Abstract

Objective: The goal of the current project was to identify the therapeutic benefits of Nigella sativa (NS) on enhancing the fertility of obese male rats. Methods: Rats were distributed into three group: controls which were fed by a normal diet (ND); the group which was fed by a high-fat diet (HFD); besides, the group which was fed by HFD, then supplemented with NS. Gonadal Hormones plasma levels were investigated by ELISA. Inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1ß and IL10, were investigated by Multiplex Assays. The animals were sacrificed after eight weeks, and their testes were extracted for histology. Results: Testosterone levels in the HFD group were significantly minor than from the control group. Moreover, the HFD group treated with NS seeds showed significantly increasing levels of testosterone compared to the group treated with HFD only. The luteinizing hormone levels were unchanged amongst three groups. However, the follicle-stimulating hormone levels were the lowest in the HFD group compared to the other study groups. Cytokines were significantly raised in the HFD group compared with the controls. However, the rats treated with NS seeds showed lower cytokines than the group treated with HFD only. The gonads of HFD group showed disrupted seminiferous tubules, degenerated Leydig cells, and atypical spermatogenesis. Interestingly, the HFD group treated with NS restored the normal testicular structure, similar to the control group. Conclusion: NS could improve the reproductive efficiency in the abnormally distorted hyperlipidaemic-inflamed reproductive tissues in obese male rats.