Protective effect of Nigella sativia seeds against dimethylaminoazobenzene (DAB) induced liver carcinogenesis

Liver cancer is one of the most common solid tumors worldwide. Extensive research was carried out to document the powerful properties of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) as an anti-tumor, bactericide, anticestode, antinematode, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-diabetic and diuretic with many other uses. Little is known about the Nigella sativa anti-tumor property in liver cancers, thus our current study was performed to investigate the protective role of Nigella sativa in DAB induced liver carcinogenesis. 140 male Albino mice weighing 40-50 gm divided into four groups. Group one was normal control group without treatment of any type. Group two was Nigella sativa treated control group. Group three was treated with DAB carcinogen. Group four was treated with both Nigella sativa and DAB. Biochemical investigations, flow cytometric analysis, and histopathological examination of the liver tissue were performed for all groups. The results showed that there was a significant change in the DNA content, histomorphology, and antioxidant enzymes in the liver tissues of the DAB treated group. These changes were restored to approximately the normal counterpart with Nigella sativa treatment. In addition, treatment with Nigella sativa only showed comparable results with control untreated groups on different levels. Collectively, these results give clear evidence that Nigella sativa lonely induce no harmful effects on the liver. Moreover, it exerts hepatoprotective effect against liver carcinogens. Antioxidant property is mediated its actions and investigating other underlying mechanisms merits further studies. [Nature and Science 2010;8(6):80-87]. (ISSN: 1545-0740).