Amelioration of aluminum toxicity with black seed supplement on rats

Abstract

Abstract The possible ameliorative effect of black seed (Nigella sativa L.) on aluminum chloride (AlCl3) toxicity in rats was investigated. Thirty-two male rats were divided into four groups, eight rats each. Group 1 was served as a control group; group 2 was fed on diet supplemented with black seed, while groups 3 and 4 were fed on AlCl3 (726 mg kg−1 b.w.) with or without black seed supplementation for six weeks. Blood and tissue samples were taken for hematological, biochemical, and histopathological studies. The results revealed that serum of AlCl3-fed rats exhibit a significant elevation in transaminases, urea, creatinine, total cholesterol and triglycerides in serum, while significant decreases in hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count were recorded. Histopathological observations showed severe damage in the liver and kidneys. Co-administration of black seed to the treated group showed marked improvement in biochemical and histopathological findings as well as reduction of the damaged areas. These results indicate the protective effect of black seed against AlCl3-induced toxicity in rats. Keywords: aluminumNigella sativabiochemicalhistopathologicalrats