THE AMELIORATIVE EFFECT OF FOENICULUM VULGARE (FENNEL/SAUNF) ON BLOOD OVALBUMIN-INDUCED ALLERGIC AIRWAY INFLAMMATION

Abstract

Background: Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder driven by Th2-type immune responses. Current treatments include corticosteroids and bronchodilators, which are effective but often associated with systemic side effects. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effect of Foeniculum vulgare methanolic seed extract (FME) in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation model in BALB/c mice.

Methods: Forty mice were randomly divided into five groups (n=8): normal control, disease control (OVA-sensitized), standard treatment (OVA + dexamethasone), and two test groups treated with 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg FME. All treatments were given orally for 7 days prior to final OVA challenge. Blood was collected to assess total leukocyte count (TLC), eosinophil, lymphocyte, and neutrophil percentages. Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test (p<0.05).

Results: Disease control group exhibited significantly elevated TLC and eosinophils (p<0.001). Both FME-treated groups showed significant reduction in TLC and eosinophil count. Lymphocyte levels also declined, while neutrophils remained statistically unchanged. Effects were comparable to dexamethasone.

Conclusions: FME demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity, particularly in reducing eosinophilia and total leukocytes, highlighting its potential as a safe plant-based alternative in asthma management.

Keywords: Foeniculum vulgare, asthma, eosinophils, ovalbumin, inflammation, BALB/c mice