Assessment of antioxidant, immune enhancement, and antimutagenic efficacy of fennel seed extracts in irradiated human blood cultures
Alyaa Farid, Dina Kamel, Sherien Abdelwahab Montaser, M. M. Ahmed, Mona El Amir, Azza El Amir
Abstract
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (commonly known as fennel) is one of the precious spices. Almost all parts of the plant are edible and have powerful interest in phytochemical and pharmacological research. The present study was designed to examine the free radical scavenging potential, oxidative damage preventive activity, and anti–inflammatory effects of traditionally used fennel. It assessed the cytogenetic and biochemical effects of fennel on suppression of the radiation hazards in human blood culture at a working dose of 200µg/ml. The treatment time was 72 h post-irradiation (3 Gy γ-irradiation). Triple blood cultures for each blood sample were set up. Ionizing radiation exposure induced significant increase in micronuclei (MN) frequencies in both mono- and binucleated cells beside significant decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities and increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). While Interleukin (IL)-1β, −6, −8 and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α levels were significantly increased after irradiation. Treatment with fennel exhibited a decrease in micronuclei and enhancement in the level of SOD, CAT, and LDH activities. In addition, significant amelioration in IL-1β, 6 and 8, TNF-α activity was scored. The present results revealed the antimutagenic, anti–inflammatory and antioxidant effects of fennel against oxidative stress induced by γ- irradiation.