Effect of zonisamide and Nigella sativa on blood-brain barrier permeability and neurological severity in traumatic brain injury-induced mice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a primary public health issue that has resulted in millions of deaths and disabilities worldwide. There are a variety of drugs available to help with TBI-related consequences, but they do not prevent further impairment. As a result, new therapeutic drugs that protect against neuronal damage caused by trauma and its implications, particularly secondary injury, are needed. Swiss albino mice (25-30 g) of either sex were utilized in the investigation. The weight-drop method was used to cause TBI. Following the treatment of zonisamide (100 mg/kg) and Nigella sativa (NS) (300 mg/kg) separately and in combination, blood-brain permeability was assayed. The albumin content in CSF and the level of Evan’s blue in the brain diminution significantly in drug-treated groups. The neurological severity score in the co-administered group was found similar to that of the control group (no significant difference compared to the control group) on days 7 and 21. The results affirmed the potential of both drugs in preventing TBI-induced blood-brain barrier damage and reducing neurological severity.