Effect of Aqueous Seed Extract of Nigella sativa on Neurobehaviour in Lead Induced Neurotoxicity

• Z.M Bauchi

The manipulation of lead for many uses like the manufacturing of protective paints for iron and steel, explosives, rodenticide and batteries has led to lead contamination of air, dust and soil. It is considered as one of the most important environmental pollutants of both urban and semi urban areas. Nigella sativa is known to have protective effects on some ailments such as hypertension, diabetics, tumor and some neurological problems. Twenty-five adult Long Evans rat of weight range of 150g-200g were used in this study, the animals were randomly divided into five groups of 5 animals per group. Group I (control) was administered distilled water, group II were administered 1000mg/kg of aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa for 14 days, group III were administered 60mg/kg of lead acetate for 21 days, group IV were administered 60mg/kg of lead acetate for the period of 21 days and then aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa at 1000mg/kg using orogastric tube for the period of 14 days and group V were administered 60mg/kg of lead acetate for the period of 21 days and then aqueous seed extract of Nigella sativa at 500mg/kg of animals for the period of 14 days. Neurobehavioural testing using beam walking resulted in significant differences the group’s performances on the beam (p<0.05). It was observed that the extract of Nigella sativa decreased the time spent crossing the beam and also decreased the time spent on the platform. These results suggest that Nigella sativa administration alleviates the effects of lead induces neurotoxity in relation to neurobehaviour.

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