Abstract
Nigella sativa, popularly known as black seed oil, is known to have diverse pharmacology which includes hepatoprotective and reno-protective effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective efficacy of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) against cyclophosphamide (CP) induced hepatorenal toxicity in adult female rats. Forty-two female Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control group received distilled water only, and three treatment groups receiving 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg of NSO with CP combination. This was given via an orogastric tube. Hematological and biochemical parameters, organ weights and histopathological changes were evaluated at the end of 21 days treatment period. Acute toxicity studies showed no mortality or adverse effects on neurological function due to NSO at a dose of 5000 mg/kg. Sub-acute toxicity studies indicated that there were significant increases (p < 0.05) in body and organ weights observed across all groups. Hematological analysis revealed that the NSO treated group had a dose-dependent increase in white blood cell count compared to control. Biochemical analysis indicated increased levels of liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and urea in the highest dosage group (p < 0.05), whereas glucose total cholesterol and triglycerides levels decreased significantly in a dose dependent manner. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissues confirmed the protective effects of NSO against CP-induced damage, showing reduced necrosis and inflammation. In conclusion, Nigella sativa oil exhibits significant protective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced hepato-renal toxicity in Wistar rats. The findings from this study suggested that NSO can mitigate the adverse effects of CP in a dose dependent manner, highlighting its potential therapeutic application in managing drug-induced toxicity. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying these protective effects and to explore the clinical relevance in human subjects.