Fennel fortified diet: New perspective with regard to fertility and sex hormones

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare (FV) on fertility of mice and on serum sex hormone values of rats and rabbits. We used powdered form of Foeniculum vulgare seed and added it to food of mice, rats and rabbits in 2% and 4% ratio which was provided ad libitum throughout study period. Fertility study on mice was conducted for a period of nine months and 3 generations of mice fed on study drug were observed. Rats and rabbits were given Foeniculum vulgare seed powder containing diet for two month and then serum levels of FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone were checked. The number of pups increased in each succeeding generation and no gross abnormality was observed in any of the pups of all 3 generations. The sex hormone levels increased in both sexes of rats and rabbits with exception of FSH and LH levels which were less than 0.1mIU/mL in all study animals. Data was analysed on SPSS. Fertility and sex hormones increased in both male and female when given special diet containing 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare.