HEPATORENAL CHANGES BY NIGELLA SATIVA SEEDS POWDER IN DIABETIC RATS

Abstract

Background: The rising rates of diabetes mellitus indicate a need for enhanced education and training in effectively preventing, screening, diagnosing and treating the condition. The objective of this study was to determine the possible beneficial effects of Nigella sativa (NS) seeds powder in treatment of diabetes mellitus. Methods: One hundred and forty adult male albino rats of local strain, aged 8 weeks, and weighing 150–200 g were chosen as an animal model for this study. The animals were divided into control and diabetic groups. Diabetes was induced by alloxan. After12 hour overnight fasting, morning blood samples were collected for determination of lipid profile, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), creatinine and urea. Results: Lipid profile, AST, ALT and liver structure showed significant improvement with NS powder treatment. No statistically significant differences occur in creatinine or urea. Conclusion: NS seeds significantly decreased blood serum TC, TG and LDL, and increased HDL. Supplementations of NS reduced the ALT and AST levels. Oral administration of NS seeds did not produce any toxic effects on liver function evaluating hepatic enzymes level as well as histological picture of liver tissue.

Pak J Physiol 2016;12(2):3–7