Effect of Nigella Sativa Extract on Renal Functions in Amphotericin B Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

Introduction: Amphotericin B is considered as one of the most effective antifungal drugs presently used to treat systemic fungal infections; however, nephrotoxicity remains the major side effect. The current study is therefore, designed to determine Amphotericin B induced nephrotoxicity and its prevention by administration of Nigella sativa (NS) extract in albino mice. Materials and Methods: Thirty two albino mice, 6 – 8 weeks of age, 30 ± 5 gm body wt, were randomized into four groups of eight mice each. Group A (control) was injected 3.7 ml/kg of 5% dextrose solution intraperitoneally daily for 7 days. Group B was treated with Amphotericin B (18.5 mg/kg dissolved in 3.7ml of 5% dextrose solution) intraperitoneally daily for 7 days. Group C received Amphotericin B (18.5 mg/kg dissolved in 3.7ml of 5% dextrose solution) intraperitoneally along with Extract of Nigella sativa (500 mg/kg) orally daily for 7 days. Group D received Amphotericin B (18.5 mg/kg dissolved in 3.7 ml of 5% dextrose solution) intraperitoneally for initial 7 days; after completing the injection regimen, extract of Nigella sativa 500 mg/kg was given orally daily for next 7 days. At the end of the experiment, cardiac puncture was performed to draw blood from each animal for renal function tests. Results and Conclusions: Nigella sativa when co-administered with Amphotericin B significantly contained serum urea and serum creatinine levels (p < 0.001) implying thereby that Amphotericin B induced nephrotoxicity was significantly reduced. However, when Nigella sativa extract was given after Amphotericin B, the toxic effects of the drug persisted unabated thus indicating that Nigella sativa protects but do not ameliorates the toxic effects of the drug.