Effect of a black cumin (Nigella sativa) ethanol extract on placental angiotensin II type 1-receptor autoantibody (AT1-AA) serum levels and endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression in a preeclampsia mouse model

OBJECTIVES: Preeclampsia affects 3%–8% of all pregnancies. Thymoquinone is the primary compound in black cumin (Nigella sativa) and may have potential therapeutic effects in preeclampsia. This research analyses the effects of a black cumin seed ethanol extract on angiotensin II type 1-receptor autoantibody (AT1-AA) serum levels and the expression of the endothelin-1 (ET-1) in the placenta in preeclampsia mouse model. METHODS: The research design utilizes a post-test only experimental model on a control group design with 6 mice groups (negative control; positive control; and 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/kg body weight/day). RESULT: The results showed a decrease in serum AT1-AA levels and ET-1 expression in the placenta by increased doses of black cumin with an optimal dose of 1000 mg/kg/day. CONCLUSIONS: Black cumin seed ethanol extract reduces AT1-AA serum levels and represses ET-1 expression in the placenta in a preeclampsia mouse model.