Ameliorative effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Nigella sativa seed against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in rats

Abstract

Objective:  The aim of this study is to investigate the ameliorative effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa (HANS) against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Methods: Twenty five (25) albino rats, with average weight (105±5g), were randomly grouped into five groups: A-E, of five (5) rats per group. Group A rats served as normal control, Group B (Negative Control) received intraperitoneal administration of carbon tetrachloride CCl₄ (0.4ml/kg, i.p.) only, Group C received CCl₄ and low dose HANS (400mg/kg, oral), Group D received CCl₄ and high dose HANS (800mg/kg, oral), and Group E (Positive control), received CCl₄ and Vitamin C (200mg/kg, oral), for 3 days. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by measuring serum levels of total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) using standard methods.  Histopathological analysis of the liver was also carried out. Results: The extracts significantly stablized biochemical markers of hepatic injury, and preserved the histoarchitecture of the liver tissues against CCl4 damage. The protective effect was not dose-dependent, as low dose HANS (400mg/kg), showed better protection than the high dose HANS (800mg/kg). Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extracts of Nigella sativa has antihepatotoxic effects. Keywords: carbon tetrachloride, hepatotoxicity, medicinal plants, Nigella sativa, hydroalcoholic extract