The effect of nigella sativa oil on male reproductive function in male Wistar rats exposed to an obesogenic diet

Abstract

Obesity is a growing public health concern globally, particularly in developed countries such as the United States (US). More than 30% of Americans are considered obese. In the past 20 years in America, incidence of obesity has increased significantly (Mokdad et al., 2003). As a consequence, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) anticipates that 1 in 3 American adults will be diabetic by 2050 (Boyle et al., 2001; Hedley et al., 2004). The most important cause of obesity is poor nutrition, absence of physical exercise and unfavourable lifestyle changes (James et al., 2001).