Background:
Depression is a group of syndromes characterized by notable and persistent mood disorders, and is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, while the existing treatments have an altered risk-benefit balance. The therapeutic properties of Nigella have been confirmed, suggesting the reliance on phytotherapy. The objective of the present paper is to investigate
the antidepressive-like effect of Nigella sativa on rats exposed to the Unpredictable Chronic Mild
Stress procedure.
Methods:
Wistar rats were used to investigate the antidepressive-like effect. The stress procedure
used in this study combined many stressful conditions. After 6 weeks of treatment, behavioral test
(forced swim test) was conducted, and histological changes of the hippocampus were examined.
Results:
Treatment by nigella and fluoxetine significantly reduced the struggling time.
Conclusion:
Histopathological analysis showed that control treatments result in more loosely arranged cells, significant apoptotic neurons characterized by an irregular appearance, and pyknotic
hyperchromatic. A reduction of the thickness of the pyramid layer was also observed in the groups
treated with nigella and fluoxetine, suggesting that nigella could be used as a treatment or an adjuvant preventing depressive-like disorders.