Ethanol extract of Nigella sativa has antioxidant and ameliorative effect against nickel chloride-induced hepato-renal injury in rats

Abstract

Abstract Background Nickel exposure causes hepato-renal toxicity via oxidative stress. Medicinal plants with antioxidants properties are being explored as treatment options. In this study, the effect of ethanol extract of Nigella sativa (ENS) on nickel chloride (NiCl 2 )-induced hepato-renal damage was evaluated by monitoring biochemical and oxidative stress markers. Additionally, the antioxidant capacity and phytochemical constituents of ENS were quantified using HPLC and GC-MS. Result NiCl 2 significantly increased ( p <0.05) aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, sodium ion, chloride ion and malondialdehyde levels, while antioxidant enzymes were decreased in the organs except for kidney glutathione-S-transferase when compared to the control. However, ENS exerted inhibitory effect against NiCl 2 toxicity in both organs by reversing the biomarkers towards control levels. ENS has a high antioxidant capacity and is rich in antioxidants including gallic acid , quercetin , eucalyptol and levomenthol that may have accounted for the improvement of hepato-renal health in co-exposed rats. Conclusion Our result suggests that amelioration of nickel chloride-induced hepato-renal pathology by ethanol extract of Nigella sativa was related to its antioxidant properties. Therefore, Nigella sativa could be valuable in the management of nickel-induced toxicity.