The liver and the kidneys are the main target organs of many harmful chemicals, toxins and some by-products of metabolic detoxification. Seeds with medicinal properties have been widely investigated for their therapeutic potentials against toxins, using animal models. We evaluated the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Nigella sativa (HANS) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress and hepatorenal toxicity in albino rats. 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 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 7 days. The oxidative state of the blood and the hepatorenal toxicity were assessed by measuring serum levels of malodialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD); total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP); urea, creatinine, potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) using standard methods. Histopathological analysis of the liver and kidney tissues was also carried out. Results revealed that HANS significantly stabilized blood oxidant/antioxidant imbalance, stabilized biochemical markers of hepatorenal injury, and preserved the histoarchitecture of the liver and kidney. The protective effect was dose-dependent, with low dose HANS (400mg/kg), showing better protection than the high dose HANS (800mg/kg). Hydroalcoholic extracts of Nigella sativa has antioxidant and hepatorenal protective abilities.
Key words: Antioxidants, CCl4, Hepatotoxicity, Medicinal plants, Nephrotoxicity, Nigella sativa, Oxidative stress
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