Comparison of the gonadoprotective functions of Nigella sativa oil, metformin and vitamin E on streptozotocin-induced diabetic testis.

This article focuses on comparing the protective effects of Nigella sativa oil, metformin, and vitamin E on testicular damage induced by streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus (DM) in male rats. Using histopathological, immunohistochemical, and spermatological analyses over an 8-week period, the study found that Nigella sativa oil better preserved seminiferous tubule structure, improved sperm motility and concentration, and reduced apoptosis in testicular tissue compared to metformin and vitamin E. These effects are attributed to Nigella sativa’s potent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties, particularly through modulation of oxidative stress and apoptotic pathways involving Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 proteins. The authors suggest that Nigella sativa oil may be a more effective therapeutic agent for mitigating diabetes-induced male reproductive dysfunction, though they recommend further research with larger sample sizes and longer durations to clarify its active components and mechanisms.