Protective Effects of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) and Its Bioactive Constituent, Thymoquinone against Kidney Injury: An Aspect on Pharmacological Insights

Ameliorative impacts of interleukin 35 or thymoquinone nanoparticles on lipopolysaccharide-induced renal injury in rats

Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is a novel anti-inflammatory component, and its role in protecting against acute kidney disease (AKD) has not been explored. Thymoquinone (TQ) has been widely used for many therapeutic targets. Inflammation/oxidative signaling plays essential roles in the pathogenesis of diverse disorders, such as AKD, cancer, cardiac disease, aging, and metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders. The objective of the investigation was to evaluate how IL-35 prevents inflammation and oxidative stress indicators in the kidneys of rats caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The experimental rats were allocated into six groups: control (0.5 mL saline); TQ (0.5 mg/kg, b.w. IP), IL-35 (100 μg of IL-35 /kg, b.w. IP), LPS (500 μg/kg b.w. IP), LPS + IL-35, and LPS + TQ. Results indicate that the hematological and blood biochemical parameters were substantially restored by TQ or IL-35 therapy. The elevation of kidney function (uric acid, creatinine, and cystatin C) and oxidative related biomarkers (MDA, PC, and MYO) in rat kidneys was significantly restored by the TQ and IL-35 therapies after LPS administration (P < 0.05). Serum immunological variables IgM and IgG were significantly restored by TQ and IL-35 in LPS-treated rats. Both IL-35 and TQ markedly mitigated the decrease antioxidant related biomarkers (SOD, GSH, CAT and TAC) triggered by LPS. The IL-35 and TQ treatments significantly diminished serum levels of inflammatory responses such as TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-6 and IFN-γ, and significantly increased IL-10 in LPS-treated rats. Additionally, serum levels of MCP, Caspase-3, andBcl-2 were significantly diminished by TQ or IL-35 therapy. The histopathology and immunohistochemistry for NF-kB, PCNA and TNF-α cytokines revealedremodeling when treated with TQ and IL-35. In summary, administration of IL-35 or TQ can attenuateLPS-induced renal damage by extenuatingoxidative stress, tissue impairment, apoptosis, and inflammation, implicating IL-35 as a promising therapeutic agent in acute-related renal injury.

Thymoquinone: An Effective Natural Compound for Kidney Protection

Kidney disease is a common health problem worldwide. Acute or chronic injuries may interfere with kidney functions, eventually resulting in irreversible kidney damage. A number of recent studies have shown that the plant-derived natural products have an extensive potential for renal protection. Thymoquinone (TQ) is an essential compound derived from Nigella Sativa (NS), which is widely applied in the Middle East as a folk medicine. Previous experiments have demonstrated that TQ has a variety of potential pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective activities. In particular, the prominent renal protective efficacy of TQ has been demonstrated in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. TQ can prevent acute kidney injuries from various xenobiotics through anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis effects. In addition, TQ exhibited significant pharmacological effects on renal cell carcinoma, renal fibrosis, and urinary calculi. The essential mechanisms involve scavenging ROS and increasing anti-oxidant activity, decreasing inflammatory mediators, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting migration and invasion. The purpose of this review is to conclude the pharmacological effects and the potential mechanisms of TQ in renal protection, shedding new light on the exploration of medicinal phyto-protective agents targeting kidneys.

Pollutants to pathogens: The role of heavy metals in modulating TGF-β signaling and lung cancer risk

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lungs due to the uncontrolled growth of aberrant cells. Heavy metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead, are metallic elements characterized by their high atomic weights and densities. Anthropogenic activities, such as industrial operations and pollution, have the potential to discharge heavy metals into the environment, hence presenting hazards to ecosystems and human well-being. The TGF-β signalling pathways have a crucial function in controlling several cellular processes, with the ability to both prevent and promote tumor growth. TGF-β regulates cellular responses by interacting in both canonical and non-canonical signalling pathways. Research employing both in vitro and in vivo models has shown that heavy metals may trigger TGF-β signalling via complex molecular pathways. Experiments conducted in a controlled laboratory environment show that heavy metals like cadmium and arsenic may directly bind to TGF-β receptors, leading to alterations in their structure that enable the receptor to be phosphorylated. Activation of this route sets in motion subsequent signalling cascades, most notably the canonical Smad pathway. The development of lung cancer has been linked to heavy metals, which are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. To grasp the underlying processes, it is necessary to comprehend their molecular effect on TGF-β pathways. With a particular emphasis on its consequences for lung cancer, this abstract delves into the complex connection between exposure to heavy metals and the stimulation of TGF-β signalling.

Immune stimulatory effect of Nigella sativa in healthy animal models: A systematic review and meta-analysis

The immune-modulatory effects of black seeds (Nigella sativa seeds, NSS) are well documented, but the overall in vivo impact of this important natural medicinal product on immune system function has yet to be established. Here we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the effects of NSS on humoral [serum titers of immunoglobulins including IgG, IgM, anti-Newcastle virus disease (anti-NDV), and sheep red blood cell antigen (anti-SRBC)] and cellular immunity [total white blood cell (WBC) count and percentages of monocytes, lymphocytes, basophils, neutrophils, and eosinophils] in healthy animals. The PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched according to predefined eligibility criteria. Meta-analyses were performed to estimate the final effect size using RevMan software. Seventeen animal studies were eligible for analysis. For humoral immunity, the overall pooled effect size (ES) of NSS on serum titers of IgM and anti-NVD antibodies was not significantly different [mean difference (MD) 75.27, 95% CI: -44.76 to 195.30, p = 0.22 (I2 = 89%, p = 0.003), and -0.01, 95% CI: -0.27 to 0.25, p = 0.94 (I2 = 74%, p = 0.02), respectively]. However, NSS significantly increased serum titers of IgG and anti-SRBC antibodies [MD 3.30, 95% CI: 2.27 to 4.32, p = 0.00001 (I2 = 0%, p = 0.97), and 1.15, 95% CI: 0.74 to 1.56, p = 0.00001 (I2 = 0%, p = 0.43), respectively]. For cellular immunity, the ES of NSS on WBCs, monocytes, and lymphocytes were not significantly different [MD 0.29, 95% CI: -0.55 to 1.13, p = 0.50, (I2 = 14%, p = 0.32), - 0.01, 95% CI: -0.45 to 0.44, p = 0.97 (I2 = 0%, p = 0.77), and 4.73, 95% CI: -7.13 to 16.59, p = 0.43, (I2 = 99%, p = 0.00001), respectively]. In conclusion, black seeds enhance humoral immunity in healthy animals but do not affect cellular immunity.

Thymoquinone alleviates cisplatin-induced kidney damage by reducing apoptosis in a rat model

Purpose

The aim of the study was to compare the ameliorating effects of thymoquinone at various dosages on cisplatin-induced renal toxicity, and to investigate its effects on cisplatin-induced nephrocyte apoptosis via the mitochondrial pathway in a rat model.

Methods

A rat model of cisplatin-induced renal damage was established, with thymoquinone treatment groups (receiving 1, 3, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg of thymoquinone). We determined serum creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), measured the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, caspase-3, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in renal tissue. Additionally, we observed pathological changes in renal tissue and performed paller score for renal tubule injury.

Results

Relative to the control, the cisplatin group exhibited significantly elevated Bax, caspase-3, NGAL and KIM-1 expression, elevated serum Cr and BUN concentrations and significantly reduced Bcl-2 expression (P < 0.05). Histopathological examination of cisplatin-treated group revealed vacuolar degeneration, tubular epithelial cell swelling, and an absence of brush margins on renal tubules. Paller score was significantly elevated in the cisplatin group relative to the normal control group. Thymoquinone dose-dependently ameliorated these effects.

Conclusion

Thymoquinone at 1-20 mg/kg improved cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction in rats. This protective effect is related to the inhibition of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis.

HDAC inhibition by Nigella sativa L. sprouts extract in hepatocellular carcinoma: an approach to study anti-cancer potential

A wide variety of natural products have been widely used in chemoprevention therapy because they have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity. In the present study, we shed light on the 5th day germinated sprouts of N. sativa seeds and evaluated them against HDAC inhibition and antioxidant activity. The extract from the seed and sprout was extracted and characterised by LC-MS/MS, FTIR, and NMR to reveal its chemical composition, especially thymol (THY) and thymoquinone (TQ). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health concern as it is a major lifestyle disease. Hence, incorporating herbal-based therapeutic compounds into everyday routines has become an attractive alternative for preventing hepatic diseases. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition (HDACi) is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing various carcinomas including HCC. Therefore, the 5th day of N. sativa can be used as a potential anticancer agent by inhibiting HDAC activity, as it is reported to have an important role in the management of oxidative stress. The bioactive compound of N. sativa, i.e. thymoquinone, also showed a good binding affinity with the HDAC protein (3MAX) with a stable interaction in an in silico study as compared to the standard drug (Trichostatin A) and thymol.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Potentials of curcumin against polycystic ovary syndrome: Pharmacological insights and therapeutic promises

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women (4%-20%) when the ovaries create abnormally high levels of androgens, the male sex hormones that are typically present in women in trace amounts. The primary characteristics of PCOS include oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. Generally, metformin, spironolactone, eflornithine and oral contraceptives are used to treat PCOS, despite their several side effects. Therefore, finding a potential candidate for treating PCOS is necessary. Curcumin is a major active natural polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric (Curcuma longa). A substantial number of studies have shown that curcumin has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, antibacterial, and anti-apoptotic activities. In addition, curcumin reduces hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance in various conditions, including PCOS. The review highlighted the therapeutic aspects of curcumin against the pathophysiology of PCOS. We also offer a hypothesis to improve the development of medicines based on curcumin against PCOS.

Natural products for kidney disease treatment: Focus on targeting mitochondrial dysfunction

The patients with kidney diseases are increasing rapidly all over the world. With the rich abundance of mitochondria, kidney is an organ with a high consumption of energy. Hence, renal failure is highly correlated with the breakup of mitochondrial homeostasis. However, the potential drugs targeting mitochondrial dysfunction are still in mystery. The natural products have the superiorities to explore the potential drugs regulating energy metabolism. However, their roles in targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney diseases have not been extensively reviewed. Herein, we reviewed a series of natural products targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress, mitochondrial biogenesis, mitophagy, and mitochondrial dynamics. We found lots of them with great medicinal values in kidney disease. Our review provides a wide prospect for seeking the effective drugs targeting kidney diseases.

The effect of Nigella sativa oil- and wheat germ oil-loaded metal organic frameworks on chronic murine toxoplasmosis

Treatment of chronic toxoplasmosis is challenging as the available drugs are effective only in the acute stage. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate Nigella sativa oil (NSO) and wheat germ oil (WGO) loaded on copper-benzene tricarboxylic acid metal organic framework (Cu-BTC MOF) for treating chronic toxoplasmosis in a murine model. Eighty mice were divided into 8 groups (G); uninfected untreated negative control (GI), infected untreated positive control (GII), infected and treated with: Spiramycin (GIII), Spiramycin@Cu-BTC (GIV), Cu-BTC (GV), WGO@Cu-BTC (GVI), NSO@Cu-BTC (GVII) and combined WGO+NSO@Cu-BTC (GVIII). The infected groups were orally inoculated with 10 Toxoplasma gondii Me49 strain cysts/mouse. All drugs were orally administered for 14 consecutive days starting 8 weeks post-infection (wpi). The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by parasitological (survival rate of mice and brain cyst burden) and histopathological (brain, liver, kidney, eye) parameters. At the end of 2-weeks therapy, the highest therapeutic outcome was achieved with GVII and GVIII exhibiting 100% survival, 64.3% and 51.4% reduction of brain cysts, and an apparent amendment of pathological insults. In the next place was GVI with 90% survival, 49.5% reduction of cysts and marked amelioration of pathological lesions. Meanwhile, GIII and GIV showed 80% survival, 42.4% and 41.8% reduction of cysts as well as minimal to moderate alleviation of tissue damage. The lowest effect was obtained with GV resulting in 70% survival and 24.4% reduction of cysts. The current results support the assertion that the new metal-based nanocomposites can be promising remedies of chronic toxoplasmosis particularly if conjugated with natural herbal extracts as NSO and WGO.

Ameliorative effect of Nigella sativa conjugated silver nanoparticles against chromium-induced hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity in mice

Hexavalent chromium induces oxidative stress in the liver and kidney. Therefore an in vivo study was designed to investigate the modulatory effect of biosynthesized AgNP against Cr (VI) induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The organs index, serum level of ALT, AST, ALP, MDA, total protein and creatinine were measured. The histopathology and micrometry of the liver and kidney were examined. The liver index was significantly increased (0.098 ± 0.13 g) with slight increase in kidney index in Cr exposed group. The serum level of ALT (163.0 ± 5.5 U/L), AST (484.0 ± 10.7 U/L), ALP (337.6 ± 9.6 U/L), MDA (641.2 ± 29.2 U/L), and creatinine (2.9 ± 0.2 mg/dL) were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) with significant decrease in total protein level (2.9 ± 0.2 g/dL) (P ≤ 0.05) in chromium treated group. In histopathology, distorted hepatic cords, necrosis, damaged glomerulus and Bowman's capsule were observed. Micrometric studies of the liver and kidney showed significant increase in size of hepatocytes (1188.2 ± 467.7 µ²) and their nuclei (456.4 ± 206.7 µ²), ACSA of Bowman's capsule (11835.5 ± 336.7 µ²) and glomerulus (9051.8 ± 249.8 µ²⁾ in Cr (VI) treated group. The size of brush border (10.1 ± 3.0 µ) was significantly reduced in Cr (VI) treated group however the ACSA of lumen was not significantly changed. With the administration of NSSE and Nigella sativa AgNPs, decreased the oxidative damage caused by Cr (V).

Utilization of Nanotechnology to Improve Bone Health in Osteoporosis Exploiting Nigella sativa and Its Active Constituent Thymoquinone

Osteoporosis, a chronic bone disorder, is one of the leading causes of fracture and morbidity risk. Numerous medicinally important herbs have been evaluated for their efficacy in improving bone mass density in exhaustive preclinical and limited clinical studies. Nigella sativa L. has been used as local folk medicine, and traditional healers have used it to manage various ailments. Its reported beneficial effects include controlling bone and joint diseases. The present manuscript aimed to provide a sound discussion on the pharmacological evidence of N. sativa and its active constituent, thymoquinone, for its utility in the effective management of osteoporosis. N. sativa is reported to possess anti-IL-1 and anti-TNF-α-mediated anti-inflammatory effects, leading to positive effects on bone turnover markers, such as alkaline phosphatase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. It is reported to stimulate bone regeneration by prompting osteoblast proliferation, ossification, and decreasing osteoclast cells. Thymoquinone from N. sativa has exhibited an antioxidant effect on bone tissue by reducing the FeNTA-induced oxidative stress. The present manuscript highlights phytochemistry, pharmacological effect, and the important mechanistic perspective of N. sativa and its active constituents for the management of osteoporosis. Further, it also provides sound discussion on the utilization of a nanotechnology-mediated drug delivery approach as a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic performance of N. sativa and its active constituent, thymoquinone, in the effective management of osteoporosis.

Zygo-Albuside A: New Saponin from Zygophyllum album L. with Significant Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiapoptotic Effects against Methotrexate-Induced Testicular Damage

Chemical investigation of the crude extract of the aerial part of Zygophyllum album L. (Z. album) led to the isolation of a new saponin, Zygo-albuside A (7), together with seven known compounds, one of them (caffeic acid, compound 4) is reported in the genus for the first time. NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometric analysis, including high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), were utilized to set up the chemical structures of these compounds. The present biological study aimed to investigate the protective antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities of the crude extract from the aerial part of Z. album and two of its isolated compounds, rutin and the new saponin zygo-albuside A, against methotrexate (MTX)-induced testicular injury, considering the role of miRNA-29a. In all groups except for the normal control group, which received a mixture of distilled water and DMSO (2:1) as vehicle orally every day for ten days, testicular damage was induced on the fifth day by intraperitoneal administration of MTX at a single dose of 20 mg/kg. Histopathological examination showed that pre-treatment with the crude extract of Z. album, zygo-albuside A, or rutin reversed the testicular damage induced by MTX. In addition, biochemical analysis in the protected groups showed a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1β, Bcl-2-associated-protein (Bax), and an increase in B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) protein, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the testis, along with an increase in serum testosterone levels compared with the unprotected (positive control) group. The mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p53, and miRNA-29a were downregulated in the testicular tissues of the protected groups compared with the unprotected group. In conclusion, the study provides sufficient evidence that Z. album extract, and its isolated compounds, zygo-albuside A and rutin, could alleviate testicular damage caused by the chemotherapeutic agent MTX.

The Role of Thymoquinone in Inflammatory Response in Chronic Diseases

Anti-inflammatory therapies have been shown to be effective in the prevention of various cardiovascular diseases, tumors, and cancer complications. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main active constituent of Nigella sativa, has shown promising therapeutic properties in many in vivo and in vitro models. However, TQ has poor bioavailability and is hydrophobic, prohibiting clinical trials with TQ alone. Studies have explored the combination of TQ with biological nanomaterials to improve its bioavailability. The TQ nanoparticle formulation shows better bioavailability than free TQ, and these formulations are ready for clinical trials to determine their potential as therapeutic agents. In this paper, we review current knowledge about the interaction between TQ and the inflammatory response and summarize the research prospects in Korea and abroad. We discuss the different biological activities of TQ and various combination therapies of TQ and nanomaterials in clinical trials.

Protective effects of fucoidan against kidney diseases: Pharmacological insights and future perspectives

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health concern that costs millions of lives worldwide. Natural products are consistently being explored for the development of novel therapeutics in the management of CKD. Fucoidan is a sulfated polysaccharide predominantly extracted from brown seaweed, which has multiple pharmacological benefits against various kidney problems, including chronic renal failure and diabetic nephropathy. This review aimed at exploring literature to update the renoprotective effects of fucoidan, to get an understanding of pharmacological mechanisms, and to highlight the recent progress of fucoidan-based therapeutic development. Evidence shows that fucoidan is effective against inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in kidney. Fucoidan targets multiple signaling systems, including Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, ERK and p38 MAPK, TGF-β1, SIRT1, and GLP-1R signaling that are known to be associated with CKD pathobiology. Despite these pharmacological prospects, the application of fucoidan is limited by its larger molecular size. Notably, low molecular weight fucoidan has shown therapeutic promise in some recent studies. However, future research is warranted to translate the outcome of preclinical studies into clinical use in kidney patients.

OUP accepted manuscript

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is a common problem in clinical medicine and the frequency of drug-related acute and chronic kidney dysfunction worldwide. One of them is anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs that cause renal function impairment during TB treatment. Medicinal plants contain bioactive compounds that are capable for treating drug or toxin-induced renal disorders. The aim of the present study was to assess the protective effect of the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds (NS) against anti-TB drugs (ATDs) induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. Rats were treated with ATDs for 12weeks (3 alternative days in a week). Supplementation with 125mg NS/kg, p.o. was administered to the experimental rats for 12weeks (3 alternative days in a week considering next day of ATDs treatment). The results demonstrated that NS treatment protected against renal damage induced by ATDs, as evidenced by the reduction in serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, urea nitrogen levels, pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6), whereas improvement in histological tubular and glomerular damage. In addition, NS enhanced the antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and catalase) and decreased the lipid peroxidation and glutathione level in the kidney. In conclusion, NS could reduce chronic nephritis in ATDs treated group through suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress. It suggests that NS can be used as supplementary preventive and protective drug against kidney injury during anti-TB treatment.