Abstract

Black seed is a well-established herbal medicine that possesses intense anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Additionally, black seed is rich in polyphenolic compounds. The present study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of black seed powder supplementation on myocardial infarction, and fibrosis in the heart of isoprenaline (ISO) administered rats. Five equal groups of thirty-five matured Long Evans male rats were created. ISO was administered twice a week at a dose of 50 mg/kg S.C. for two weeks. Powdered black seed was mixed with ground food and provided every day for two weeks. After completing the treatment period, every rat was sacrificed, and blood and organs were collected. The blood plasma, heart, and kidney tissue homogenates were assayed to determine the level of various biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress indicators. Inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis were also assessed by histological staining. Increased concentrations of different indicators of oxidative stress including malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were seen in ISO-administered rats. Powdered black seed supplement decreased the MDA and NO level in ISO administered rats. Black seed-treatment in ISO-administered rats also improved the endogenous antioxidant catalase and SOD activities. Furthermore, treatment with black seed markedly ameliorated inflammatory cells infiltration; fibrosis in the heart and decreased myeloperoxidase (MPO) and CK-MB activity in plasma of ISO-administered rats. The finding of this study implies that treatment with black seed powder prevents oxidative stress in the kidneys and heart in ISO-administered rats. The protective effect may be exerted due to the antioxidant compounds present in black seed powder.