Amelioration of Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Induced Gastropathy by Nigella sativa Oil- An Experimental Study

Aims: To evaluate the protective effect of Nigella sativa oil against Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug induced gastropathy.

Methodology: Thirty wistar albino rats (15-200 gm) of either sex were divided into five groups each containing six animals. Group I & II were administered distilled water 0.5 ml daily p.o for 5 days, Group III was administered distilled water 0.5 ml daily p.o for 5 days and ranitidine 30 mg/kg p.o on 5th day and group IV & V were test groups, administered with Nigella sativa oil (NSO) at a dose of 1 & 2 ml/kg/day p.o respectively for 5 days. Except group I all groups were fasted for 36 hrs and on 5th day 1 hour after the last dose of ranitidine or test drug administration, aspirin 400 mg/kg p.o was administered in fasted rats. 5 hrs after aspirin administration the rats were sacrificed and gastric contents were analysed for pH and acid output while the stomach was taken out for ulcer index calculation and histological examination.

Results: Aspirin caused marked gastric damage evidenced in group II which was prevented by ranitidine as well as Nigella sativa oil (NSO). Among the test groups the protection was in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusion: Nigella sativa oil (NSO) showed a dose dependent protective effect against aspirin induced gastropathy.