Ameliorative Effects of Nigella Sativa Oil on Permethrin-Induced Neurotoxicity in the Cerebellum of Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Permethrin, a pyrethroid insecticide commonly used for indoor residential treatment and outdoor applications can cause neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in rodent brains, resulting in a variety of neurodegenerative alterations. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and its phytochemical components have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-oxidative and other beneficial properties. The goal of this study is to examine how NSO affects permethrin-induced neurotoxicity in the cerebellum of adult male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods: Sixteen (16) young male rats were divided into four groups, with each group containing four rats. Group A (control) was fed on a regular rat diet, Group B was fed with rat diet mixed with 1000 mg/kg of 0.6% permethrin, Group C was fed a regular diet with 14 ml/kg of NSO, Group D was fed with rat diet mixed with 1000 mg/kg of 0.6% permethrin and 14 ml/kg of NSO. All administration lasted for 14 days. The experimental animals were sacrificed and their cerebelli were excised for post-mortem studies and biochemical analysis.

Results: Permethrin-treated animals presented with a reduction in the cerebellar level of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) with a corresponding increase in tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Histological observations showed impaired cellular characterization in the cerebellum of permethrin-treated rats. Nigella sativa oil administration mitigated permethrin effects by increasing GPx level, decreasing TNF-α, and limiting cerebellar histoarchitectural alterations.

Conclusion/Recommendations: In conclusion, our study demonstrated that Nigella sativa oil significantly enhanced the activity of GPx (glutathione peroxidase) and reduced levels of TNF-α, suggesting its potential neuroprotective effects. These results underscore the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa oil in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation caused by neurotoxins like permethrin.