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Abstract
Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed, Black cumin, immunomodulatory activity has been investigated
in human and mice. Little is known about the immunomodulatory effect of Nigella sativa
(N. sativa) seed extract on animals' immune cells, specifically, antigen presenting
cells such as macrophages. This study focused on the immunomodulatory effect of N.
sativa seed extract on sheep macrophage functions in vitro. Sheep peripheral blood
monocytes were isolated and derived to macrophages (MDM). The MDM were cultured with
N. sativa seed extract and their morphological changes, phagocytic activity, nitric
oxide production, and microbicidal activity were investigated. Marked morphological
changes were observed in MDM cultured with N. sativa seed extract including cell size
enlargement; increase in both cytoplasmic space and cytoplasmic granules. Significant
increases in phagocytic activity to Candida albicans yeast and in number of yeast
engulfed per individual MDM were observed in cells cultured with seed extract. MDM
capacity to produce nitric oxide was higher in the culture media of the seed extract-cultured
cells compared to the control. Interestingly, prominent enhancement in MDM microbicidal
activity to yeast or bacteria was observed in MDM cultured with N. sativa seed extract
confirming the potent immunostimulatory effect of the extract. From this study, it
could be concluded that N. sativa seed extract can enhance macrophages' important
innate immune functions that could control infectious diseases and regulate adaptive
immunity.