Antitumor and Antiangiogenic Effects of the Crude Oil of Nigella sativa L. in Tumor Tissues in BALB/c Mice

Background Products of oxidation are known to trigger cancer through damaging cellular components and angiogenesis backs tumor growth and metastasis. Antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase fight the stress posed by these products. Angiogenesis inhibition offers additional benefits toward tumor suppression. Nigella sativa L. is a plant traditionally used in Middle Eastern countries for its various benefits. Objectives In this study, we attempted to examine the anti-tumor, antioxidant and antiangiogenic effects of N. sativa crude oil in breast tumor-bearing mice. Materials and Methods In this experimental study, three groups of female BALB/c mice, 5 animals in each, were respectively treated for a month with 1, 2 and 4 mL/kg/day of N. sativa oil 2 days after subcutaneous tumor transplantation. The fourth group, the control group, after subcutaneous tumor transplantation received distilled water. Tumor volumes, antioxidant enzymes’ activity, endostatin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) amounts were measured to study N. sativa crude oil’s proposed effects. Results In comparison with the control group, mice receiving doses of 2 and 4 mL/kg/day of N. sativa crude oil had significantly reduced tumor volumes (P < 0.005), less VEGF (P < 0.005), more endostatin (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005, respectively) and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005, respectively) and catalase (CAT) activity (P < 0.005). Conclusions N. sativa crude oil seems to inhibit breast tumor growth partly through improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes’ activity and partly by suppressing angiogenesis. Yet, more studies are required to intensely clarify the other involved mechanisms.