Protective Effects of Nigella Sativa on Acetylsalicylic Acid-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Albino Rats

Objective: To see the effects of Nigella sativa on acetylsalicylic acid-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Study Design: An experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: The Anatomy Department of University of Health Sciences, Lahore, from January 2014 to December 2015. Methodology: Thirty-two female albino rats were divided into four groups. Group A (control) was given single dose of 10 mg/100 gm body weight of 1% methylcellulose, orally. Group B and C were treated with oral 1000 mg/kg acetylsalicylic acid as a single dose. Group D was given 250 mg/kg ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa (NSE) by oral gavage followed by single dose of 1000 mg/kg acetylsalicylic acid on 1st day of experiment; after that only NSE was continued till 7 days. Animals of groups A, C and D were sacrificed on day 8 and that of group B on day 2 of experiment. Cardiac puncture was performed to draw blood from each animal for renal function tests. Animals were evaluated for gross (Paired kidney weight, body weight, relative tissue body weight index) as well as for biochemical (Serum urea and creatinine) parameters. Results: Gross as well as biochemical parameters were markedly impaired in group B, but statistically significant improvement was noticed in Nigella sativa treated group. There was no self recovery in group C. Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa has a protective role against acetylsalicylic acid-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats.