Thymoquinone ameliorated mecamylamine precipitated nicotine withdrawal induced hyperalgesia in mice

Recurrent methodical nicotine administration prompts locomotor hyperactivity in human and rodents, such amplification in locomotion is characterized as nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization (NIBS). Thymoquinone (a phytochemical found in Nigella sativa seeds) has some rudimentary reports regarding its antioxidant, anti-depressant, neuroprotective and anti-nociceptive potential with a rich religious and historical background of safety and efficacy for multiple illness. Thereof, the current study was emphasized to explore thymoquinone potential effects on acquisition and expression of NIBS. Balb-C male mice (20-30 gm) were treated with thymoquinone (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg; PO) to investigate its potential effects on acquisition and the expression of behavioral sensitization induced by repeated meticulous nicotine administration (0.5 mg/kg; IP). In both studies, locomotor activity was recorded on 1st, 7th and 11th day in activity cages. Our data revealed that thymoquinone (30 mg/kg; PO) significantly (p< 0.001) inhibited the acquisition of NIBS whereas thymoquinone (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg; PO) significantly (p< 0.001) attenuated the expression of NIBS. Concluding that the current study provided mechanistic insight to the ameliorating potential effects of thymoquinone on behavioral sensitization induced by nicotine and can be deliberated as a potential therapeutic choice for the management of nicotine addiction