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. Correspondence: Ali Gol, PhD. Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Kerman, Iran Tel:+98 9132990713 Email: [email protected] Methods: In this experimental study, forty-two adult male Wistar rats, weighing 250 to 280g, were randomly allocated into seven groups (n=6 for each group). After 24 hours of fasting, the control and control+ fennel (600, 1200mg/kg) groups, received normal saline, and the acetaminophen and acetaminophen+fennel (300, 600, 1200mg/kg) groups received acetaminophen 1000mg/kg. After 6 hours, groups control and acetaminophen were given normal saline and groups control+fennel (600, 1200mg/kg) and acetaminophen+fennel (300, 600, 1200mg/kg) were given fennel seed powder in normal saline. Twelve hours later, liver peroxidase, catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were assayed. Results: In acetaminophen group, ALT, AST, MDA and H2O2 increased, and peroxidase and catalase activity decreased significantly compared to control. Fennel seed used in acetaminophen+fennel (600mg/kg) group returned the changes toward control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that fennel seed has a protective role in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.