Comparative Effects of Crude and Emulsified Elaeis guineensis Mesocarp Oil on Reproductive and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Immature Female Wistar Rats

Aim: Female infertility remains a major global health concern, and functional nutrition is increasingly being explored as a complementary management strategy. Elaeis guineensis mesocarp oil has been recognized for its nutritional and antioxidant properties; however, its effects on female reproductive physiology remain poorly understood. This study compared the effects of crude E. guineensis mesocarp oil (CEmO) and emulsified E. guineensis mesocarp oil (EEmO) on reproductive, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters in immature female Wistar rats.Materials and Methods: Female Wistar rats (21–23 days old) were orally administered CEmO or EEmO at doses of 1 or 2 mL/100 g body weight for 20 days. Control groups received either distilled water or estradiol. Body weight, ovarian and uterine indices, serum reproductive hormone levels (FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone), lipid profile, ovarian oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, and CAT), and ovarian histology were evaluated.Results: High-dose EEmO reduced body weight gain, whereas CEmO increased it. Uterine mass and the number of primary follicles decreased, particularly in the group receiving EEmO at 1 mL/100 g. Both treatments reduced ovarian protein content and serum FSH levels while significantly increasing ovarian catalase activity, especially with EEmO. Ovarian cholesterol levels decreased, whereas progesterone, estradiol, and LH levels increased moderately. Only minimal adverse effects on the lipid and antioxidant profiles were observed, consisting mainly of increases in triglyceride and MDA levels in some treated animals. Ovarian architecture remained preserved, with follicular maturation varying according to dose and formulation.Conclusion: CEmO and EEmO exert dose- and formulation-dependent effects on female reproductive and oxidative stress parameters, with emulsified E. guineensis mesocarp oil exhibiting stronger antioxidant and endocrine regulatory activities.