The impact of black seed oil on tramadol-induced hepatotoxicity: Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

The natural herb, black seed (Nigella Sativa; NS) is one of the most important elements of folk medicine. The aim was to evaluate the impact of Nigella Sativa Oil (NSO) on the changes induced by tramadol in rat liver. Twenty four albino rats were used. Control group: given intraperitoneal and oral saline for 30 days. TR-group: given intraperitoneal tramadol (20, 40, 80 mg/kg/day) in the first, middle and last 10 days of the experiment, respectively. TR + NS group: administered intraperitoneal tramadol in similar doses to TR-group plus oral NSO (4 ml/kg/day) for 30 days. Immunohistochemical, electron microscopic, biochemical and statistical studies were performed. TR-group displayed disarranged hepatic architecture, hepatic congestion, hemorrhage and necrosis. Apoptotic hepatocytes, mononuclear cellular infiltration and a significant increase in the number of anti-CD68 positive cells were observed. Ultrastructurally, hepatocytes showed shrunken nuclei, swollen mitochondria, many lysosomes and autophagic vacuoles. Activated Ito and Von Kupffer cells were also demonstrated. Elevated serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin were noticed. NSO administration resulted in preservation of hepatic histoarchitecture and ultrastructure and significant reductions in the number of anti-CD68 positive cells and serum levels of liver seromarkers. In conclusion, NSO administration could mitigate the alterations induced by tramadol in rat liver.