Safety assessment of black cumin fixed and essential oil in normal Sprague Dawley rats: Serological and hematological indices.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) is unique in its nutritional profile and it's fixed and essential oils are phytochemicals rich fractions. However, safety assessment is required before recommending their use. This study was designed to evaluate the safety of black cumin fixed oil (BCFO) and black cumin essential oil (BCEO) through animal modeling using Sprague dawley rats as test animals. The results indicated that BCFO @ 4.0% and BCEO @ 0.30% are safe as serological indices like liver and kidney functioning tests, serum protein profile, level of cardiac enzymes, electrolytes balance were remained in the normal ranges even after 56days of study. Similarly, indices of red and white blood cells remained within the defined limits. Moreover, diets were insignificant in their impression regarding organs to body weight ratio. However, group of rats fed on BCFO gained less weight as compared to control that shows slight anorexic effect of BCFO which can be useful in obesity related disorders. In the nutshell, presence of phytochemicals in black cumin fixed and essential oils as well as their safe status can positively be used against lifestyle disorders.