Involvement of altered serotonergic responses in fennel oil induced antidepressant, anxiolytic and antinociceptive effects in rats

Tahira Perveen; Sarwat Yousuf; Faiza Razi; Nudrat Anwar Zuberi; Saiqa Tabassum; Saida Haider

Authors

Tahira Perveen Biochemical Neuropharmacology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Sarwat Yousuf Biochemical Neuropharmacology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Faiza Razi Biochemical Neuropharmacology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Nudrat Anwar Zuberi Department of Biochemistry, Basic Medical Science Institute, Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Center Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Saiqa Tabassum Biochemical Neuropharmacology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan
Saida Haider Biochemical Neuropharmacology Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan

Keywords:

Antidepressant, Anxiolytic, Analgesic, Fennel Oil

Abstract

The usage of herbs as a natural drug has mount up all over the world. Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare Mill) it is a common herb. Traditionally it is used as a carminative agent, antioxidant, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hirsutism and many more. Present study is designed to evaluate the behavioral effects of fennel oil in rats. In the present study antidepressant, anxiolytic and analgesic effects of repeated administration of fennel oil have been monitored in rats. Forced swim test and elevated plus maze test has been used to monitor the antidepressant and anxiolytic effect respectively. However analgesic effect of fennel oil has been monitored by hot plate test. Rats treated with fennel oil showed significant increase in struggling time in Forced Swim Test (FST). Increased locomotor activity in novel environment and a significant increase in the time spent in open arm in elevated plus maze (EPM) was exhibited by fennel oil treated rats. Analgesic activity monitored by hot plate test showed significant increase in latency time in test compared to control rats. Results of present study show that fennel oil has potential antidepressant, anxiolytic and analgesic activity.