Protective Role of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. in Brain Disorders; A New Window

Aims: Alzheimer disease and epilepsy are two of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders that not only affect the quality of life of patients but also of family members and caretakers. Remedies for these illnesses are available in allopathic medicines but not without side effects. Herbal products are being investigated for these ailments. Protective role of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. was assessed in this study.

Study Design: Laboratory based randomized controlled trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Pharmacology Department of University of Karachi, between March 2018 and April 2018.

Methodology: Mice and rats were divided in three groups, control, 2% and 4% F. vulgare groups, each containing 10 rodents. Control group was fed standard rodent diet, whereas, study groups were given 2% and 4% F. vulgare seeds (crushed) incorporated in standard rodent diet. Epilepsy model was made for mice and Alzheimer disease study was done using rats and passive avoidance test.

Results: Lower incidence of seizures and mortality in both study groups as compared to control in epilepsy model and memory retaining effect in both treated groups in Alzheimer disease model was recorded with statistical significance.

Conclusion: Clinical studies should be conducted to validate the protective role of this herb in these disorders.