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Effects of Nigella sativa on heat-induced testis damage in mouse
Background:
Infertility is one of the major health problems.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa on heat-induced testicular damage.
Methods:
Forty male mice were randomly divided into the four equal groups as Control, Heat stressed and, Heated and treated with Nigella sativa 10 % and 20 % in diet. The scrotum of mice except to the control mice were immersed for 15 min in a water bath at 43 °C. Animals in the control group were treated identically except that the water bath was maintained at 23 °C. Fifty days after the heating, blood samples were collected for testosterone levels. Testes were removed for the measurement of seminiferous tubules diameter and percentage of spermatogenesis and oxidant/antioxidant status.
Results:
Heating stress significantly reduced blood testosterone level and increased lipid peroxidation product and decreased antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase (p < 0.01). Nigella sativa treatment significantly increased blood testosterone level and decreased testis malondialdehyde level and increased antioxidant enzymes activities (p < 0.05). In the mice treated with Nigella sativa, testes illustrated normal spermatogenesis and structure.
Conclusion:
The results indicated that supplementation of Nigella sativa in diet improves spermatogenesis and antioxidant status after a short exposure of the mouse testis to heat (Tab. 1, Fig. 4, Ref. 45).
Insights
Nigella sativa supplementation improved sperm production and antioxidant levels in mice experiencing heat-induced testicular damage. This natural remedy offers a potential solution for male infertility linked to heat exposure.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Toxicology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Infertility poses a significant global health challenge.
- Heat stress is a known factor contributing to male infertility.
- Oxidative stress plays a crucial role in testicular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of Nigella sativa against heat-induced testicular damage in male mice.
- To assess the impact of Nigella sativa on sperm parameters and testicular antioxidant status.
Main Methods:
- Forty male mice were divided into control, heat-stressed, and heat-stressed groups treated with Nigella sativa (10% and 20% in diet).
- Testicular damage was induced by immersing scrotums in a 43°C water bath for 15 minutes.
- Evaluated testosterone levels, seminiferous tubule diameter, spermatogenesis, and oxidant/antioxidant status 50 days post-exposure.
Main Results:
- Heat stress significantly decreased testosterone levels, increased lipid peroxidation, and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase).
- Nigella sativa treatment dose-dependently restored testosterone levels, decreased malondialdehyde (a marker of lipid peroxidation), and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities.
- Mice treated with Nigella sativa exhibited normal testicular structure and spermatogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Dietary supplementation with Nigella sativa effectively improves spermatogenesis and antioxidant capacity in mouse testes following acute heat exposure.
- Nigella sativa demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for mitigating heat-induced male reproductive damage.
