Effect of Nigella sativa (Black cumin) experimental liver cirrhosis

Black cumin seed has some biological activities like bronchodilator, antibacterial, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, gastroprotective, antihistaminic, neuroprotective, antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects of black cumin seed, oil and thymoquinone, one of the components of black cumin, given simultaneously to liver fibrosis formed in rats by dimethylnitrosamine.Working group consists five subgroups: control, thymoquinone, black cumin seed, dimethynitrozamine (DMN) and black cumin oil. At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed and blood and tissue samples were taken. Malondialdehid (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px ), and routine biochemical workups were studied on these samples. Liver tissue was assessed histopathologically. As a result, DMN is a hepatotoxic agent forming marked fibrosis. Liver tissue was assessed histopathologically. As normal liver tissue and short fibrosis, fibrous growth with septum or without septum in hystopathologic findings and in some portal areas, respectively, were detected in rats that had TQ, black cumin seed and oil; it was detected that incomplete cirrhosis was formed in livers of rats in DMN group.That erythrocyte and tissue MDA levels were high statistically and SOD and GSH-Px levels were low were found when DMN group was compared to subgroups that had black cumin oil, seed and thymoquinone. Also serum AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, TBIL, DBIL levels in dimethylnitrosamine group were significantly high statistically, when compared to the groups given black cumin oil, seed and thymoquinone. TP, ALB levels were significantly low statistically.As a result, it was understood that black cumin seed and its components downgraded existing fibrozis by biochemical and histopatological parameters. In order to be used in treatment of liver cirrhosis as a supportive element, toxicologic studies need to be carried on.Keywords: Liver, Fibrosis, Cirrhosis, Black cumin seed, Black cumin oil,Thymoquinone