Ameliorative Potential of Thymoquinone on Male Reproductive Functions in Lead Acetate-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Lead is revealed to have unfavorable results on reproductive function, particularly in males. 5 Therefore, this study is one of the concerted efforts in search of alternative ideal curative substances against the deleterious effects of lead-acetate-induced nephrotoxicity particularly in males. Among many medicinal plants, Nigella sativa (Ranunculaceae herbaceous plant), is a medicinally promising herb that has been researched and is well-known for its pharmacological benefits. The seeds of Nigella sativa known as black seed or black cumin are being used as medicine globally having anti-oxidant, anti-fertility, antiinflammatory gastro-protective, anti-tumor, anti-anxiety, and antimicrobial properties. 6,7 Black seed has an active effect on reproductive functions and infertility treatment as it has been demonstrated to cause significant improvements in reproductive parameters such as sperm count, semen qualities, Leydig cells count, follicular development, corpus luteum, and gonadotropic hormones like testosterone and progesterone. 8 Nigella sativa has many different chemical ingredients including thymoquinone (30-48%), flavonoids, anthocyanins, alkaloids, and essential fatty acids, particularly linoleic and oleic acids. 9 Thymoquinone (TQ), the main antioxidant constituent of Nigella sativa seed oil has shown beneficial effects on semen quality and reproductive functions. Several reports have shown that TQ plays a role to increase Leydig cell number and testosterone levels which eventually improved spermatogenesis. 9,10,11 Thymoquinone also exerts marked antioxidant characteristics which could ameliorate the spermatogenesis impairment