Hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa seeds extract against ethanol induced hepatic tissue changes in Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: It has been reported that Nigella sativa seed extract posses a hepatoprotective effect in liver toxicity models, additionally has been used in the treatment of liver disease in traditional medicine. Goal: The aim of the study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Nigella sativa seed extract towards ethanol-induced hepatic tissue changes. Method: The design of the study was a post test control group design. Twenty four Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups; the first group treated with ethanol only, group 2, 3, and 4 were given extracts of Nigella sativa seed intragastrically with the dose of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg b.w/day respectively followed by ethanol 8g/kg b.w/day for 8 weeks. Hepatic tissue changes were stained by HE and analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Meanwhile, Mallory bodies were analyzed by Kendall's tau-b test. Result: The liver tissue in the control group showed a remarkable hepatic steatosis, hepatic inflammation and the present of Mallory bodies. There were significantly less difference between all groups, with p=0. 000, for both of hepatic steatosis and hepatic inflammation respectively. However there was no significant difference of hepatic steatosis between group 1 and control group (p=0.241). There was also a significant association (p=0. 001) between Nigella sativa seed extract and none presence Mallory bodies in treatment groups. Conclusion: Nigella sativa seed extract has a hepatoprotective effect towards ethanol induced hepatic tissue changes. The optimal dose of extract was 1.5g/kg B.w. Keywords: Nigella sativa seed extract; hepatic steatosis; hepatic inflammation; Mallory bodies