Possible protective effects of black seed (Nigella Sativa)‎ or garlic (Allium Sativum)‎ against lead-induced toxicity in growing rabbits

Abstract EN

The function of Nigella sativa seed (NSS) and garlic has been studied in New Zealand White (NZW) growing rabbits as dietary additions to enhance growth efficiency and detoxification of dietary lead acetate.

A total of 90 growing New Zealand White rabbits, 5 weeks old, were divided into six experimental groups randomly, each of 15 rabbits of both sexes.

The first and second groups acted as positive and negative indicators, the third and fourth groups got lead acetate plus either Nigella sativa seed or garlic.

The fifth and sixth groups, respectively, got only Nigella sativa seed or garlic.

The data obtained showed that in the negative control group (G2), which provided 0.05 percent lead acetate, the final body weight, the average body weight gain, the productive feed consumed and the performance index of rabbits decreased significantly (P≤0.05).

All these traits were slight improved in group 3 and 4, and significantly improved (P≤0.05) in group 5 and 6 of rabbits when compared to the negative control group.

Biochemical parameters showed significant increases (P≤ 0.05) in cholesterol levels, triglycerides, aspertate amino transferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea and creatinine, and significant decreases (P≤ 0.05) in total protein and albumin levels in the negative control group.

In groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 of the cholesterol levels of the rabbits, triglycerides, AST, ALT, urea and creatinine decreased significantly (P ≤0.05), as well as, total protein and albumin levels enhanced significantly (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to the negative control treatment.

Groups 5 and 6 of rabbits receiving only Nigella sativa seed or garlic with basal diet showed no significant variations in the coefficient of digestibility, as well as, in the panel study.

On the other hand, lead acetate significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased the relative weight of the lungs, liver and heart as a proportion of live body weight.

Lead acetate exposure significantly increased MDA (biomarker for lipid peroxidation) and decreased GSH and GST and GPx activities.

Simultaneously significantly supplemented NSS or dry garlic (P≤ 0.05) reduced MDA concentrations and effectively restored GST, GPx, and GSH output.

Additives significantly reduced the accumulation of lead in the liver, kidneys and muscles.

Conclusively from these results it could be concluded that adding 2% Nigella sativa seeds or 0.8% dry garlic for that rabbit diet was a safe and realistic approach for reducing lead toxicity in growing rabbit.