Phytoestrogens are plant chemicals that can act like the hormone estrogen in the body. They can interfere with the body’s natural hormone balance and cause problems with development and reproduction. This study aimed to investigate whether garlic (Allium sativum) and caraway (Carum carvi L.) oils have estrogenic effects on male reproductive hormones, testicular tissue, and function. The study used three groups of six male Rattus rattus rats each. The control group received distilled water, while the garlic and caraway groups received the oils by gavage (feeding tube) at a dose of 1 ml/kg. After 30 days, blood, epididymis, and testis samples were collected from all rats for biochemical analysis, sperm analysis, and histological examination. Administering male rats garlic oil significantly decreased sperm motility, concentration, and viability. Both oils significantly decreased testosterone levels compared to the control values. They both significantly raised prolactin levels in the blood. Garlic oil, in particular, increased the percentage of abnormal sperm and caused the seminiferous tubules and testes to degenerate. However, the sperm quality, the seminiferous tubules, and the testes of rats that ingested caraway oil were almost normal. The results of this study suggest that garlic oil may produce some harm concerning male rats’ fertility (testes histology and reproductive hormones). In contrast, caraway oil is considered safer concerning testicular histology. More research is needed to see if garlic and caraway oils have an effect on male sex hormones and sperm production in humans.
