Role of Nigella Sativa L. Seeds against Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Liver Injury in Rabbit – An Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective:  To investigate the protective effect of Nigella sativa against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver injury in adult male Rabbit model.

Study Design:  Experimental/Analytical study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Animal House, Isra University from May, 2012 to October 2012.

Materials and Methods: Thirty male Rabbits were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria and studied. Animals were divided into three groups Carbon tetrachloride was used to induce liver injury. N. sativa seeds were administered in experimental group. Blood samples were collected from peripheral veins. Sera were used liver enzyme detection. The animals were sacrificed by over-dose of Ketamine and liver was removed for histological study. The data was analyzed on SPSS version 16.0 for Windows release (Chicago, IL, USA). A p-value of ≤ 0.5 was taken statistically significant.

Results:  Liver enzymes found elevated in CCl4 compared with control group after three weeks (p=0.001) The CCl₄+ N.sativa group showed a significant reduction in liver enzymes compared with CCl₄ group (p=0.001) and control group (p=0.001). N.sativa when mixed with CCl₄ showed significant reduction in the liver enzyme. Findings shows significant hepatoprotection by the N.sativa in CCl₄ induced injury. Liver tissue sections showed least derangement of hepatocytes cords, hepatocytes damage and necrosis was minimal compared with CCl₄ group

Conclusion: Nigella sativa protects against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in rabbit model.