Abstract:

The role of Nigella Sativa (NS) was investigated in the prevention of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis. Twenty seven adult wistar-albino rats were allocated into three groups (control, CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and hepatotoxicity and NS-treated) and after the treatment, rats were sacrified, blood samples were collected for determination of plasma aminotransferases, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. Mean plasma AST, ALT and MDA levels were found to be significantly higher in CCl4 induced hepatotoxic rats group than in the control group (p<0.05). Mean erythrocyte GSH-Px and SOD levels were found to be significantly lower in CCl4 induced group compared with the control group and levels of these parameters were found significantly increases after NS treatment. NS may be used in CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats to prevent lipid peroxidation, increase anti-oxidant defence system activity and also prevent liver damage.

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