Harnessing the Hepatoprotective and Nephroprotective Potential of Nigella sativa Fractions via per os Administration...

Background:Nigella sativa, known as black cumin, is traditionally used to treat various illnesses. Objective: The current study aims to investigate the potential hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effect of black cumin fractions via per os route in CCl₄-intoxicated Wistar rats. This study used a computational approach to assess the interaction of bioactive compounds with key proteins (CYP P450 3E1, TNF-α, and Cox-2). Methods:Wistar rats were treated with CCl₄ to induce liver injury and with different Nigella sativa fractions (250 mg/Kg) or Sylimarin (50 mg/Kg). Liver and kidney functions were assessed through biochemical markers, hepatic glycogen, malondialdehyde levels, molecular docking, and ADMET analysis to evaluate drug-likeliness. Results: The results revealed that intoxication with CCl₄ induced an elevation in different liver and kidney biochemical parameters such as (ALT, AST, creatinine, urea...) indicating kidney and hepatic toxicity. However, treatment with different Nigella sativa fractions showed a significant improvement in animal body weight and significant amelioration of biochemical markers indicating a protective potential of these fractions against CCl₄-induced intoxication. Furthermore, the molecular docking approach demonstrated high binding affinity with the target proteins. Conclusions: These current findings shed light on the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa fractions as a promising protective agent of the liver and kidney against CCl₄ intoxication.