Comparative Protective Effect of Nigella sativa Oil and Vitis vinifera Seed Oil in an Experimental Model of Isoproterenol-Induced Acute Myocardial Ischemia in Rats

Abstract

The study's aim was to characterize the composition of Nigella sativa seed (NSO) and grape seed (GSO) oils, and to evaluate their cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effect on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced ischemia in rats. Materials and Methods: NSO and GSO supplements were physicochemically characterized. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were used to determine the phytochemical composition in the oils. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and in vitro antioxidant activity were also determined. Pretreatment with 4 mL/kg/day NSO or GSO was administered to rats for 14 days. The experimental ischemia was induced by a single administration of ISO 45 mg/kg after 14 days. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed initially and 24 h after ISO. Biological evaluation was done at the end of experiment. Results: The HPLC-MS, GC-MS, and FTIR analyses showed that both NSO and GSO are important sources of bioactive compounds, especially catechin and phenolic acids in GSO, while NSO was enriched in flavonoids and thymol derivatives. Pretreatment with GSO and NSO significantly reduced ventricular conduction, prevented the cardiotoxic effect of ISO in ventricular myocardium, and reduced the level of proinflammatory cytokines and CK-Mb. Conclusion: Both NSO and GSO were shown to have an anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effect in ISO-induced ischemia.

Keywords: anti-inflammatory; antioxidant; black cumin oil; cardiovascular disease; grape seed oil.

Figure 1

NSO and GSO general FTIR spectra (600–3100 cm⁻¹). For peak assignment, see Table 2.

Figure 2

Comparative HPLC chromatograms of NSO and GSO. For peak assignment, see Table 4.

Figure 3

Normal EGC record from first day of experiment.

Figure 4

The ECG records in experimental groups with (A) C group, (B) C-ISO group, (C) NSO + ISO group, and (D) GSO + ISO on day 15 after MI induction 24 h after ISO administration (groups 2 to 4): increased RR interval (black arrow), ST-segment depression (green arrow), QT interval prolongation (blue arrow). The amplitude of these changes was different in the experimental groups.

Figure 5

ALT (A) and AST (B) serum levels in the experimental groups.

Figure 6

Serum levels of cardiac enzymes CK-MB (A) and troponin (B) in the experimental groups.

Figure 7

Serum levels of inflammatory markers IL6 (A), IL 1beta (B) and TNF-alpha (C) in the experimental groups.