Overview of the Human Investigations of Nigella sativa (Black Seeds): A Complementary Drug with Historical and Clinical Significance

Abstract

Introduction-Nigella Sativa belong to the botanical family of ranunculaceae. It has been known as black seed and its seeds are frequently used in folk medicine in Middle East and some Asian countries for the promotion of good health and treatment of many ailments. Nigella Sativa seeds has been used in traditional Iranian medicine as a natural remedy for promotes females menstruation, galactagogue, carminative, laxative and anti-parasitic properties. The present study is conducted to find out effect of Nigella Sativa seed powder on testosterone and LH levels in streptozotocine induced diabetic male albino rats. Materials and Methods-This work is conducted as part of Ph.D work under Department of Physiology, Shri BM patil Medical College, BLDE University, Bijapur. University ethical committee and Inistitution Animal Ethical committee are approved the work according to CPCSEA Rules. 18 rats were selected for this study and divided in to 3 groups each contains 6 rats, one group served as normal control, one group served as Diabetic control and one groups served as Treatment group with Nigella Sativa seed powder(300mg/kg BW). Results-Testosterone(ng/dl) level of Normal Control rats was 82.78+8.26, Diabetic rats was 41.62+7.28 and treated with Nigella Sativa rats was 71.34+6.58. LH(mIU/L) level of Normal Control rats was 0.46+0.12, Diabetic rats was 0.20+0.06 and treated with nigella sativa rats was 0.30+0.09. Conclusion-Compared with normal rats the level of testosterone was decreased in diabetic rats, when it is treated with Nigella Sativa Seed powder the levels of testosterone increased significantly. Compared with normal rats the level of LH was decreased significantly in diabetic rats, when it is treated with Nigella Sativa Seed powder the levels of LH not significant with other groups.