Exploration of the antidepressant‐like effect of repeated administration of Nigella fixed oil in rats

Abstract

Due to the confirmation of the therapeutic properties of oils extracted from Nigella, and the constraints associated with antidepressant prescriptions, the reliance on phototherapy seems to be beneficial. The objective of the present paper is to investigate the behavioral effect of Nigella fixed oil, as well as exploring the histopathological impact on the structure of the hippocampus after exposure to the Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress procedure in rats. Animals were randomly divided into five groups of eight. The stress procedure used in this study combines many stressful situations. These situations were randomly assigned with a frequency of two stressors per day throughout the 5‐weeks. Behavioral evaluation of antidepressant activity was based on the forced swimming test and histological evaluation of the hippocampus of rats with optical microscopy. Treatment by nigella and fluoxetine significantly reduces the struggling time during the test day of the forced swim test. Histopathological analysis showed that control treatments result in more loosely arranged cells, significant apoptotic neurons characterized by an irregular appearance, and pyknotic hyperchromatic. As well as a reduction in the thickness of the pyramid layer compared to the groups treated with nigella and fluoxetine. The results demonstrated the effect of Nigella in the forced swimming test, as well as the improvement of the pyramidal cell organization and neuronal degeneration. These data seem to be consistent with other studies, in which the neuroprotective properties of nigella refer to thymoquinone.

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

“…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.…”