**Background:** Arsenic is a widespread environmental toxicant that causes male reproductive toxicity by inducing oxidative stress, disrupting spermatogenesis, and altering hormone levels. Salvia hispanica (chia seeds) are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber, which may counteract these effects. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of chia seed powder against sodium arsenite-induced testicular toxicity in male rats.
**Methods:** Thirty-six male albino rats (Sprague Dawley, 200 ± 10 g) were divided into six groups (n=6 each). Group 1 (negative control) received a basal diet and distilled water orally for 28 days. Groups 2–6 received intraperitoneal injections of sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) at 4 mg/kg body weight in 0.9% NaCl solution, administered twice over two days. Group 2 (positive control) received a basal diet. Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6 received a basal diet supplemented with 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% ground chia seeds per 100 g diet, respectively. After 28 days, rats were euthanized; blood and tissue samples were collected. Sperm parameters (count, motility, progressive motility, normal morphology) were assessed. Serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured. Testicular tissue was analyzed for antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase [GPx], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT]) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Histopathological examination of testes was performed. Statistical analysis used one-way ANOVA with Duncan's multiple range test (p ≤ 0.05).
**Key Results:** The positive control group showed significant reductions in sperm parameters, serum sex hormones, and antioxidant enzyme activities, along with increased MDA levels compared to the negative control. All chia-treated groups (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) showed statistically significant improvements. Specifically, sperm count, motility, progressive motility, and normal morphology were significantly higher in treated groups versus the positive control (p < 0.05). Serum LH, FSH, and testosterone levels were significantly increased in all treatment groups compared to the positive control (p < 0.05). Thyroid hormones (T3, T4, TSH) were also significantly higher in treated groups. Testicular GPx, SOD, and CAT activities were significantly elevated, while MDA levels were significantly reduced in all chia-treated groups (p ≤ 0.05). The 5% and 10% chia groups (G3 and G4) showed the most favorable outcomes, with values closest to the negative control. Histopathology revealed that chia seed powder reduced seminiferous tubule degeneration, preserved germinal epithelium, and decreased interstitial inflammation compared to the positive control.
**Clinical Implications:** This study demonstrates that Salvia hispanica (chia) seed powder effectively mitigates sodium arsenite-induced testicular toxicity in male rats, likely due to its high content of antioxidants, polyphenols, and omega-3 fatty acids. The improvements in sperm quality, hormone levels, and antioxidant defense suggest that chia seeds could serve as a dietary intervention to protect male reproductive health in populations exposed to arsenic contamination. However, these findings are from an animal model and require validation in human clinical trials. The study supports the potential use of chia seeds as a nutraceutical for preventing or treating arsenic-related reproductive toxicity.