Effect of nigella sativa seeds [black seeds] extract on some hematological and biochemical parameters in rats

ABSTRACT

The effect of two different doses of Nigella sativa seeds [N.S.S.] extract on some hematological and biochemical parameters was investigated in male rats. The animals were divided into 3 groups. The first group was injected with saline and kept as a control. The second group was injected with 0.4 ml N.S.S. extract/kg B.W. [low dose], while the third group received the high dose [0.8 ml N.S.S. oil/kg B.W.]. All the injections were performed S/C once daily for one week. The present study revealed that the low dose of N.S.S. extract caused a significant increase in the concentrations of Hb, PCV and in the percentage of lymphocytes. Although, there was a significant increase in the number of RBCs. While, the WBCs count and the percentage of neutrophils, acidophils, basophils and monocytes were not significantly changed. The high dose of N.S.S. extract did not induce significant changes in all the studied hematological parameters. With respect to the biochemical parameters, the results showed that the cholesterol level was highly significantly decreased in both treated groups. Total serum proteins and globulins were significantly decreased in both treated groups. Total serum proteins and globulins were significantly increased in the group treated with the low dose of N.S.S. extract, while those treated with high dose were not affected. The serum albumin and urea were nonsignificantly affected in both treated groups. The serum glucose was significantly decreased in rats injected by the low dose, whereas the high dose did not exert the same effect