The Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare incorporated diet shows anxiolytic potential: A pre-clinical study

This novel study was conducted with objective to evaluate the anxiolytic potential of whole-crushed seeds of Foeniculum vulgare (FV) which were incorporated in diet. Albino mice were divided in three groups: Control-group, Study-group 2% FV and Study-group 4% FV, each having 10 mice. Special dietary pellets containing whole-crushed Foeniculum vulgare seeds were prepared in 2% and 4% ratio, respectively and were fed to respective Study groups whereas Control-group was given regular rodent diet for 2 months. Animal behaviour was assessed using Home Cage Activity test, Head Dip test, Light and Dark Box test and Open Field test at intervals of 15 days for a period of 2 months. The results of this study showed, decrease in Cage Crossing activity, more number of Head Dips, increased time spent in Light box and increase in number of transitions between Light and Dark Box, increased number of Central Squares Crossed and increased time spent in Central Squares of Open Field arena for both study groups in comparison with control group. Foeniculum vulgare whole-crushed seeds diet of 2% and 4% was found to have anxiolytic effect.