This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of nigella sativa oil (NSO) against liver damage due to intraperitoneal (i.p.) usage of carboplatin which is commonly used as a chemotherapeutic agent.

Twenty four female Wistar-albino rats (about 200–350 grams each) were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 (n = 6) was administered 4 ml/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.) saline 48 and 24 h before. Group 2 (n = 6) was i.p. administered 4 ml/kg NSO 48 h before and 4 ml/kg saline 24 h before. Group 3 (n = 6) was i.p. administered 4 ml/kg saline 48 h before and 80 mg/kg carboplatin 24 h before. Group 4 (n = 6) was i.p. administered 4 ml/kg NSO 48 h before and 80 mg/kg carboplatin 24 h before. At the end of 48 h, all rats were sacrificed, and liver tissues were put into 10% neutral formalin. After the routine tissue follow-up, histopathological changes and collagen fiber density were evaluated with Hematoxylin-Eosin and Masson’s Trichrome staining. Apoptotic index was determined with TUNEL staining.

The degeneration in hepatocytes, fiber distribution and density around central vein and portal space was observed in the carboplatin group compared to the control and NSO groups, hepatocyte cords preserved integrity, partial degeneration in hepatocytes and decreased collagen fiber distribution around central vein was noted in the NSO-carboplatin group compared to the carboplatin group. The apoptosis was lower in the NSO-carboplatin group compare with the carboplatin group, but no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups (p = 0.449).

When used NSO before carboplatin exposure, it may protect against liver damage.