Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Aqueous Seed Extract of Nigella Sativa in Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy Administered Rats
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Date
2014-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Liver is a metabolically active organ responsible for many vital life functions. It performs
many activities that are critical for survival. Due to its important activities, the liver is exposed to a
number of insults and is one of the body's organs most subject to injury. Although antiretroviral drugs
have significantly improved morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected patients, these benefits are
compromised by numerous side effects, adverse clinical events and toxicities. The most common and
troublesome toxicity of antiretroviral drugs is hepatotoxicity. In spite of tremendous advances in modern
medicine, there are hardly any reliable drugs that protect the liver from damage and/or help in
regeneration of hepatic cell. It is, therefore, necessary to search for effective and safe herbal drugs for the
treatment of liver disease to replace currently used drugs of doubtful efficacy and safety.
Aim of the study: to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seed in
highly active antiretroviral therapy (Lamivudine, Zidovudine and Efavirenz) administered rats.
Materials and Methods: thirty six rats weighed between 150-200g were randomly divided into six
groups and each group comprised of six rats. Rats in group I were administered with distilled water. Rats
in group II were administered with highly active antiretroviral therapy only. Rats in groups III - VI were
administered 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg N. sativa plus highly active antiretroviral therapy respectively.
The treatments were given orally for 28 consecutive days. On the 29th day, all rats were sacrificed under
light diethyl ether anaesthesia; blood samples were collected for the assessment of biochemical
parameters, while liver tissue was used for histopathological assessment.
Results: Serum levels of liver enzymes ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT were significantly (p<0.05) increased
and albumin concentration was significantly decreased in animals treated with highly active antiretroviral
therapy as compared to the normal control. Histopathological observations also revealed severe damage in
the structure of liver tissue in animals administered with highly active antiretroviral therapy. Treatment of
highly active antiretroviral therapy exposed animals with N. sativa showed marked improvement in both
biochemical and histopathological findings. Rise in liver enzymes was almost restored to normal in
animals treated with N. sativa.
Conclusion: N. sativa through its antioxidant activity effectively protects highly active antiretroviral
therapy induced liver toxicity.
Key Words: HAART, Nigella sativa, Liver enzymes, hepatoprotective
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Keywords
Haart; Nigella Sativa; Liver Enzymes; Hepatoprotective