Does sesame oil supplementation increase Leydig cell count in diabetic male rats?
What the Evidence Shows
What we've found so far suggests that sesame oil supplementation may be linked to an increase in Leydig cell count in diabetic male rats. Our analysis of the available evidence shows support for this idea, with no studies indicating otherwise.
We reviewed 12.0 claims from the research, all of which support the finding that when diabetic male rats are given sesame oil in their diet for about two months, there appears to be a rise in the number of Leydig cells in their testes . These cells play a key role in producing hormones like testosterone, which are important for male reproductive health. The evidence we’ve reviewed consistently points in this direction, with no conflicting data reported.
However, it's important to note that all the supporting evidence comes from a single line of research or study type, and no refuting studies were identified. This means our current understanding is limited to what these findings show, and we cannot rule out the need for broader investigation. We don’t yet know if these effects would last longer than two months, occur in non-diabetic rats, or translate to other species—including humans.
The evidence we've reviewed leans toward a positive association between sesame oil and Leydig cell numbers in diabetic male rats, but we’re still building a full picture. There may be factors we haven’t accounted for, such as dosage, overall diet, or underlying health conditions.
Practical takeaway: In lab rats with diabetes, adding sesame oil to their food might help support certain aspects of testicular health. But we’re not ready to say how or why for sure—and this doesn’t mean the same will happen in people.