Nigella sativa Infusion as an Antioxidant Agent Against Gentamicin-Induced Kidney Damaged in Mice

Background: Gentamicin is one of the most common antibiotics related to nephrotoxicity. It has been proposed that the nephrotoxicity is associated with the generation of the reactive oxygen species. Thymoquinone, an active compound of Nigella sativa, shows to have an antioxidant property. The study aims to identify the possible nephroprotective action of Nigella sativa infusion against gentamicin-induced kidney damaged in mice. Methods:This experimental study was carried out in the Department of Cell Biology Laboratory, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung from 10th November 2012 to 14th December 2012. There were four groups, each consisting of 6 mice. Group I (control negative), group II (gentamicin 100 mg/kg), group III (3.9 mg Nigella sativa infusion+gentamicin 100mg/kg) and group IV (7.8 mg Nigella sativa infusion+gentamicin 100mg/kg). The kidneys were evaluated histopathologically by light microscope. The percentage average number of normal proximal tubules in group I and the percentage average number of proximal tubules damaged in group II, III and IV were measured. Results: The results showed the percentage average number of the proximal tubules damaged in group II, III and IV were 14.53%, 7.49% and 3.94% respectively. Significant differences were observed between group II and III, group II and IV, and group III and IV. Conclusion:Nigella sativa infusion protects against gentamicin-induced kidney damage in mice