Nigella sativa can Cure Hepatotoxicity Caused by Pyrazinamide Administration; A Lead from Animal Experiment

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatoxicity is a well known adverse effect of pyrazinamide a commonly used anti tuberculous drug, with no certified remedy. Phytochemicals could be a possible avenue for hepatoprotection.

Aims & Objectives: To study the hepatoprotective effect of Nigella sativa in low and high doses on PZA induced liver injury in mice. P

lace and duration of study: The study was conducted from April 2017 to June 2017 at Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics & multidisciplinary research lab, Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi.

Material & Methods: Sixty white albino mice (male) were divided into four groups randomly. Group A served as control group. Oral Pyrazinamide 500mg/kg/5ml glucose saline suspension was administered for 6 weeks to Group B (hepatotoxic group) alone and to Groups C and D in combination with Nigella sativa in a low dose of 500mg/kg and high dose of 1000mg/kg respectively. The extent of hepatotoxicity was determined by measurement of serum ALT, ALP and GGT.

Results: PZA alone resulted in markedly elevated ALT, ALP and GGT (82.8, 319.1 and 37 U/L respectively) as compared to control group i.e (ALT=27.4U/L, ALP=96.4U/L, GGT=9.3U/L). In groups C and D a non-significant increase of biochemical markers i.e, (ALT=38.4±7.89U/L, ALP 185±39.74, GGT24.1±5.89 U/L) and (ALT=36.7U/L, ALP=93.5U/L, GGT=15.8U/L) respectively.

Conclusion: Nigella sativa has hepatoprotective effects against PZA induced liver injury in both low and high doses.