Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Essential Oil Attenuates some Biochemical Disorders Induced by γ-irradiation in Male Rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the modulating efficacy of prolonged oral administration of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. essential oil (FEO) against γ-raysinduced biochemical changes in rats. To achieve the ultimate goal of this study, 32 rats were used, divided into 4 groups. Control group, Irradiated group with a single dose (6.5 Gy), and sacrificed after 7 days of irradiation, group 3 received FEO (250 mg/kg b.wt) for 28 successive days by gavages and group 4 received treatment of FEO for 21 days, then was exposed to γ-rays (6.5Gy), followed by treatment with FEO 7 days later to be 28 days. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the experiment. Transaminases (AST, ALT), alkaline phosphatise (ALP) and total bilirubin, lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides), proteins profile (total protein, albumin, globulin, and A/G ratio) as well as levels of urea, creatinine and testosterone were determined in serum. Rats exposed to γ-rays exhibited a profound elevation of AST, ALP, bilirubin, urea and creatinine levels and lipid abnormalities. Noticeable drop in serum total protein, albumin and testosterone levels were recorded. Rats treated with FEO before and after whole body γ-rays showed significant modulation in AST & ALT, ALP, bilirubin, urea, creatinine and lipids and noticeable improvement in the protein profile levels. It could be concluded that FEO has a beneficial protective potentials against radiationinduced some oxidative stress and biochemical perturbations.