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

Lead reproductive toxicity has been reported in men. Nigella sativa seed and its active component, thymoquinone have used traditional pharmacopeia as natural remedy to promote health. This study investigated the ameliorative potential of Thymoquinone (TQ) on male functions lead acetate (PbA)-induced Wistar rats. Thirty rats weighing 100–120 g were randomly divided into six groups (n=5); Control (distilled water, 0.2 ml/day), PbA, PbA+5 mg/kg TQ, PbA+3.75 PbA+2.5 5 TQ. TQ was given orally at varying doses daily for 8 weeks while PbA (15 mg/Kg) administered intraperitoneally once per week weeks. Hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular hormones, sperm analysis, histological studies testis epididymis conducted data analyzed. A significant decrease (p˂0.05) GnRH, FSH, LH, testosterone when compared with control group. However, significantly increased (p<0.05) treated Sperm count, motility, viability, morphology showed group control, these ameliorated following administration. Cytoarchitectural distortions observed PbA-treated equally improved induces via a reduction hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular parameters well distortion both testicular epididymal cytoarchitectures. anomalies.