Protective Effect of Silybum marianum and Nigella sativa Oil Extracts against Cisplatin Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

Abstract

The objective of present study was to analyze and compare the nephroprotective effects of petroleum ether extracts of seeds of Nigella sativa and Silybum marianum in Swiss albino mice. Petroleum ether extracts of seeds of Nigella sativa and Silybum marianum were administered (200 mg kg^–1) orally for 14 days following one dose of cisplatin injection (16 mg kg^–1 i.p.) on 4th day. Cisplatin toxicity was identified in mice by loss of body weight, reduced triglycerides levels, elevated blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels (P < 0.05). Silybum marianum and Nigella sativa significantly enhanced the body weight (9%) of diabetic rats. Silybum marianum had significantly reduced the elevated blood glucose (–106%), and BUN levels (–9%) as compared to the Nigella sativa administration. Silybum marianum extract also significantly elevated the levels of triglycerides (257%) which were much reduced after the cisplatin injection. Histological study showed that the cisplatin treated group demonstrated the necrosis signs in the glomerulus of Bowman’s capsule, hyalinization and severe cellular damage. The animals administered with extracts showed nearly normal kidney architecture, however, the kidney tissues of Silybum marianum-treated animals showed some improvement with slight signs of cellular damages.