Protective effect of Nigella sativa on the reproductive system of monosodium glutamate – challenged male Wistar rats

Abstract

Background: Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most widely used food additives that might lead to infertility in male. Previous  studies established that Nigella sativa (NS) extract provides antioxidative and cytoprotective effect.

Aim: This study investigated the male  reproductive system potential protective effect of Nigella sativa Seed (NSS) aqueous extract on monosodium glutamate- challenged male Wistar rats

Methods: Twenty-five male Wistar rat were randomly divided in to five (5) groups of five rats each. Control Group received  normal diet of food and water, Experimental Control received 120mg/kg body weight MSG, Experimental Group 1 received 120mg/kg  body weight MSG + 50mg/kg NSS aqueous extract, Experimental Group 2 received 120mg/kg body weight MSG + 100mg/kg NSS aqueous  extract and Experimental Group 3 received 120mg/kg MSG + 200mg/kg NSS aqueous extract. The study was for a period of 35  days. The rats were anaesthetized with chloroform by inhalation. The blood sample was collected by cardiac puncture. The Total Body  Weight (TBW), Gonadosomatic Index (GSI), Testosterone levels and Semen parameters were evaluated.

Results: There was no significant  difference in the TBW and GSI of rat between the control and experimental groups (p > 0.05). There was significant decrease in  testosterone and sperm parameters in the experimental control group when compared with normal control group (p< 0.05) after  administration of 120mg/kg MSG. Administration of NSS aqueous extract at different doses significantly increased the level of  testosterone and total sperm parameters compared with all experimental groups (p< 0.05).

Conclusion: Oral administration of MSG,  induced male reproductive system toxicity, which protected by oral administration of NSS aqueous extract in male Wister rats. Therefore,  consumption of high dose MSG must be avoided because it may cause damage in male reproductive organs and incorporation of NSS to  the processed feed could prevent the cytotoxic effects of MSG.