<i>Nigella sativa</i> Oil Improves Follicular Reserve in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Ovarian Toxicity: A Histomorphological and Hormonal Assessment in Female Rats

This study investigates the protective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO) against cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity in female rats. The research evaluates histological changes in ovarian tissue and their correlation with serum gonadotropin levels. Female rats were assigned to three experimental groups treated with cyclophosphamide, NS-Oil, or a combination, alongside a control group. Ovarian histology was assessed for structural integrity, follicular development, and toxicity, while serum estradiol and progesterone levels were measured. Cyclophosphamide administration significantly disrupted ovarian architecture, reducing follicle count and inducing follicular degeneration. NS-Oil treatment demonstrated protective effects, restoring normal ovarian histology and improving gonadotropin levels. Although body weight showed no significant difference among groups, ovarian weight decreased in cyclophosphamide-treated rats (p < 0.05) but increased dose-dependently with NS-Oil treatment (p < 0.05). Cyclophosphamide significantly reduced ovarian cortex and medulla volumes (p < 0.05), while NS-Oil treatment reversed these effects (p < 0.05). Pre-antral and antral follicle counts declined with cyclophosphamide but increased following NS-Oil administration (p < 0.05). Atretic follicle counts were lower in NS-Oil-treated groups (p < 0.05). NS-Oil also enhanced follicular diameters affected by cyclophosphamide (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that NS-Oil may mitigate ovarian toxicity caused by cyclophosphamide, offering a potential therapeutic approach to preserve reproductive health during chemotherapy. Further research is needed to elucidate its mechanisms and clinical applicability.