Evaluation of the Antidepressant-like Effect of Chronic Administration of Nigella Fixed Oil Versus Fluoxetine in Rats

Abstract

Background: Depression is a group of syndromes characterized by notable and persistent mood disorders, and is one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, while the existing treatments have an altered risk-benefit balance. The therapeutic properties of Nigella have been confirmed, suggesting the reliance on phytotherapy. The objective of the present paper is to investigate the antidepressive-like effect of Nigella sativa on rats exposed to the Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress procedure. Methods: Wistar rats were used to investigate the antidepressive-like effect. The stress procedure used in this study combined many stressful conditions. After 6 weeks of treatment, behavioral test (forced swim test) was conducted, and histological changes of the hippocampus were examined. Results: Treatment by nigella and fluoxetine significantly reduced the struggling time. Conclusion: Histopathological analysis showed that control treatments result in more loosely arranged cells, significant apoptotic neurons characterized by an irregular appearance, and pyknotic hyperchromatic. A reduction of the thickness of the pyramid layer was also observed in the groups treated with nigella and fluoxetine, suggesting that nigella could be used as a treatment or an adjuvant preventing depressive-like disorders.

Chronic Treatment with Nigella sativa Oil Exerts Antimanic Properties and Reduces Brain Inflammation in Rats

“…In the present study, we found that chronic treatment with NS significantly increased sucrose consumption in male and female naïve rats (Figure 2), which is suggestive of a potent hedonic-like effect. Together with the results of previous studies in animals [9,11,61,62,95], our findings further strengthen the pro-hedonic/antidepressant potential of NS treatment. A strong testimony to the antidepressant potential of NS came from a randomized clinical trial of patients with depression [96].…”

“…Previous studies that investigated the behavioral effects of NS in animal models mainly focused on its antidepressant and anxiolytic potential revealing positive therapeutic outcomes [9,11,61,62,95]. In the present study, we found that chronic treatment with NS significantly increased sucrose consumption in male and female naïve rats (Figure 2), which is suggestive of a potent hedonic-like effect.…”

“…Thus, the effect of the NS treatment on sucrose consumption reflects a hedonic-like effect rather than an antidepressant-like effect. However, it is imperative to emphasize in this regard that the primary objective of the present study was to investigate the antimanic-like effect of NS, and not its antidepressant capacity, because the latter has been extensively studied in the past [9,11,61,62,95].…”

“…Additionally, thymoquinone has neuroprotective effects against epilepsy, parkinsonism, and anxiety, and improved learning and memory [59]. Furthermore, thymoquinone has exhibited beneficial behavioral effects in rodents [11,[60][61][62]. For example, Kadil et al [60,61] demonstrated an NS treatment that resulted in a significant antidepressant-like effect in rats exposed to an unpredictable chronic mild stress procedure.…”

“…Furthermore, thymoquinone has exhibited beneficial behavioral effects in rodents [11,[60][61][62]. For example, Kadil et al [60,61] demonstrated an NS treatment that resulted in a significant antidepressant-like effect in rats exposed to an unpredictable chronic mild stress procedure.…”