Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences, 4(2): 386-390, 2009 © 2009, INSInet Publication Effects of Black Seeds (Nigella Sativa) on Spermatogenesis and Fertility of Male Albino Rats Mukhallad A Mohammad, Mohamad MJ Mohamad and Hatham Dradka. 1 1 2 Physiology Dept., Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. 1 Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Jerash Private University, P.O. Box 311, Jerash 2 26110, Jordan. Abstract: The seeds of Nigella sativa Linn. (Ranunculaceae herbaceous plant), commonly known as black seed or black cumin, are used as herbal medicine all over the world for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases and conditions like asthma, diarrhoea and dyslipidaemia. The aim of this study is to see effects of Nigella sativa on the reproductive system and fertility on adult male albino rats. 20 albino rats were involved in this study and were divided into two groups: a vehicle-treated control group and a treated group with Nigella sativa at a dose of 300.mg/kg body weight for 60 days. The seeds of Nigella sativa induce a significant increase in the weight of reproductive organs as compared to control animals (P<0.01). The sperm motility and count in cauda epidydimides and testicular ducts were significantly increased (P<0.01). Spermatogenesis was increased at primary &secondary spermatocyte stages. Epididymides showed eleveted number of spermatozoa. Lumen of vas deferentia were full of sperms. The secretary activities of seminal vesicle and ventricular prostate were also increased. A significant increase (P<0.01) in spermatogenesis activity was observed in semniferous tubule. Treated rats testicular cell population showed a increase in number of spermatocytes and spermatids (P<0.001) when compared to control animals. Increased in number female rats impregnated by males receiving treatment was also observed and (P<0.01). It is concluded that the aqueous extracts of Nigella sativa have increased spermatogenesis of male albino rats. Key words: Nigella sativa, Fertility, spermatogenesis, male and female albino rats. INTRODUCTION The use of plants as medicines dates from the earliest years of man’s evolution . Medicinal plants [1] serve as therapeutic alternatives, safer choices, or in some cases, as the only effective treatment. People in different cultures and places have used particular plants for to treat certain medical problems. A larger number of these plants and their extract have shown beneficial therapeutic effects, including anti-oxidant, anti- inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, and immunomodulatory effects . Among the promising [1-6] medicinal plants, Nigella sativa, a dicotyledonous of the Ranunculaceae family, is an amazing herb with a rich historical and religious background . Nigella [7] sativa is found in southern Europe, northern Africa, and Asia Minor. It is a bushy, self-branching plant with white or pale to dark blue flowers. Nigella sativa reproduces with itself and forms a fruit capsule which consists of many white trigonal seeds. Once the fruit capsule has matured, it opens up and the seeds contained within are exposed to the air, becoming black in color . The seeds of Nigella sativa are the [8] source of the active ingredients of this plant. It is the black seed referred to by the prophet Mohammed as having healing powers . Black seed is also identified [7] as the curative black cumin in the Holy Bible and is described as the Melanthion of Hippocrates and Discroides and as the Gith of Pliny . [9] Historically, it has been recorded that Nigella sativa seeds were prescribed by ancient Egyptian and Greek physician to treat headache, nasal congestion, toothache and intestinal worms, diuretic and to increase milk production . The seeds of Nigella sativa, known [7,10] as black seed, black cumin have long been used in the middle and far east as a traditional medicine for a wide range of illnesses including bronchial asthma, headache, dysentery, infections, obesity, back pain, hypertension and gastrointestinal problems . Its use in skin [8,11] condition as eczema has also been recognized worldwide . [7] Four dolabellane-type diterpene alkaloids have been Corresponding Author: Mohamad MJ Mohamad MD, Physiology Dept., Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan E-mail: mukmoh@just.edu.jo Mobile: (00962) (079) (5158960) 386