Immunomodulatory and Anti-ınflammatory Effect of Thymoquinone on Rat Liver and Kidneys

Abstract

The Nigella sativa plant has a very long medical history. It has been used by ancient Egyptians for many purposes. Studies have reported that the plant has antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and immunomodulation effects. The main active ingredient of the plant is a substance called thymoquinone. The aim of the present study was to investigate the immu-nomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of thymoquinone on rat liver and kidneys. Rats were shared into 5 groups the first group (1 mg/kg thymoquinone, intraperitoneally), the second group (2 mg/kg thymoquinone, intraperitoneally), the third group (10 mg/kg thymoquinone, gavage), the fourth group (20 mg/kg thymoquinone, gavage), and control group. The groups contained 7 rats and the experiment continued for 42 days. The localization and expression of interleukin 2, interleukin 4, interferon gamma, and tumor necrosis factor alphain the liver and kidneys are shown in vivo, and the immunomodulation effects of thymoquinone in the system have been shown. The effects of thymoquinone differ according to the cytokine type, administration methods, and dose. As a result, the present findings demonstrated that the immunomodulatory effect of thymoqui-none on the liver and kidneys varies according to the organ, application method, and application dose. For interleukin 2, the most effective form of administration in the liver is intraperitoneal and low dose; for kidneys, it is a low-dose gavage administration. For interleukin 4, low-dose gavage administration has been observed to be more effective in the liver and kidneys. Similarly, it is concluded that especially 10 mg/kg gavage applications are more effective for liver and kidneys in interferon gamma and tumor necrosis factor alpha expressions. © Author(s).