THE EFFECT OF PUMPKIN SEED OIL ON ZINC DEFICIENT-INDUCED REPRODUCTIVE DISORDERS IN MALE RATS

Abstract

Pumpkin ( Cucurbitae Pepo L. ) seed oil (PSO) is suggested as an antioxidant, as well as reproductive effect, whereas zinc claimed as fertility supplement. Current work aims to assess the possible effect of PSO combined with zinc on thyroids, testosterone hormones and oxidative damage against zinc deficiency in male rats. Thirty-six rats weight ranged 70-80g classified into four nine rats, were used for the research that lasted for six weeks. Group I, the control group, received fed on basal diet with sufficient zinc and water ad libitum. Group II, received zinc-deficient diet (3ppm), group III was received zinc-deficient diet and zinc sulphate supplemented (3+81 ppm) and group IV received the same of group III treated with 200 mg PSO/kg/b.wt/rats. The results showed an excellent quality of PSO with high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and phenolic phytochemicals. Results showed statistically significant increase in serum levels of triodothyronine hormone (T3), testosterone, antioxidant microsomal enzymes in liver and testis in the test PSO compared with the zinc-deficient rats. The results also revealed statistically significant decrease in the serum levels of lipid profile except HDL-C in groups ZD + Zn and ZD + Zn + PSO when compared with zinc deficient group (ZD). The increase in zinc levels in blood and liver and testis in dose dependent as there were consistent increment in groups ZD + Zn and ZD + Zn + PSO after which the levels increased with adding PSO to zinc supplemented in zinc-deficient rats. In conclusion, PSO has some significant positive effects on reproductive functions in male rats in particular those suffering from zinc deficient. All of the effects could be potentially attributed the high bioactive compound content fatty acids, menieral, antioxidant activity, testis and liver by PSO. Key words: Linolenic acid, antioxidant, testosterone, testis, phytochemicals