Enhanced antinociceptive activity of Nigella sativa oil after its combined treatment with honey in rats

Antinociceptive activity of honey and Nigella sativa (N. sativa) oil are well known. Therefore, aim of this study was to investigate the antinociceptive effect of N. sativa oil and its concurrent administration with honey in rats. The tested animals were randomized into 5 groups: Group (1) Normal saline (0.2ml, p.o.); Group (2) N. sativa oil (1gm/kg, p.o.); Group (3) honey (1gm/kg, p.o.); Group (4) N. sativa oil (1gm/kg, p.o.) + honey (1gm/kg, p.o.): Group (5) pethidine (20mg/kg, S.C.) as positive standard. The antinociceptive activity was tested using radiant heat and tail immersion tests. Antioxidant potential was determined by using in-vitro antioxidant assays. Our findings showed that N. sativa oil and honey have antinociceptive effect, the antinociceptive effect appeared after 30 and 60min of administration and declined after 120 and 180 min. Combined administration of N. sativa oil with Honey increased the antinociceptive effect by 20 to 30% in all models. In addition, the antinociceptive effect of the combination reduced the time for onset of action as well as prolonged its duration of action. In conclusion, combined treatment of N. sativa oil with honey increased its antinociceptive activity, showed faster onset of action and prolonged its duration, the fact that can be utilized in the management of painful conditions in humans.