Investigating the effects of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed powder on oxidant and antioxidant factors in hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen in male rats

Introduction: Acetaminophen is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug. Although it is considered safe at therapeutic doses, at higher doses, might produces a centrilobular hepatic necrosis that can be fatal. In the present study, the effect of fennel seed on hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen was investigated. Methods: In this experimental study, forty-two adult male Wistar rats, weighing ۲۵۰ to ۲۸۰g, were randomly allocated into seven groups (n=۶ for each group). After ۲۴ hours of fasting, the control and control+ fennel (۶۰۰, ۱۲۰۰mg/kg) groups, received normal saline, and the acetaminophen and acetaminophen+fennel (۳۰۰, ۶۰۰, ۱۲۰۰mg/kg) groups received acetaminophen ۱۰۰۰mg/kg. After ۶ hours, groups control and acetaminophen were given normal saline and groups control+fennel (۶۰۰, ۱۲۰۰mg/kg) and acetaminophen+fennel (۳۰۰, ۶۰۰, ۱۲۰۰mg/kg) were given fennel seed powder in normal saline. Twelve hours later, liver peroxidase, catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H۲O۲) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assayed. Results: In acetaminophen group, ALT, AST, MDA and H۲O۲ increased, and peroxidase and catalase activity decreased significantly compared to control. Fennel seed used in acetaminophen+fennel (۶۰۰mg/kg) group returned the changes toward control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that fennel seed has a protective role in acetaminophen- induced hepatotoxicity.

Keywords:

Acetaminophen , Fennel Seed , Liver , Oxidative Stress , Rat , Acetaminophen , Fennel Seed , Liver , Oxidative Stress , Rat