Submission Type
Poster
Abstract
Repetitive behavior is characterized as repetitive actions with no purpose, which is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What we are trying to see is 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 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, and has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and more. Prior literature indicated that TQ has positive effects on neurological problems such as epilepsy, Parkinsonism, anxiety, and improvements in learning and memory. 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.
Recommended Citation
Biondi, Ashley, "153 - The Role of Black Seed Oil (Thymoquinone) on Repetitive Behavior and Neuroinflammation in Spinning Mice" (2025). GREAT Day Posters. 38.
https://knightscholar.geneseo.edu/great-day-symposium/great-day-2025/posters-2025/38
153 - The Role of Black Seed Oil (Thymoquinone) on Repetitive Behavior and Neuroinflammation in Spinning Mice
Repetitive behavior is characterized as repetitive actions with no purpose, which is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). What we are trying to see is 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 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, and has traditionally been used as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and more. Prior literature indicated that TQ has positive effects on neurological problems such as epilepsy, Parkinsonism, anxiety, and improvements in learning and memory. 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.
Comments
Sponsored by Allison Bechard