Chondroprotective effect of Nigella sativa oil in the early stages of osteoarthritis: an experimental study in rabbits

PURPOSE: Nigella sativa oil possesses a well-known ability to protect certain organs from oxidative, neoplastic, and inflammatory damage. This study investigated the potential chondroprotective effects of intraarticular injections of Nigella sativa oil in a rabbit osteoarthritis model. METHODS: Osteoarthritis models were created by performing anterior cruciate ligament transections in 20 New Zealand rabbits. Rabbits were randomly divided into two groups of 10 and given intraarticular injections in their right knees weekly for 5 weeks, beginning in the third week post-operation. Injections given to the first group contained whole Nigella sativa oil, whereas the second group was injected with a saline solution. Knee joints were harvested 8 weeks after surgery. Knee joint surfaces were examined macroscopically, and medial femoral condyle sections were examined microscopically. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the macroscopic grading results of the groups, with the Nigella sativa group having better results (p=0.001). The Nigella sativa group also received significantly better total Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Intraarticular administration of Nigella sativa oil has the potential to protect cartilage from degeneration in the early stages of osteoarthritis.