Fennel Group Research Articles

A comparative study of fennel and dimethicone capsule effects on flatulence rate after cesarean section: A double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Flatulence is one of the gastrointestinal complaints after a cesarean section (C-section). A host of treatments have been used to reduce this symptom in hospitals, and most of them are based on chemical drugs. It is considered that herbal drugs may have fewer side effects than chemical drugs, and it seems that fennel can reduce flatulence through stimulation of bowel movements. This study compared the efficacy of fennel and dimethicone capsules on the flatulence rate in post-cesarean birth women. This study was a parallel double-blind randomized controlled trial, conducted in a teaching hospital. Eligible women who underwent a C-section and had the sensation of flatulence were randomly block allocated to the fennel and dimethicone groups (1:1). Each group received drugs every 6 hours for four doses after restarting oral feeding. Flatulence rate was the main variable measured before and one hour after taking each dose by the visual analog scale (VAS). Data were analyzed by statistical tests including repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) based on the intention-to-treat method in Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. The dimethicone group showed a significant reduction in flatulence (F (7,245) =198.5, P < 0.001, η2 p = 0.850). The same trend was also obtained for the fennel group (F (7,266) =215.0, P < 0.001, η2 p = 0.849). However, there was no difference between groups on the flatulence level after adjusting for the baseline level of flatulence (F (1,72) =0.27, P = 0.607, η2 p = 0.004). The same result was also obtained one hour after taking capsule 4 (F (1,72) =0.63, P = 0.430, η2 p = 0.009). Both fennel and dimethicone capsules can reduce flatulence rate after C-section, although there was no significant difference among them.

Efficacy of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and anise (Pimpinella anisum) essential oils as anaesthesics in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L. 1758)

In this study, the anaesthetic effects of fennel and anise essential oils were investigated on common carp. Fish (10 ± 0.45 g) were exposed to nine concentrations of essential oils (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg L−1). Additionally, the histopathological effects on the fish tissues including gill, skin and hepatopancreas and physiological effects on some blood parameters (Na+, K+, Ca+2, Cl−, total plasma protein and glucose) of essential oils were investigated in carp. At the end of the experiment, fennel oil showed an anaesthetic effect at a concentration of 500 mg L−1 in carp (anaesthesia induction and recovery times were 308 and 472 s, respectively). Anise essential oil showed deep anaesthesia at a concentration of 100 mg L−1, but anaesthesia induction time was found to be very long (20 min). In addition, anise oil at concentrations above 100 mg L−1 caused 10% mortality in fish. Blood parameters except glucose level in both essential oils were unchanged during deep anaesthesia in carp. However, plasma glucose levels were found lower in fish anaesthetized with anise oil than control and fennel groups (P < 0.05). At the histopathological examination, no pathological findings were observed in any organ of fish in the fennel group. However, severe hyperemia and inflammatory cell infiltrations in gills, erosive lesions in the skin and slight inflammatory reactions in the skin were observed in the anise group. The present study demonstrated that fennel essential oil at 500 mg L−1 concentration can be used as an effective and safe anaesthetic in common carp, but anise essential oil is not suitable.

Comparison of the Effect of Fennel and Evening Primrose Oil on Menopausal Problems and Hormonal Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Using natural oral supplements is one of the methods of complementary medicine that has been widely welcomed in the last decade Since studies have reported contradictory results for effectiveness of herbal medicines during menopause and no other more effective herbal medicine has been suggested yet, the researchers of this study decided to compare the fennel and Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) and their effect on menopause problems and sex hormones. The present study was a triple-blinded, controlled clinical trial with 125 participants randomly assigned to. An intervention group received fennel, another intervention group received evening primrose oil, and the placebo group received placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Pre-intervention and post-intervention results were obtained using hormonal assay and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). In this study, the mean follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol levels changed significantly in the fennel and EPO groups compared to placebo (p < 0.001). The difference in the mean FSH score between the fennel group and EPO group was not significant (p = 0.304), but the difference in the mean estradiol level between these groups was significant (p = 0.043). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the mean MRS score between the intervention groups before the intervention (p < 0.05). However, the difference in the mean MRS score between the fennel and EPO groups was not significant after the intervention (p = 0.322). Consumption of fennel and EPO can significantly change FSH, estradiol, and psychological menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women.

"Ferula assa-foetida L" or "Foeniculum vulgare"? Which one is more effective in the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome? A randomized, placebo controlled, triple-blinded.

There are few evaluation about the effects of Fennel and Ferula on human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The goals of this study were to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two medicinal plants of the Apiaceae family (Fennel and Ferula) in management of PCOS. The sample size was 47 participants with PCOS who were randomly divided into 3 groups. The Ferula assa-foetida L group received 100 mg of Ferula (n=14), the Foeniculum vulgare group received 46 mg of Fennel (n=15), and the placebo group received placebo twice daily for 3 months (n=14). Before the intervention, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of clinical parameters, endometrial thickness, or ovarian volume. After the interventions, the number of ovarian follicles was decreased in the Ferula and Fennel groups as compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). The number of ovarian follicles in both ovaries in the Ferula and Fennel group decreased and this decrease was significant in the right side as compared to placebo group. Our findings showed significant changes in dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DEHAS) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels after the intervention (p<0.03) between the Ferula and Placebo groups. Since use of Ferula could make significant changes in TSH and DEHAS levels and decrease the number of right and left ovarian follicles compared to Fennel and placebo, it can be concluded that this herbal medicine is more effective than Fennel in managing PCOS.

Comparison of Foeniculum Vulgare versus metformin on insulin resistance and anthropometric indices of women with polycystic ovary, an open-label controlled trial study

Co-occurrence of metabolic syndromes such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOs) women is common. Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) is a medicinal plant that renewing as an ancient remedy for women with reproductive and metabolic problems. The study seeks to compare the efficacy of fennel and metformin on the insulin resistance of PCOs women. 57 PCOs women with Insulin resistance under hypocaloric diet were randomly allocated to receive essential oil of fennel group (3 capsules 30 mg/day) or metformin group (500 mg/day) for three months. Insulin resistance markers HOMA (IR), Insulin sensitivity (QUICKI), and anthropometric indices before and after intervention were analyzed between two groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the HOMA (IR), QUICKI, BMI, and waist to hip ratio between the two groups after intervention. Fennel could not improve insulin resistance and anthropometric indices in comparison to metformin in women with polycystic ovary, however, the generalisability of these results is subject to certain limitations and need to be interpreted with caution. • Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) have been used in traditional medicine in most countries. • Some pharmacological properties has been addressed for fennel such as hypoglycemic hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective. • Fennel also is known for promoting menstruation in women with estrogenic imbalance such as polycystic ovary. • The medicinal value of the fennel provides an area of interest for new clinical benefits.

Effect of sweet fennel seed extract capsule on knee pain in women with knee osteoarthritis

Background and objectivesKnee osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis. The disease not only has a high disease burden but also reduces the quality of life of patients. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (commonly known as Fennel) seed extract on knee pain in women patients with knee osteoarthritis. MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind trial, a total of 66 patients were assigned randomly via the blocking method in two groups, fennel and placebo. All patients received four capsules daily of either powdered fennel extract (each capsule contained 200 mg dried fennel extract from 7 g of fennel seeds) or placebo twice a day for two weeks. The patients completed the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity measurement before and after the study completion. Data were then analyzed via intention to treat method using the SPSS statistical software package. ResultsTwo weeks after the trial, a significant decrease was noted between the two groups in terms of pain, disability, total WOMAC score, and VAS variables. After comparing the pre- and post-intervention, the variables mentioned above revealed a significant decline in both groups. The stiffness variable indicated a significant reduction in the fennel group (between baseline and study completion) after two weeks, but this decline was not significant in the placebo group, and was not significant either between the two groups. At the end of the trial, the percentage change was higher in the fennel group than in the placebo group. Also, the effect size was greater in the fennel group especially in pain variable based on WOMAC and VAS than in the placebo group. ConclusionThe results indicated that fennel may be an appropriate alternative for complementary treatment in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This study is the first clinical trial using oral fennel on knee pain in these patients, and the outcomes should be confirmed through additional studies.

Investigating the Effect of Fennel and Cinnamon Combined Extract on Spermatogenesis and Testis Tissues in Busulfan Induced Infertile Rats

Introduction: Busulfan is one of the common cancer treatment drugs with infertility side effects. Fennel and cinnamon are two medicinal plants with fertility enhancement properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fennel and cinnamon on busulfan induced infertile rats. Materials and Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups including: sham group: healthy rats without intervention, control group: Busulfan treated rats, fennel group: busulfan and fennel extract treated, fennel and cinnamon group: busulfan, fennel and cinnamon extract treatment. Testicular tissues were sampled and the testicular physical parameters and spermatogenesis level were evaluated by H & E staining and optical microscopy imaging. Results: The biggest and the smallest testis lengths were observed in cinnamon + fennel and fennel groups respectively (P < 0.05). The highest and lowest sperm levels were observed in the cinnamon + fennel group and fennel group respectively (P < 0.001). The total average of reproductive cells was the most in the cinnamon + fennel group (104.17) and had the least level in the control group (26.29). Conclusions: The combined extract of fennel and cinnamon significantly protect the testicular tissues against infertility effect of busulfan. However, the fennel extract alone increased the effect of busulfan in rats.

Beneficial Effects of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) in Treating Obesity in Rats

Obesity is associated with a number of serious medical complications, which are often referred to as the “insulin resistance syndrome”. The aim of the present study was performed to investigate the possible interaction between a conventional drug used for management of cholesterol and traditional herbal remedies on the obesity. This was carried through out: through estimation of blood test; Estimation of serum tests; Determination of oxidative stress biomarkers and the antioxidant enzymes activities in the liver were assayed; Histopathological examination of the liver and kidney of adult male albino rats were done. In the present study, the serum levels of the total protein and albumin in the obesity group (7.1± 0.2) and (4.78 ± 0.19); respectively were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) more than those of the control group (6.5±0.1) and (3.95± 0.1).The administration of (fennel group) revealed significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in the serum levels of the albumin and total protein (4.38± 0.1) and (6.65± 0.2); respectively as compared to the obesity group (4.78 ± 0.19) and (7.1± 0.2(. The total cholesterol of the group(5) (fennel and ator) after two weeks from a high fat diet than treatment with fennel and Ator through six weeks equal 142.86±5.9, 100.4±8.68, 93.29±5.99, 87.1±11.28, 80.4±21.55, 78.1±6.7 and 77.1±6.87; respectively. The present study showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in the activities of ALT, AST and ALP in the obesity group which recorded as (60.5±11.45), (57.25±6.3) and (845.0±49.47); respectively as compared to the control group (28.25±1.7), (38.5±3.87) and (537.0±41.5); respectively. The fennel group caused significant decrease in the activities of these enzymes (41.0± 2.9), (42.25+3.2) and (717.75+48.6); respectively compared to the obesity group. Ator group showed a significant decrease in the activities of these enzymes (40.0±2.16), (42.5±3.1) and (679.25±41.16); respectively compared as obesity group. The activity of AlT, AST and ALP in the fennel and ator group (32.75±2.5), (40.5±2.38) and (601.25±17.5); respectively were near to the control group.

The Effect of Short-term Treatment with Fennel on Lipid Profile in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectivesThe present trial aimed to assess the effects of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) on lipid profiles.MethodsIn this double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial, sixty eligible postmenopausal women were randomly assigned into the fennel and placebo groups. Total blood cholesterol, cholesterol fractions, and triglycerides were tested at the baseline, and after three-month follow-up.ResultsThere was no significant difference in triglyceride (P = 0.679), total cholesterol (P = 0.103), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; P = 0.146) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; P = 0.266) levels between the two groups. In addition, in both groups, a paired t.test showed no significant difference in all mentioned parameters, except for HDL-C, indicating significant borderline improvement (P = 0.052) in the fennel group.ConclusionsThe fennel group revealed a very slight positive change in LDL-C, triglyceride and HDL-C. Further studies with longer durations, higher doses, and larger sample sizes are recommended to validate the results.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Objectives This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of orally administered fennel on vaginal atrophy. Materials and methods In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 60 postmenopausal women living in Mashhad, Iran, were randomly divided into an oral fennel group (n = 30) and a placebo group (n = 30). The Maturation Vaginal Index and maturation values were measured once at baseline and again upon a three-month follow-up. Results The paired t-test showed statistically significant changes in the Maturation Vaginal Index (i.e. a decline in the parabasal cells and an increase in the intermediate and superficial cells) and maturation values in both the fennel and placebo groups at the end of the trial compared to at baseline. Nonetheless, no significant differences were observed in the percentages of the parabasal (P = 0.191), intermediate (P = 0.219) and superficial (P = 0.82) cells, which was also the case for the maturation values (P = 0.64). Conclusion Fennel had no significant positive effects on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. Nonetheless, more studies are recommended to be conducted using higher doses of fennel and larger sample sizes so as to verify the results of this study.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) on symptoms of depression and anxiety in postmenopausal women: a double-blind randomised controlled trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) on anxiety and depression symptoms in postmenopausal women. This study was a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, in which 60 eligible postmenopausal women were selected and then randomly assigned to fennel and placebo groups. Then, symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Zung’s Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Following the intervention, the score of HADS (depression and anxiety subgroups) and SDS did not show any significant decrease in the sample under study. However, the analysis of patients with depression or anxiety disorder showed a borderline or significant improvement. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the findings.Impact statementCurrent knowledge on the subject: Based on the results of in vivo and in vitro animal studies, fennel may have anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties.The contribution made by this study: It appears that fennel is effective in menopausal women with depression and anxiety disorders.The implications of findings for clinical practice and future research: Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the actual effect of fennel in clinical setting.

The Effect of Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel) on Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women with Excess Weight: A Double-blind Randomized Placebo-controlled Trial

ObjectivesThe goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of fennel on body composition.MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Fifty-four out of 60 patients were able to successfully complete the original study. Seven out of 54 patients were excluded because they were not overweight and obese. Thus, 47 women were included in this secondary analysis. Of these 47 women, 22 were in the fennel group and 25 were in placebo group. Body weight, body mass index (BMI) as well as fat distribution was measured at the baseline and after a three-month follow-up.ResultsComparison of fennel and placebo groups did not reveal any significant effect in terms of body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences and fat distribution. Also, the results of paired t-test did not variation of these parameters across groups before and after 12-week treatment.ConclusionsMenopausal women in fennel group experienced a slight increase in body weight and fat distribution, which was not significant. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to validate the results of this study.

The Effect of Short-term Treatment with Fennel on Bone Density in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ObjectivesThe goal of this study is to assess the effect of fennel on bone density.MethodsThis was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, which studied sixty eligible postmenopausal women, who were randomly assigned to fennel and placebo groups. Then, the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was utilized to measure bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the spine, femoral neck, intertrochanter, and trochanter at the baseline and after three-month follow-up.ResultsThe mean BMD and BMC at lumbar spine (P = 0.14, P = 0.504), total hip femoral (P = 0.427, P = 0.471), trochanter (P = 0.075, P = 0.07), intertrochanter, (P = 0.864, P = 0.932) and femoral neck (P = 0.439, P = 0.641) was not significantly different between the fennel and placebo groups.ConclusionsThe results of this study did not approve the effect of fennel on bone density in post-menopausal women. However, to gain deeper insights, further studies with longer durations and larger sample sizes are recommended.

Effect of ACP-CPP Chewing Gum and Natural Chewable Products on Plaque pH, Calcium and Phosphate Concentration.

Numerous epidemiological studies have documented dental caries as the major public health problems throughout the world. It is gradually increasing in the underdeveloped and developing countries especially in children due to increasing popularity of refined sugars. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of natural chewable products (Tulsi, sesame seeds, fennel seeds, coconut) and ACP-CPP chewing gum on plaque pH, calcium and phosphate concentration. A randomized controlled trial, with a cross-over study design, was conducted. Ten subjects aged 15-17 years who agreed to refrain from oral hygiene practice for 48 hours prior to the sample collection were selected for the study. The baseline plaque pH, calcium and phosphate was measured and repeated after 5 and 30 minutes. It was ensured that each study participant was subjected to all the products making an effective sample of ten subjects per product. The data was statistically analysed. The mean pH in all the study groups increased after 5 minutes and 30 minutes compared to baseline, except for coconut group at 30 minutes and fennel group at 5 minutes. Highest increase in plaque calcium concentration was found in fennel group followed by recaldent and sesame, respectively. Whereas, the highest increase in plaque phosphate was found in recaldent group followed by sesame group and fennel group respectively. Plant products can be effective, inexpensive, easily accessible methods of maintaining oral health. Further studies are recommended to confirm long term effects.

Effect of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveVaginal atrophy is one of the main concerns of postmenopausal women. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of fennel vaginal cream on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women in Ahvaz, Iran. Materials and methodsThis double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 postmenopausal women (45–65 years of age) in Ahvaz, Iran. The study participants were randomly divided into one of two groups, receiving either a placebo (n=30) or fennel 5% vaginal cream (n=30) administered as one application per day (5g/day) for 8 weeks. Main outcomeThe vaginal pH and maturation vaginal index (MVI) were measured at baseline and 8 weeks after the intervention, while the vaginal atrophy symptoms was measured at baseline and at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the independent t-test, chi-square test, paired sample t-test, and the generalized estimating equation. ResultsThe number of superficial cells increased significantly in the fennel group after 8 weeks compared to the control group (76.1±15.3 vs. 11.8±8, p<0.001). The number of intermediate and parabasal cells decreased significantly in the fennel group compared to the control group (p<0.001). The vaginal pH decreased significantly at the 8-week follow-up in the fennel group compared to the control group (100% vs. 7.4%, p<0.001). All women in the fennel group had an MVI of 65–100 at the 8-week follow-up, whereas almost half (40.7%) of the women in the control group had an MVI of 50–64 (p<0.001). ConclusionAccording to results of this study, fennel is an effective means to manage the symptoms of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women and is devoid of side effects. Larger studies are necessary to confirm the positive impact of fennel for vaginal conditions occurring among postmenopausal women.

The Comparison of Fennel and Mefenamic Acid Effects on Post- Partum after Pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Postpartum pain and painful uterine contractions normally occur after childbirth and are regarded as one of the most common problems after delivery. Postpartum pain is significantly intensified by increased parity. Therefore, mothers are forced to use chemical drugs to inhibit this pain. Considering the side-effects of chemical drugs and the growing tendency towards herbal medicines, we aimed to compare the effects of fennel extracts and mefenamic acid on postpartum pain. METHODS: This single-blind, clinical trial was conducted on 86 mothers with postpartum pain after vaginal delivery at Baharloo Hospital in Tehran, Iran in 2014-2015. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups (43 cases per group), receiving fennelin (fennel extracts) and mefenamic acid capsules. Postpartum pain was measured two hours after childbirth, using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Volunteers with scores higher than four were included in the study. Pain intensity was measured by VAS before and one hour after each round of intervention. Subjects used the medicines four times a day (with 4-6 hour intervals). The collected data were statistically analyzed (IRCT: 2014020515338N2) FINDINGS: The mean score of pain before the intervention was 6.47±0.797 in the mefenamic acid group and 6.35±0.752 in the fennel group. In both groups, pain score significantly reduced one hour after using medicines in comparison with the pre-treatment period (1.90±0.56 and 1.70±0.74 in the mefenamic acid and fennel groups, respectively) (p<0.05). During the study, fennel was more effective than mefenamic acid in pain reduction. The same finding was reported after the study during the fourth round of intervention (88±0.70 and 1.19±0.76 in the fennel and mefenamic acid groups, respectively). CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, fennel, similar to mefenamic acid, could be suggested as an effective herbal medicine for pain reduction in mothers with complaints of postpartum pain.

The Effect of Herbal Tea Containing Fennel Seed on Breast Milk Sufficiency Signs and Growth Parameters of Iranian Infants

Background: Breastfeeding is an economic and valuable method to protect infant's health during the life and provides unique biological and emotional effects for mothers and infants. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of herbal tea containing Fennel seed on breast milk sufficiency signs and growth parameters of Iranian infants in medical health centers of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Patients and Methods: This study was a randomized clinical trial performed on 78 girl infants aged 0-4 months who were exclusively breastfed. After getting informed consent infants were randomly assigned into the intervention group (received herbal tea containing 7.5 g Fennel seed powder in addition to 3 grams black tea three times a day) and the control group (received herbal tea containing 3 grams black tea powder three times a day). Before and during four weeks of study, signs of breast milk sufficiency were evaluated through measuring the growth parameters and the number of wet diapers in a day, frequency of defecation and infant breastfeeding times. Results: Before intervention, there was no significant difference between weight, height, head circumference, the number of wet diapers and frequency of defecation times between the two groups (P > 0.05), but the number of breastfeeding times of control group was more than the Fennel group. After fourth weeks, Fennel significantly increased weight from (5261.0256 ± 1167.65801) to (6393.3333 ± 1083.42132), head circumference from (38.6103 ± 2.20033) to (40.1538 ± 2.00510), the number of wet diapers from (5.5000 ± 1.05131) to (8.5421 ± 1.21182), the frequency of defecation times from (1.7692 ± 1.03139) to (2.6410 ± 1.14655) and the number of breastfeeding times from (9.9359 ± 1.85380) to (16.7399 ± 1.63766) (P < 0.001), but it had no effect on height (P = 0.066). Conclusions: Herbal tea containing fennel seed improved breast milk sufficiency signs.

Efficacy of fennel and combined oral contraceptive on depot medroxyprogesterone acetate-induced amenorrhea: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

ObjectivesWe aimed to determine the efficacy of fennel and low-dose combined oral contraceptive (LD-COC) on inducing menstrual bleeding and method continuation in women using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) who had no menstrual bleeding within the previous 45 to 140 days. Study designIn this double-blind double-dummy trial, 78 married women referred to public health centers in Hamadan, Iran, who complained of menstrual cessation induced by DMPA were randomly assigned into fennel, LD-COC or placebo groups with an allocation ratio of 1:1:1. All participants received two fennel or placebo capsules and one placebo or LD-COC pill daily for 21 days. We evaluated menstrual bleeding using the Higham pictorial chart within 40 days following initiating intervention. Data were analyzed using chi-square or analysis of variance. ResultsThere was no loss to follow-up. Significantly more women in the fennel (73%) and LD-COC (81%) groups experienced menstrual bleeding compared to the placebo (19%) group [relative risk (RR) 3.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 6.2; RR 4.2, 95% CI 1.9 to 9.4, respectively]. Mean amount of menstrual bleeding among those who experienced menstruation was significantly higher in the fennel group (21 cc) than both the LD-COC (14 cc) and placebo (12 cc) groups. Also, women using fennel (73%) and LD-COC (65%) were significantly more likely than those using placebo (31%) to have subsequent DMPA injection [RR 2.5 (95% CI 1.3 to 4.9) and RR 2.0 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.7), respectively]. ConclusionsFennel and LD-COC can resolve DMPA-induced amenorrhea and increase continuation rate of this contraceptive method.

Abstract 5443: Prevention of breast cancer by spices: Involvement of miRNA and other molecular targets

Abstract We have previously demonstrated the chemoprotective effects of dietary Apiaceae spices against estrogen induced mammary tumorigenesis in ACI rats by inhibiting cell proliferation and few cellular and molecular markers as early as three weeks of estrogen administration. Here we report inhibition of 17ß-estradiol-mediated mammary carcinogenicity by fennel, cumin and caraway and potential mechanisms. Groups of female ACI rats were given either AIN-93M diet or diet supplemented with fennel, cumin and caraway (7.5% each, w/w) and then treated with subcutaneous 17ß-estradiol silastic implants (1.2 cm; 9 mg). Four additional groups were maintained on control or experimental diets. Rats received diet and water ad libitum. Animals were euthanized when estrogen-treated group on control diet reached over 90% tumor incidence. Tumor palpation from 12 wks revealed first tumor incidence by 92 days in control group that was significantly delayed by 22, 37 and 29 days by fennel, cumin and caraway, respectively. At the end of the study (26 wks), the tumor incidence was found to be 96% in control group whereas only 83%, 55% and 90% animals had tumors in fennel, cumin and caraway groups, respectively. Significant reduction in tumor volume (661±123 vs 196±64, 138±50 and 313±81 mm3) and tumor multiplicity (4.2±0.4 vs 2.2±0.4, 1.1±0.3 and 2.5±0.5 tumors/animal) was also observed by fennel, cumin and caraway, respectively compared to control. All experimental diets significantly offset estrogen-related growth of pituitary prolactinomas, the plasma prolactin levels, and the cell proliferation marker, PCNA in the mammary tissues. The spice intervention had no significant effects on any of these markers in the absence of estrogen treatment. Mechanistically, all the experimental diets resulted in significant downregulation of estrogen-associated increase in the expression of the ERα and cyclin D1. We have recently reported ‘miRNA signature’ associated with estrogen treatment in the ACI rat model. Of the four candidate miRNAs, miR-182 and miR-375 which were overexpressed by 4- and 7-fold and miR-127 and miR-206 were downregulated by 17- and 35-fold, respectively with estrogen treatment. These miRNAs were significantly modulated favorably by dietary cumin analyzed thus far; molecules downstream of these miRNAs remain to be explored. Together, our data show that apiaceae spices can significantly delay and prevent estrogen-mediated mammary tumorigenesis, with maximal protective effects observed with cumin, by modulating different cellular and molecular targets, including key dysregulated miRNAs. (Supported by CA-125152 and Agnes Brown Duggan Endowment). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5443. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5443

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) provides antioxidant protection for boar semen cryopreservation

Boar semen is extremely vulnerable to cold shock and it is also sensitive to peroxidation due to the high content of unsaturated fatty acids in the plasma membrane. Antioxidants exert a protective effect on the plasma membrane of frozen boar sperm. Fennel has been shown to contain antioxidant substances. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of fennel added to the freezing extender on boar semen quality and lipid peroxidation after thawing. Semen collected from four boars was cryopreserved in lactose-egg-yolk extender or in the same extender with varying concentration of fennel essences: low (LF); medium (MF); high (HF). Analysis of data clearly indicated that higher concentrations of fennel produced significant improvement in total motility. Moreover, when fennel was included in the extender, a dose-dependent tendency to increase sperm viability was observed. In contrast, the addition of fennel had no effect on acrosome integrity or hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) compared with the control. Malondialdehyde (MDA) formation decreased significantly in fennel groups, yielding similar results for MF and HF. Fennel seems a new antioxidant for use in sperm cryopreservation, but its particular effects on sperm physiology must be further studied, especially the causes of motility stimulation and its effect on lipoxidation.