Nigella sativaL. Seed Extract Modulates the Neurotransmitter Amino Acids Release in Cultured NeuronsIn Vitro

Abstract

Nigella sativa L. (NS) has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxicity of NS dry methanolic extract on cultured cortical neurons and its influence on neurotransmitter release, as well as the presence of excitatory (glutamate and aspartate) and inhibitory amino acids (gamma-aminobutyric acid—GABA—and glycine) in NS extract. Cultured rat cortical neurons were exposed to different times and concentrations of NS dry methanolic extract and cell viability was then determined by a quantitative colorimetric method. NS did not induce any toxicity. The secretion of different amino acids was studied in primary cultured cortical neurons by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a derivation before injection with dansyl chloride. NS modulated amino acid release in cultured neurons; GABA was significantly increased whereas secretion of glutamate, aspartate, and glycine were decreased. The in vitro findings support the hypothesis that the sedative and depressive effects of NS observed in vivo could be based on changes of inhibitory/excitatory amino acids levels.

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“…The methanolic extract of NS modulated the neuronal release of amino acid neurotransmitters including GABA, glycine, aspartate, and glutamate at the synaptic terminals on cultured cortical neurons 139 . The sedative and depressive effects of NS could be based on changes of inhibitory/ excitatory amino acids levels.…”

“…NS dry methanolic extract modulated amino acid release in primary cultured cortical neurons; GABA was significantly increased whereas secretion of glutamate, aspartate, and glycine was diminished. The sedative effect of the methanolic extract was due to the release of GABA and glycine in the cultured neuron medium, and therefore, exerted an increase in the agonist action over their receptors 139 . Al-Naggar et al, 140 studied the effects of aqueous and methanolic extract of NS on the central nervous system (CNS) in mice.…”

“…It appears to have therapeutic potential in opioid tolerance and dependence through blockade of NO overproduction and oxidative/nitrosative stress induced by morphine 148 . Interaction of NS with the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, glutamate, acetylcholine, GABA, histamine, and NO on the rewarding properties of morphine has been reported 139,148 . The aqueous extract of NS suppressed penicillin-induced epileptic activity in rats.…”

A review on therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa (kalonji) seeds

“…There was increased in GABA activity while secretion of glutamate, aspartate and glycine was found to decrease. All the results represented the sedative and depressive effects of N. sativa seed extract (Tarek et al, 2010). Repeated administration of N. sativa was also found to decrease the turnover of 5HT and produces anxiolytics activity (Perveen et al, 2009).…”

Evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of volatile oil extract of Nigella sativa seeds by chemically induced seizure model in albino rats

“…Its seeds have played an important role over the years in ancient Islamic system of herbal medicine and in Spain, where they have been traditionally used in folk medicine. 9 Among Muslims, it is considered as one of the greatest healing medicine available, as it was mentioned in one of the Prophetic Hadith that the black seed is the remedy for all diseases except death.…”