Effects of Nigella sativa L. and Urtica dioica L. on Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Enzyme Systems and Some Liver Enzymes in CCl₄‐Treated Rats

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effects Nigella sativa L. (NS) and Urtica dioica L. (UD) on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme systems and some liver enzymes in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats. A total of 60 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized in this study. The rats were randomly allotted into one of four experimental groups: A (CCl4-only treated), B (CCl4 + UD treated), C (CCl4 + NS treated) and D (CCl4 + UD + NS treated), each containing 15 animals. All groups received CCl4 [0.8 ml/kg of body weight, subcutaneously, twice a week for 90 days starting day 1]. In addition, B, C and D groups also received daily intraperitoneal injections of 0.2 ml/kg NS or/and 2 ml/kg UD oils for 45 days starting day 46. Group A, on the other hand, received only 2 ml/kg normal saline solution for 45 days starting day 46. Blood samples for the biochemical analysis were taken by cardiac puncture from five randomly chosen rats in each treatment group at beginning, at 45th and at 90th day of the experiment. The CCl4 treatment for 45 days increased the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and also decreased the antioxidant enzyme levels. NS or UD treatments (alone or combination) for 45 days starting day 46 decreased the elevated lipid peroxidation and liver enzyme levels and also increased the reduced antioxidant enzyme levels. Live weights of the rats decreased in group A, and increased in groups B, C and D. It is concluded that NS and UD decrease the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes, and increase the antioxidant defence system activity in the CCl4-treated rats.

Confirmatory studies on the antioxidant and antidiabetic effect of quercetin in rats

“…Vessal et al suggested that QE supplementation has proven to be beneficial in decreasing blood glucose concentration, promoting regeneration of the pancreatic islets and increasing insulin release in STZ-induced diabetic rats; thus exerting its beneficial antidiabetic effects (23). The role and usage of natural antioxidants for preventing oxidative damage in DM is on the increase (3,16). QE had no significant hypoglycemic effect on normoglycemic rats, but, antagonizing the raising in blood sugar induced by STZ treated rats and this effect might be secondary to its antioxidant activity.…”

Antioxidant Effects of <i>Nigella Sativa</i> in the Treatment of Experimentally Induced Rhinosinusitis

“…One of the potential properties of NS is the ability of one or more of its constituents to reduce toxicity due to its antioxidant activities. The majority of studies that have been performed to evaluate the different effects of NS have been confined to address its antitoxic properties [9,10,26,27]. In addition to this, many investigators have determined the antioxidant activities of NS in vivo [6][7][8].…”

Proliferation of the b -Cells of Pancreas in Diabetic Rats Treated with Urtica Dioica

“…Antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of U. dioica leaves have been established by several studies (Kanter et al, 2005;Cetinus et al, 2005;Mavi et al, 2004).…”

“…This herb is known for its anti-inflammationtory activity (Obertries et al, 1996;Riehemann et al, 1999). There have been also other reports indicating the benefits of using the extract of the leaves or other parts for the use in different conditions, i.e., diabetes (Kavalali et al, 2003;Román Ramos et al, 1992;Petleveski et al, 2003;Farzami et al, 2003) as well as other disorders like prostatic hyperplasia (Hirano et al, 1994;Lichius & Muth, 1997;Kayser et al, 1995), rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension and allergic rhinitis (Mittman, 1990), stimulation of human lymphocytes (Wagner et al, 1989) and decreasing the lipid peroxidation and liver enzymes (Kanter et al, 2003).…”