This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Nigella Sativa oil (NSO) on aluminum chloride (AlCl3) induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits. Twenty-eight adult White New Zealand rabbits were used and divided into 4 equal groups each of 7 rabbits. First group was given aluminum chloride 50 mg/kg BW daily for 21 successive days. Second group was given Nigella Sativa
oil (NSO) 2ml/kg b.wt + aluminum chloride (AlCl3) 50 mg/kg.bw. Daily for21 successive day's Third group was given. Nigella Sativa oil only and forth group was left as control group. Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and Nigella Sativa oil (NSO) were administered by oral gavages for 21 successive days. At the end of experimental period, blood samples were collected from
5 rabbits in each group to determine the kidney function tests and oxidative stress values, rabbits were slaughtered and kidneys were taken for pathological examination. Exposure to aluminum chloride (AlCl3) for 21 successive days in a dose of 50 mg/kg bw induced nephrotoxicity as there was a significant increase in white blood cell counts and a marked decrease in erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin concentration in addition to a significant increase in serum creatinine, urea and uric acid concentration . Aluminum chloride (AlCl3) induced oxidative stress as it significantly increased lipid peroxide MDA while caused a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dimutase SOD. Histopathological examination of. Aluminum chloride intoxicated group reveled Cloudy swelling, vacuolar and hydropic degeneration especially in renal tubules. Nigella Sativa oil (NSO) co- treatment with aluminum chloride (AlCl3) exhibited significant improvement in all examined parameters compared with control and improves the histopathological picture of kidneys. In conclusion,
Nigella Sativa oil (NSO) has beneficial effects and could ameliorate aluminum chloride (AlCl3) nephrotoxicity in rabbits.