Effect of aqueous seed extract of <i>Nigella sativa</i> on some haematological values, lipid peroxidation and osmotic fragility changes in Alloxan induced diabetic rats.

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of extracts of on some haematological values, lipid peroxidation and osmotic fragility changes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Eighteen albino rats were divided into 3 experimental groups of six rats each; control, diabetic untreated, diabetic treated with aqueous extract of At the end of experimental period (Four weeks) animals in all the groups were fasted for 12 hours and blood samples were taken for the determination of red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb). In addition Malondialdehyde (MDA, marker of lipid peroxidation) and erythrocytes osmotic fragility test were carried out. In diabetic untreated rats, the PCV, RBC, Hb. were decreased, but application of the extract significantly increased the values (P<0.05, n=6). Similarly, treatment with aqueous extract of decreased the elevated Malondialdehyde level (P<0.05, n=6) of diabetic rats. The results also showed that extract significantly reduced the MCF from 0.68% to 0.50% (P<0.05 n=6). These findings suggest that extract might improve the diabetic-induced disturbances of some haematological parameters by decreasing the elevated lipid peroxides and susceptibility of red blood cell to haemolysis.

Keywords: Nigella sativa, Lipid peroxidation, Osmotic fragility, Haematological parameters, Malondialdehyd