Background: Phytoestrogens are estrogen analogues of plant origin, allowing them to act as agonists at estrogen receptors.
Objectives: This study was done to discover the effects of flaxseed and turmeric oils on male rats' fertility.
Methodology: Eighteen male albino rats are divided into three groups (6 rats each). Group 1 ( Control group) rats received distilled water 1 mL/kg orally); group 2 (Flaxseed oil group) rats received 1 mL/kg flaxseed oil orally;group 3 (Turmeric oil) rats received 1 mL/kg turmeric oil orally. After 30 days, blood samples, epididymis, and testis were collected for biochemical analysis, sperm characteristics and histological examinations.
Results: Flaxseed oil induced a significant decline (p < 0.05) in % of body weight change relative to the control group. Flaxseed and turmeric oils groups showed significant declines (p < 0.05) in gonadosomatic index and sperm motility, concentration, and viability, with a significant increase in sperm abnormalities. Besides, Flaxseed and turmeric oils groups showed significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the serum testosterone levels with significant increases (p < 0.05) in serum prolactin, FSH, and LH levels. Flaxseed and turmeric oils consumption significantly decreased (p < 0.05) plasma CAT and SODwhile they significantly increased (p < 0.05) plasma MDA relative to the control group. The testis of rats ingested flaxseed and turmeric oils showed degenerated seminiferous tubules, with a diminished number of mature spermatozoa in the tubular lumen, reduced diameter of seminiferous tubules and intact basement membrane.
Conclusion: Feeding flaxseed and turmeric oils consumption to adult male rats induced hormonal disturbances with non-uniformities in sperm characteristics.