Protective effects of fennel oil extract against sodium valproate-induced hepatorenal damage in albino rats

Anethole Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac and Renal Toxicities: Insights from Network Pharmacology and Animal Studies

Doxorubicin (Dox) is widely used as a chemotherapy drug, while anethole (AN) is primarily known as the main aromatic component in various plant species. This research focused on the impact of AN on the cardiac and renal toxicity induced by Dox and to understand the underlying mechanisms. For cardiac toxicity, Wistar rats were categorized into four groups: a Control group; a Dox group, where rats received 2.5 mg/kg of Dox intraperitoneally every other day; and two Dox + AN groups, where animals were administered Dox (2.5 mg/kg/every other day, IP) along with 125 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg of AN, respectively. The renal toxicity study included similar groups, with the Dox group receiving a single dose of 20 mg/kg of Dox intraperitoneally on the tenth day, and the Dox + AN groups receiving 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg of AN for two weeks, alongside the same dose of Dox (20 mg/kg, IP, once on the 10th day). Parameters assessed included ECG, cardiac injury markers (CK, CK-MB, and LDH), and kidney function tests (Cr, BUN, uric acid, LDL, Kim-1, NGAL, and CysC). Antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and apoptotic markers were also monitored in heart and renal tissues. Gene expression levels of the TLR4/MyD88/NFκB pathway, along with Bax and Bcl-2, were evaluated. Dox significantly altered ECG, elevated cardiac injury markers, and renal function markers. It also augmented gene expressions of TLR4/MyD88/NFκB, amplified oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers. Conversely, AN reduced cardiac injury markers and kidney function tests, improved ECG, diminished TLR4/MyD88/NFκB gene expression, and alleviated oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing inflammatory cytokines. AN also enhanced Bcl-2 levels and inhibited Bax and the cleavage of caspase-3 and 9. AN countered the lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by Dox, marking it as a potential preventive strategy against Dox-induced nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic injuries.

Anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and biocompatibility properties of aqueous extract of Tamarindus indica L. fruit coat analyses by in-vitro and in-vivo approaches

The anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and biocompatibility nature of Tamarindus indica L. fruit coat aqueous extract were investigated in this research through in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The anti-inflammatory property was determined through albumin denaturation inhibition and antiprotease activities as up to 39.5% and 41.2% respectively at 30 mg mL-1 concentration. Furthermore, the antidiabetic activity was determined through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition as up to 62.15% and 67.35% respectively at 30 mg mL-1 dosage. The albino mice based acute toxicity study was performed by different treatment groups (group I-V) with different dosages of aqueous extract to detect the biocompatibility of sample. Surprisingly, findings revealed that the T. indica L. fruit coat aqueous extract had no harmful impacts on any of the groups. Urine, as well as serum parameter analysis, confirmed this. Moreover, the findings of SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), GST (Glutathione-S-transferase), & CAT (Catalase) as well as glutathione peroxidase as well as reduced glutathione antioxidant enzymes studies stated that the aqueous extract possess high antioxidant ability via a dose-dependent way. These findings indicate that T. indica fruit coat aqueous extract contains medicinally important phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties, as well as being biocompatible in nature.

Biochemical and Histological Effects of Moringa oleifera Extract against Valproate-Induced Kidney Damage

Valproic acid is an effective treatment for generalized seizure and related neurological defects. Despite its efficacy and acceptability, its use is associated with adverse drug effects. Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in phytochemical and nutritional components. It has excellent antioxidant and ethnobotanical benefits, thus popular among folk medicines and nutraceuticals. In the present study, 70% ethanol extract of moringa leaves was assessed for its in vivo biochemical and histological effects against valproate-induced kidney damage. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I: control animals given physiological saline (n = 8); Group II: Moringa extract-administered group (0.3 g/kg b.w./day, n = 8); Group III: valproate-administered animals (0.5 g/kg b.w./day, n = 15); and Group IV: valproate + moringa extract (given similar doses of both valproate and moringa extract, n = 12) administered group. Treatments were administered orally for 15 days, the animals were fasted overnight, anesthetized, and then tissue samples harvested. In the valproate-administered experimental group, serum urea and uric acid were elevated. In the kidney tissue of the valproate rats, glutathione was depleted, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase) disrupted, while oxidative stress biomarker, inflammatory proteins (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6), histological damage scores, and the number of PCNA-positive cells were elevated. M. oleifera attenuated all these biochemical defects through its plethora of diverse antioxidant and therapeutic properties.

Nephroprotective Effect of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seeds and Their Sprouts on CCl4-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Functional and nutritional characteristics of seed sprouts and their association with oxidative stress-related disorders have recently become a focus of scientific investigations. The biological activities of fennel seeds (FS) and fennel seed sprouts (FSS) were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), total flavonols (TFF), and antioxidant activity (AOA) of FS and FSS were examined. HPLC and GC-MS analyses for FS and FSS were carried out. Consequently, the nephroprotective and antioxidative stress potential of FS and FSS extracts at 300 and 600 mg kg^-1 on CCl₄-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats was investigated. In this context, kidney relative weight, blood glucose level (BGL), lipid profile, kidney function (T. protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)), and oxidative stress biomarkers (GSH, CAT, MDA, and SOD) in the rat's blood as well as the histopathological alteration in kidney tissues were examined. Results indicated that the sprouting process of FS significantly improved TPC, TF, TFL, and AOA in vitro. HPLC identified nineteen compounds of phenolic acids and their derivatives in FS. Thirteen phenolic compounds in FS and FSS were identified, the highest of which was vanillic acid. Six flavonoids were also identified with a predominance of kaempferol. GC-MS indicated that the trans-anethole (1-methoxy-4-[(E)-prop-1-enyl]benzene) component was predominant in FS and FSS, significantly increasing after sprouting. In in vivo examination, administering FS and FSS extracts ameliorated the BGL, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), and their derivative levels compared to CCl₄-intoxicated rats. A notable improvement in FS and FSS with 600 mg kg^-1 compared to 300 mg kg^-1 was observed. A dose of 600 mg FSS kg^-1 reduced the TG, CHO, and LDL-C and increased HDL-C levels by 32.04, 24.62, 63.00, and 67.17% compared to G2, respectively. The atherogenic index (AI) was significantly improved with 600 mg kg^-1 of FSS extracts. FS and FSS improved kidney function, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), and restored the activity of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Both FS and FSS extracts attenuated the histopathological alteration in CCl₄-treated rats. Interestingly, FSS extract presented better efficiency as a nephroprotection agent than FS extract. In conclusion, FSS can potentially restore oxidative stability and improve kidney function after acute CCl₄ kidney injury better than FS. Therefore, FS and FSS extracts might be used for their promising nephroprotective potential and to help prevent diseases related to oxidative stress. Further research on their application in humans is highly recommended.

The Effect of Thymus vulgaris on Hepatic Enzymes Activity and Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Many diseases, including diabetes, are involved in the development of liver disorders through changes in the expression of genes such as apoptosis-related genes. In the present study, the effect of Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) on hepatic enzyme activity and apoptosis-related gene expression in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was examined. In this study, 50 adult male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200–220 g were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced by an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Following 18 days, all the animals in different groups were weighed and blood samples were taken from their cardiac veins. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed 45 different compounds in the T. vulgaris, including thymol (39.1%), p-cymene (20.63%), and γ-terpinene (14.85%). The results showed a significant increase in liver enzymes (aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) in diabetic or STZ mice compared to the control group (healthy mice) (P < 0.0001). The levels of AST, ALT, and ALP in rats treated with 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of T. vulgaris extract showed a significant decrease in these enzymes in comparison with diabetic rats (P < 0.0001). The expression of caspase 3 and 9 genes in the groups treated with thyme significantly decreased compared to diabetic mice (P < 0.0001), and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in the group receiving 400 mg/kg of thyme significantly increased compared to diabetic mice (P < 0.0001). Due to its antioxidant compounds, thyme improves the liver tissue cells in STZ-induced diabetic mice by reducing caspases 3 and 9 as well as increasing Bcl-2.

The Protective Effects of Trans-Anethole against Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Induced Histopathological and Metabolic Changes in Rat

Aim of the study was to evaluate the protective effects of trans-anethole, against polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) induced histopathological and biochemical changes in female Wister rats.<br />Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, forty-eight animals were randomly assigned into 6 groups: control; PCOS; PCOS+trans-anethole (20, 40, 80 mg/kg); and PCOS+metformin (300 mg/kg). Testosterone (1 mg/kg/day) was injected intraperitoneally for 35 days to induce PCOS. After PCOS induction, animals were treated by transanethole and metformin (30 days oral gavage). Finally, serum oxidative stress and insulin levels as well as histological changes in ovaries, kidneys and liver were evaluated.<br />Results: In PCOS group, the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was 1.391 ± 0.18 mmol/L and significantly<br />increased (P=0.000) compared to the control group with the MDA level of 0.35 ± 0.08. Meanwhile the activity of<br />superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and total thiol levels were significantly decreased (P=0.000 for all<br />groups), compared to the control group. In the trans-anethole (80 mg/kg) treated group, insulin (P=0.000) and MDA<br />(P=0.000) levels were significantly decreased while total thiol (P=0.001) and activity of SOD (P=0.000) and CAT<br />(P=0.007) were significantly increased compared to the PCOS group. In the metformin treated group the insulin level<br />(P=0.03) decreased compared to the PCOS group. Histological evaluation showed multiple cysts in the ovarian tissue,<br />an increase in inflammatory cells in the liver, and a loss of order in the structure of the tubules and glomeruli of the<br />kidney in the PCOS group. Tissue damage was reduced in the trans-anethole treated group.<br />Conclusion: Tarns-anethole at a dose of 80 mg/kg improved metabolic status, oxidative stress, liver and kidney damage<br />as well as the cystic mass of ovarian tissue. To understand the exact protective effects of trans-anethole in PCOS,<br />more experimental or clinical studies are suggested.

Taurine attenuates valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity via modulation of RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis signaling in mice

Valproic acid (VPA) is known as a common drug in seizure and bipolar disorders treatment. Hepatotoxicity is the most important complication of VPA. Taurine (Tau), an amino acid, has antioxidant effects. The present research was conducted to evaluate the protective mechanisms of Tau on VPA-induced liver injury, especially focusing on the necroptosis signaling pathway. The sixty-four male NMRI mice were divided into eight groups with eight animals per each. The experiment groups pretreated with Tau (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) and necrostatine-1 (Nec-1, 1.8 mg/kg) and then VPA (500 mg/kg) was administered for 14 consecutive days. The extent of VPA-induced hepatotoxicity was confirmed by elevated ALP (alkaline phosphatase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels, and histological changes as steatosis, accumulation of erythrocytes, and inflammation. Additionally, VPA significantly induced oxidative stress in the hepatic tissue by increasing ROS (reactive oxygen species) production and lipid peroxidation level along with decreasing GSH (glutathione). Hepatic TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor) level, mRNA and protein expression of RIPK1 (receptor-interacting protein kinase 1), RIPK3, and MLKL (mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase) were upregulated. Also, the phosphorylation of MLKL and RIPK3 increased in the VPA group. Tau could effectively reverse these events. Our data suggest which necroptosis has a key role in the toxicity of VPA through TNF-α-mediated RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling and oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that Tau protects the liver tissue against VPA toxicity via inhibiting necroptosis signaling pathway mediated by RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL and suppressing oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

The Protective Role of Prenatal Alpha Lipoic Acid Supplementation against Pancreatic Oxidative Damage in Offspring of Valproic Acid-Treated Rats: Histological and Molecular Study

Background: Sodium valproate (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug (AED) licensed for epilepsy and used during pregnancy in various indications. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural compound inducing endogenous antioxidant production. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of prenatal administration of VPA on the pancreas of rat offspring and assess the potential protective role of ALA co-administration during pregnancy. Methods: Twenty-eight pregnant female albino rats were divided into four groups: group I (negative control), group II (positive control, ALA treated), group III (VPA-treated), and group IV (VPA-ALA-treated). The pancreases of the rat offspring were removed at the fourth week postpartum and prepared for histological, immune-histochemical, morphometric, molecular, and oxidative stress marker studies. Results: In group III, there were pyknotic nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm with ballooning of acinar, α, and β cells of the pancreas. Ultrastructural degeneration of cytoplasmic organelles was detected. Additionally, there was a significant increase in oxidative stress, a decrease in insulin-positive cell percentage, and an increase in glucagon positive cells in comparison to control groups. Moreover, VPA increased the gene expression of an apoptotic marker, caspase-3, with a decrease in anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcriptional factor. Conversely, ALA improved oxidative stress and apoptosis in group VI, and a consequent improvement of the histological and ultrastructure picture was detected. Conclusion: ALA co-administration with VPA significantly improved the oxidative stress condition, histological and morphometric picture of the pancreas, and restored normal expression of related genes, including Nrf2, caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Administration of α-lipoic acid has a protective effect against VPA-induced pancreatic oxidative damage via its cytoprotective antioxidant effect.

Effect of Nigella sativa and Foeniculum vulgare seeds extracts on male mice exposed to carbendazim

The increasing prevalence of environmental pollutants such as pesticides is a major global problem that affects living organisms. Exposure to environmental pollutants remains a major source of health risk throughout the world. The potential health benefits of various medicinal plants and natural products in relation to protect various diseases are currently receiving considerable attention. A current approach is to develop a new biological compound from natural products that inhibits pain. Ethnopharmacological surveys have been found to be one of the most reliable tools for the discovery of the natural and semi-synthetic drug. The present study was performed to investigate the hematological and biochemical changes induced by carbendazim (CBZ) and the potential protective effect of seeds extracts of Nigella sativa (NSSE) and Foeniculum vulgare (FVSE) against CBZ toxicity in male mice. Mice were distributed into 6 groups. Mice of group 1 were served as control. Group 2 was exposed to CBZ. Group 3 was supplemented with NSSE and exposed to CBZ. Group 4 was treated with FVSE and CBZ. Normal mice of group 5 and 6 were subjected to NSSE and FVSE respectively. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in mice of group 2. In mice of group 2, significant declines of RBC, HB, Hct, WBC, total protein, FSH, LH, testosterone, T4, T3, CAT and SOD were observed. Moreover, the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, creatinine, BUN, uric acid, glucose, cholesterol, CK, LDH, MDA and GSH were significantly enhanced. Treatment with NSSE and FVSE showed attenuation effects against CBZ induced hematological and biochemical changes. The results suggest that the attenuation effects of NSSE and FVSE attributed to their antioxidant properties.

Protective Effects of Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Valproic Acid Induced Hepatotoxicity in Epileptic Children with Recurrent Seizure; A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

Background : There are controversies regarding the protective role of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) against valproic acid (VPA)-induced hepatotoxicity in children. In the present clinical trial, we assessed the potential role of UDCA in preventing VPA-induced fluctuations of hepatic enzymes in epileptic children with recurrent seizures. Methods: Two-hundred children with epileptic seizures were randomly allocated into either intervention (VPA+UDCA) or control (VPA+ placebo) group. Fluctuations of liver enzymes were recorded at baseline, as well as 48 hours, 1 month, and 3 months following the interventions. Results: The mean age of the patients was 7.33±2.96 years (the range of 4-16). Males and females constituted 43 (43%) and 57 (57%) subjects in each group respectively. There were no significant differences in the baseline levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) between the intervention and control groups. At 48 hours post-intervention, AST and ALT increased 1.7% and 11.05% (23.18±7.91 and 30.75±4.20 IU/l) in the intervention group and 21.3% and 35% (28.46±3.71 and 35.62±7.72 IU/l) in the control group respectively (P<0.0001). Both AST (P<0.001) and ALT (P=0.03) levels were significantly lower in the intervention than placebo group at 1-month post-intervention. At 3-month post-intervention; however, while AST level still was significantly higher in the control (29.87±5.41 IU/l) than intervention (21.63±6.87 IU/l, P<0.0001), ALT level was not significantly different between the two groups (32.72±5.59 IU/l and 32.01±7.89 IU/l respectively, P=0.5). Conclusion: UDCA can be an effective drug to manage VPA-induced fluctuations of hepatic enzymes in children with recurrent epileptic seizures.

Protective effects of fennel essential oil against oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced by the insecticide triflumuron in human colon carcinoma cells

The increased use of pesticides is the origin of multiple damages to the environment and to humans; thus, the search for new strategies to reduce or even protect the toxic effects caused by these synthetic products became a necessity. In this context, our study attempted to evaluate the protective effects of fennel essential oil (FEO), the main essential oil extracted from Faeniculum vulgare Mill., a plant with aromatic, flavorful, and medicinal uses, against toxicity induced by an insecticide-triflumuron (TFM)-in human carcinoma cells (HCT116). Our methodological approach consists of the cytotoxicity assay starting with the cell viability test, the ROS generation, the malondialdehyde (MDA) production, the DNA fragmentation, and the measurement of some antioxidant enzymes activities such as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Also, we measured the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. The outcome of the current study showed clearly that after 2 h of HCT 116 cell pretreatment with FEO, there were increase in cell viability, reduction in ROS generation, and modulation in CAT and SOD activities induced by TFM. In the same manner, significant decreases in MDA levels were found. Mainly, the results indicated a perceptible decrease in DNA damages and a significant reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential loss. Our work demonstrates that FEO can be an important protector against toxic effects induced by TFM in HCT 116 cells.

Ginsenoside compound K alleviates sodium valproate-induced hepatotoxicity in rats via antioxidant effect, regulation of peroxisome pathway and iron homeostasis

Sodium valproate (SVP) is a first-line treatment for various forms of epilepsy; however, it can cause severe liver injury. Ginsenoside compound K (G-CK) is the main active ingredient of the traditional herbal medicine ginseng. According to our previous research, SVP-induced elevation of ALT and AST levels, as well as pathological changes of liver tissue, was believed to be significantly reversed by G-CK in LiCl-pilocarpine induced epileptic rats. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of G-CK on hepatotoxicity caused by SVP. The rats treated with SVP showed liver injury with evident increases in hepatic index, transaminases activity, alkaline phosphatase level, hepatic triglyceride and lipid peroxidation; significant decreases in plasma albumin level and antioxidant capacity; and obvious changes in histopathological and subcellular structures. All of these changes could be mitigated by co-administration with G-CK. Proteomic analysis indicated that hepcidin, soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH, UniProt ID P80299), and the peroxisome pathway were involved in the hepatoprotective effect of G-CK. Changes in protein expression of hepcidin and sEH were verified by ELISA and Western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, we observed that the hepatic iron rose in SVP group and decreased in the combination group. In summary, our findings demonstrate the clear hepatoprotective effect of G-CK against SVP-induced hepatotoxicity through the antioxidant effect, regulation of peroxisome pathway relying on sEH (P80299) downregulation, as well as regulation of iron homeostasis dependent on hepcidin upregulation.

Chemistry, pharmacology and new trends in traditional functional and medicinal beverages

Functional and medicinal beverages consumption plays an important role in human health, considering that metabolites, with a wide range of pharmacological effects, are inserted in the human diet. Nowadays, the most consumed beverages are obtained from Camellia sinensis leaves and coffee grain processing, and contain different classes of polyphenols and phenolic acids in their phytochemical composition. Besides C. sinensis and coffee, numerous plants have been receiving attention due to their phytochemical composition and pharmacological effects, such as yerba mate, hibiscus, chamomile, lemongrass, fennel and mentha. Furthermore, atomized or lyophilized medicinal plant extracts can be employed in many beverage formulations and the consumption of these products is an excellent delivery means for nutrients and bioactive compounds, such as: minerals, vitamins, terpenes, antioxidants, saponins, alkaloids and polysaccharides. Innovation in food processing in order to insert functional and medicinal beverages in the human diet poses a challenge for the coming years. The technological development of new processing forms and use of plants with bioactive metabolites could be an important tool in relation to this proposal. In this context, this review has aimed to summarize and analyze pharmacological, phytochemistry and technological aspects of species with classical ethnobotanical and traditional use.

The combination of Cassia obtusifolia L. and Foeniculum vulgare M. exhibits a laxative effect on loperamide-induced constipation of rats

Chronic constipation is a functional gastrointestinal disease that is detrimental to the quality of patient life. Cassia obtusifolia L. (CO) and Foeniculum vulgare M. (FV) are commonly used as medicinal foods in many countries. We aimed to examine the laxative effect and their underlying mechanism of CO and FV mixture on loperamide (lop)-induced constipated rats. To determine the laxative effects of these compounds, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: the control, lop-induced constipated (2mg/kg), and three doses (100, 300, and 500mg/kg) of CO and FV mixture-, and Bisacodyl (bis, 3.3mg/kg)-treated groups. The mixture of CO and FV and bis were orally administered once a day for 4 weeks. For induction of constipation, the lop were treated with a dose of 2 mg/kg twice a day on the 3^rd week after treatments of CO and FV extracts and bis. The results were revealed that the CO and FV mixture has the laxative effects more than those in CO and FV-alone treatments on constipated rats by determining the stool parameters, including stool number and weight. Indeed, stool parameters, such as, stool number, weight, and water contents and colonic peristalsis from the intestinal transit length and ratio were dramatically improved by CO and FV mixture treatment. Histological study also revealed that CO and FV mixture enhanced the thicknesses of mucosa and muscular layers of the colon in constipated rats. For their underlying mechanism, the mRNAs and proteins expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAchR) M2 and M3 and their downstream signaling were preserved by CO and FV mixture treatment in constipated rats. Therefore, this study suggests that treatment with CO and FV mixture has beneficial effects against constipation. We further suggest that CO and FV mixture may be utilized as an alternative therapeutic strategy for constipation.

Rescue effects of aqueous seed extracts of Foeniculum vulgare and Carum carvi against cadmium-induced hepatic, renal and gonadal damage in female albino rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effects of aqueous seed extracts of fennel "Foeniculum vulgare" (FVE) and caraway "Carum carvi" (CCE) on liver, kidney and reproductive organs in female rats against cadmium chloride (CC) intoxication.

METHODS

A total of 36 adult female rats were divided into six groups, six in each group. Control group (fed normal diet), CC-treated group (50 mg CC/kg diet), CCE-treated group (150 mg CCE/kg diet), CCE + CC group, FVE (150 mg/kg diet) and FVE + CC. One month later, all rats were sacrificed and all samples were collected at proestrus phase.

RESULTS

The toxic effects of CC were confirmed biochemically by significant increase of serum concentration of liver enzymes (P < 0.05), and creatinine (P < 0.001). Moreover, CC increased significantly the serum level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreased the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P < 0.001). In addition, serum concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were significantly decreased (P < 0.01). Histopathologically, CC-treated group revealed marked pathological changes in renal, hepatic, ovarian and uterine tissues. All toxic findings observed in liver and kidney with CC treatment were found to be ameliorated markedly after co-treatments with FVE or CCE. Furthermore, co-treatment of FVE with CC improved significantly all studied reproductive parameters (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Both FVE and CCE could be used as efficient treatments for liver and kidney against CC intoxication. Moreover, FVE could be utilized as a potent treatment to protect and improve female fertility from cadmium intoxication.