The role of black seed oil (Thymoquinone) on repetitive behavior and neuroinflammation in spinning mice

Authors: Ashley Biondi, Allison Bechard

SUNY Campus: SUNY Geneseo

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: UU 111

Presentation #: 70

Timeslot: Session A 9:00-10:00 AM

Abstract: Repetitive behavior is characterized as repetitive actions with no purpose, which is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We are trying to see if environmental interventions can reduce repetitive behaviors in mice. In prior studies in mice, a ketogenic diet (KD) successfully decreased repetitive behaviors. One hypothesis is that the reduced spinning is due to the KD being an anti-inflammatory. Neuroinflammation, which refers to inflammation in the central nervous system, may offer a link between diet and ASD, and other disorders. In a convergent approach, this study uses another known anti-inflammatory, Thymoquinone (TQ), to try and reduce repetitive behaviors. TQ is the main ingredient in black seed oil. If our hypothesis is correct and TQ reduces repetitive behaviors, it will provide insight into novel therapeutic remedies for conditions exaggerated by neuroinflammation, such as repetitive behaviors in ASD. KD has anti-inflammatory properties (Pinto et al., 2018). TQ also has anti-inflammatory effects (Farkhondeh, 2018; Alkharfy et al., 2018). TQ is the bioactive component of the oil of black seed, or Nigella sativa, and has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant (Farkhondeh et al., 2018). We hypothesize that mice given TQ will have reduced repetitive behavior and improved motor performance (Hypothesis 1). Prior literature indicated that TQ has positive effects on neurological problems and improvements in learning and memory (Farkhondeh et al., 2018). We also hypothesize that mice given TQ will have improved memory (Hypothesis 2).