Ameliorative Effects of Pumpkin Seed Oil on Sexual-Reproductive Indices of Salt-loaded Male Rats: Involvement of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis

Abstract

Background and Purpose: High sodium intake is a well-established contributor to hypertension, but its adverse effects on male reproductive health remain underexplored. Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) is known for its therapeutic potential, particularly in promoting reproductive health. This study aimed to evaluate the modulatory effects of PSO on the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis in adult male Wistar rats exposed to high salt-induced toxicity. Methods: Twenty-four (24) adult male Wistar rats (9-11 weeks old; 150-180 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6): Control (distilled water, 0.1 mL), High Salt (HS; 3 mL/100 g/day of 8% NaCl solution), HS + PSO (3 mL/100 g/day of 8% NaCl solution + 4 mL/kg/day of PSO), and PSO only (4 mL/kg/day). Treatments were administered orally for 14 consecutive days. Sexual behavioral parameters (mounting and intromission) were assessed. After treatment, blood and tissue samples were collected for hormonal assays, oxidative stress biomarkers, histological examination, and semen analysis. Results: High salt exposure significantly disrupted the HPT axis, resulting in reduced sexual behavior, poor sperm quality, hormonal imbalance, oxidative stress, gonadotroph cell degeneration, and disordered spermatogenesis. In contrast, PSO administration markedly mitigated these adverse effects by restoring sexual performance, enhancing sperm quality, preserving testicular histoarchitecture, improving reproductive hormones, and boosting antioxidant enzyme activity. Conclusion: Excessive salt intake compromises male reproductive function via oxidative damage and hormonal dysregulation. PSO exhibited significant ameliorative effects against salt-induced reproductive and neuroendocrine toxicity, likely due to its antioxidant and phytoestrogenic properties. These findings suggest that PSO could serve as a beneficial dietary intervention for safeguarding male fertility in salt-exposed populations.