The effect of foeniculum vulgare seeds on lipidemia, glycemia & liver enzymes. (c2009)

Abstract

Foenicuium vulgare plant that is commonly known as Fennel or "Shumar" in Lebanon has been proved to have a wide range of biological activities. But there is no study that mentions its hypolipidemic effects; therefore, the present study explores the effects of the powdered and ethanol extract of Foenicuium vulgare seeds upon rat blood lipid profile, glycemia, and liver enzymes. After two weeks of chromc intake of F. vulgare powder seeds 10 %w /w or F. vulgare ethanol extracts 0.6%, 1.2%, 2.4 % or 4.8% w /w mixed with food, rat serums showed a slightly decrease in total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol when the rats were put on high fat diet. They also showed a significant decrease in triglyceride. Liver enzymes activities AL T and ALP decreased in the group that was treated with 1.2% F. vulgare extract as compared to the control and in the group that was given high lipid diet and treated with 1.2% F. vulgare extract ALP enzyme as compared to the experiment group. While AST enzyme activity increased in groups that treated with 0.6%, 2.4 % and 4.8% w/w F. vulgare extract, ALT enzyme increased in groups that treated with 2.4 % and 4.8% w/w F. vulgare extract, ALP enzyme increased in groups that treated with 0.6% and 2.4% w /w .F. vulgare extract and the LDH enzyme activity decreased in groups that treated with 0.6 and 2.4 % w /w F. vulgare extract and increased in the group that treated with 4.8% w /w .F. vulgare extract. On the other hand, the insulin level increased in the group that was given high lipid diet and in the group that was given high lipid diet and treated with 1.2% F. vulgare extract as compared to the experiment group. In conclusion, F. vulgare oil showed a mild hypocholesteremia on a high fat diet and a hypo triglyceremia. F. vulgare oil causes a slight increased in the enzyme liver but it doesn't cause a serious damage. Finally it doesn't have any glycemic effect.