ABSTRACT
Plant tissue culture techniques had captured the attention of researchers in a wide range of scientific areas. The aim of the present investigation is to assess the potential antihypertensive and antioxidative effects of Nigella sativa seeds or biomass and Syzigium aromaticum buds extracts on L-NAME - induced hypertension in rats. In the present study, rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups, all groups except the normal control one were administered N[omega] -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L.NAME][50 mg/kg/day p.o] for two weeks. The treatment started after the first week of L-NAME administration; Nigella sativa seeds and biomass extracts were used in a dose of 400 mg/kg and Syzygium aromaticum extract was used in a dose of 100 mg/kg. Blood pressure [systolic, mean and diastolic] and oxidative stress biomarkers: serum LDH activity and nitric oxide level were measured. A significant increase in systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure was observed by administration of L-NAME, in addition to a significant increase in serum LDH activity and a significant decrease in serum nitric oxide level. Nigella sativa seeds or biomass and Syzigium aromaticum buds extracts normalized the increment in systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressure [p<0.05]. Furthermore, all the test agents reversed the elevated serum LDH level and increased serum nitric oxide level up to three fold. It could be concluded that Nigella sativa seeds and Syzigium aromaticum might have antihypertensive effect which may be mediated through antioxidant action and that the biomass of Nigella sativa may possess an active constituent possessing antihypertensive activity similar to that of the original plant