Impact of Nigella Sativa and Propranolol on experimentally induced portal hypertension in male albino rats

in Egypt the incidence of portal hypertension is very high as a result of the endemicity of bilharziasis and viral hepatitis. So, pharmaco-therapy of portal hypertension has always been a subject of wide interest. Nigella Sativa has occupied special place for its wide range of medicinal value in the Islamic civilization.Aim of work:The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible effect of Nigella Sativa on portal hypertension and its interaction with propranolol on experimentally induced portal hypertension in male adult albino rats.Materials and methods:Portal hypertension was induced in rats by partial ligation of portal vein. Adult 156 male albino rats weighting between165-220 gm were used. Twenty rats served as group1 (sham group). Portal hypertension was induced in 136 rats by partial ligation of portal vein. Portal hypertensive rats were divided into six groups. Group2 (Control portal received distilled water), group3 (propranolol 75mg/kg/day orally), group4 (Nigella Sativa 45mg/kg/day as oral suspension), group5 (Nigella Sativa group 90mg/kg/day as oral suspension), group6 (propranolol 75mg/kg/day +Nigella Sativa 45mg/kg/day) and group7 (propranolol 75mg/kg/day +Nigella Sativa 90mg/kg/day). Propranolol oral solution was given one day before portal vein ligation and Nigella Sativa crushed seeds oral suspension were given 30 before portal vein ligation. Drugs were given for 90 days after portal vein ligation. At the time of portal vein ligation body weight was measured and at 14, 45 and 90 days after partial ligation of portal vein, the body weight, portal pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, liver and kidney function tests, histological examination of liver, kidney, esophagus, stomach and intestine were done.