LAUSR

Abstract Background Vitamin E and black seed oil are two powerful antioxidants with several health benefits. Objective The effect of vitamin E and black seed oil on reproductive performance of Swiss albino mice was studied. Methods A total of 80 (40 male and 40 female) mice of 25–28 days old were randomly divided into four groups viz., A, B, C and D consisting of 10 mice in each group. Mice from the group A served as vehicle control and received normal mice ration whereas mice from the group B, C and D received feed supplemented with either black seed oil (0.5 ml/kg), vitamin E (200 mg/kg) or combination of black seed oil (0.5 ml/kg) and vitamin E (200 mg/kg), respectively daily for 16 weeks. At the end point of the study, blood samples were collected and sera were separated for hormonal analysis. At the same time, mice were sacrificed and testes and ovaries were collected for histomorphological examination. Results In male mice, the level of testosterone increased significantly in mice receiving black seed oil only, whereas the thyroxin increased significantly in all treated groups when compared to the control mice. Histomorphological examination revealed a significant increase in the diameter of seminiferous tubules in male mice fed with either black seed oil or vitamin E or both. On the other hand, the oestradiol and thyroxin concentration in female mice showed no significant changes in both control and treated groups. However, ovaries of mice fed with black seed oil or vitamin E or both showed an increased number of the follicles of different stages than the control mice. Conclusions The findings highlighted the promoting action of vitamin E and black seed oil on reproductive functions of mice and that can be used to treat infertility in man and animals.