PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF NIGELLA SATIVA L. SEEDS EXTRACT ON REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY INDUCED BY FLUORIDE, ALUMINIUM AND THEIR COMBINATION IN SWISS ALBINO MALE MICE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible role of Nigella sativa L. seeds extract on fluoride, aluminum and their combination induced reproductive toxicity in Swiss albino male mice. Nigella sativa L. known as black seeds is used as a form of traditional medicinal plant. Fluoride and aluminum are omnipresent metals and are tremendously used in industries, pharmaceuticals, and food additives. The combination study was planned as the two metals co-exist in the environment. The exposure of the combination of metals may cause a hazardous effect on different systems of the body, especially the male reproductive system. The experimental design of the study consisted of different groups. Group 1: control, Group 2: NaF treated (10 mg/kg), Group 3: NS with NaF treated (300 mg/kg + 10 mg/kg), Group 4: AlCl₃ treated (100 mg/kg), Group 5: Nigella sativa with AlCl₃ treated (300 mg/kg + 100 mg/kg), Group 6: NaF + AlCl₃ treated (5 mg/kg + 50 mg/kg), Group 7: Nigella sativa with NaF + AlCl₃ treated (300 mg/kg + 5 mg/kg + 50 mg/kg). Various antioxidant and biochemical parameters on the testis and epididymis were studied after 45 and 60 days of exposure. The results revealed that fluoride, aluminum, and their combination treatment induced a significant decline in the body weight and organ weight, GSH, SOD, CAT levels, and a significant increase in the activity of TBARS level in the testis and epididymis of mice. Cholesterol and glycogen levels significantly increased, and a significant decline in the levels of protein, phosphorylase, and sialic acid as compared to the values of control mice was observed. Treatment with ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds resulted in amelioration of reproductive toxicity induced by fluoride and aluminum, indicating its therapeutic potential.