The Effects of Thymoquinone (Kalonji) on Abdominal Adhesion in Experimental Abdominal Adhesive Model

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of thymoquinone on abdominal adhesion development in an experimental abdominal adhesion model. Forty-five female Wistar albino rats weighing 260–280 g were used in the study. The rats were randomized into 3 even groups. Control, serum physiological (SP), and thymoquinone (TQ) groups were formed. In the experimental abdominal adhesion model, caecum serosa was brushed until the petechial hemorrhages were seen. No additional procedures were performed in the control group except surgery protocol. SP was injected over the caecum in the SP group. In the thymoquinone group, the abdomen was closed after the application of prepared thymoquinone solution on the caecum surface. On the 21st day, tissue samples from sacrificed rats were examined macroscopically and microscopically, and statistically evaluated. There was a statistically significant difference between the control group and the thymoquinone group in the microscopic evaluation (p = 0.006). However, there was no statistically significant difference between SP group and control group, and between thymoquinone group and SP group. Macroscopic evaluation revealed a statistically significant difference between the thymoquinone group and the control group, and between the thymoquinone group and the SP group (p = 0.009, p = 0.027, respectively). In the microscopic and macroscopic evaluation, it was observed that thymoquinone had a decreasing effect on postoperative adhesions. We think that this effect of thymoquinone is due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the available data are not sufficient for this effect to be used in medical treatment. Further studies are needed in the future. © 2019, Association of Surgeons of India.