The effect of dietary supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seeds) mediates immunological function in male Wistar rats

Abstract

This experiment aimed to investigate the effect of dietary Nigella sativa on the cell-mediated immune response. Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided equally into a control group and treated groups that received black seeds at rates of 30 and 50 g/kg in the diet (Sa30 and Sa50 groups, respectively, for 30 days. The weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and cell-mediated immune response were monitored after the injection of 0.1 mL of 10% phytohemagglutinin (PHA). The intumesce index, serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), interleukin-12 (IL-12), gamma interferon (γ-IF) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were determined. Histopathological examination and an immunohistochemistry analysis of splenic caspase-3 and CD8 were performed. Nigella sativa significantly improved the weight gain and FCR. Intumesce index of Sa50 group was significantly increased. Nigella sativa significantly increased TAC, CAT, IL-12, γ-IF and TNF-α. A histological examination of PHA-stimulated foot pads showed increased leukocyte infiltration and edema in a dose-dependent pattern. Splenic caspase-3 and CD8 showed significant decreases and increases, respectively, in the Sa30 and Sa50 groups. The results indicate that Nigella sativa seeds exhibit immunostimulatory function through their antioxidant potential, induction of cytokine production, promotion of CD8 expression and reduction of splenic apoptosis.

Nigella sativa Extract Potentially Inhibited Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Induced Infection in Rabbits: Potential Immunomodulatory and Growth Promoting Properties

“…In a comparable study, feeding of rabbits on diets containing black cumin seed greatly modulated their immune responses [ 59 ]. Similarly, dietary supplementation with N. sativa in male Wistar rats mediated immunological function [ 60 ]. These observations might explain the anti-inflammatory activity of black cumin [ 54 ].…”

Nigella sativa L. Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activities: A Review (2019–2021)

“…A study carried out by Mahmoud et al, 2021 [ 29 ] demonstrated a high antiradical scavenging activity of NS seeds which was attributed to the high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. A study by Bocsan et al, 2021 [ 30 ], indicated that the NS oil has a high antiradical scavenging activity when tested against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical.…”

“…The supplementation of rats with NS seeds was able to cause an increase in catalase (CAT) activity and the total antioxidant activity in comparison with the control [ 29 ] ( Figure 6 ). In a clinical study, the antioxidant activity tested in vivo on healthy subjects by a daily administration of the aqueous extract (200–250 mL) during five days indicated a non-significant decrease on the sixth day of the MDA, and a non-significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), while a significant increase of the erythrocyte glutathione GSH was noticed [ 31 ] ( Table 1 ).…”

A Simplified Literature-Based Review: Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Safety Profile, Nutritional Value and Traditional Therapeutic Effects of Nigella Sativa L. In Unani System of Medicine

“…Leaves are 2-3 in number, linear, pinnatisect (2.5-5 cm) and has tapering root; the flowers are white, yellow, pale blue color, with 5-10 petals on single long peduncle; sepals are acute, ovate, and clawed. A fruit capsule composed of united follicles (3)(4)(5)(6)(7), each including black seeds (0.2 cm x 0.1 cm) which are dicotyledonous, angular, trigonous, rigose, flattened, oblong, funnel shaped, tubercular having rough testa of white kernel; Seeds produce lemon like slightly aromatic odor when crushed and bitter in taste. The seed coat is rough, thin measuring about 0.3 mm thick.…”