Vitamin E and Nigella sativa supplementation enhanced the murine ovarian follicular development and hormonal profiles

Background and objectives. Vitamin E and Nigella sativa (NS) are well-known antioxidants widely consumed as part of daily dietary intake. These micronutrients are essential, and their health benefits on the female reproductive system have been extensively reported. However, their synergistic effects on ovarian histology and blood hormone levels remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of co-supplementation with both vitamin E and NS on ovarian follicular development and blood hormonal (estradiol and testosterone) levels in healthy female mice. Materials and methods. Twenty-four healthy female Balb/c mice were divided into four groups (Grp. A – Grp. D), with six mice each. Grp. A (control) received no treatment, Grp. B was given 400 mg/kg/day vitamin E, Grp. C was given 200 mg/kg/day NS, and Grp. D received both 400 mg/kg/day vitamin E and 200 mg/kg/day NS concurrently. Treatments were administered daily via oral gavage for 16 days. Blood and ovarian samples were collected for hormonal analysis using ELISA and histological assessment of ovarian tissue. Results. Findings showed that NS supplementation had the most pronounced effects, significantly increasing blood testosterone levels and the number of primary and secondary follicles. These results were similarly observed in the combined treatment group (Grp. D). Vitamin E alone led to a non-significant increase in blood testosterone and estradiol levels, though follicular development was enhanced. Conclusions. Vitamin E, NS, and their combination can positively influence ovarian function in healthy female mice. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings in human populations and explore the mechanisms underlying these effects.