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Anti-fertility effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) seed in male Wistar rats

Authors:
Esrafil Mansouri at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences
Esrafil Mansouri
Majid Asadi-Samani at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences
Majid Asadi-Samani
Wesam Kooti at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences
Wesam Kooti
Maryam Ghasemiboroon
Maryam Ghasemiboroon
Maryam Ghasemiboroon
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Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the anti-fertility effect of fennel ( Foeniculim vulgare Mill) seed extract in male rats. Material and Methods: Forty Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. The control group received distilled water and the experimental groups were orally administered 1 ml of hydro-alcoholic extract of fennel seed in four doses of 35, 70, 140, and 280 mg/kg/b.w. daily for 60 days. After the last gavage, the rats were anaesthetised and the caudal part of the right epididymis was used for sperm counting. After fixation of the testes, microscopic sections were prepared and histological changes were evaluated. Results: The number of spermatogonia after doses of 140 and 280 mg/kg and Sertoli cells after a dose of 140 mg/kg decreased significantly as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The number of primary spermatocytes and sperm count decreased significantly in the experimental groups (70, 140, and 280 mg/kg) when compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, thickening of the basement membrane, cell apoptosis, and irregular arrangement of the germinal epithelium were observed in the experimental groups. Conclusion: Hydro-alcoholic fennel seed extract at these doses could reduce reproductivity and has anti-fertility activity in male rats.
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[Journal of Veterinary Research] Anti-fertility effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) seed in male Wistar ra
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Anti-fertility effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) seed in male Wistar ra
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... In a 60-day study of the reproductive system in male rats, male Wistar rats were administered fennel seed extract at doses of 0 (water), 35, 70, 140, or 280 mg/kg bw/day by oral gavage (Mansouri et al., 2016). The fennel extract was prepared by extraction of powdered fennel seeds in 70% ethanol, followed by removal of the solvent (composition not reported), consistent with the preparation of a spice oleoresin. ...
... For fennel seed extract, a decrease was observed in the number of primary spermatocytes and sperm count at doses equal or greater than 70 mg/kg bw/day in male Wistar rats (Mansouri et al., 2016). In other 30 and 60-day studies examining the effect of fennel seed extracts on the reproductive system of male rats, a decrease of spermatozoids in seminiferous tubules and decreased primary spermatocytes and sperm counts were reported (Dehghani et al., 2005;Shah et al., 1991). ...
FEMA GRAS assessment of natural flavor complexes: Allspice, anise, fennel-derived and related flavoring ingredients
Article
  • Feb 2023
  • FOOD CHEM TOXICOL
The FEMA Expert Panel program to re-evaluate the safety of natural flavor complexes (NFCs) used as flavoring ingredients in food has resulted in the publication of an updated constituent-based procedure as well as publications on the safety evaluation of many botanical-derived NFCs. This publication, tenth in the series and related to the ninth publication, describes the affirmation of the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status for NFCs with propenylhydroxybenzene and allylalkoxybenzene constituents under their conditions of intended use as flavoring ingredients added to food. The Panel's procedure applies the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) concept and evaluates relevant data on absorption, metabolism, genotoxic potential and toxicology for the NFCs themselves and their respective constituent congeneric groups. For NFCs containing allylalkoxybenzene constituent(s) with suspected genotoxic potential, the estimated intake of the individual constituent is compared to the TTC for compounds with structural alerts for genotoxicity and if exceeded, a margin of exposure is calculated using BMDL10 values derived from benchmark dose analyses using Bayesian model averaging, as presented in the ninth article of the series. Safety evaluations for NFCs derived from allspice, anise seed, star anise, sweet fennel seed and pimento leaves were conducted and their GRAS status was affirmed for use as flavoring ingredients. The scope of the safety evaluation contained herein does not include added use in dietary supplements or any products other than food.
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... The solution was concentrated under vacuum conditions on a rotary operator, and then put in an oven at 40°C for 48 hours to be dried. The prepared powder was kept at 4°C until use [40]. The dried powder was dissolved in distilled water in order to obtain the required concentration of the extract [41]. ...
The effects of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) hydroalcoholic extracts on the functional parameters of human spermatozoa after vitrification
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2023
Objective: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced during cryopreservation of human sperm and impair sperm function. Antioxidant compounds, such as fennel and purslane, reduce the damaging effects of ROS. This study aimed to evaluate motility parameters, plasma membrane integrity (PMI), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), intracellular ROS, and DNA damage to determine the optimum concentrations of hydroalcoholic extracts of fennel and purslane for human spermatozoa cryopreservation. Methods: Twenty human sperm samples were used and divided into seven equal groups consisting of fennel hydroalcoholic extract (5, 10, and 15 mg/L), purslane hydroalcoholic extract (25, 50, and 100 mg/L), and no additive. Results: Supplementation of 25 mg/L and 50 mg/L purslane extract and 10 mg/L fennel extract in cryopreservation extender significantly increased the motility and PMI of sperm with a significant reduction in intracellular ROS compared to control groups (p<0.05). A 50 mg/L concentration of purslane extract elevated progressive motility and MMP compared to the control group (p<0.05). No significant differences were seen for motion patterns and DNA damage of frozen-thawed human sperm in extender containing these extracts. Conclusion: The results showed that supplementation of 50 mg/L purslane extract and 10 mg/L fennel extract in semen cryopreservation extender has the potential to decrease intracellular ROS and subsequently elevate the motility and PMI of human sperm.
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... Finally, the filtered extract was fed to a rotary evaporator for drying. The extract was kept at a temperature of -20°C until further analyses [44]. ...
Preventive Effects of Achillea Millefolium, Rosa Damascena and Origanum Majorana Hydroalcoholic Extracts on Breast Cancer in Female Mice
Article
  • Dec 2022
Introduction Breast cancer is overall considered the second most frequently recognized cancer worldwide. Several studies have recently reported the antitumoral properties of some medicinal herbs such as Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Marjoram (Origanum majorana), and Rose (Rosa damascena Mill L). Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of these plants on breast cancer prevention in female mice. Methods Mice were classified into five ten‐mice groups: normal control (untreated group), tumor group (treated with 4T1 cells), and treatment groups (treated with 4T1 cells+ Yarrow or Rose and Marjoram plants). Then, the levels of cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidants were determined. Finally, the tumor size was evaluated. Results The hydroalcoholic extract of Yarrow herb significantly decreased the levels of CA-15-3 and CEA (P-value=0.008 and P-value=0.018, respectively). In addition, hydroalcoholic extracts of Yarrow, Rose, and Marjoram plants significantly reduced tumor size in comparison with the tumor group (P-value<0.001 for Yarrow, and P-value=0.004 for Rose and Marjoram plants). Yarrow herb had the significantly highest effect on tumor size in comparison with Rose and Marjoram plants (P-value=0.011 for both plants). However, no significant differences were found among the groups treated with the plants in comparison with the tumor mice in terms of SOD and total antioxidants (P-value>0.05). Conclusion Our findings revealed that A. millefolium had the greatest antitumor effects on mice with breast cancer in comparison with O. majorana and R. damascena herbs. However, more complementary studies are needed in this regard.
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... This explains a need for exploring the hidden wealth of medicinal plants with better effectiveness and lesser side effects (Fajriaty et al., 2017). In Indian local communities, several plants and their parts have become crucial due to their action on the ovarian-uterine axis, biological effectiveness, factorial role in the regulation of fertility, eco-friendliness, cheapness, affordable for all segments of society, and capability to provoke changes in the configuration of the reproductive cycle (Daud et al., 2015;Mansouri et al., 2016;Singh et al., 2017). ...
The pharmacological evaluation of antifertility role of Plumeria acuminata on the reproduction of female Wistar rats
Article
  • Aug 2022
Treatment-induced imbalance in female reproductive hormones can lead to difficulty in ovulation and preparing the endometrium for efficient reception can cumulatively suggest the antifertility role of the drug. Traditionally, ancient herbal medicines are proficiently used to rule out fertility and its control-related issues. This research aims to explore a fertility regulatory profile of leaves and roots ethanolic extract from Plumeria acuminata of the Apocynaceae family. Plumeria acuminata leaves and roots ethanolic extracts were prepared by cold maceration process, subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis, and acute toxicity test. Based on the LD50 values, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg doses of both extracts were determined for antifertility activity in adult Wistar female rats. Test-item treatments were given orally from day 1 to 28. Morphological, hematological, hormonal, and histological examinations were performed on day 29 after euthanizing animals. Administration of extracts expressively altered the hormonal intensities up to ~7%-99%, i.e., a decrease in estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone level as well as an increased in folliclestimulating hormone level. Anatomical alterations in reproductive organs were confirmed by observing cystic follicles and atrophied squamous cells during histopathological evaluation. Vaginal smear evaluation confirmed the disturbance of the estrous cycle with an increase in estrous cycle length up to ~8%-64% as well as a decrease in the number of the estrous cycle and each phase up to ~0%-118% except for diestrus phase. Achieved antifertility results can be attributed to hormonal imbalance, mainly caused by the stigmasterol, saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids groups of phytochemicals in leaves and roots ethanolic extracts.
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... Considering that the use of Fennel would minimise the expense of unsuccessful ovulation treatments, improving the likelihood of having planned pregnancies with fewer complications and, as a result, the birth of a new human, this is a significant topic. 5,6 The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) on folliculogenesis and follicular maturation in norvegicus rats exposed to Clomiphene Citrate, in order to supply new information that can be utilized to incorporate new understanding into health care practises and policies. Specifically, the current study investigates the effects of Fennel at doses of 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/ kg on folliculogenesis and follicular maturation in norvegicus rats, as well as the effects of Clomiphene Citrate on folliculogenesis and follicular maturation in norvegicus rats, and whether there is a difference in the effects of folliculogenesis and follicular maturation between rats that consumed Fennel. ...
Comparison of Folliculogenesis and Follicular Maturation in Norvegicus Rats using Foeniculum Vulgare and Clomiphene Citrate
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2022
Objective: The objective of this work is to understand the importance of follicular maturation in the reproductive life of the Wistar's rats (Rattus norvegicus) using Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) and Clomiphene Citrate as reference drug. Methods: Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) are used in doses of (400, 800mg/Kg), Clomiphene Citrate along with distilled water administration. The sexual hormones involved in the oestrous cycle, folliculogenesis, the role of the ovaries, the embryonic and fetal development of the ovary are addressed. An extract of Fennel was obtained using ethyl alcohol by miscreation. After successful administration, a histological study was also conducted on 40 rats grouped into four categories. Statistical analysis also applied standard parameters like chi-square, Tukey test and variance test. Results: It was identified that after administration of Fennel citrate drug along with distilled waters, significant differences (p<0.05) were identified in the rats and all rats formed primary (90% given 800mg/kg after fennel administration), secondary and matured (80% given 800mg/kg after fennel administration) follicles. Conclusion: The effect of F. Vulgare at dose of 400mg was not influential as compared to F. Vulgare at 800mg. The clomiphene citrate increased the number of primary follicles in all of the rats studied. In contrast, the rats that ate F. Vulgare, had secondary and mature follicles predominating and did not have any primary follicles.
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Top Edible Wild Plants of Eastern Mediterranean Region. Part VI Various Activities
Article
Full-text available
  • Mar 2024
  • WJPR
The first five review articles in this series presented anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antiviral, and antioxidant activities of the most important wild edible plants of eastern Mediterranean region, which we named as the “Deca-plants” (D-P). In this article other activities will be presented. Although the activities and properties that will be introduced in this article are very important, none of them was published in a large number of research articles that is close to each one of the activities presented in the first five articles. In rare cases that they were overlooked, some of the properties discussed in the first five articles will be presented here. So, this will be the last article of this series and will include many figures of structures of active secondary metabolites contained in the plants. We tried avoiding using publications that we cited in the first five articles unless they report activities that were not discussed in the first five parts. The last sections of this article will discuss the presented activities, present selected similar activities of Non-Deca-Plants, when the criteria of selection are wild and edible; and conclusions will be drawn with future research and applications.
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Plants Affecting Serotonergic Neurotransmission
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Serotonergic disorders like depression, anxiety, or other neuropsychiatric disorders impact a person’s quality of life, daily interaction, and social relationships. Several synthetic anti-depressants are available in the market today, but they have limited effects or restricted clinical applications and come with adverse drug reactions. The available medications could have negative behavioral and cognitive impacts. Anti-depressants from natural sources, such as herbal medicines that have been used traditionally, are safe for human health. Traditionally, these herbal formulations were used medicinally in different regions worldwide. Therefore, medicinal herbs, plant-based formulations, or plant extracts that have anti-depressant action have been studied in vitro or in rodent models of serotonergic disorders. These medicinal plants either prevent neurotransmitter reuptake or inhibit monoamine oxidase, which may be used to treat serotonergic disorders and replenish the neurotransmitter. A general overview of the serotonergic system, associated disorders, and natural compounds involved in the modulation of the serotonergic system with potential therapeutic applications have been reviewed in the current chapter.
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Foeniculum vulgare Mill.
Chapter
  • Sep 2022
Foeniculum vulgare Mill., commonly known as fennel, is one of the widespread plants that originated from Southern Europe and Mediterranean regions. This species is an economically important herb that has been used in traditional medicine and as a spice in culinary. The various parts and essential oil of fennel have been used widely in different ailments related to digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Based on their traditional uses, numerous pharmacological activities were reported by researchers such as antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, cardiovascular, antitumor, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and memory-enhancing property. According to phytochemical investigations of F. vulgare, the flavonoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and volatile compounds such as trans-anethole, estragole, and fenchone were reported as the major constituents responsible for various activities. This chapter presents an overview of the origin, distribution, taxonomic position, traditional uses, phytochemical, pharmacological, toxicological properties, and herbal formulations/products of F. vulgare. It also compiles available scientific evidence for the ethnobotanical claims and identifies gaps required to be filled by future research. F. vulgare has emerged as a good source of traditional medicine and provides a remarkable foundation for developing new drugs and the future.KeywordsFennelTraditional medicineCulinarySpicesPhytochemical composition
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Ethnobotanical Records of Medicinal Plants of Turkey Effective on Stress Management Complied with the Literature Survey in Their Chemical Content and Activities
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  • May 2022
  • REC NAT PROD
The increase of challenges in people's lives, daily problems as well as traumatic events could lead them to experience stress. Because of the side effects of current drugs, the recent medications are not sufficient to cure stress-related diseases; new approaches are needed in order to find more effective medications with fewer sideeffects. Ethnobotanical and ethnomedical research is increasingly recognized as a viable source of data and plausible pharmacological action of many plants. The review presents ethnobotanical information of the plants that have been used against stress-related diseases among local people of Turkey. In addition, a survey of the current literature on the topic aims to find new natural resources that will contribute to the development of drugs and bring them to the literature by scanning the scientific articles on the isolation and structure determination of the secondary metabolites of these medicinal plants, which have been already in use among the public for stressrelated disorders for centuries. This research is not only the first step in the research of promising new compounds against stress but it is also a presentation of data on medicinal plants of Turkey: Their medicinal parts, method of preparation, usage patterns and, if recorded, their dosages.
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Inhibitory Effect of Ziziphus Jujuba and Heracleum Persicum on the Activity of Partial Purified Rat Intestinal Alpha- Glucosidase Enzyme
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Full-text available
  • Jan 2016
Background and purpose: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are used in treatment of type 2 diabetes because they decrease postprandial hyperglycemia. Consistent use of these drugs has undesirable side effects such as liver toxicity and gastrointestinal symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of Ziziphus jujuba and Heracleum persicum on the activity of partial purified rat intestinal alpha-glucosidase enzyme. Materials and methods: Alpha-glucosidase enzyme was partially purified by gel filtration chromatography Sephadex G-200 from the rat intestine. The methanol extract of plants was prepared and IC50 value of extracts on alpha-glucosidase enzyme was obtained and compared with acarbose IC50. The polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity of extracts were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu test and DPPH test, respectively. Results: The specific activity of the enzyme was 59.1 U/mg. The IC50 values of Z. jujuba, H. persicum and acarbose for alpha-glucosidase inhibition were 815, 258 and 104 μg/ml, respectively. For inhibition of DPPH radical, IC50 values of extracts were calculated as 721 and 243 μg/ml, respectively. Total phenolic content of methanol extracts were 36.06±2.1 and 68.2±2.6 μg tannic acid equivalent/mg extract, respectively. Conclusion: Z. jujuba is used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders, liver pain, diabetes and H. persicum is used as anti-flatulence. Antioxidant properties, polyphenolic content, saponin and remarkable inhibition of the alpha-glucosidase make them appropriate candidates in treatment of diabetic patients.
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The role of medicinal plants in the treatment of diabetes: A systematic review
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2016
Introduction: Diabetes is a serious metabolic disorder and plenty of medical plants are used in traditional medicines to treat diabetes. These plants have no side effects and many existing medicines are derived from the plants. The purpose of this systematic review is to study diabetes and to summarize the available treatments for this disease, focusing especially on herbal medicine. Methods: Required papers about diabetes and effective plants were searched from the databases, including Science direct, PubMed, Wiley, Scopus, and Springer. Keywords in this study are "medicinal plants", "diabetes", "symptom", "herbal", and "treatment". Out of the 490 collected articles (published in the period between 1995 and 2015), 450 were excluded due to non-relevance or lack of access to the original article. Results: Diabetes is mainly due to oxidative stress and an increase in reactive oxygen species that can have major effects. Many plants contain different natural antioxidants, in particular tannins, flavonoids, C and E vitamins that have the ability to maintain β-cells performance and decrease glucose levels in the blood. Conclusion: According to published results, it can be said that medical plants are more affordable and have less side effects compared synthetic drugs, and are more effective in treatment of diabetes mellitus.
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Evaluation of antifertility effect of the seed oil constituents of Iranian species of Melia azadarach L. in male rats
Article
Full-text available
  • Jun 2006
Background: Convenient and effective contraceptive methods have been the subject of extensive and versatile research project, during the past 50 years. In this respect, the use of active herbal constituents is one of the topics of research and investigation. Objective: In this study the antifertility activity of seed oil extract of Iranian species of Melia azadarach L. in northern district of country, on male rats, during 2 consecutive steps have been evaluated. Method: The seed oil extract have been prepared according to conventional methods, and were administered orally in 50 and 100 mg/kg daily doses for 60 days. In the first step, the inhibition of fertility indices were assessed with the help of, sperm viability, sperm motility, ESR (Epididymal sperm reserves), DSP (Daily sperm production), GSI (Gonado stomatic index), fertility indices, and serum testosterone content. In the subsequent stage, 3 months after the 60th day of compounds administration, the reversibility of the a formentioned indices are determined again. Result: In the first step, a significant reduction in fertility indices to control especially in higher dose were observed. During the next stage, the significant increase in fertility indices are the indication of reasonable recovery and reversibility of extract activity. Conclusion: In summery, the result of this study of this study showed that its activity is reversible.
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The effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of celery on male rats in fertility control and sex ratio of rat offspring
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2014
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Celery (Apium graveolens), in traditional medicine is known as appetite and libido stimulant, and also there has been referred to its effect on miscarriage and catamenia. This plant with known plant compounds could be an option for fertility control. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of celery on male rats in fertility control and sex ratio of rat offspring. METHODS: In this experimental study, 20 male rats were divided randomly into 4 groups, 5 in each group. Control group received no treatment; Sham group received 1 ml normal saline and the treatment groups 1 and 2 received hydro-alcoholic extract of celery in doses of 100 and 200 mg/Kg/BW respectively for 5 weeks. After mating each male rat with two female rats, the number of delivered mice and the number of offspring and their sex were recorded and compared 30 days after the birth. FINDINGS: There was no significance difference between the experimental and control group (p>0.05). The result showed a significant decrease in the number of offspring in doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg (4.25±0.25 and 4.50±0.32 respectively) compared to the control group (7.11±0.26), also a significant increase in the sex ratio in dose of 100 mg/kg (2.93±0.30) compared to the control group (0.98±0.11) was observed (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that consumption of celery in male decreases the number of offspring and increases the male genesis; because it does not affect on childbirth. It may be useful safely in pregnancy controlling. © 2014, Babol University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.
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Effect of Apium Graveolens Leaf Extract on Serum Level of Thyroid Hormones in Male Rat
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2014
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Celery (Apium graveolens) is a medicinal plant with antioxidant benefits and rich of flavonoid. Since flavonoids have great impact on physiological functions of body and especially thyroid function, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydro- alcoholic extract of celery leaf on serum level of thyroid hormones. METHODS: In this experimental study, 40 male rats were divided into 5 groups of eight rats each. They were control, sham (received normal saline) and the experimental groups received 1 ml of hydro- alcoholic extract of celery with doses of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg during 21 days by using gavage method. One day after the last gavage, the blood samples were collected by bloodletting from the heart. After preparing serum, the level of T3، T4 and TSH hormones were measured using ELISA method. FINDINGS: The serum levels of T3 (0.95±0.04 and 0.95±0.06, respectively) and T4 (5.42±0.85 and 5.87±0.89, respectively) hormones decreased (p
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Inhibitory Effect of Heracleum persicum and Ziziphus jujuba on Activity of Alpha-Amylase
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2015
  • JB
Postprandial hyperglycemia plays an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Inhibition of alpha-amylase was led to a delay in breaks down of starch and glycogen and prevented a rapid rise in blood sugar. Alpha-amylase was isolated by gel filtration chromatography Sephadex G-75 from bovine pancreas. Then, total methanolic extracts of plants were prepared and IC 50 values of extracts on alpha-amylase were obtained and compared with acarbose IC 50 . The polyphenolic content of extracts and antioxidant capacity were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu test and DPPH test, respectively. The specific activity of alpha-amylase was 48.2 U/mg. For inhibition of alpha-amylase, IC 50 values of H. persicum , Z. jujuba , and acarbose were 307, 827, and 113 μ g/ml, respectively. For inhibition of DPPH radical, IC 50 values of extracts were 235 and 701 μ g/ml. Total phenolic contents of methanol extracts were 73.8 ± 3.2 and 44.2 ± 1.8 μ g tannic acid equivalent/mg extract. Acarbose causes gastrointestinal symptoms and liver toxicity, but H. persicum and Z. jujuba decrease these side effects and prevent gastrointestinal disorders. Due to the high polyphenolic content and antioxidant capacity of these plants and significant inhibitory effect of the plants on alpha-amylase, these plants can be proposed for treatment of diabetic patients.
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Therapeutic and pharmacological potential of Foeniculum vulgare Mill: A review
Article
Full-text available
  • Jan 2015
Introduction: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) is one of the oldest spice plants which, due to its economic importance and significant pharmaceutical industry applications, is considered as one of the world’s most important medicinal plants. The purpose of this study is to investigate and collect scientific reports such as morphological characteristics, phytochemical compounds and evaluation of the therapeutic properties of this valuable medicinal plant that have been published. Methods: In order to gather the information the keywords Fennel and Foeniculum vulgare mill, therapeutic, and pharmacology have been searched until January 1, 2015 from journals accessible in databases such as ScienceDirect, Scopus, EBSCO, Medline, PubMed, Embase, SID and Iran Medex. Results: The results showed that this plant has various pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-cancer activity, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anti-bacterial and estrogenic effects which are probably due to the presence of aromatic compounds such as anethole, estragole and fenshon. Conclusion: Fennel possesses various pharmacological properties and the fennel bioactive molecules play an important role in human health, hence, it might be used for different drug productions.
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The Effect of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Foeniculum vulgare Mill on Leukocytes and Hematological Tests in Male Rats
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2015
Medicinal plants have a long history in treating blood disorders, which is one of the most common problems in today's advanced world. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a medicinal plant with a high content of polyphenols and has antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of fennel on some hematological indices in male rats. In this experimental study, thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (five rats in each group). The first group (control) did not receive any dose; the second group (sham) received 1 mL normal saline (extraction solvent); and the experimental groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively received 1 mL hydro alcoholic extract of fennel in four doses of 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mg/kg of body weight every 48 hours for 30 days by gavage. One day after the last gavage following induction of anesthesia and taking blood from the heart of rats, measurement of red and white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and tests of bleeding and coagulation time (CT) were performed. The data was analyzed by one-way ANOVA test using SPSS15 software. Fennel increased mean RBC (7.54 ± 0.53 × 106) and WBC (5.89 ± 0.78 × 103) values, especially at a dose of 250 mg/mL and CT (2.45 ± 0.20) at a dose of 500mg/mL compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Fennel increased red and white blood cells probably due to the presence of polyphenols and antioxidant activity of fennel and reduced negative effects of free radicals on blood cells.
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The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Celery (Apium graveolens) leaves on serum level of testosterone, FSH and LH in Male Rats
Article
  • Jan 2013
Background and Objective: Celery (Apium graveolens) is a plant from Apiaceae family with high nutritional and medicinal use.This plant has many phytoestrogens that can affect the pituitary-gonadal axis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of celery leaves on serum level of testosterone, FSH and LH in male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, thirty-two male wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight rats each. The control group did not receive anything. The sham group received distilled water (as a solvent), and the experimental groups received doses of 200 and 300 mg/kg/ BW of hydro-alcoholic extract of celery leaves for 20 days. The extract was gavaged once a day. One day after the last gavage, the rats were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected from the heart and then serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH were measured. The data were analyzed using SPSS software and ANOVA test. Results: Concentration of LH in the treatment group with doses of 200 mg/kg (0.39±0.02 mIU/dl) reduced in comparison with control (0.67±0.01 mIU/dl) and sham (0.73±0.02 mIU/dl) groups (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in serum level of testosterone and FSH hormones in comparison with control group (P>0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that the administration of 200 mg/kg doses of celery extract causes a significant reduction in serum LH concentration, but it has no effect on ganadotropin and testosterone hormones in highest doses used in this study. This finding may be due to the presence of flavonoid and antioxidant proporties of celery.
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