Foeniculum vulgare (hinojo): alternativa terapéutica femenina / Foeniculum vulgare (fennel): female therapeutic alternative

INTRODUCCIÓN: el Foeniculum vulgare es una planta medicinal de gran importancia por sus propiedades y valor nutricional. Los extractos del hinojo poseen propiedades terapéuticas ante cambios endocrinos, perturbaciones psicológicas, malestares y sintomatología presente en el ciclo vital de la mujer. OBJETIVOS: analizar información sobre las diferentes propiedades y efectos terapéuticos del F. vulgare en las distintas etapas del ciclo vital de la mujer. METODOLOGÍA: se realizó una búsqueda crítica y analítica del tema por medio de lenguaje controlado recopilado del MeSH y DeCs en metabuscadores científicos. RESULTADOS: el desarrollo de esta revisión fue viable debido a la variedad de literatura, estudios y ensayos clínicos internacionales de libre acceso de información relevante al tema. CONCLUSIÓN: esta planta puede ser empleada como tratamiento, prevención y como fuente de nutrientes; y sus extractos tienen un efecto importante en el ciclo vital de la mujer dependiendo se encuentre en menstruación, menopausia o postmenopausia.

INTRODUCTION: foeniculum vulgare is a medicinal plant of great importance for its properties and nutritional value.Fennel extracts possess therapeutic properties against endocrine changes, psychological disturbances, discomfort and symptomatology present in the vital cycle of women. OBJECTIVES: analyze information on the different properties and therapeutic effects of F. vulgare in the different stages of the life cycle of women. METHODOLOGY: a critical and analytical search of the topic was performed ,by means of controlled language compiled from MeSH and DeCs in scientific meta-search engines. RESULTS: the development of this review was feasible due to the variety of freely available international literature, studies and clinical trials of information relevant to the topic. CONCLUSIÓN: this plant can be used as a treatment, prevention and as a source of nutrients; and its extracts have an important effect on the vital cycle of the woman depending on whether she is in menstruation, menopause or postmenopause.

Efficacy of the herbal formula of Foeniculum vulgare and Rosa damascena on elderly patients with functional constipation: A double-blind randomized controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Constipation is a common chronic bowel disorder with an incidence of more than 50% in the elderly population. Complementary and alternative medicine is a cost-effective and satisfactory treatment for constipation used widely by the elderly.@*OBJECTIVE@#This study evaluates the efficacy of an herbal formula made from Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Rosa damascena for the treatment of constipation in an elderly population and consequent changes to their quality of life.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION@#This double-blind randomized active controlled clinical trial, with parallel group allocation ratio of 1:1, was conducted in a referral clinic in Afzalipour Hospital, affiliated to Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Kerman, Southeastern Iran. Individuals over 60 years of age, diagnosed with functional constipation (based on the Rome IV criteria), were included in this study. Participants received a sachet of 10 g F. vulgare and R. damascena (herbal formula group) or polyethylene glycol 4000 (PEG 4000 group) with a glass of warm water two times a day for 4 weeks and were followed up for 4 additional weeks.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Constipation severity, stool consistency, and the quality of life were used as the primary outcomes. Drug side effects were used as a secondary outcome. The outcomes were assessed using the Constipation Assessment Scale, the Bristol Stool Form Scale, and the Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire.@*RESULTS@#A total of 25 participants in each group completed the four-week treatment cycle and the eight-week follow-up. At the end of the four-week treatment cycle, all clinical outcomes had significant improvements in both groups (P < 0.05). The analysis of constipation severity (P < 0.001), stool consistency (P < 0.001), and the quality of life (P < 0.001) showed significant improvements with fewer side effects (mild diarrhea) and a longer duration of symptom relief in the herbal formula group compared to the PEG 4000 group.@*CONCLUSION@#Although both interventions significantly improved the treatment outcomes, constipation severity, stool consistency and the quality of life were improved more effectively by the herbal formula than by PEG 4000; however, the mechanism of action is not yet understood.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCTID: IRCT20200108046056N1).

Effect of packaging materials and storage environment on fennel seedling growth / Efeito da embalagem e do ambiente de armazenamento no crescimento de plântulas de erva doce

The objective of the present study was to assess the influence of the packaging material (cotton cloth bag, multifolium paper and glass container) and storage environment (laboratory and cold chamber conditions) on fennel seedling growth. Seeds were placed in different packaging materials and exposed to the two environments for twelve months. Assessments were made before storage and at every two months and the following were determined: total emergence, emergence speed index, seedling fresh and dry matter. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with four replications in a 2 x 3 x 6+1 factorial design in split split plots, where the plot was the storage environment (laboratory and cold chamber conditions); the split plot was the storage (cotton cloth bag, multifolium paper and glass container) and the split plot was the storage periods (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 months) and plus an additional treatment (before storage). The results showed that the fennel seedlings had superior growth when their seeds were placed in the glass packaging material, regardless of the storage environment.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da embalagem (saco de algodão, papel multifoliado e vidro) e do ambiente de armazenamento (condições de laboratório e câmara fria) no crescimento de plântulas de erva doce. Para isso, as sementes foram acondicionadas nas diferentes embalagens e expostas aos dois ambientes durante doze meses. As avaliações foram feitas antes do armazenamento e a cada dois meses, tendo sido determinado: emergência total, índice de velocidade de emergência, massa fresca e seca das plântulas. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, num esquema fatorial 2 x 3 x 6 + 1 em parcelas subsubdivididas, no qual a parcela foi o ambiente de armazenamento (condições de laboratório e câmara fria); a subparcela as embalagens (saco de algodão, papel multifoliado e vidro) e a subsubparcela os períodos de armazenamento (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 e 12 meses) e mais um tratamento adicional (antes do armazenamento). Pelos resultados, demonstrou-se que as plântulas de erva doce apresentaram crescimento superior quando suas sementes foram acondicionadas na embalagem de vidro, independente do ambiente de armazenamento.

Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Plant in Management of Women's Health

This review paper evaluates use of Foeniculum vulgare extracts as a popular female plant in management of different ailments of women. Information in this paper was gathered from accessible sources (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley, and Google), and traditional books (Persian or English modern traditional books), unpublished data (R&D reports, thesis and dissertation) by keywords based on the words F. vulgare or fennel and women. Efficacy of oral fennel oil in management of dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhea, menopause, lactation, and polycystic ovary syndrome were confirmed according to results of clinical studies. Results of clinical efficacy of fennel oil on menstrual bleeding is complicated, but results of one meta-analysis study revealed that fennel oil significantly increased means of bleeding in the first menstrual periodic cycle (P = 0.001), while fennel oil had no significant effect on bleeding in the second menstrual cycle (P = 0.67). Topical and vaginal fennel extract (5%) exhibited good efficacy in treatment of sexual function, vaginal atrophy, and hirsutism. Fennel had no effect on bone density, or body mass index of menopause women. Results of clinical studies introduce fennel as a valuable medicinal plant in management of women's ailments, but understanding the mechanism of action could be the subject of future studies.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Chemical and Herbal Agents against Streptococcus mutans: An in vitro study

Objective: To compare and evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate and fennel seeds against Streptococcus mutans. Material and Methods: Three agar petri dishes for Streptococcus mutans were prepared. The methanolic extract of fennel seed and 0.2% chlorhexidine were inoculated on the each petri dish and incubated at 37ºC for 24 hours. Zone of growth inhibition for each extract was measured in millimeters using antibiotic inhibiting zone measuring scale. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software. The comparison of inhibition zone against S. mutans using CHX and fennel seed extract was done using Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon tests. All statistical analyses were set at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The mean of zone of inhibition of S. mutans after inoculation with 0.2% chlorhexidine and fennel seed extract are 21.44 ±1.46, 15.34 ±0.74 respectively. There was statistically significant difference in the mean of inhibition zone between 0.2% chlorhexidine and fennel seed against S. mutans (p=0.047). Conclusion: Chlorhexidine and fennel seed are effective in inhibiting the growth of cariogenic bacteria. Therefore, both herbal and chemical agents can be effectively used to reduce pathogenic oral microflora.

Effect of Fennel on the Health Status of Menopausal Women: A Systematic and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is the systematic and critical investigation of the effectiveness of fennel on the climacteric symptoms among menopausal females. METHODS: A search of the trials studying the effect of fennel on menopausal females was conducted in 2017 using the MEDLINE and Scopus databases and the Cochrane Library with the following keywords: fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, and menopause. RESULTS: Fennel combined with officinalis is more effective in the attenuating of sleep disorders compared to Citalopram. The comparison of these two groups regarding the mean bone mineral density and bone mineral content (P = 0.14, P = 0.504); the total hip femoral (P = 0.42, P = 0.66); the trochanter (P = 0.075, P = 0.07); the intertrochanter (P = 0.84, P = 0.93); and the femoral neck (P = 0.43, P = 0.64) did not show any significant statistical differences; however, a statistically significant difference regarding the vasomotor symptoms (P < 0.01) was found. The other significant differences are related to the values of the total cholesterol (P = 0.103); low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or LDL-C (P = 0.104); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or HDL-C (P = 0.266); triglyceride (P = 0.679); body weight (P = 0.212); body mass index (P = 0.041); waist and hip circumferences (P = 0.365); and fat distribution (P = 0.337) between the two groups. The standardized mean difference (SMD) values of sexual activity (SMD = 0.638; P < 0.001), and maturation value (SMD = 0.601; P = 0.003) are highly significant among the fennel-treated women compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: According to the findings of the present study, fennel is important in the relieving of vasomotor symptoms, vaginal itching, dryness, dyspareunia, sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and sleep distribution.

Aromatherapy for Sexual Problems in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is the exploration of the potential evidence of the effectiveness of aromatherapy products on the sexual function of menopausal women. METHODS: From inception to December 2017, the search process was performed using the MEDLINE and Scopus databases and the Cochrane Library regarding the trials on the effectiveness of herbal-medicine aromatherapy on the sexual function of menopausal women. RESULTS: Three of the trials comprise suitable data for inclusion in the meta-analysis. According to the meta-analysis, it is possible to improve the standardized mean difference (SMD) of the sexual desire up to 0.56 in the aromatherapy group compared with the control group (SMD = 0.56; P < 0.001; heterogeneity; I² = 42%; P = 0.141). According to one of the trials, the serum-estrogen level of two different doses did not change in the neroli oil inhalation group compared with the almond-oil group. CONCLUSIONS: Both aromatherapy with neroli oil or lavender (monopreparation) and combined-oil aromatherapy with lavender, fennel, geranium, and rose significantly improved human sexual function; however, a significant change of the serum-estrogen level was not detected. The findings of the present review should be presented cautiously because of the corresponding limitations such as the lack of a standardized tool, the lack of intention-to-treat reporting, the low study amount, and the short-term follow-up.

The Effect of Short-term Treatment with Fennel on Lipid Profile in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: The present trial aimed to assess the effects of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) on lipid profiles. METHODS: In this double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial, sixty eligible postmenopausal women were randomly assigned into the fennel and placebo groups. Total blood cholesterol, cholesterol fractions, and triglycerides were tested at the baseline, and after three-month follow-up. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in triglyceride (P = 0.679), total cholesterol (P = 0.103), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; P = 0.146) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; P = 0.266) levels between the two groups. In addition, in both groups, a paired t.test showed no significant difference in all mentioned parameters, except for HDL-C, indicating significant borderline improvement (P = 0.052) in the fennel group. CONCLUSIONS: The fennel group revealed a very slight positive change in LDL-C, triglyceride and HDL-C. Further studies with longer durations, higher doses, and larger sample sizes are recommended to validate the results.

Effect of Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) on Sleep Quality of Menopausal Women: A Double-blinded, Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: Aim of present study was designed to investigate the soporific effect of fennel among menopausal women. METHODS: The present double-blinded and placebo-controlled trial examined the fennel effect on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Total score and relevant 7 components, including sleep duration, sleep latency, use of sleeping medication, subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction and habitual sleep efficiency among 50 menopausal women compared to control group within a 12-week follow-up. RESULTS: The patients in both groups reported no certain side effects and all subjects completed the study. The mean actual sleep duration was 5 hours and 66 minutes. Intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant differences in the mean total PSQI score (P = 0.439), subjective sleep quality (P = 0.826), habitual sleep efficiency (P = 0.127), sleep disturbances (P = 0.130), use of sleeping medication (P = 0.52) and daytime dysfunction (P = 0.439). A tendency toward significant between 2 groups was seen concerning the sleep duration (P = 0.059). Intergroup comparison showed significantly borderline levels (P = 0.059). CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of 12 weeks with fennel caused a slight effect that did not reach to significant. These findings should be considered cautiously because of small sample size, short-term follow-up and subjective measure of sleep quality.

The Effect of Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) on Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women with Excess Weight: A Double-blind Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of fennel on body composition. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Fifty-four out of 60 patients were able to successfully complete the original study. Seven out of 54 patients were excluded because they were not overweight and obese. Thus, 47 women were included in this secondary analysis. Of these 47 women, 22 were in the fennel group and 25 were in placebo group. Body weight, body mass index (BMI) as well as fat distribution was measured at the baseline and after a three-month follow-up. RESULTS: Comparison of fennel and placebo groups did not reveal any significant effect in terms of body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences and fat distribution. Also, the results of paired t-test did not variation of these parameters across groups before and after 12-week treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Menopausal women in fennel group experienced a slight increase in body weight and fat distribution, which was not significant. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate the results of this study.

Effect of Phytoestrogen on Depression and Anxiety in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES: In this systematic review, the effectiveness of herbal medicines in improving depression and anxiety in menopausal women was assessed. METHODS: Three following databases were individually searched: MEDLINE (1966-March 2017), SCOPUS (1990-March 2017), and the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; 2017). RESULTS: A total of 9 trials were included in this systematic review. Overall, soy was found to have a beneficial effect. Also, fennel had a significant positive effect on menopausal women with depression and anxiety disorder, but not on healthy women. Red clover showed varying effects ranging from significant to non-significant on depression and anxiety. Moreover, kava was found to have a significant beneficial effect on depression and anxiety at dose of 200 mg/days. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that herbal medicines could improve anxiety and depression in among menopausal women. However, the beneficial effect still remains indefinite due to the poor methodology.

The Effect of Short-term Treatment with Fennel on Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to assess the effect of fennel on bone density. METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which studied sixty eligible postmenopausal women, who were randomly assigned to fennel and placebo groups. Then, the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was utilized to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the spine, femoral neck, intertrochanter, and trochanter at the baseline and after three-month follow-up. RESULTS: The mean BMD and BMC at lumbar spine (P = 0.14, P = 0.504), total hip femoral (P = 0.427, P = 0.471), trochanter (P = 0.075, P = 0.07), intertrochanter, (P = 0.864, P = 0.932) and femoral neck (P = 0.439, P = 0.641) was not significantly different between the fennel and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study did not approve the effect of fennel on bone density in post-menopausal women. However, to gain deeper insights, further studies with longer durations and larger sample sizes are recommended.

Use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Analysis of Fennel Essential Oil

A simple and rapid method based on proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was developed for determination of trans-anethole content in fennel essential oil. Spectra of pure trans-anethole, of the pure essential oil of fennel, and of the pure oil of fennel with thymol internal standard were recorded. The signal of H-1/ was used for quantification of trans-anethole. This proton signal is well separated in the proton magnetic resonance spectrum of the compound. No reference compound is needed and cheap internal standard was used. The results obtained from spectroscopic analysis were compared with those obtained by gas chromatography. Additionally, the developed method was used for determination of the type of vegetable oil used as a carrier in commercial products, which cannot be quantified as such by gas chromatography. This study demonstrates the application of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a quality control method for estimation of essential oil components.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice through ERK-dependent NF-kB Activation

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel) is used to flavor food, in cosmetics, as an antioxidant, and to treat microbial, diabetic and common inflammation. No study to date, however, has assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of fennel in experimental models of inflammation. The aims of this study were to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of fennel in model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury. Mice were randomly assigned to seven groups (n=7~10). In five groups, the mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1% Tween 80-saline (vehicle), fennel (125, 250, 500micro l/kg), or dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), followed 1 h later by intratracheal instillation of LPS (1.5 mg/kg). In two groups, the mice were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or fennel (250microl/kg), followed 1 h later by intratracheal instillation of sterile saline. Mice were sacrificed 4 h later, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were obtained. Fennel significantly and dose-dependently reduced LDH activity and immune cell numbers in LPS treated mice. In addition fennel effectively suppressed the LPS-induced increases in the production of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, with 500microl/kg fennel showing maximal reduction. Fennel also significantly and dose-dependently reduced the activity of the proinflammatory mediator matrix metalloproteinase 9 and the immune modulator nitric oxide (NO). Assessments of the involvement of the MAPK signaling pathway showed that fennel significantly decreased the LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK. Fennel effectively blocked the inflammatory processes induced by LPS, by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production, transcription factors, and NO.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Tea Drinking Suppresses Subjective Short-term Appetite in Overweight Women

Appetite controlling has been an main strategy for regulating food intake and energy balance in obesity treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of drinking tea of the medicinal herbs, fennel and fenugreek, on the subjective appetite in overweight Korean women. The study was conducted using a placebo-controlled, single-blinded, randomized, and 3-way crossover design. Nine healthy women were given fennel tea (FT), fenugreek tea (FGT), or placebo tea (PT). After drinking a given tea, a lunch buffet was provided and then food consumption of subjects was analyzed. Subjective appetite, hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption were measured at seven independent time point using a visual analog scale (VAS). Mean age of 9 subjects were 49.7 +/- 4.5 years and their mean body mass index were 24.6 +/- 0.6 kg/m2. There was no significant difference in food consumption in the lunch buffet after drinking each tea; however, with respect to the subjective appetite scale, FGT decreased hunger, led to less prospective food consumption, and increased feelings of fullness compared with the PT (p < 0.05). Similarly, the consumption of FT resulted in decreased hunger, less prospective food consumption, and increased feelings of fullness compared with the PT (p < 0.05). The area under the curve of VAS graph indicated that FGT resulted in a higher feeling of fullness than the PT (p < 0.05). In conclusion, drinking the FT and FGT were significantly effective aid to suppress subjective appetite among overweight women in South Korea.

The insecticidal potential of Foeniculum vulgareMill., Pimpinella anisum L. and Caryophillus aromaticus L. to control aphid on kale plants / Potencial inseticida de Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Pimpinella anisum L. e Caryophillus aromaticus L.no controle de pulgão em couve

ABSTRACTThe use of natural substances for pest control in agriculture is, economically, a viable option and has benefits for both the humanbeing and the environment, due to its low persistence and toxicity. Thus, this trial aimed on determining the insecticidal potential of the extracts and essential oils of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) and clove (Caryophillus aromaticus L.) to control Brevicoryne brassicae L. in kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala DC.). The treatments were: fennel, anise, cloves extracts at 10%; fennel, anise, cloves oils at 1% and control with distilled water. The mortality tests were carried out with aphids in laboratory, with three replications, after 1, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. During laboratory trials , it was found out that fennel oil at 1% showed the best rate of mortality on aphid nymphs (70% at 72 h), followed by clove extract at 10% with 37% mortality. Tests in pots were only carried out only with cloves extracts at 10% and fennel oil at 1% treatment, in which such efficiency was alsoindicated on aphid nymphs.

RESUMOO uso de produtos naturais para controle de pragas da agricultura é opção economicamente viável e traz benefícios tanto ao homem como ao ambiente devido à sua baixa persistência e toxicidade. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o potencial inseticida de extratos e óleos essenciais de funcho (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), erva doce (Pimpinella anisum L.) e cravo-da-índia (Caryophillusaromaticus L.) para o controle de pulgão (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) em couve (Brassica oleracea var. acephala DC.). Os tratamentos utilizados foram os extratos de funcho, erva-doce e cravo-da-índia a 10%; óleos de funcho, erva-doce, cravo-da- índia a 1% e testemunha com água destilada. Testes de mortalidade sobre pulgão em condições de laboratório foram realizados com três repetições e avaliações após 1, 12, 24, 48 e 72 h. Em laboratório, verificou-se que o óleo de funcho a 1% apresentou maior atividade sobre as ninfas de pulgão (70% em 72 h), seguido do extrato de cravo a 10%, com 37% de mortalidade. Testes em vasos foram realizados somente com o extrato de cravo-da-índia a 10% e óleo de funcho a 1%, nos quais também se constatou a eficácia sobre as ninfas de pulgão.

Medicinal properties of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. in traditional Iranian medicine and modern phytotherapy / 中国结合医学杂志

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (F. vulgare), commonly known as Fennel, is a popular medicinal plant with various pharmacological activities mentioned in traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) and modern phytotherapy such as antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, bronchodilatory, estrogenic, diuretic, lithontripic, galactogogue, emmenagogue, antithrombotic, hypotensive, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, memory enhancing, and antimutagenic activities. No serious adverse events were recorded after ingestion of F. vulgare except some cases of allergic reactions. The estrogenic activity of F. vulgare brings some side effects such as decrease in protein concentration and acid and alkaline phosphatase in male genital organs, increase in weight of mammary glands and reproductive organs in women and premature thelarche in girls. However, no evidence of teratogenicity was recorded, it is better not to use F. vulgare during pregnancy due to its estrogenic activity. Because of inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), the pharmacokinetic parameters of drugs mainly metabolized by this isozyme may be affected by F. vulgare. In addition, a significant interaction between cyprofloxacin and F. vulgare was demonstrated. The aim of current paper is to review pharmacological properties, toxicity and adverse events, and drug interactions of vulgare and brings conclusive results about the use of this plant in men, women and during pregnancy.

Antioxidant effects of the Uygur herb, Foeniculum Vulgare Mill, in a rat model of hepatic fibrosis / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate therapeutic and antioxidant effects of Uygur Herb Foeniculum Vulgare Mill (FVM) in hepatic fibrosis rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Hepatic fibrosis model was built in rats by subcutaneous injection with 40% CCl4 olive oil mixture. At the same time the rats were given high lipoid-low protein animal feeds for 5 weeks. 94 male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups :blank control group (A-group), 8 rats were feed in normal; prevention model control group (B-group), 10 rats were given saline solution by intragastric administration during make of hepatic fibrosis model; FVM prevention group (C-group), 10 rats were given FVM by intragastric administration during make of hepatic fibrosis model; model control group (D-group), FVM treatment group (E-group); Fuzhenghuayu treatment group (F-group). 22 rats in each D, E, F-group were respectively given saline solution, FVM and Fuzhenghuayu by intragastric administration after hepatic fibrosis model were built. At the 5-th weekend, A, B, C- group rats were sacrificed. At the 6-th, 7-th, 8-th, 9-th weekend, 4-6 rats in D, E, F-group were sacrificed. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN) and 8 - hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were detected, liver tissue homogenate superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA) were detected. Histopathologic changes were observed after H.E and Masson staining. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin(a-SMA) were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The data were analyzed by SPSS17.0 software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The serum levels of ALT, AST, HA, and LN in the FVM prevention group were significantly reduced compared to the prevention model control group.(P less than 0.05). Rats in FVM treatment group appeared a marked lower serum levels of ALT, AST, HA compared to the model control group (P less than 0.05), and a distinguished lower Inflammation grade and fibrosis stage (P less than 0.05) when the liver section were assayed as well; Rats in FVM treatment group and FVM prevention group had a conspicuous lower content of MDA, 8-OHdG, fibre and a-SMA expression (P less than 0.05), a significantly higher level of SOD, GSH-Px compared to those of in the model control groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Foeniculum Vulgare Mill declines liver inflammation response ,and prevent the hepatic fibrosis progression,, this may be due to its effects of antioxidative results.</p>

Determination of some toxic and essential trace metals in some medicinal and edible plants of Karachi city

Trace metals in eight different medicinal plants commonly available in Karachi namely Azadirachta indica [Neem], Syzygium aromaticum [Clove], Murraya koenigii [Curry Leaves], Trachyspermum ammi [Ajowan], Foeniculum vulgare [Fennal], Brassica oleracea [Cabbage], Brassica rapa [Turnip], and Pipper nigrum [Black pepper] have been quantitatively analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Flame Photometry. A wet digestion procedure involving the use of H[2]SO[4] [95%] and H[2]O[2] [35%] has been adopted to digest medicinal plants. Nine heavy metals [Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn] and two alkali metals [K and Na] were chosen on the basis of their effects upon health. In general the order of concentration of toxic metals in medicinal plants was found to follow the order Pb> Ni> Cr> Co> Cd. Sodium and Potassium content was found to be very high in all the samples. Concentration of sodium were recorded to be the highest in roots of Brassica rapa and Murraya koenigii i.e., more than 1000 micro g/g. Postassium concentrations are around 9038 micro g/g in Foeniculum vulgare. Plante samples of Trachyspermum ammi, leaves of Brassica rapa, and Foeniculum vulgare, Brassica oleracea [Cabbage], contained comparatively higher amounts of Fe i.e., > 100 micro g/g. Out of all toxic metals Lead is present at noticeable levels in all the samples that indicates higher soil pollution. Concentrations of Na, K and Mn and Cu are found to be very high in Brassica rapa roots as compared to its leaves while Fe levels are found to be high in leaves

[ effect of fennel on the primary dysmenorrhea in students of Shahrekord university of medical sciences]

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common disorders in women and its main treatment is non -steroid anti-inflammatory drugs .Due to side effects of chemical drugs and traditionally use of fennel as sedative plant, the aim of this study was to detect the effect of fennel on primary dysmenorrhea. In this single blind clinical trial, sixty students in Shahrekord university of medical sciences with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly selected in two groups receiving fennel and placebo. For data collection, we used record information form and visual analogue scale. At the end of first and second month after the intervention, the severity of dysmenorrhea was detected and compared with before. Data analized by SPSS, using chi-square, t and paired manwitney tests and P<0.05 was considered significant. Mean of dysmenorrhea scores was similar before the intervention in two groups, but at the end of first month after the intervention, it was 10.67 +/- 6.07 in fennel group and 16.11 +/- 6.35 in placebo group, and after the end of second month following the intervention it was 9.29 +/- 6.18 in fennel versus 15.94 +/- 7.43 in placebo group [P<0.05] probably the Fennel extract can reduce the primary dysmenorrhea .The researches with more samples and longer time are suggested