Faleye Roheemat
Hello, my name is Faleye Roheemat. This study explores the neuroprotective potential of Nigella sativa and its implications for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.
The Problem & Why It Matters:
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, leading to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Similarly, schizophrenia involves dopaminergic dysfunction, which may be linked to oxidative damage. Paraquat, a herbicide known to induce oxidative stress, was used to create a Parkinson’s-like condition in mice and while current treatments like Pramipexole help manage symptoms, they don’t fully prevent neurodegeneration. This highlights the need for new neuroprotective therapies and Nigella sativa, also known as black seed, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential candidate for neuroprotection.
Method, Potential Solutions & Key Findings:
40 mice were divided into four groups: a control group, a paraquat-induced group which is the PD model, a paraquat + Pramipexole group which is the standard PD drug, and a paraquat + Nigella sativa oil group. Histological analysis revealed significant neuronal loss and oxidative stress in the paraquat-induced group. However, mice treated with Nigella sativa oil showed preserved neuronal integrity and reduced oxidative markers, with results comparable to the Pramipexole-treated group.
Benefits and Next Steps:
These findings suggest that Nigella sativa oil may serve as a natural neuroprotective therapy for both Parkinson's disease and Schizophrenia. Further research is needed to understand the molecular pathways and explore clinical applications.
Thank you for your time and I look for to discussing this further at my poster presentation.
