Histopathological and Biochemical evaluations of the antidotal efficacy of Nigella sativa oil on organophosphate induced hepato-toxicity

Objective: The study was designed to investigate the effects of continuous exposure of dichlorvos (DDVP) on hepatic function and hepatic histomorphology, with the possible antidotal efficacy of Nigella sativa oil (NSO).Methods: Twenty four Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, with each group comprising of six rats. The groups were labelled as Sunflower oil (SFO), DDVP, DDVP+NSO and NSO. After 14 days of treatments, blood samples were collected, centrifuged and levels of ALP (Alkaline phosphatase), ALT (Alanine aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) and GGT (γ-glutamyl-transferase) concentrations were estimated in the serum. The livers were removed and prepared for histopathological examinations and evaluation.Results: The findings of the study shows significant increase in the serum concentration of ALT, ALP, AST and GGT with a marked distortion in the hepatic architecture in rats administered with DDVP. However, Nigella sativa oil (NSO) was observed to ameliorate the levels of impairment in the assessed hepatic function parameters and relatively restoration in the hepatic architecture in DDVP+NSO treated animals when compared to the control and group administered with DDVPonly.Conclusion: The study concludes that impaired liver functions and histomorphological tissue distortions observed in the experimental rats following DDVP exposure were ameliorated following theadministration of NSO.Keywords: Nigella sativa, dichlorvos, antidotal effect, hepatotoxicity, liver function tes