Evaluation of Cardioprotective Effect of Nigella Sativa Seed and Solanum Melongena Seed with Special Reference to Antioxidant Activity
Keywords:
Nigella sativa; Solanum melongena; Cardioprotection; Isoproterenol; Oxidative stress; Antioxidant activity; ECG; Lipid profile; Histopathology.Abstract
Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of global mortality, with oxidative stress–mediated myocardial injury being a major underlying mechanism. Isoproterenol (ISO), a synthetic β-adrenergic agonist, induces severe cardiotoxicity through excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation, and subsequent myocardial degeneration. Natural antioxidants from medicinal plants offer promising cardioprotective alternatives.
Objective: To evaluate the cardioprotective and antioxidant effects of ethanolic seed extracts of Nigella sativa (EENS) and Solanum melongena (EESM), individually and in combination, against ISO-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats.
Methods: Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into eight groups. Animals received EENS (200/400 mg/kg), EESM (200/400 mg/kg), their combination (100 mg/kg each), or Terminalia arjuna (standard) for 21 days. ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c.) was administered on days 20–21 to induce myocardial injury. Electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters, serum biomarkers (CK-MB, AST, ALT, LDH), lipid profile, antioxidant markers (LPO, GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx), and histopathology of heart tissue were assessed.
Results: ISO significantly elevated heart weight, disrupted ECG patterns, increased cardiac enzyme leakage, induced dyslipidemia, and caused severe oxidative stress with marked histological damage. Pretreatment with EENS and EESM significantly (p < 0.01–0.001) restored ECG parameters, reduced CK-MB and LDH, corrected lipid abnormalities, suppressed LPO, and enhanced antioxidant enzymes. The combination group showed greater improvement than individual extracts. Histopathological findings confirmed reduced myofibrillar degeneration and improved cardiac architecture in treated groups.
Conclusion: EENS and EESM exhibit potent cardioprotective and antioxidant activity against ISO-induced myocardial injury. Their combination provides synergistic protection comparable to T. arjuna, supporting their therapeutic potential in oxidative stress-mediated cardiovascular disorders.
