effect of Nigella sativa [black seed] on the B cell function of balb/C mice

ABSTRACT

The genus Nigella includes many species [N. sativa L., N. arensis L., N. assyriace Boiss., N. deserti Boiss., N. hispanica L., and N. damascena L., amongst which only N. sativa L. is known to be indogenous and grows well in different localities of Egypt. This species is known to have considerable therapeutic values. The immunological effect of this seed on the immune system was studied by testing the B cell function of BALB/C mice after their feeding on the seed for two weeks. The test was performed by the method of plaque assay using Cunningham and Szenberg slides. The results was so encouraging because it revealed a four fold increase in the mean number of plaques in mice fed on the seeds [80 plaques per 10 lymphocytes] while those not fed on the seeds [i.e.] control group showed only 20 plaques per 10 lymphocytes