scholarly journals SUB-CHRONIC MPTP-INDUCED PARKINSONISM: SELECTIVE SENSITIVITY OF THE BALB/c MICE AND THE PROPHYLACTIC ROLES OF NIGELLA SATIVA OIL

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Royhaan Folarin ◽  
Akinola Olonade ◽  
Praise Ogunkunle ◽  
Philemon Shallie ◽  
Thomas Adenowo ◽  
...  

Parkinsonism is a degenerative neurological syndrome characterised by dopamine deficiency in the basal ganglia. Despite ages of research, there is still lack of holistic and side-effect-free therapy for the disease. Nigella sativa is a multi-potent plant known for its historical and scientifically proven therapeutic potentials in the brain and other body organs. Despite the validity debates on the use of BALB/c mice strains in the modelling of Parkinsonism using MPTP, this study re-appraised the sensitivity versus resistance of the BALB/c mice strain to MPTP and further investigated the possible neuro-thrapeutic role of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in the Parkinsonic endophenotypes elicited by MPTP in the BALB/c strain. Body weights, relative brain weights, striatal dopamine, striatal neuron density and recognition memory were studied in thirty-two (32) male albino mice, weighing between 18g -25g. They were divided equally into Control (administered with normal feed for 5 days), MPTP (administered with 18mg/kg MPTP i.p for 5 days), NS (administered with 1ml/kgbw NSO p.o. for 5 days), and NS+MPTP (administered with 1ml/kgbw NSO p.o. followed by 18mg/kg MPTP i.p for 5 days). Recognition memory was assayed through Novel Object Recognition test (NORT), and the animals were weighed and euthanised 24 hours after last administration. The brains were excised and the striatum assayed neurochemically for dopamine and illustrated histologically for neuronal density using the H&E stain. Parkinsonic traits such as mild tremor, significant down-regulation of dopamine and striatal neurons (p<0.05) were recorded in the BALB/c mice administered with MPTP only, confirming MPTP-sensitivity for these features. However, significant increase (p<0.05) in appetite, body weight, brain-body weight ratio, and recognition memory was also recorded in the MPTP-administered mice, though Nigella sativa was significantly prophylactic against the negative Parkinsonic features, and ‘moderative’ of the up-regulations induced by MPTP. While this suggests selective MPTP sensitivity and resistance in BALB/c strains, this study recommends the investigation of possible beneficial potentials of MPTP as observed. The research was conducted in conformance with the Animal Research Ethics Committee (AREC) guidelines of the Olabisi Onabanjo University.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Royhaan Folarin ◽  
Akinola Olonade ◽  
Imam Aminu ◽  
Praise Ogunkunle ◽  
Paul Folarin

Abstract Background Parkinsonism is a neurological disease characterised by dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantial nigra and dopamine deficiency in the brain, with motor and psycho-cognitive implications, while limitations masked the efficacy of the available drugs, thus the need to find alternatives with less side effects are essential. Nigella sativa is a multi-potent plant with therapeutic potentials in the brain and other body organs. This study investigated the effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) on the cognitive and other Parkinsonism endophenotypes elicited by MPTP in the BALB/c strain mice. Materials and Methods Body weights, brain-body ratios, recognition memory (through novel object recognition test), as well as fronto-cortical, striatal and cerebellar dopamine and neuronal density were assayed in thirty-two (32) male BALB/c mice (18 g − 25 g). They were randomized into four groups exposed to; normal feed, 18 mg/kg MPTP i.p, 1 ml/kgbw NSO p.o., and NSO + MPTP respectively, for 5 consecutive days. Behaviours were analysed 24 hours after the last exposure, subsequently euthanized, the brains removed and processed for biomarkers analysis and histochemistry. Results Parkinsonism-like traits such as mild tremor, down-regulation of striatal and fronto-cortical dopamine and neurons were recorded in the BALB/c mice administered with MPTP only. However, significant increase (p < 0.05) in appetite, body weight, brain-body weight ratio, and recognition memory was also recorded in the MPTP-administered mice, though Nigella sativa was significantly prophylactic against the negative Parkinsonic features, and ‘moderative’ of the up-regulations induced by MPTP. Conclusion While this suggests selective MPTP sensitivity and resistance in BALB/c strains, this study recommends the investigation of possible (though ironic) beneficial potentials of MPTP.


2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S304-S304
Author(s):  
Royhaan Folarin ◽  
Bolaji Otenaike ◽  
Goodness Samuel ◽  
Falilat Bakare ◽  
Barnabas Onamusi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Schizophrenia is a chronic debilitating mental disorder, modelled developmentally in animals by social isolation rearing (SIR). This study investigated the roles of Nigella sativa, a multi-therapeutic plant oil, on the fronto-cortical functions and alterations in socially isolated BALB/c mice. Methods Body weights, relative brain weights, dopamine, glutamate and GPX levels, as well as recognition memory were measured in 75 albino pups of 10 weeks age. These pups were divided into CTRL,NS,SIR, SIR NS and NS SIR. CTRL (socialised) and SIR (isolated) received 10ml/kg normal saline orally for 10 days, while the NS-SIR, NS and SIR-NS received 1ml/kg Nigella sativa oil orally for 10 days either prophylactically (prenatal exposure), alone without isolation, or interventionally respectively. Recognition memory was assayed through novel object recognition test and the animals were euthanized. Brains were excised for histological examination of the frontal Cortex using the H&E stain. Results Significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in fronto-cortical glutamate, dopamine, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), as well as recognition memory index, relative brain weight and total body weights were recorded in the isolated mice that were pre-treated and post-treated with Nigella sativa, compared with the untreated ones. However, no significant neuroarchitectural difference was observed histologically across the frontal cortices of the mice. Discussion Nigella sativa was significantly prophylactic and ameliorative of the neurochemical and neurobehavioural schizotypic deficits induced in socially isolated BALB/c mice. This was revealed by glutamate, dopamine, GPX, recognition index and relative brain weight values of the pretreated and post-treated mice. Use of dendritic and Nissl markers are recommended for better histological appreciation


2020 ◽  
pp. 85-99
Author(s):  
RO Folarin ◽  
OB Surajudeen ◽  
EO Omotosho ◽  
AO Owoniyi ◽  
DO Oyeleye ◽  
...  

Background: Essential tremor, regarded as the world's most common movement disorder, is a neuronal disorder characterized by uncontrollable shaking (tremor) of different parts of the body. Nigella sativa is a medicinal herb with pharmacologically proven therapeutic potentials in various ailments including neurological disorders. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic roles of Nigella sativa on cerebellar phenotypes in phenol-induced mice models of essential tremor. Methods: Tremor response, body weight, temperature, motor coordination (using the parallel bars and static rods tests), relative brain weights, cerebellar glutamate and Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and histoarchitecture were assayed in 75 adult male BALB/cm ice weighing 21-30g. The animals, equally divided into five groups were respectively administered feed and water only (CTRL); 100mg/kg phenol and 1ml/kg Nigella sativa oil concurrently (PNSC); 100mg/kg phenol (P); 1ml/kg Nigella sativa oil followed by 100mg/kg phenol (NSP); and 1ml/kg Nigella sativa oil (NS). Results: The PNSC, NSP and NS mice displayed significant weight reduction. Histoachitectural defects, stagnancy in weight, high Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and high glutamate levels and poor motor coordination were exhibited by the P group. The CTRL and NS animals demonstrated good motor coordination while the PNSC and NSP groups showed better coordination than the untreated P group. The CTRL group showed no histoarchitectural defects while the NS and PNSC animals showed histoarchitectural regeneration. Conclusion: This research affirmed the weight-reducing, neuroprotective, neuroregenerative and motor coordinating effects of Nigella sativa in the modelled tremor condition.


Author(s):  
Nadhira M. Dinar ◽  
Sheila Pratiwi ◽  
Rain Kihara ◽  
Nadia G. Paramita ◽  
Nazilla R. Fathurrahman ◽  
...  

Objective: The objective of this work was to investigate the hepato-nephroprotective activity of Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae) oil on paracetamol-induced New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).Methods: Hepato-nephroprotective activity of Nigella sativa oil was demonstrated on six groups of paracetamol-induced New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) aged 3-4 mo, three in each group (2 males, 1 female). Group I was normal control (water 1.0 ml/kg of body weight per oral), group II was negative control (water 1.0 ml/kg of body weight per oral), group III was positive control (silymarin 100 mg/kg of body weight per oral), group IV-VI were treated with Nigella sativa oil (NSO) dose of 0.5 mg/kg of body weight, 1.0 mg/kg of body weight, and 2.0 mg/kg of body weight per oral, respectively, for 15 d. At the 16th day, rabbits in group II-VI were induced with paracetamol at a dose of 600 mg/kg of body weight per oral. At the 23rd day the animals were measured for their clinical biochemistry parameters and histological examination.Results: Paracetamol administration dose of 600 mg/kg of BW resulted in the elevation of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and ureum-N levels of the animals, particularly in group II which was treated only with paracetamol. Normal histology of the liver defines the clear shape of the terminal hepatic venule (THV)/central vein (CV) and sinusoids, whereas that of the kidney defines clear shape of the Bowman capsule and glomerulus shape. Qualitative histological examination of the liver showed that the THV/CV in all groups was normal, however in the paracetamol-treated group, the sinusoids were dilated, necrosis and mass apoptosis were detected. Dilated sinusoids were observed in the silymarin group and in the lower and medium doses of NSO groups. In the highest dose of NSO group the THV/CV and sinusoids were normal, but a local apoptosis and fat degeneration were detected. Qualitative histological examination of the kidney indicated that there was no abnormality of the glomerulus shape, however, mass apoptosis and local necrosis of the kidney were found in the paracetamol-treated group and the silymarin-treated group. The lowest dose of the NSO-treated group showed a normal shape of glomerulus and Bowman capsule, normal apoptosis. No necrosis was observed in the rabbit’s kidney. Higher doses of NSO groups indicated a normal glomerulus shape and Bowman capsule, mass apoptosis and local necrosis.Conclusion: In this study, Nigella sativa oil could maintain the normality of the THV/CV and sinusoids in the liver of paracetamol-induced New Zealand rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Normal glomerulus shape and Bowman capsule were also confirmed in the kidney of paracetamol-induced animals.


2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
F. Oluwafemi ◽  
P. Ojo ◽  
A. L. Kolapo ◽  
S. O. Oluwalana

Background: Nigella sativa oil (NSO) has been suggested for use in several food and pharmaceutical applications due to its bioactive contents. Objectives: The present study investigated the effects of 14 µl/g body weight dosage of NSO on body weight, gut microflora and liver function status (LFS) of albino wistar rats. Phytochemical analysis of NSO extract was done. Materials and Methods: Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups: 14 µl/g body weight of NSO was administered to group A while group B was given an equal volume of distilled water. Five rats provided baseline data for weight, the microbial counts and LFS in a 12-weeks experiment. At two weeks interval, five rats were sacrificed from each group and their intestinal contents were used for the microbial count (Viable, Coliform, E. coli, Staphylococci and Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)) assessment and the blood samples for LFS study. Results: Nigella sativa oil showed the presence of alkaloids (0.083 mg/g), flavonoids (0.302 mg/g), saponins (0.325 mg/g), terpenes (0.138 mg/g), steroids (0.152 mg/g), tannins (0.008 mg/g) and terpenoid (0.138 mg/g). In both groups, the weight of rats continued to increase from the onset of the study, but between 10th and 12th week, non-significant (p>0.05) weight reduction was observed from 191.72±3.23 g to 189.30±4.71 g in the treatment group. Baseline Viable, Coliform, E. coli, Staphylococci and LAB counts (x 106 CFU/g) were 160, 146, 55, 23, and 154 respectively. Sequel to intake of NSO for twelve weeks, the microbial counts (x 106 CFU/g) were respectively 49, 38, 27, 11, and 318. Blood samples also showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in LFS for Aspartate aminotransferase (78.48 to 60.06U/L), Alanine aminotransferase (30.80 to 18.54 U/L), Alkaline phosphatase (97.00 to 79.34U/L), and Bilirubin (0.52 to 0.20 U/L). Conclusion: Beneficial effects of NSO at the investigated dosage of 14 µl/g body weight has been demonstrated as no toxicological effect was observed.


2020 ◽  
pp. 114-124
Author(s):  
R Folarin ◽  
S Adefoluke ◽  
T Ogunwale ◽  
O Osinowo ◽  
A Ogunledun ◽  
...  

Background: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with pre-fronto-cortical (PFC) cognitive dysfunctions. Ethanol is a psychoactive agent and its foetal exposure is employed in the modelling of ADHD. Objective: To determine the curative roles of Nigella sativa in the PFC functions of mice induced with ADHD-like symptoms. Method: Twelve BALB/c mice pups each from four groups of dams were studied. Normal saline was administered to the control (CTRL) dams, ethanol to the ETH dams, Nigella Sativa to the NS dams, and Nigella sativa followed with ethanol to the NSE dams. Novel object recognition test was used to assess recognition memory in the pups 15 days after weaning. Histological illustration of PFC was conducted using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain. Results: ETH mice exhibited the least recognition memory while Nigella sativa prevented this deficit in NSE mice by eliciting much higher recognition memory. This indicates the neuroprotective role of Nigella sativa despite prenatal exposure. NS pups also had the highest weight gain, as well as the glutamate and Glutathione, peroxidase (GPX) levels, while raising these levels in the ETH-exposed mice which had the lowest levels, indicating a neurochemical potentiation. The results of the histological analysis showed the protective roles of Nigella sativa on the PFC neuronal densities. Conclusion: This study suggests the protective effects of Nigella sativa on the prefronto-cortical functions in mice ADHD model following maternal exposure to ethanol.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 171-175
Author(s):  
Ashraf A. ◽  
Hassan F. ◽  
Batool S. ◽  
Nadeem M. ◽  
Irshad M. ◽  
...  

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.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (9) ◽  
pp. 5474 ◽  
Author(s):  
Basant Mahmoud Morsy ◽  
Ghada Mohamed Safwat ◽  
Doaa Ahmed Hussein ◽  
Reem Mohamed Samy

Nigella sativa (NS), commonly known as black cumin, has been used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally the seeds and its oil are used in several diseases. The greatest part of the remedial properties of this plant is due to the presence of thymoquinone (TQ) which is a major active chemical component of the essential oil. The current study performed to evaluate the effect of Nigella sativa Oil (NSO) extract on the neurotoxic and hepatotoxic potentials from Valproic acid (VPA) administration. Also we summarize recent findings emphasizing the role of main neurotoxic and hepatotoxic markers and oxidative stress in study’s case. Neurotoxicity was induced by VPA at dose of (500 mg/kg b.wt) by gastric intubation daily for 30 day. These rats received NSO extract was given orally at dose of (0.5 ml/kg b.wt) daily for 30 days after VPA administration. The current results revealed that NSO extract treatment ameliorated significantly the elevated levels of the neurotoxic and hepatotoxic biomarkers which elevated as a result to VPA administration. Moreover, NSO extract treatment ameliorated the non-enzymatic antioxidant, brain and liver lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione (GSH) concentration and the enzymatic antioxidant, brain and liver catalase(CAT) activity.


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