The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in preventing the alteration in hematological parameters induced by toxic effect of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in pubertal male rats. Twenty four pubertal male albino rats were divided into four groups consisting of six each. Rats of groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated with MSG (0.8g/Kg b.wt), NSO (1ml/Kg b.wt) and Co-administered with MSG+NSO orally for 28 days, respectively. The blood samples were analysed for hematological parameters. Administration of MSG (Group- 2) caused a significant (P<0.05) decrease in Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, Red blood cells (RBCs), White blood cells (WBCs), Neutrophil count and Packed Cell Volume (PCV). However, there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in Lymphocytes, Platelet, Mean cell volume (MCV), Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in MSG treated rats compared to control group (Group 1). On the other hand, NSO (Group-4) significantly increased the content of Hb, RBCs, WBCs, Neutrophil, Lymphocyte and PCV. However Platelet count, MCV, MCH and MCHC were significantly (P<0.05) decreased when compared to MSG treated rats (Group-2). The results indicate the protective effect of NSO against MSG induced toxicity on hematological parameters.
