Chlorpyrifos Induced Alterations in the Status of White Cells Profile: Protective Role of Nigella sativa Seed Extract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective role of Nigella sativa seed extract in chlorpyrifos-induced changes in the status of white cells profiles of Wistar albino rats. Methodology: An experimental study. Total sixty four healthy adult rats of either gender were taken for this experimental study. The animals were divided into A, B, C, D groups and each was further divided into two sub-groups on the basis of 3 weeks and 6 weeks of treatment protocol. Control group A1 and A2 were given only distilled water. Group B1 and B2 were given chlorpyrifos 4.2 mg/kg.bw; 1/20 of LD50 orally. Animals of group C1, C2 and D1, D2 were the combination groups and were treated with low dose 250mg/kg.bw and high dose 500mg/kg.bw of Nigella sativa seed extract to these chlorpyrifos – induced group of rats respectively. After treatment 5CC blood sample were taken out from each group of animals through cardiac puncture for the evaluation of white cell profile. The parameters under evaluation were total leucocytes count and differential leucocytes counts such as neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes respectively. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: The findings revealed that significant reduction in white cells profile were noted in chlorpyrifos-induced animals with p-value <0.001. Significant improvement was also seen in the animals of group C and D when treated with low and high dose of Nigella sativa orally. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study it is concluded that Nigella sativa seed oil has a potent phytotherapeutic role due to having antioxidant characteristics thus providing beneficial preventive role in ameliorating the alterations in the white cell profile status due to chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity.