Assessment of the use of Nigella sativa L seeds and seed oil on hypolipidemia, and other parameters in guinea pigs

ABSTRACT

Effects of Nigella sativa L. seeds and seed oil on gain in body weight, organs per body weight ratio, serum total lipid and total protein, the activities of serum transaminases [GOT and GPT], serum uric acid and urea were studied in six experiments using male guinea pigs fed a diet containing 0.5% cholesterol, 0.2% choline chloride and 10% corn oil. Feeding diets had a significant effect on serum total protein, albumin and globulin, while had no significant effect on the activities of serum transaminases [GOT and GPT], serum uric acid and urea of guinea pigs. Histopathological examination of the liver sections showed various stages of hepatoma including vacuolation, degeneration and diffuse areas of necrosis