The Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed on serum levels of sexual hormones in female Wistar rats with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has estrogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and traditionally used for treatment of infertile women. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women, which affects 5-10% of them in their reproductive age. This study has examined the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Fennel on female Wistar rats with PCOS. In this experimental study, 30 rats (200 ± 20 gr), was injected 2 ml of estradiol valerate subcutaneously and 6 rats were considered as control(intact). After 60 days, the rats were divided into control, sham and experimental groups. Rats in experimental group were treated with 250, 500, 1000(mg/kg BW) of intraperitoneal injections extract of Fennel for 10 days. Serum FSH, LH and Testosterone were measured by ELISA and serum levels of these hormones between treatments all groups were compared using One-Way ANOVA at a significance level of p< 0.05. The data suggests that extract of Fennel can increase serum concentrations of FSH and decrease LH and Testosterone in treatment groups. As FSH is 500 and 1000 mg/kg levels of doses, LH and Testosterone in dose 1000 mg/kg have shown statistically significant differences compared to control groups. Considering the increasing positive effect of extract of Fennel on serum concentration of FSH and decreaseing LH and Testosterone in rats with PCOS, this compound might be considered for treatment of the patients.