Asoom LIA, Al-Hariri MT. Cardiac Inotropic Effect of Long-Term Administration of Oral Thymoquinone.
EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2019;
2019:8575136. [PMID:
31341501 PMCID:
PMC6614965 DOI:
10.1155/2019/8575136]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACK GROUND
Long-term administration of Nigella sativa showed cardiac hypertrophic and positive inotropic effects. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active ingredient in Nigella sativa. Therefore, we aimed to test the cardiac effects of long-term TQ administration.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty adult Wistar rats weighing (150-250 g) were divided into two groups: control and TQ. A TQ-olive oil solution was administered orally to the TQ group (dose 10 mg/kg) for two months. An equivalent volume of olive oil was given to the control group. Langendorff isolated hearts were studied. Peak tension, time to peak tension, half relaxation time, and myocardial flow rate were determined. Heart and left ventricle weights and ratios were recorded.
RESULTS
The TQ group exhibited significantly higher peak tension than the control group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in time to peak tension, half relaxation time, and myocardial flow rate. Likewise, there were no signs of cardiac hypertrophy.
CONCLUSIONS
Long-term administration of oral TQ induced a positive inotropic effect in the form of an increase in peak tension. TQ administration did not result in cardiac hypertrophy or an increased cardiac metabolic demand at the studied dose. TQ may be a promising inotropic agent.
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