Thymoquinone mitigates phthalate-induced reproductive toxicities in male Swiss albino mice

Phthalates (PHA) are common environmental pollutants used extensively in the plastics sector. Exposure to PHA negatively impacts both human and animal health. Thymoquinone (TQ), an active ingredient of black cumin seed, exhibits potential pharmacological effects against many illnesses. The study aimed to investigate how TQ affected the reproductive parameters and histo-morphology of the testes in male Swiss albino mice that has been given PHA. Twenty-four male mice, aged 28 to 30 days, were utilized and allocated into three groups, each including eight animals. Group A (the control) received standard mice pellets combined with olive oil; Group B was supplied PHA; and Group C was given both TQ and PHA mixed with mice pellets. All mice were reared at 26–30°C for 60 days. Blood, serum, and organs were obtained and processed using established protocols. PHA induced an elevation in body weight in male mice. The administration of TQ normalized body weight in PHA-treated mice. Administration of PHA to male mice resulted in a significant decrease in blood levels of thyroxine (T4) and testosterone (p <0.01), whereas the administration of TQ led to an increase in these two hormones. PHA resulted in a substantial (p<0.01) decrease in sperm count and motility, accompanied by an increase in abnormalities, whereas TQ mitigated these sperm characteristics. Degenerative and necrotic alterations were observed in the seminiferous tubules of the testis in PHA-treated male mice which was altered by TQ. In conclusion, the integration of TQ may alleviate the adverse effects generated by PHA.