Cortico-hippocampal molecular characterization in rat model of multiple sclerosis: Neuroprotective mechanisms of Nigella sativa oil.

BACKGROUND

Current multiple sclerosis management primarily targets symptom alleviation and immune modulation, with limited success in halting progression or achieving sustained remission. Consequently, the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting the underlying mechanisms of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains a critical area of research.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the putative neuroprotective properties of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in a cuprizone-induced demyelination model in adult male Wistar rats.

METHODS

Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group A (Control) received normal mash feed; Group B received 0.2% cuprizone diet; Group C received 5 ml/kg NSO, while Group D received 0.2% cuprizone diet and 5 ml/kg NSO. After 35 days, rats were tested for memory and behaviour (Y-maze, Morris water maze, open-field test). Rats were euthanized, brains were excised then examined for myelin integrity, oligodendrocyte loss, and microglial activation using immunohistochemistry (antibodies: myelin basic protein, oligodendrocyte transcription factor, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1).

RESULTS

Cuprizone exposure resulted in impaired memory function, reduced exploratory behaviour, and increased anxiety-like behaviours. Treatment with NSO mitigated these behavioural deficits. Additionally, NSO treatment reduced microglial activation and preserved myelin integrity.

CONCLUSION

Nigella sativa oil ameliorated behavioural alterations, neuroinflammation and demyelination in cuprizone model of MS, suggesting that NSO may have therapeutic potential for MS.