Impact of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on serum levels of thyroid hormones and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in male rats with induced hypothyroidism

Background: Hypothyroidism is also associated with metabolic derangements, oxidative stress and enhanced inflammatory mediators that could result in tissue damage. As a way, natural products like Nigella sativa have received more attention because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Objectives: This work was conducted to investigate the effect of alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa on transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in hypothyroid male rats. Methods: A total 60 male rats were randomly assigned into three experimental groups. The G1 was not treated and fed a normal diet. Group II - received alcoholic extract of Nigella sativa. Another group was the experimentally induced hypothyroid rats. The treatments were continued for 60 days. Blood samples were taken at the end of test period, and TGF-β levels in serum were determined by using established biochemical assays. Differences between groups were assessed by statistical analysis at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: TGF-β levels differed statistically in the experimental groups. TGF-β concentration in the hypothyroid group was significantly higher than that in the G1. Conversely, rat treatment with Nigella sativa extract resulted in decreased TGF-β levels compared to the hypothyroid group. The present findings indicate the potential to mitigate inflammatory response related to thyroid dysfunction by the plant extract. Conclusions: Nigella sativa alcoholic extract also might have protective effects against hypothyroidism-related inflammation by modulating TGF-β levels. Conclusively, these results suggest potential therapeutic significance for Nigella sativa as a natural agent in the management of endocrine-related inflammatory disorders. More studies are needed to clarify its mechanisms.