Effect of Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) on Appetite Hormone; Ghrelin and Adiponectin

Adiponectin and ghrelin are two hormones that have been known as an important regulator of food intake. Traditional medicine has made use of foeniculum vulgare. We evaluated fennel effect on body weight, lipid profile, ghrelin, and adiponectin levels. 35 healthy adult male BALB/C mice that dividing into five groups including; Control, Sham, and treatment with fennel extracts in dose of 50,100 and 200 mg/kg. The injections were daily for 2 weeks. After two weeks, the serum levels of ghrelin and adiponectin were evaluated. Stomach tissue was used to measure the expression of ghrelin and adiponectin receptor by PCR. This study indicated that there was a significant reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides in 50 & 100 mg/kg (99.14285714 ± 0.525, 104.8571429 ± 0.5), and in 200 mg/kg (66.14286± 3.85714) respectively (P<0.05). Serum level concentrations of adiponectin and ghrelin were higher in the fennel 100 mg/kg (1.15625± 0.10) and 200 mg/kg (1.2595± 0.04) respectively (P<0.05). Ghrelin receptor gene expression had decreased in all treated groups; 50, 100 & 200 mg/kg (0.295469± 0.128666, 0.450276± 0.067683, 0.129677± 0.019871), respectively (P<0.05). Adiponectin receptor type 2 gene expression had decreased in all treated groups; 50, 100 & 200 mg/kg (0.5321467± 0.1134928, 0.3770703± 0.0238912, 0.4351948± 0.0667059), respectively (P<0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of fennel could improve of lipid profile, increase serum ghrelin and adiponectin concentration, and decrease their receptors gene expression, which is beneficial for health.