Effects of Nigella Sativa and Albendazole alone and in combination in Toxocara Canis infected mice

Objective: nigella sativa extract has been used in the middle east as a traditional medicine for several complaints. we aimed to evaluate the biochemical, histopathological and hematologic changes in toxocara canis-infected mice after treatment with nigella sativa extract, albendazole or a combination of both. methods: this comparative study was conducted between june and july 2008 at the itarran university saniturla turkey. sixty healthy adult balb/c male mice were randomly divided into six groups (d0-d5). mice in groups d1- d5 received 500 embryonated t. canis eggs via esophageal tube. groups d0 and d1 served as a non-infected sham group and an infected control group, respectively. groups d2 and d3 received 100 and 200 mg/kg n. sativa extract (nse), respectively. group d4 received 100 mg/kg albendazole. group d5 received the combination dose (100+100 mg/kg nse+albendazole). results: treatment with n. sativa of both doses or the combination dose of n. sativa and albendazole reduced the degree of inflammation and necrosis, lead to a reduction in the percentage of eosinophils and decreased the elevated liver enzyme levels. conclusion: these results indicate that n. sativa has a potent effect in protection against organ damage induced by t. canis infection.