Pharmacology and Ethnopharmacology

Statement of the Problem: The lithium-pilocarpine model of Status Epilepticus (SE) is most suitable and is frequently used for pathophysiological and management strategies in search of new, safe and effective therapeutic agents for SE. Recent studies have shown a significant potential of the pharmacological, prophylactic and therapeutic use of Nigella sativa (habba sauda) seed extract (NSE) for many beneficial activities in the body including neuroprotection from neurodegenerative diseases and have antioxidant property. Methodology: In the present study we investigated the effects of NSE on intensity and frequency of SE, cognitive behavioral dysfunction, hippocampal oxidative stress and histological abnormalities in the hippocampus of animals induced with SE by lithium (Li) in 3mgEq/ml/kg dose, i.e. followed 20h later by pilocarpine (Pc) in 20mg/ml/kg dose, s.c. NSE was administered intraperitoneally at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/mL/kg, 30 minutes before Pc injection. Mortality (if any) within 24 hours was also recorded. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethics committee review board of the college, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Results: Treatment with NSE significantly ameliorated the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures in a dose-dependent manner. The cognitive dysfunctions were improved, hippocampal oxidative stress was ameliorated and neuronal cell loss and sprouting of mossy fibers in the hippocampus were also attenuated significantly and dose-dependently by NSE. Conclusion and Significance: Possibly, therapeutic application of Nigella sativa seed as an antiepileptic and as an antioxidant for the treatment of SE has a great potential and warrants further studies.