Antioxidant Effects Following Oral Administration of Foeniculum vulgare in Male Rats

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a perennial herb belongs to the carrot family and comprises of yellow flowers and feathery leaves. Due to highly fragrance, it is widely used in cooking and is one of the primary components of absinthe. Fennel has become established along roadsides, in pastures, and in various open areas around the world. Present study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant effects following fennel seeds administration in male albino rats. Twelve albino rats were divided into control and tests. Control was treated with normal saline while treatment was given at concentration of 200 mg/kg/ml of fennel seeds aqueous solution in oral form for three weeks. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by measuring the levels of Malondialdehyde, Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase and Glutathione reductase levels in blood. The administration of fennel seeds significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity showing active action against free radicals in body. It is suggested that fennel seeds can be used as a functional health boosting meal. Further neurochemical research is needed to confirm the mechanism at molecular level.