Antidepressant and Antiamnesic Potential of Foeniculum vulgare
Afshan Abbas *
Department of Pharmacology, Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
Rahila Ikram
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
Faiza Hasan
Karachi Medical and Dental College, Karachi, Pakistan.
Abeer Adil
Department of Pharmacology, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, Pakistan.
Uzair Nisar
Ziauddin Pharmacy College, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Qurat ul Ain
Department of Pharmacology, Sir Syed College of Medical Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the antiamnesic and antidepressant effect of Foeniculum vulgare whole crushed seeds.
Study Design: Laboratory based randomized control study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacology, University of Karachi between January 2018 to August 2018.
Methodology: Thirty swiss albino mice and wistar rats were divided equally in three groups. Control group was fed on standard rodent diet, group 2 was fed on 2% Foeniculum vulgare diet and group 3 was given 4% Foeniculum vulgare diet. Antidepressant activity was assessed using forced swimming test. Memory enhancement effect was evaluated by stationary rod test, passive avoidance test and water maze test.
Results: Increased duration of struggling time was noted in both group 2 and group 3 as compared to control in forced swimming test. Decrease in time to reach platform in both water maze and stationary rod test was recorded in both the study group (group 2 & 3). Increase in step through latency was also seen in group 2 and group 3 as compared to control group.
Conclusion: The results showed the memory enhancing and antidepressant actions of Foeniculum.
Keywords: Antiamnesic, antidepressant, Foeniculum vulgare, mice, rats.