Fenugreek oil improves metabolic parameters and mitigates reproductive dysfunctions in type-2 diabetic male Wistar rats

Aim: The study investigated the impact of Fenugreek oil (FGO) on blood glucose levels and reproductive dysfunctions in male Wistar rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Animals were divided into 5 groups (n=5). Group 1 (Control) received water (0.2 mL/day), Group 2 (T2DM) while Group 3, 4 and 5 with T2DM were treated with FGO (1 mL/Kg), FGO (0.5 mL/Kg) and metformin (100mg/Kg). T2DM was induced via administration of fructose ad libitum for two weeks, followed by intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection (40 mg/Kg). Administration of FGO was oral for 4 weeks after confirmation of T2DM. Fasting blood glucose levels were monitored weekly, and after the last treatment, the rats were sacrificed to analyze sperm parameters, insulin, hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular hormones, and oxidative stress biomarkers. Cytoarchitecture of the testes and pancreas were also analyzed. Results: The T2DM group showed increased blood glucose and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) while homeostatic model assessment for beta-cell function (HOMA-β) decreased significantly. Following FGO treatment, improvements were observed in blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. Sperm motility, viability, and count were enhanced, and the occurrence of abnormal sperm morphology decreased. Insulin and reproductive hormones that were significantly decreased in T2DM also improved following FGO administration. Testicular malondialdehyde was significantly reduced with an improved antioxidants status following administration of FGO. Histological analysis revealed damage in the testes and pancreas of the diabetic group, which was improved post-treatment. Conclusion: Fenugreek oil effectively mitigates reproductive dysfunctions and improves metabolic parameters related to type 2 diabetes in male Wistar rats.