Abstract
Background: Benzene exposure harms the genetic material and hematopoietic system. This effect appears in the form of excess 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) plasma levels and abnormalities in peripheral blood cells' count. Nigella sativa showed antioxidant properties that may overcome benzene exposure side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the potential protective effect of N. sativa against benzene-induced DNA damage and hepatotoxicity in rats.
Methods: The study was conducted on 26 Wistar rats. They were divided into three groups; group (A) eight rats (30,8%) were administered 100 mg benzene/kg body wt, 5d/week, group (B) nine rats (34.6%) were administered (100 mg/kg BW/day) benzene plus (100 mg/kg BW/day) Nigella sativa extract via gastric gavage for 4 weeks, and nine normal rats (34.6%) without any chemical agents designated as a control group. Plasma 8-OHdG levels and peripheral blood count were used to evaluate Nigella sativa protective effect in the face of benzene exposure.
Results: A significant increase of 8-OHDG plasma levels among benzene-exposed rats compared to the control group (p = .000). Nigella sativa and benzene administered group showed a significant decreased 8-OHDG plasma levels as compared to benzene exposed animals. There was a significant improvement of RBC count, hemoglobin concentration, WBC count, and platelet count (P = .003, .000, .000; .000 respectively) in N. sativa and benzene administered group when compared to benzene exposed rats..
Conclusions: The current study provided evidence that the DNA damage and the hematotoxic effect of benzene can be counteracted by Nigella sativa.