Effect of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on

Hyperlipidemia (mainly increased level of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein(LDL) cholesterol with a decrease in high-density lipoprotein(HDL)- cholesterol) is the predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor in the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic impasse. Aim of the work: Many people have fast food that contains large amount of lipids and leads to the formation of free radicals which cause hyperlipidemia. The present study demonstrate the effect of the fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Material and methods: Six groups (5rat/group) of female albino rats (Rattus albinus) were used. The 1st group used as control, in the 2nd group hyperlipidemia (25% fat and 2% cholesterol) was induced for 3 weeks only then sacrified , the 3rd group was hyperlipidemic rats for 3 weeks then left for a further 3 weeks without any additional treatment as a recovery period, the 4th group served as hyperlipidemic group for 3 weeks then treated with Foeniculum vulgare for another 3 weeks (10 mg/100 gm b. wt.), the 5th group was hyperlipidemic (25% fat and 2% cholesterol) for 6 weeks and the 6th group served as hyperlipidemic rats for 6 weeks, and at the same time given Foeniculum vulgare (10 mg/100 gm b. wt.) by oral administration. Results: The biochemical parameters showed highly significant increase in the body weight, serum glucose, ASAT, ALAT, GGT, LDH, total protein, albumin and total lipids in liver .Many histopathological and histochemical changes were detected in liver tissue of the hyperlipidemic rats. Meanwhile, the treatment with fennel ameliorated the biochemical parameters, histological and histochemical results. Conclusion: It is recommend to use fennel in diets for hyperlipidemic patients or those people who have hyperlipidemic family history.