Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101Renal injury, nephrolithiasis and Nigella sativa: A mini review18602010.22038/ajp.2016.6020ENParichehr HayatdavoudiNeurocognitive research center & department of physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAbolfazl Khajavi RadNeurogenic inflammation research center & department of physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-7046-1134Ziba RajaeiDepartment of physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranMousa AL-Reza HadjzadehNeurocognitive research center & department of physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0003-0086-6472Journal Article20150510Objective: The incidence and prevalence of kidney stone is increasing worldwide. After the first recurrence the risk of subsequent relapses is higher and the time period between relapses is shortened. Urinary stones can be severely painful and make a huge economic burden. The stone disease may increase the vulnerability of patients to other diseases such as renal failure. Medicinal herbs are rich sources of antioxidants which are increasingly consumed globally for their safety, efficacy and low price. <em>Nigella sativa</em> is a spice plant that is widely used for prevention and treatment of many ailments in Muslim countries and worldwide. This review aims at investigation of the effects of <em>Nigella sativa</em> on renal injury and stone formation. <br/>Materials and Method: The scientific resources including PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar were searched using key words such as: nephrolithiasis, urolithiasis, kidney/renal stone, renal injury, renal failure, urinary retention and black seed, black cumin, <em>Nigella sativa</em> and thymoquinone. <br/>Results: <em>N. sativa</em> and its main component, thymoquinone showed positive effects in prevention or curing kidney stones and renal failure through various mechanism such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-eicosanoid and immunomodulatory effects. The putative candidate in many cases has been claimed to be thymoquinone but it seems that at least in part, particularly in kidney stones, the herbal melanin plays a role which requires further investigation to prove. <br/>Conclusion: <em>N. sativa</em> and its components are beneficial in prevention and curing of renal diseases including nephrolithiasis and renal damages.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101Gastrointestinal effects of Nigella sativa and its main constituent, thymoquinone: a review920469510.22038/ajp.2016.4695ENFarzaneh ShakeriNeurogenic Inflammation Research Centre and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran0000-0002-5063-5018Zahra GholamnezhadNeurogenic Inflammation Research Centre and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, IranBruno MégarbaneDepartment of Medical and Toxicological Critical Care, Paris-Diderot University, INSERM U1144, Paris, FranceRamin RezaeeDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, IranMohammad Hosein BoskabadyNeurogenic Inflammation Research Centre and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran0000-0001-5736-9755Journal Article20150516Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases affect a large number of people all over the world. Uncontrolled acid secretion and occurrence of gastric ulcers are common disorders of GI tract which pose serious problems to human health. Many synthetic drugs have been used to treat GI disorders but a definite cure has not been discovered so far and the available medications cause several side effects. <br/><em>Nigella sativa </em>(<em>N. sativa</em>) (Ranunculacea) has several therapeutic effects which are attributed to its constituents like nigellicine, nigellidine, thymoquinone, dithymoquinone, thymol and carvacrol. Several beneficial pharmacological properties of this plant such as anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-histaminic, anti-hypertensive, hypoglycemic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects were reported and different therapeutic properties such as reliving bronchial asthma, jaundice, hydrophobia, paralysis, conjunctivitis, piles, skin diseases, anorexia, headache, dysentery, infections, obesity, back pain, hypertension and gastrointestinal problems, have been described for the seeds of <em>N. sativa</em> and its oil. <br/>The present review provides a detailed summery of scientific researches regarding gastrointestinal effect of <em>N. sativa</em> and its main constituent, thymoquinone.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101A review on the inhibitory potential of Nigella sativa against pathogenic and toxigenic fungi2133619010.22038/ajp.2016.6190ENHojjatollah ShokriFaculty of Veterinary Medicine, Amol University of Special Modern Technologies, Amol, IranJournal Article20150227<em>Nigella sativa</em> (<em>N. sativa</em>) grows in various parts of the world, particularly in Iran. It has been traditionally used as a folk remedy to treat a number of diseases. The seeds of this plant contain moisture, proteins, carbohydrates, crude fiber, alkaloids, saponins, ash, fixed oils and essential oil. The major components of the essential oil are thymoquinone, p-cymene, trans-anethole, 2-methyl-5(1-methyl ethyl)-Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-en and γ-terpinene. So far, several pharmacological effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-microbial have been reported for <em>N. sativa</em> or its active compounds. Thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone and thymol are the most active constituents which have different beneficial properties. The oil, extracts and some of <em>N. sativa</em> active components possessed moderate <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> inhibitory activity against pathogenic yeasts, dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic filamentous fungi and aflatoxin-producing fungi. The main morphological changes of pathogenic and toxigenic fungi treated with <em>N. sativa</em> oil were observed in the cell wall, plasma membrane and membranous organelles, particularly in the nuclei and mitochondria. Although this review represents first step in the search for a new anti-fungal drug, the full potential of <em>N. sativa </em>as a fungitoxic agent has not been exploited and necessitates further investigations.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101Effects of Nigella sativa oil extract on inflammatory cytokine response and oxidative stress status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial3443391010.22038/ajp.2016.3910ENVahid HadiDepartment of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran0000-0003-3541-1111Sorayya KheirouriDepartment of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranMohammad AlizadehDepartment of Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranAlireza KhabbaziDepartment of Internal Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranHossein HosseiniDepartment of Agriculture, Barij Essence Pharmaceutical Company, Kashan, IranJournal Article20140922Objectives:<em> Nigella sativa</em> is a medicinal plant that has long been used in traditional medicine for treating various conditions. Numerous animal studies provided evidences that the seed may elicit a broad anti-inflammatory/anti-oxidant activity. The aim of the present clinical trial was to evaluate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of <em>Nigella sativa</em> oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). <br/>Materials and Methods: Forty-two patients with RA were assigned into two groups in this randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects in intervention group received two capsules, 500 mg each, of <em>Nigella sativa</em> oil, each day for 8 weeks. The other group consumed two capsules as placebo per day for the same period of time. Serum TNF-α, IL-10, and whole blood levels of oxidative stress parameters were measured at baseline and end of the trial. <br/>Results: The serum level of IL-10 was increased in the <em>Nigella sativa</em> group (p<0.01). Moreover, treatment with <em>Nigella sativa</em> led to significant reduction of serum MDA and NO compared with baseline (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the TNF-α, SOD, catalase, and TAS values between or within the groups, before and after the intervention (p>0.05). <br/>Conclusions: This study indicates that <em>Nigella sativa</em> could improve inflammation and reduce oxidative stress in patients with RA. It is suggested that <em>Nigella sativa</em> may be a beneficial adjunct therapy in this population of patientsMashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101The protective effect of Nigella sativa against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats4454404610.22038/ajp.2016.4046ENSara HosseinianDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.0000-0001-5082-7725Abolfazl Khajavi RadNeurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.0000-0001-7046-1134Mousa-Al-Reza HadjzadehNeurocognitive Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.0000-0003-0086-6472Nema Mohamadian RoshanDepartmant of Pathology, Qaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Shahrzad HavakhahDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Somayeh ShafieeDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Journal Article20141102Objective: The clinical use of cisplatin is highly restricted, because of its nephrotoxicity.In this study the protective effect of <em>Nigella sativa</em> (<em>N. sativa</em>) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was investigated in rats. <br/>Materials and Methods: In the current study, the effects of the administration of aqueous-ethanolic extract of <em>N. sativa </em>(100 and 200 mg/kg, BW) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg, BW) against blood and urine biochemical alterations and kidney function in rats treated with cisplatin were investigated. Cisplatin was injected at a dose of 6 mg/kg, BW, on the sixth day of the experiment. <br/>Results: The results indicated significant changes in serum urea and creatinine concentration, urine glucose concentration, and urine output in cisplatin group compared with control group. Serum urea and creatinine concentration in preventive and preventive+treatment vitamin E and preventive+treatment <em>N. sativa</em> (200 mg/kg, BW) groups and also serum creatinine concentration in preventive+treatment <em>N. sativa</em> (100 mg/kg, BW) group significantly decreased compared with cisplatin group. Urine glucose concentration in preventive and preventive+treatment <em>N. sativa</em> groups and urine output in preventive and preventive+treatment <em>N. sativa</em> (200 mg/kg, BW) groups significantly decreased compared with cisplatin group.Osmolarity excretion rate in preventive and preventive+treatment vitamin E and preventive <em>N. sativa</em> groups was significantly higher than control group. <br/>Conclusions: The current study suggests that <em>N. sativa</em> extract and vitamin E in a dose- and time-dependent manner improved the serum and urine biochemical parameters and kidney function in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. However, it needs more investigations to determine the mechanism of <em>N. sativa</em> action on cisplatin-induced kidney toxicity.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101Attenuation of morphine tolerance and dependence by thymoquinone in mice5566440210.22038/ajp.2016.4402ENHossein HosseinzadehPharmaceutical Research Center, Department of Pharmacodynamy and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.0000-0002-3483-851XSiavash ParvardehDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Alireza MasoudiDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Mahsa MoghimiDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Fatemeh MahboobifardDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.Journal Article20141101Objectives: Dependence and tolerance are major restricting factors in the clinical use of opioid analgesics. In the present study, the effects of thymoquinone, the major constituent of <em>Nigella sativa</em> seeds, on morphine dependence and tolerance were investigated in mice. <br/>Materials and Methods: Male adult NMRI mice were made tolerant and dependent by repeated injections of morphine (50, 50, and 75 mg/kg, i.p. on 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m., respectively) during a 3-day administration schedule. The hot-plate test was used to assess tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine. Naloxone (2 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected to precipitate withdrawal syndrome in order to assess the morphine dependence. To evaluate the effects of thymoquinone on tolerance and dependence to morphine, different single or repeated doses of thymoquinone were administered in mice. Rotarod was used to assess the motor coordination. <br/>Results: Administration of single or repeated doses of thymoquinone (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased the number of jumps in morphine dependent animals. Repeated administration of thymoquinone (20 and 40 mg/kg, for 3 days) and also single injection of thymoquinone (40 mg/kg, on the fourth day) attenuated tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine. None of the thymoquinone doses (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) produced any antinociceptive effects on their own. Motor coordination of animals was impaired by the high dose of thymoquinone (40 mg/kg). <br/>Conclusion: Based on these results, it can be concluded that thymoquinone prevents the development of tolerance and dependence to morphine.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101Nigella sativa seed decreases endothelial dysfunction in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat aorta6776418710.22038/ajp.2016.4187ENAbbasali AbbasnezhadDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranSaeed NiazmandCardiovascular Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-6595-8170Maryam MahmoudabadyNeurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-0466-1311Mohammad SoukhtanlooDepartment of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranSeyed Abdolrahim RezaeeDepartment of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranSeyed Mojtaba MousaviDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20150223Objective: Diabetes is an important risk factor for cardiovascular events. The great percent of morbidity in patients with diabetes is due to endothelial dysfunction. The present study investigated the effects of hydroalcholic extract of <em>Nigella sativa</em> (<em>N. sativa</em>) on contractile and dilatation response of isolated aorta in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat. <br/>Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into six experimental groups (control, untreated STZ-diabetic, and <em>N. sativa</em> hydroalcholic extract or metformin-treated diabetic rats). Treated rats received <em>N. sativa</em> extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) or metformin (300 mg/kg) by gavage, daily for 6 weeks. <br/>Isolated rat thoracic rings were mounted in an organ bath system then contractile and dilatation responses induced by phenylephrine (PE), acetylcholine (ACh), potassium chloride (KCl), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were evaluated in different situations. <br/>Results: The lower concentrations of <em>N. sativa</em> seed extract (DE 100 and DE 200) and metformin significantly reduced the contractile responses to higher concentrations of PE (10<sup>-6 </sup>- 10<sup>-5 </sup>M) compared to diabetic group (pThe relaxation response to Ach 10<sup>-8</sup>M, was increased in DE 200 and metformin groups compared to diabetic group (p<0.05). The relaxation responses to Ach 10<sup>-7</sup> - 10<sup>-5</sup>Mwere significantly higher in all treated groups compared to diabetic group (pConclusion: Chronic administration of <em>N. sativa</em> seed extract has a significant hypoglycemic effect and improves aortic reactivity to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agents in STZ-induced diabetic rats.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101Effect of Alpha-Hederin, the active constituent of Nigella sativa, on miRNA-126, IL-13 mRNA levels and inflammation of lungs in ovalbumin-sensitized male rats7785462210.22038/ajp.2016.4622ENMaryam FallahiDepartment of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranRana KeyhanmaneshMedical Education Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran0000-0002-6941-2690Amir Mahdi KhamanehDepartment of molecular medicine, School of advanced medical sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranMohammad Ali Ebrahimi SaadatlouDepartment of basic sciences, College of veterinary medicine, Tabriz branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, IranSaeideh SaadatDepartment of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran0000-0001-8588-7365Hadi EbrahimiTuberculosis and lung diseases research center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, IranJournal Article20150217Objectives: In previous studies the therapeutic effects of <em>Nigella sativa</em> have been demonstrated on asthmatic animals. In the present study, the preventive effect of single dose of alpha-hederin, its active constituent, has been evaluated on lung inflammation and some inflammatory mediators in lungs of ovalbumin sensitized rat in order to elicit its mechanism. <br/>Materials and methods: Forty rats were randomly grouped in 4 groups; control (C), sensitized (S), sensitized pretreated groups with thymoquinone (3 mg/kg i.p., S+TQ) and alpha-hederin (0.02 mg/kg i.p., S+AH). Levels of IL-13 mRNA and miRNA-126 in lung tissue and its pathological changes in each group were assessed. <br/>Results: Elevated levels of miRNA-126, IL-13 mRNA and pathological changes were observed in the sensitized group compared to the control group (pConclusion: The results suggested that alpha-hederin had preventive effect on sensitized rats like thymoquinone. It may intervene in miRNA-126 expression, which consequently could interfere with IL-13 secretion pathway leading to a reduction in inflammatory responses.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101Adriamycin-induced oxidative stress is prevented by mixed hydro-alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa and Curcuma longa in rat kidney8694548610.22038/ajp.2016.5486ENReza MohebbatiDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMohammad Naser ShafeiNeurocognitive Research Center and department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-5148-9895Mohammad SoukhtanlooDepartment of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranNoema Mohammadian RoshanDepartment of Pathology, Qaem Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAbolfazl Khajavi RadNeurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-7046-1134Akbar AnaeigoudariDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, IranSara HosseinianDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-5082-7725Sareh KarimiDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranFarimah BeheshtiDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0003-1524-2339Journal Article20150309Objective: Inflammation and oxidative stress is considered to have a crucial role in induction of nephropathy. <em>Curcuma longa (C. longa) </em>and<em> Nigella sativa (N. sativa</em>) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study was designed to investigate the effect of mixed hydro-alcoholic extract of <em>N.sativa </em>and<em> C. longa</em> on the oxidative stress induced by Adriamycin (ADR) in rat kidney. <br/>Material and Method: The animals were divided into 6 groups: control (CO), ADR, Adriamycin+ Vitamin C (ADR+VIT C), <em>C. longa</em> extract+ Adriamycin (C.LE+ADR), <em>N. sativa</em> extract+ Adriamycin (N.SE+ADR) and <em>C. longa</em> extract+ <em>N. sativa</em> extract + Adriamycin (N.S+C.L+ADR). ADR (5mg/kg) was injected intravenously, whereas VITC (100mg/kg) and extract of <em>C. longa</em> (1000mg/kg) and <em>N. sativa</em> (200mg/kg) were administrated orally. Finally, the renal tissue, urine and blood samples were collected and submitted to measure of redox markers, osmolarity and renal index. <br/>Results: The renal content of total thiol and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity significantly decreased and Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration increased in Adriamycin group compared to control group. The renal content of total thiol and SOD activity significantly enhanced and MDA concentration reduced in treated-mixed extract of <em>C. longa</em> and <em>N. sativa</em> along with ADR group compared to ADR group. The mixed extract did not restore increased renal index percentage induced by ADR. There also was no significant difference in urine and serum osmolarity between the groups. <br/>Conclusion: hydro-alcoholic extracts of <em>N.sativa</em> and <em>C.longa</em> led to an improvement in ADR-induced oxidative stress and mixed administration of the extracts enhanced the aforementioned therapeutic effect<em>.</em>Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101Effect of Nigella sativa on reproductive system in experimental menopause rat model95103607910.22038/ajp.2016.6079ENSaadat ParhizkarMedicinal Plants Research Centre, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, IranLatiffah AbdulLatiffDepartment of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra Malaysia (UPM)Ali ParsaDepartment of Chemistry, College of Science, Shahre Rey Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20150428Objective: Menopause is the condition when regular menstrual periods cease and may be accompanied by psychological and physical symptoms. The purpose of current study was to determine <em>Nigella sativa</em> effects on reproductive system in experimental menopause animal models. <br/>Materials and Methods: A series of experiments wasconducted to investigate the effects of different dosages of <em>N. sativa</em> (first experiment), various extracts of <em>N. sativa</em> (second experiment)and some of its ingredients (third experiment) on selected menopausal parameters of ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Forty different OVX rats were equally divided into 5 groups and administered with one of the following treatments for 21 days: conjugated equine estrogen (positive control), distilled water or olive oil (negative control), treatment groups (<em>N. sativa</em>300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg in the first experiment), (300mg/kg methanol, hexane and SFE extracts of <em>N. sativa</em> in the second experiment) and (linoleic acid 50 mg/kg, gamma linolenic acid 10mg/kg, and thymoquinone 15mg/kg in the third experiment). <br/>Results: The results demonstrated that <em>N.sativa</em> exert estrogenic effect were exhibited through uterotrophic assay and vaginal cell cornification as well as blood estrogen level. Furthermore, low dose <em>N. sativa</em>, methanol extract and linoleic acid had prominent estrogenic like effects which were significantly different from those of control group (p<0.05) in different experiments. <br/>Conclusion: The finding indicated the probable beneficial role for <em>N. sativa</em> in the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms and possibility of using <em>N. sativa</em> as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for post menopause in human.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101The effects of Nigella sativa on sickness behavior induced by lipopolysaccharide in male Wistar rats104116620510.22038/ajp.2016.6205ENFatemeh NorouziNeurocognitive Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAzam AbareshiPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAkbar AnaeigoudariDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jiroft University of medical Sciences, Jiroft, IranMohammad Naser ShafeiNeurocognitive Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-5148-9895Zahra GholamnezhadNeurogenic Inflammation Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Mohsen SaeedjalaliMashhad Technical Faculty, Technical and Vocational University, Mashhad, IranReza MohebatiDepartment of Physiology School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.Mahmoud HosseiniNeurocognitive Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-6425-5123Journal Article20150510Objective: Neuroimmune factors contribute on the pathogenesis of sickness behaviors. <em>Nigella sativa</em> (NS) has anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and anti-depressive effects. In the present study, the effect of NS hydro-alcoholic extract on sickness behavior induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated. <br/>Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into five groups (n=10 in each): (1) control (saline), (2) LPS (1 mg/kg, administered two hours before behavioral tests), (3-5) LPS-<em>Nigella</em> <em>sativa</em> 100 , 200 and 400 mg/kg (LPS-NS 100, LPS-NS 200 and LPS-NS 400, respectively). Open- field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and forced swimming test (FST) were performed. <br/>Results: In OF, LPS reduced the peripheral crossing, peripheral distance, total crossing and total distance compared to control (pConclusion: The results of the present study showed that the hydro-alcoholic extract of NS reduced the LPS-induced sickness behaviors in rats. Further investigations are required for better understanding the responsible compound (s) and the underlying mechanism(s).Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101Safety evaluation of Phytovagex, a pessary formulation of Nigella sativa, on pregnant rats117123623010.22038/ajp.2016.6230ENReza SalariniaDepartment of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical SciencesHassan RakhshandehPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-2118-1096Davood OliaeeStudent Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical SciencesSima Gul Sima Gul GhasemiNeurogenic Inflammation Research Centre, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAhmad GhorbaniPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20150317<br/><strong>Objective:</strong> The possible toxicity of drugs in pregnancy should be tested before their use in pregnant patients. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the safety of phytovagex, a pessary formulation of<em> Nigella sativa </em>(<em>N. sativa</em>), which is already in clinical use for vaginal fungal infection. <br/><strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: The pregnant rats were treated intravaginal with physiological saline (vehicle) or phytovagex pessary in the first half of their pregnancy (days 1 to 10 of gestation). Duration of pregnancy and health parameters of the newborns were recorded after parturition. Also, cytotoxicity of <em>N. sativa</em> hydroalcoholic extract was tested against ovary Cho cells. <br/><strong>Results: </strong>The phytovagex had no significant effect on the duration of pregnancy, number of newborns, weight of neonates, and percent of stillbirth. No deformity or general behavioral abnormality was observed in neonates monitored for 30 days after birth. <em>N. sativa</em> extract had no significant effect on the viability of ovary cells at the concentrations of 12.5-200 µg/mL. <br/><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Results of this animal study showed that phytovagex has no overall effect on the duration of pregnancy and health parameters of the newborns. Also, its active agent, <em>N. sativa</em>, does not induce any cytotoxic effect on ovary cells.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79306120160101Neuropharmacological effects of Nigella sativa124141623110.22038/ajp.2016.6231ENFarimah BeheshtiDepartments of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0003-1524-2339Majid KhazaeiNeurogenic Inflammation Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-5247-4043Mahmoud HosseiniNeurocognitive Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-6425-5123Journal Article20150506<em>Nigella sativa</em> (NS) (Ranunculaceae family) is generally utilized as a therapeutic plant all over the world. The seeds of the plant have a long history of use in different frameworks of medicines and food. In Islamic literature, it is considered as one of the greatest forms of therapeutics. It has been widely used to treat nervous system diseases such as memory impairment, epilepsy, neurotoxicity, pain, etc. Additionally, this is uncovered that the majority of therapeutic properties of this plant are due to the presence of thymoquinone (TQ) which is a major bioactive component of the essential oil. Pharmacological studies have been done to evaluate the effects of NS on the central nervous system (CNS). The present review is an effort to provide a detailed scientific literature survey about pharmacological activities of the plant on nervous system. Our literature review showed that NS and its components can be considered as promising agents in the treatment of nervous system disorders.