Does sesame oil improve testicular cell structure in diabetic male rats?
What the Evidence Shows
What we've found so far is that in diabetic male rats, daily intake of sesame oil may help improve testicular cell structure. The evidence we’ve reviewed leans toward a potential benefit, even when blood sugar levels remain high [1].
Our analysis of the available research shows that in one line of study—representing 12.0 supporting claims—sesame oil appeared to repair some of the damage to testicular cells in diabetic male rats . These rats were given sesame oil daily over a period of about two months. While their blood sugar stayed elevated, improvements in testicular tissue were observed. We do not have evidence explaining how this effect might work, nor do we know which components of sesame oil may be involved.
It’s important to note that all the data we’ve reviewed so far comes from studies on rats, not humans. We cannot assume these results apply to people. Also, while the evidence consistently supports this effect in this specific animal model, there are no studies in our current analysis that test whether fertility, hormone levels, or other functions also improve.
We have not found any claims that refute this effect in diabetic male rats, but the total number of claims analyzed is small. Our current analysis is based on a narrow body of evidence, focused only on structural changes in testicular cells.
Based on what we've reviewed so far, sesame oil may support testicular cell health in diabetic male rats independent of blood sugar control. But we don’t know how strong or consistent this effect is across different conditions.
Practical takeaway: In lab rats with diabetes, sesame oil might help protect or repair testicular cells—even if blood sugar isn’t lowered. But this doesn’t mean it will work the same way in humans.