Biochemical and Immunological Changes in Rabbit as Influenced by Dietary Black Cumin (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds

Abstract

Three experiments were conducted in rabbits treated with (0, 10,15 and 20% W/W Nigella sativa seeds mixed with their feed for six weeks. The first experiment was designed to study effect of the seed on important biochemical values and on antibody production. The second experiment was planned to assess (in vitro) the effect of the seed on the phagocytic activity of rabbit's polymorph neutrophils against Staphylococcus aureus. The third experiment was designed to investigate effect of N. sativa seed on hypersensitivity (Tuberculin Test). The results revealed that the anti-bovine serum albumin (Anti-BSA) antibody production significantly increased after immunization in all treated groups. The group that fed 15% N. sativa showed the highest antibody production. The levels of serum total protein albumin, and globulin concentrations significantly increased in all treated groups. Serum urea concentration slightly increased by the end of the first week in all treated groups and then significantly decreased. Serum uric acid concentration significantly decreased in the first two weeks in all treated groups. Serum creatinine level was not clearly affected by feeding N. sativa seeds. The groups that received (15 and 20%) of N. sativa reported the highest average level whereas the control group reported the lowest average level of serum creatinine. The activity of the enzymes, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP) was not affected even by the highest doses of N. sativa seeds. Serum glucose level slightly but gradually decreased in all treated groups. The reduction was obvious in the group that fed 15% N. sativa. Serum total lipid concentration gradually decreased in all treated groups. The reduction was 41% in the group that received 15%, 39% in the group that fed 10% and 36% in the group that was fed 20% N. sativa in their feed. Serum total cholesterol concentration showed gradual and time dependant reduction. The reduction was obvious at 15% N. sativa level. Serum inorganic phosphorus level was not adversely affected by feeding N. sativa at a level lesser than 20%, whereas slight elevation was noticed at 20%. Serum sodium concentration decreased in the first four weeks of treatment followed by slight increase in the last two weeks. The level of potassium slightly elevated and then slightly decreased. Serum calcium level slightly decreed and then maintained the same level. The phagocytic activity improved by feeding N. sativa seed. All treated groups reported significant increase in phagocytic activity. The control group showed remarkable hypersensitivity to Tuberculin in (Mantoux test) compared to all treated groups. The group, which was fed 15% preparation showed the lowest effect.