ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF SESAME SEED OIL AND THEIR IMPACT IN IMPROVING MALE FERTILITY OF NORMAL AND DIABETIC RATS

*Atef E. Abd El-Baky

ABSTRACT

Great efforts have been made to identify an ideal herb with strong and effective anti-metabolic effects on male fertility. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant effects of sesame seed oil and their impact on reproductive parameters of diabetic rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were divided into four groups. 1st normal group, 2nd normal rats supplemented with oil enriched diet, 3rd diabetic group, 4th diabetic rats supplemented with oil enriched diet for eight weeks. Results: Sesame oil increased testosterone, sperm number and motility in both normal and diabetic groups. The normal rats supplemented with oil showing elevation in glutathione peroxidase(GPx) and (GSH) while malondialdehyde (MDA)level was decreased. Superoxide dismutase, GSH and GPx were decreased in diabetic group, but were increased with oil supplementation compared to diabetic group. MDA level was elevated in diabetic group compared with normal group. On the other hand, sesame oil supplementation ameliorated MDA level compared to diabetic group. Conclusions: Sesame oil has powerful antioxidant activity, which reflected on improved testosterone level, sperm production and sperm motility in both normal and diabetic groups, but was not effective in reducing plasma glucose level in diabetic group.

Keywords: Sesame seed; Testis; Sperm; Infertility; Diabetes mellitus; Antioxidant.