Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of Jojoba oil(J.O.) and Nigella sativa seeds(N.S.) in rats fed diet contaminated with aflatoxin(AF).
Methods: Forty mature male rats were divided into eight groups and treated for 30 days as follows: (1) Untreated control; (2) Jojoba oil 1.25% (low concentration) ; (3) Jojoba oil 2.5% (high concentration) ; (4) Aflatoxin (AF)-contaminated diet (30ug/kg diet); (5) low dose Jojoba oil plus AF; (6) high dose Jojoba oil plus AF; (7) Nigella sativa seeds at 2.5% and (8) Nigella sativa seeds plus AF. Blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses and livers were taken DNA measurement.
Results: The results indicated that Jojoba oil is rich in protein, phenolic compounds, phytic acid, and considerable amounts of simmondsin. Animals fed AF - contaminated diet showed severe biochemical changes and DNA damage. Feeding on ration mixed with Jojoba oil alone at the two tested concentrations or Nigella sativa seeds did not induce significant alterations in all tested parameters. Treatment with Jojoba oil to rats fed AF containing diet protected against hepatotoxicity and DNA damage induced by AF.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that Jojoba oil and Nigella sativa seeds can be incorporated in AF-contaminated feed to protect against hepatotoxicity and DNA damage induced by AF.