Ameliorative Role of Nigella Sativa Seeds and Levamisole on the Immune Response of Adult Male Rabbits

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the potency of Nigella sativa seeds ethanol extract and levamisole on the immune regulation in male rabbits with H2O2-induced immune suppression. Thirty rabbits were distributed into: control group (6 rabbits): free access to food and water and the H2O2 group (24 rabbits): was administered with the ad-libitum supply of drinking water containing 0.5% H2O2 (Hydrogen peroxide solution 35% diluted 70 times). After 28 days, stopping H2O2. Then, animals of H2O2 (24 rabbits) were subdivided into four groups (6 rabbits /group) in separate cages. Group Nigella sativa seeds extract (N.sativa S.E): was administered orally (by gavages needle) (1.5 g/ Kg B.W.). Group levamisole (LEVA): was given orally (by gavages needle) (every 72 hrs.) (5mg /Kg B.W.); a group of animals received N.sativa S.E (1.5 g/ Kg B.W.) + LEVA (5mg /Kg B.W.) for 28 days and the last group cessation of H2O2 administration (C.H2O2). The immunity response of rabbits indicated that exposure of animals to 0.5% H2O2 for 28 days revealed a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in the percentage of lymphocytes, RBCs, phagocyte activity with thrombocytopenia ,leukocytopenia and increase in neutrophils. Histopathological examination of the spleen in the H2O2 group showed a significant reduction and degeneration of lymphoid tissue. Combined use of oral N.sativa S.E.+ LEVA showed a clear improvement in various immunosuppressive indices compared to the H2O2 group. The study concluded that after stopping H2O2 as a source of oxidative stress and using Nigella sativa seed extracts, levamisole and together showed increased significance in the experiment.