from the ulcer index (UI) values. NS prevented alcohol-induced increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), an index of lipid peroxidation. NS also increased gastric glutathione content (GSH), enzymatic activities of gastric superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). Likewise, TQ protected against the ulcerating effect of alcohol and mitigated most of the biochemical adverse effects induced by alcohol in gastric mucosa, but to a lesser extent than NS. Neither NS nor TQ affected catalase activity in gastric tissue.CONCLUSION: Both NS and TQ, particularly NS can partly protect gastric mucosa from acute alcohol-induced mucosal injury, and these gastroprotective effects might be induced, at least partly by their radical scavenging activity.

Nigella sativa relieves the deleterious effects of ischemia reperfusion injury on liver

AIM: To determine whether Nigella sativa prevents hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury to the liver. METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups as sham (Group 1), control (Group 2), and Nigella sati-va (NS) treatment group (Group 3). All rats underwent hepatic ischemia for 45 min followed by 60 min period of reperfusion. Rats were intraperitoneally infused with only 0.9% saline solution in group 2. Rats in group 3 received NS (0.2 mL/kg) intraperitoneally, before isch-emia and before reperfusion. Blood samples and liver tissues were harvested from the rats, and then the rats were sacrifi ced. Serum aspartate aminotransfera-se (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were determined. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), total oxida-tive status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) and my-eloperoxidase (MPO) in hepatic tissue were measured. Also liver tissue histopathology was evaluated by light microscopy. RESULTS: The levels of liver enzymes in group 3 weresignifi cantly lower than those in the group 2. TAC in liver tissue was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 2. TOS, OSI and MPO in hepatic tissue were signifi cantly lower in group 3 than the group 2. Histo-logical tissue damage was milder in the NS treatment group than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Nigella sa-tiva treatment protects the rat liver against to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Effects of Nigella sativa on outcome of hepatitis C in Egypt

AIM: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and tolerability of Nigella sativa (N. sativa ) in patients with hepatitis C not eligible for interferon (IFN)-α. METHODS: Thirty patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, who were not eligible for IFN/ribavirin therapy, were included in the present study. Inclusion criteria included: patients with HCV with or without cirrhosis, who had a contraindication to IFN-α therapy, or had refused or had a financial constraint to IFN-α therapy. Exclusion criteria included: patients on IFN-α therapy, infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis Ⅰ virus, hepatocellular carcinoma, other malignancies, major severe illness, or treatment non-compliance. Various parameters, including clinical parameters, complete blood count, liver function, renal function, plasma glucose, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and polymerase chain reaction, were all assessed at baseline and at the end of the study. Clinical assessment included: hepato and/ or splenomegaly, jaundice, palmar erythema, flapping tremors, spider naevi, lower-limb edema, and ascites. N. sativa was administered for three successive months at a dose of (450 mg three times daily). Clinical response and incidence of adverse drug reactions were assessed initially, periodically, and at the end of the study. RESULTS: N. sativa administration significantly improved HCV viral load (380808.7 ± 610937 vs 147028.2 ± 475225.6, P = 0.001) and TAC (1.35 ± 0.5 vs 1.612 ± 0.56, P = 0.001). After N. sativa administration, the following laboratory parameters improved: total protein (7.1 ± 0.7 vs 7.5 ± 0.8, P = 0.001), albumin (3.5 ± 0.87 vs 3.69 ± 0.91, P = 0.008), red blood cell count (4.13 ± 0.9 vs 4.3 ± 0.9, P = 0.001), and platelet count (167.7 ± 91.2 vs 198.5 ± 103, P = 0.004). Fasting blood glucose (104.03 ± 43.42 vs 92.1 ± 31.34, P = 0.001) and postprandial blood glucose (143.67 ± 72.56 vs 112.1 ± 42.9, P = 0.001) were significantly decreased in both diabetic and non-diabetic HCV patients. Patients with lower-limb edema decreased significantly from baseline compared with after treatment [16 (53.30%) vs 7 (23.30%), P = 0.004]. Adverse drug reactions were unremarkable except for a few cases of epigastric pain and hypoglycemia that did not affect patient compliance. CONCLUSION: N. sativa administration in patients with HCV was tolerable, safe, decreased viral load, and improved oxidative stress, clinical condition and glycemic control in diabetic patients.

Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa seed extract against acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of Nigella sativa seed extract(NSSE) against acetaminophen(APAP)-induced hepaloloxicity in TIB-73 cells and rats.Methods:Toxicity in TIB-73 cells was induced with 10 μmol/L APAP and the protective effects of NSSE were evaluated at 25.50.75,100 μg/mL.For in rim examination,a total of 30 rals were equally divided into five experimental groups:normal control(vehicle),APAP(800 mg/kg body weight single IP injection) as a hepatotoxic control,and three APAP and NS pretreated(2 weeks) groups(APAP+NSSE 100 mg:APAP+NSSE 300 mg and APAP+NSSK 900 mg/kg).Results:TIB-73 cell viability was drastically decreased by(49.0±l.9)%after the 10 μmol/L APAP treatment,which also increased reactive oxygen species production.Co-treatment with NSSE at 25.50.75,and 100 μg/mL significantly improved cell viability and suppressed reactive oxygen species generation.In viro the APAP induced alterations in blood lactate levels,pH,anionic gap,and ion levels(HCO_3^-,Mg^(2+) and K^+),which tended to normalize with the NSSE pretreatment.The NSSE also significantly decreased elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,lactate dehydrogenase,and alkaline phosphatase induced by APAP,which correlated with decreased levels of hepatic lipid peroxidation(nialondialdehyde),increased superoxide dismutase levels,and reduced glutathione concentrations.Improved hepatic histology was also found in the treatment groups other than APAP group.Conclusions:The in vitro and in vim findings of this study demonstrated that the NSSE has protective effects against APAP-induced hepalotoxicity and metabolic disturbances by improving antioxidant activities and suppressing both lipid peroxidation and ROS generation.

A case study report of acute renal failure associated with Nigella sativa in a diabetic patient

1 Introduction Nigella sativa, known as black seed, has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects. It has been shown to reduce the development of kidney failure when given prior to the use of nephrotoxic drugs particularly due to its antioxidant action. However, as far as the authors could ascertain, there is no human study in literature showing these effects. Here we present a case of acute renal failure after the use of N. sativa, rather than exhibiting antioxidant or antidiabetic effects.

Emerging clinical and therapeutic applications of Nigella sativa in gastroenterology

Nigella sativa decreases DNA damage and thereby prevents initiation of carcinogenesis in colonic tissue secondary to exposure to toxic agents such as azoxymethane. N. sativa is of immense therapeutic benefit in diabetic individuals and those with glucose intolerance as it accentuates glucose-induced secretion of insulin besides having a negative impact on glucose absorption from the intestinal mucosa. N. sativa administration protects hepatic tissue from deleterious effects of toxic metals such as lead, and attenuates hepatic lipid peroxidation following exposure to chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride.

The auxin transporter OsAUX1 regulates tillering in rice(Oryza sativa)

Tillering is an important agronomic trait of rice(Oryza sativa)that affects the number of effective panicles,thereby affecting yields.The phytohormone auxin plays a key role in tillering.Here we identified the high tillering and semi-dwarf 1(htsd1)mutant with auxin-deficiency root characteristics,such as shortened lateral roots,reduced lateral root density,and enlarged root angles.htsd1 showed reduced sensitivity to auxin,but the external application of indole-3-acetic acid(IAA)inhibited its tillering.We identified the mutated gene in htsd1 as AUXIN1(OsAUX1,LOC_Os01g63770),which encodes an auxin influx transporter.The promoter sequence of OsAUX1 contains many SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE(SPL)binding sites,and we demonstrated that SPL7 binds to the OsAUX1 promoter.TEOSINTE BRANCHED1(OsTB1),a key gene that negatively regulates tillering,was significantly downregulated in htsd1.Tillering was enhanced in the OsTB1 knockout mutant,and the external application of IAA inhibited tiller elongation in this mutant.Overexpressing OsTB1 restored the multi-tiller phenotype of htsd1.These results suggest that SPL7 directly binds to the OsAUX1 promoter and regulates tillering in rice by altering OsTB1 expression to modulate auxin signaling.

Nephroprotective Effect of <i>Nigella Sativa</i>and <i>Matricaria Chamomilla</i>in Cisplatin Induced Renal Injury—Supportive Treatments in Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity

Nigella sativa and Matricaria chamomilla are extensively consumed as tea or tonic. Despite their widespread use as a home remedy, relatively few trials evaluated their benefits in nephroprotection. Hence, this study evaluates the nephroprotective effects of supportive treatments (N. sativa, M. chamomilla and vitamin E) in cisplatin nephrotoxicity rat model. Eighty rats divided into 10 groups, of 8 animals each. The first group (G1) injected with saline intra-pretoneal (i.p). G2 injected with 5 mg/kg cisplatin i.p on zero day of experiment and repeated 4 times, with 5 days free interval. G3-G10 received daily supportive treatments, started 5 days before the experiment (–5day). Concomitantly G4, G6, G8 and G10 injected with 5 mg/kg cisplatin i.p like G2. On day sixteen, animal scarified, serum and/or kidney tissue were used to determine kidney function tests (serum urea, creatinine, NAG, β-gal), oxidative stress indices (NO, LPO), antioxidant activities (SOD), sulphur compounds (GGT, GSH, total thiols ), apoptotic indices (cathepsin D, DNA fragmentation), two minerals (Ca2+ and zn2+). Cisplatin caused marked elevation in serum GGT that reduced signifi-cantly in group received M. chamomilla with cisplatin (P < 0.001). There is a correlation between GGT and NAG in cisplatin group (r = 0.731 p < 0.05) that may suggest one of possible mechanisms of renal injury by cisplatin. M. chamomilla followed by N. sativa and vitamin E improved the biochemical and pathological renal injury, as determined by increasing the body weight, normalizing the kidney functions, decreasing the oxidative stress markers, improving the apoptotic markers, minimizing the pathological changes. Hence, N. sativa and M. chamomilla will be a promising nephroprotective agents for reducing cisplatin nephrotoxicity, most probably, by antioxidants effects and inhibition GGT production, respectively.

Nigella sativa oil alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy and neurobehavioral changes in mice:In vivo and in-silico study

Objective:To investigate the effect of Nigella sativa oil on cardiomyopathy and neurobehavioral changes induced by doxorubicin in mice.Methods:Swiss strain of albino female mice were divided into 6 groups of 5 animals in each:GroupⅠ(control group),groupⅡ(doxorubicin,10 mg/kg,i.v.),groupⅢ,Ⅳ,andⅤ(Nigella sativa oil;1.5,3,and 6 mL/kg,respectively),groupⅥ(Nigella sativa oil per se;6 mL/kg,p.o.).The duration of treatment was 15 d(10 days’pre-treatment and 5 days’post-treatment)and doxorubicin was administered on day 11th of the treatment schedule.Following Nigella sativa oil treatment,neurobehavioral tests,cardiac hypertrophy tests,and biochemical tests in serum and tissues were performed.Neurological tests included assessment of anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze,spontaneous alternation behavior in the cross maze,and depression-like behavior in modified forced swim tests.Biochemical tests included serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase-MB,malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione in tissues.Lastly,molecular docking was used to estimate the affinity of the phytoconstituents of Nigella sativa oil with histone deacetylases.Results:Nigella sativa oil treatment significantly(P<0.001)restored doxorubicin-induced neurobehavioral changes,decreased lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase-MB in the plasma,malondialdehyde contents in tissues,and increased reduced glutathione level.Besides,no significant alteration was observed in Nigella sativa oil per se group as compared to the control.Molecular docking showed that Nigella sativa oil components had appreciable binding affinitiy with the protein cavities of HDAC1 and HDAC6.Conclusions:The result shows that Nigella sativa oil exerts anxiolytic,antidepressant,and memory-enhancing effects in addition to cardioprotective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in mice.The modulatory effect of Nigella sativa oil on oxidative stress could contribute to the cardioprotective effect and associated neurobehavioral changes in mice.

Amelioration of paracetamol hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress on mice liver with silymarin and Nigella sativa extract supplements

Objective: To evaluate the ameliorator property of silymarin or/and Nigella sativa(N. sativa) extract against N-acetyl-p-aminophenol(APAP)-induced injury in male mice at the biochemical, histological and ultrastructural levels.Methods: The mice were divided into seven groups(10/group). The first group was served as control. While, the second group was treated with dose of APAP. The third and fourth groups were treated with silymarin alone and N. sativa extract alone respectively. The fifth and sixth groups were treated with combination of APAP with silymarin and APAP with N. sativa extract respectively. The seventh group was treated with combination of both ameliorative compounds(silymarin and N. sativa extract) with APAP and all animals were treated for a period of 30 days. Results: Exposure to APAP at the treated dose to mice led to an alteration of liver functions, increased the alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase levels, decreased total protein level as well as the increasing the superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde while decreased catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reduced activities. The effects of APAP on the biochemical parameters of mice were dose-dependent. Administration of silymarin or/and N. sativa extract to APAP-treated mice attenuates the toxicity of this compound, objectified by biochemical, histological and ultrastructural improvement of liver. But the alleviation was more pronounced with the both antioxidants. Conclusions: The synergistic effect of silymarin and N. sativa extract is the most powerful in reducing the toxicity induced by APAP and improving the liver functions and antioxidant capacities of mice.

Protective efficacy of Nigella sativa oil against the harmful effects of formaldehyde on rat testicular tissue

Objective: To explore the effects of Nigella sativa oil(NSO) on the histopathological and biochemical changes that inhaled formaldehyde(FA) induces on the testicular tissue of rats. Methods: Thirty three adult male rats were separated into five groups as follows: C, the control group; 4 FA group which received FA for 4 weeks; 13 FA group which was given FA for 13 weeks; 4 FA+NSO group which was administered FA plus NSO for 4 weeks; 13 FA+NSO group which was treated with FA plus NSO for 13 weeks. FA was administered through inhalation for 8 h 5 days a week at a dose of 5 ppm in a special glass cage, and NSO was administered orally 1 mL/kg once daily. Rats were decapitated at the end of the experiment and testicular tissue specimens were harvested for histopathologic and biochemical assessment. Results: Compared to the C group, reduction was observed in the number of intact tubules and in the mean germinative epithelium thickness of the FA groups. Significant increase was observed in the number of intact tubules with the long-term(13 weeks) administration of NSO together with FA. Reduced glutathione peroxidase activity was found and oxidative stress index values were measured higher in the 4 FA and 13 FA groups versus the C group(P<0.05). Moreover, total antioxidant status levels decreased only in the 4 FA group(P<0.05) while only the 13 FA group significantly increased malondialdehyde levels and reduced catalase activities in comparison with the C group. In the 13 FA+NSO group, malondialdehyde levels decreased however glutathione peroxidase and catalase activities increased compared to the 13 FA group. Differences measured in total antioxidant status levels were found to be statistically significant only between the 4 FA and the 4 FA+NSO groups. Conclusions: NSO as an antioxidant should be used for a longer term to achieve protective efficacy both histopathologically and biochemically in the testicular tissue.

Weed Competition Periods Affect Grain Yield and Nutrient Uptake of Black Seed(Nigella Sativa L.)

The combination of the relatively open plant canopy and slow growth,especially at early growth stages,results in lower competitiveness of black seed(Nigella sativa L.) than weeds.Thus,weed interference is known as an important factor affecting black seed yield.Therefore,to determine the critical period of weed control and its effects on nutrients uptake of black seed field experiments were conducted in 2011 and 2012.Two quantitative series of weed removal treatments including weed-infested and weed-free treatments were implemented from black seed emergence to maturity harvest.To determine critical period of weed control,plots were weed-infested or weed-free for 0,14,28,42,56,70 days after emergence,in weed-infested and weed-free treatments,respectively.The results revealed that N,P and K contents in weed tissues significantly increased with increasing weed-infested periods during both years of the experiment.The reduction in grain and oil yield due to longer periods of weed-infested conditions or shorter periods of weed-free conditions were accompanied by simultaneous reduction of N,P and K uptake in black seed grains and tissues.Overall,N,P and K contents in weed tissue were found to be 1.8 to 2 times higher than that of black seed.It was concluded that 58 or 49 days weed-free periods are required to avoid yield loss(above 5% or 10%) in black seed.

A study of efficacy of Nigella sativa in treatment of Meniere's disease: A randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial

Purpose:Meniere's disease(MD),first introduced by Prosper Meniere,is characterized mainly by vertigo,tinnitus,aural fullness and sensorineural hearing loss.Though the exact pathophysiology of MD is unknown,immunologic and inflammatory interactions are possible underlying mechanisms involved in MD.This study is aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effect of Nigella sativa on MD as a therapeutic agent.Methods:We divided 40 patients with definite MD into two groups of 20 cases.The study group received 1 g of Nigella sativa oil daily for three months and the control group received a placebo.Changes in hearing,tinnitus and vertigo were estimated by pure tone audiometry,tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire and dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire,respectively.Results:At the end of the study we did not observe any significant improvement in study's group hearing threshold,tinnitus and vertigo compared to the control group.Conclusions:In this study,statistical analysis showed that Nigella sativa failed to improve signs and symptoms of MD.However,further investigations with a larger study population are needed to ascertain the current conclusion.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using <i>Nigella sativa</i>Seeds and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activity

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using seeds of Nigella sativa as a capping agent was evaluated in this study. Different concentrations of the aqueous extract of N. sativa with silver nitrate solution were exposed to sunlight;as a force for acceleration of the formulation. Then the silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. Antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by the disc diffusion method. The characterization of nanoparticles was detected by the change in color to yellow-brown which indicated the formulation of silver nanoparticles. Irregular shapes within range of nanoscale were detected using SEM and XRD techniques. The finding suggests that silver nanoparticles may be effectively used as antibacterial agent.