Antidepressant and Antiamnesic Potential of Foeniculum vulgare

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.