Some biochemical and haematological effects of black seed (Nigella sativa) oil on T. brucei-infected rats

Abstract

The effect of black seed oil (Nigella sativa oil) on parasitaemia, some
serum and liver enzymes as well as some haematological parameters in
Trypanosoma brucei-infected rats was investigated. The results show
there was low parasitaemia and extension of life span of rats from 12
days of the infected untreated (control) rats to 22 days for the infected
black seed oil-treated rats. Results also show significant increases in
activities of serum alkaline phosphatase as well as glutamate
oxaloacetate and glutamate pyruvate transaminases with decreases in
the liver enzyme activities. Protein concentrations show significant
decreases in the serum and increases in the liver. There were also
significant increases in the haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, packed
cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and
platelet counts of infected oil-treated rats when compared with the
infected untreated. We suggest that black seed oil has trypanocidal
properties and probably stimulate the host immune system to control
parasite proliferation thereby making it a possible agent for managing
African sleeping sickness despite possible gradual damage to host
organs as shown by increases in some serum enzymes.
(Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 11: 79 - 85)

Key Words; Black seed oil, T. brucei, sleeping sickness, management