Protective Effect of Nigella sativa Oil against Methotrexate Induced Hepatotoxicity in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Abstract

Background: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood malignancies representing about one third of all pediatric cancers. Adding methotrexate to leukemia treatment protocols has been associated with an increased survival rate in children with ALL. The efficacy of this agent is often limited by its toxicity which can be reduced if supplemented with anti-oxidants. Nigella sativa has antioxidant property through different mechanisms.