Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavor enhancer, but excessive consumption has been linked to various toxic effects, including damage to the male reproductive system. This review discusses the negative impacts of MSG on male reproductive functions, including reduced sperm count, motility, morphology, and viability, as well as hormonal imbalances and testicular damage. MSG exposure has been associated with decreased testosterone levels, impaired spermatogenesis, and altered testicular histoarchitecture. It also causes oxidative stress, which leads to DNA damage and cell death. Additionally, MSG affects reproductive hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone, and may contribute to reproductive organ weight changes and sexual behavior alterations. The compound is also linked to neurotoxic effects, including increased aggression and reduced locomotor activity. The review highlights the mechanisms by which MSG exerts its toxic effects, including oxidative stress, disruption of taste receptor signaling, and interference with reproductive hormone regulation. It also discusses the protective role of natural antioxidants in mitigating MSG-induced testicular toxicity. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium have been shown to reduce oxidative damage and improve reproductive function in rats. Phytochemicals like flavonoids and quince leaf extract also exhibit protective effects against MSG-induced reproductive dysfunction. The review concludes that MSG negatively affects male reproductive functions by causing oxidative damage, histological changes, and hormonal dysfunction. There is a need for a re-evaluation of MSG safety guidelines and increased public awareness of its potential toxic effects.Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a widely used flavor enhancer, but excessive consumption has been linked to various toxic effects, including damage to the male reproductive system. This review discusses the negative impacts of MSG on male reproductive functions, including reduced sperm count, motility, morphology, and viability, as well as hormonal imbalances and testicular damage. MSG exposure has been associated with decreased testosterone levels, impaired spermatogenesis, and altered testicular histoarchitecture. It also causes oxidative stress, which leads to DNA damage and cell death. Additionally, MSG affects reproductive hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone, and may contribute to reproductive organ weight changes and sexual behavior alterations. The compound is also linked to neurotoxic effects, including increased aggression and reduced locomotor activity. The review highlights the mechanisms by which MSG exerts its toxic effects, including oxidative stress, disruption of taste receptor signaling, and interference with reproductive hormone regulation. It also discusses the protective role of natural antioxidants in mitigating MSG-induced testicular toxicity. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium have been shown to reduce oxidative damage and improve reproductive function in rats. Phytochemicals like flavonoids and quince leaf extract also exhibit protective effects against MSG-induced reproductive dysfunction. The review concludes that MSG negatively affects male reproductive functions by causing oxidative damage, histological changes, and hormonal dysfunction. There is a need for a re-evaluation of MSG safety guidelines and increased public awareness of its potential toxic effects.