Nigella Fixed Oil mitigates memory impairment in a rat aged model of cognitive decline, a pivotal role of BDNF and CREB signaling pathways in the hippocampus.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nigella is a plant widely used as a natural remedy, recent studies are being focused on the evaluation of its central effects. In this sense, the aim of this research is to explore the effects of the fixed oil of Nigella on cognitive decline in rats. METHODS: Behavioral evaluation was performed via a battery of tests, then quantification of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding protein, mRNA in the hippocampus using RT PCR. RESULTS: The results indicated that the fixed oil of black cumin had no effect on spatial memory, whereas the treatment with black cumin induced an overexpression of BDNF, while the variability of CREB levels was not significant. CONCLUSION: This is the unique study conducted to so far, and we may conclude that Nigella fixed oil seems to have a therapeutic effect on cognitive decline.