The Effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) and Vit. E + Selenium in the Prevention of Liver Necrosis Experimentally Induced with Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl_4) in Rats

Authors: ALİ ŞAHİN, ZABİT YENER, GÜRDAL DAĞOĞLU, SEMİHA DEDE, GÖKHAN OTO, MUSA ALKAN

Abstract: The preventive effect of Nigella sativa (black seed) was investigated in rats with hepatic necrosis experimentally induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl_4). To compare the antioxidant effect of black seed, well-known antioxidants, vitamin E and selenium mineral, were used. This study was conducted on 40 rats that were divided into five groups of eight. Group A was separated as a control group and treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) with only liquid paraffin. Group B was administered i.p. CCl_4 in liquid paraffin. Group C was administered i.p. CCl_4 in liquid paraffin and intramuscularly (i.m.) treated with vitamin E + selenium. Group D was administered i.p. CCl_4 in liquid paraffin, i.m. treated with vit E + Se and fed ad libitum with standard rat pellets containing 10% black seed. Group E was administered i.p. CCl_4 in liquid paraffin and fed ad libitum with standard rat pellets containing 10% black seed. Blood samples were drawn from the heart of the rats four times for the experimental groups and five times for the control group, one of which was at the beginning of the experiment. In blood samples, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartic transaminase (AST), intracellular glutathione (GSH) and ceruloplasmin analyses were performed. In group B blood samples, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes were significantly increased. The closest enzyme activities to those of the control group were found in group E. The least weight loss percentages were in group E. The least necrosis was detected in the liver samples of group D. Histopathological results were consistent with biochemical results. In conclusion, a liver necrosis preventive effect of vitamin E + selenium and black seed was observed.

Keywords: liver necrosis, CCl_4, vitamin E + selenium, Nigella sativa (black seed)

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