The effect of fennel essence (Foeniculum vulgare) and flaxseed oil on body weight change, body mass score and ovarian weight in female Wistar rats suffered polycystic ovary syndrome

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is recognized as the most common endocrinopathy in females, which may affect about 5-10% of women in age of procreation. The majority of patients are insulin resistant or impaired glucose tolerance. Essential oils and omega-3 sources have potential to improve body mass score in PCOS females. Materials and methods: 30 adult female Wistar rats allocated to 5 experimental groups with 6 rats in each group: 1- control rats fed ordinary diet (CON group), 2- PCOS rats fed ordinary diet (PCO group), 3- PCOS rats fed ordinary diet + fennel essence + falxseed oil (PCO+Fennel+Flaxseed group), 4- PCOS rats fed ordinary diet + fennel essence (PCO+Fennel group), and 5- PCOS rats fed ordinary diet + flaxseed oil (PCO+Flaxseed group). The fennel essence (100 mg/kg BW/day) and flaxseed oil (240 mg/kg BW/day) were orally gavaged in a 50 days period. Rats were injected with a single dose of estradiol valerate (4 mg estradiol valerate + 0.2 ml sesame oil/kg BW) to induce poly cystic ovaries. Results: Our results showed, treatments had a significant effect on ovaries weight (P<0.05) but it had no significant effects on body weight changes among different groups. Nonetheless, PCO group had a higher body weight gain in compared to the other groups. Conclusion: Feeding fennel essence and/or flaxseed oil had no effect on final body weight and body mass index.

Keywords:

PCOS , Rat , Body Mass Index , Essential oil , Omega-3