Anti-ischemic Effect of Nigella sativa L. Seed in Male Rats

The anti-ischemic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Nigella sativa L. seed was studied using a four-vessel occlusion model in rats. The ischemia was evaluated by optical and transmission electron microscopy. After 20 min of forebrain ischemia, agents were administered intraperitoneally after reperfusion. Both extracts comprised an alkaloid. In ischemic rats, the aqueous (1 g/kg) and ethanolic (1.6 g/kg) extracts significantly reduced neural cell injuries in the CA1 and CA3 regions of rat hippocampus. The LD50 values (mice, i.p.) of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts were 1.69 g/kg and 2.25 g/kg, respectively. These results indicate that the N. sativa seed extracts could have a therapeutic effect against cerebral ischemia.