Protection of histomorphology of vital organs by methanolic seed extract of Nigella sativa against cadmium-induced tissue injuries in rats

Background: Chemical-induced organ injuries have been on a fast rise for decades and these injuries have become common causes of mortality and morbidity in the society. Edible plant materials with medicinal properties have been used for treating various diseases for many centuries in folk medicine. Recently, the role of food or medicinal plants in human health has received considerable attention. Traditional uses of N. sativa seed range from soothing wounds to remedying cough, eczema, diabetes, inflammation of the bronchi and tooth aches; and these point to substantial tissue effects. Objective: We investigated the protective effects of methanolic seed extract of Nigella sativa (MENS) against cadmium-induced histomorphological alterations in heart, kidney and liver tissues of albino rats. Methods: Twenty five (25) male albino rats, weighing (200±20g), were randomly grouped into five groups: A, B, C, D, and E. Group B (Negative Control) received intraperitoneal administration of cadmium chloride (CdCl2, 5mg/kg) only, group C received CdCl2 and low dose MENS (300mg/kg, oral), group D received CdCl2 and high dose MENS (600mg/kg, oral), and group E (Positive control) received CdCl2 and Vitamin C (200mg/kg, oral), for 14 days. Group A (Normal control) received no administration. Heart, kidney and liver were harvested for histopathological analyses. Results: Cadmium (CdCl2) induced significant histomorphological changes in the studied organs, and the heart was the most damaged of all the organs studied; however a significantly ameliorative effect by methanolic seed extracts was observed. Conclusion: Nigella sativa seed extract is potentially tissue-protective against harmful chemical toxins like cadmium.