RESUMO
This study was designed to evaluate the prophylactic effect of Nigella sativa L. on lipid peroxidaton, antioxidant systems and liver function in carbon tetrachloridetreated rats. The rats were divided into five experimental groups: Control non-treated group, CCl[-4] intoxicated group, Nigella sativa oil+ CCl[4] group, Nigella sativa seeds + CCl[4] group and Antox + CCl[4] group. Antox was used as a reference antioxidant. All groups received CCl[4] [4 ml/Kg b.wt. in sunflower oil [1:1] Sc] as a first initial dose, then every 15 days [half dose of CCl[4]]. Nigella sativa oil [2ml/Kg b.wt./day by gavage], Nigella sativa crushed seeds [2g/100g diet] and Antox [45.22mg/Kg b.wt./day by gavage] were administered 14 days before Cd4 treatment and continued till the end of the experimental period [45 days].The CCl[4] treatment significantly increased lipid peroxide products [as measured by the concentration of plasma malondialdehyde, MDA,] erythrocyte Giutathione peroxidase [GSHPx] and liver transaminases [ALT and AST] coupled with significant decrease in whole blood Glutathione level [GSH], erythrocyte Superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn SOD] activity, total protein and albumin levels. The positive protective effect of the test plant or Antox against the deleterious effects of CCl[4] was indicated by a well marked inhibition in malondialdehyde production, regulation of the antioxidant system, decrease in liver transaminases and increase in total protein and albumin levels. The obtained data revealed that Nigella sativa crushed seeds displayed a potent antioxidant effect that super exceeds those recorded by either Antox or Nigella sativa oil