Nigella sativa Oil Attenuates 5-Fluorouracil-induced Oxidative Stress and Anxiety-like Behaviors in Rats

Abstract

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent known for its neurotoxic side effects, including oxidative stress and behavioral disturbances. This study investigated the neuroprotective potential of Nigella sativa oil (NSO), a natural antioxidant, against 5-FU-induced oxidative damage and anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control, 5-FU-treated, NSO-treated, and 5-FU + NSO co-treatment. 5-FU (20 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally for five consecutive days, while NSO (2 mL/kg) was administered orally for 14 days. Behavioral assessments were conducted using the Open Field Test and Elevated Plus Maze. Brain tissues were analyzed for oxidative stress markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).Rats treated with 5-FU displayed significant increases in anxiety-like behavior and MDA levels, alongside decreases in SOD, CAT, and GPx activities compared to controls. NSO co-treatment significantly reversed these changes, improving behavioral outcomes and restoring antioxidant enzyme activities. this resullt of this study shows Nigella sativa oil effectively mitigates 5-FU-induced oxidative stress and behavioral impairments in rats. These findings highlight its potential as a neuroprotective adjunct in managing chemotherapy-associated neurotoxicity.