author(s)
Orooba MS Al-Shaha and Samir Abed Mohammed

abstract
Seeds of Nigella sativa L. (Rananculacene) is widely used in the treatment of gastric ulcer as a traditional medicine. In this study, our aim is to investigate gastro-protective activity of Nigella sativa oil and its constituent thymoquinone in aspirin induced ulcer models in albino rats. Group A and B received tap water 0.5ml daily. Group C were administered Esomeprazole + Clarithromycine (0.5 and 7mg/kg) daily. And group D received N. sativa oil extracts at 50mg/kg for 5 days. To induce gastric ulcers, aspirin (400mg/kg) was given orally to all groups except group A. The gastric contents were evaluated by biochemical parameters and gastric ulceration was studied by comparing the volume of gastric juice, free acidity, total acidity, ulcer index and by histopathological study. Oral administration of extract showed significant gastric protection as the ulcerated areas were remarkably decreased. Histological observations showed less edema and leucocytes infiltration when compared with the ulcer control group which exhibited severe gastric mucosal injuries.