The in vitro effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds on nitric oxide production

Abstract

The in vitro effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds on nitric oxide (NO) production by murine macrophages was studied. Murine peritoneal macrophages were pre-incubated with the extract and then activated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharride. NO production was measured after 24 hours by spectrophotometry. The plant extract caused a dose-dependent decrease in NO production. Dialyzed preparation of the extract did not affect NO production. However, the boiled fraction of the extract resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of NO apparently comparable to that of the whole extract. These results indicate that the aqueous extract of N. sativa seeds exhibits an inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production by murine macrophages and the active component(s) is/are non-protein in nature. In view of the fact that nitric oxide is a pro-inflammatory mediator, this study validates the traditional use of the Nigella sativa seeds for the treatment of rheumatism.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential ofTerminalia chebula. Fruits Studied in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

“…Our results are consistent with the results of Wolff (1993), ElMissiry and El-Gindy (2000), and Mahmood et al (2003) who reported an increase in lipid peroxides and a decrease in antioxidant enzymes in diabetes mellitus. Schettelar et al (1994) suggested that the reduced antioxidant production was due to increased oxygen metabolites causing a decrease in the activity of the antioxidant defense system.…”

Traditional herbal medicines used in neonates and infants less than six months old in Lagos Nigeria

“…The antimalarial activity may be due to the antioxidant effect of its alkaloids. It has been postulated that its antioxidant components might inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages which will lead to increased degradation of tryptophan and thereby starve the parasite of an essential amino acid leading to its death 49,50 . Different extracts of enanthiachloranthia have also been reported to exert antimicrobial activities including antibacterial 51,52 However, the use of these herbs in the very young are of major concern.…”

Light and Electron Microscopic Study on the Possible Protective Effect of Nigella Sativa Oil on Cisplatin Hepatotoxicity in Albino Rats

“…Mahmood et al [41] stated that the aqueous extract of NS seeds exhibited an inhibitory effect on nitric oxide production by murine macrophages. Many studies have revealed that the modulation of the balance between nitric oxide (NO) production and lipid peroxidation products might play a major role in the increase of drug-induced cytotoxic effect [42,43] .…”