Iranian Journal of

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New studies have introduced atherosclerosis as an inflammatory disorder. Usage of anti-inflammatory drugs thus can be useful in preventing atherosclerosis and anti-inflammatory herbal medicines without side effects seem desirable in this view.
Amirkahiria Odorutissima (AO) (umbelliferae) is an Iranian flora being traditionally used a:> an anti‌inflammatory drug. This study assessed the effects of this plant on the development and progression of fatty streaks.
Methods: Twenty male rabbits were obtained from Iran Pasture institute and were kept under standard condition for two weeks, then randomly divided into four groups with different diets. Groups 1 were fed on rabbit chow (normal cholesterol), group 2 were fed on a high cholesterol diet. group 3 were fed on normal cholesterol diet supplemented with AO, group 4 were fed on high cholesterol diet supplemented with AO. After 12 weeks, the animals were killed and biopsied for their aortas and right and left branches of coronary arteries. Biochemical factors were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Levels of cholesterol, LDL, HDL. triglyceride and fasting blood sugar (FBS) were determined by enzymatic methods, and quantitative CRP were determined with turbidometrie methods, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant capacity were determined with spectrophotometry.
Results: The results indicated that there was a significant difference between AO supplemented group compared with other groups (p<0.05) in terms of mean grade o"' fatty streak o"' right and left coronary arteries and aorta. At the end of the 12 weeks period, cholesterol. LDL and CRP were significantly reduced in the groups 3 and 4 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: This study suggests a protective role for Amirkahiria odoratissima Mozaffahan against the development of fatty streak the mechanism of which should be investigated in future studies.

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Background: Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death necessitates more research to find better solutions to this general concern. Due to the side effects of chemical compounds, more attention has been paid to herbal remedies. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Nigella sativa, on atherosclerosis and its risk factors in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Methods: Fifteen rabbits were randomly distributed into three groups of five each.( Normal diet group, hypercholesterolemic diet group (1% cholesterol) and group that received hypercholesterolemic diet supplemented with 5% nigella sativa). Animal groups received their own diets and water for a period of 8 weeks. At the beginning of the treatment period, blood samples were taken from all animals to measure biochemical factors. Same procedure was performed at the end of the period then the left and right coronary arteries and the aorta of each animal were dissected to study fatty streak formation (FSF).

Results: Dietary use of Nigella sativa significantly decreased cardiovascular FSF as well as blood cholesterol and LDL in hypercholesterolemic animals. Though not significant but blood HDL was increased and reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), triglyceride (TG) and oxidized LDL was observed in the same animals.

Conclusion: The results indicate that Nigella sativa inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. This may be related to the effect of Nigella sativa on plasma lipoproteins in addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.