Phenolics and Volatile Compounds of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seeds and Their Sprouts Prevent Oxidative DNA Damage and Ameliorates CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats

Abstract

Researchers recently focused on studying the nutritional and functional qualities of sprouts generated from seeds. The current study investigated the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), total flavonols (TFL), antioxidant activity (AOA), specific phenolic acids, and volatile chemicals in fennel seeds (FS) and fennel seed sprouts (FSS). The oxidative DNA damage prevention activity of selected FS and FSS extracts against DNA was examined. Consequently, the antioxidative stress potential of FS and FSS extracts at 300 and 600 mg kg−1 on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats weas investigated. The liver’s functions and oxidative stress biomarkers in rat blood were examined. FSS exhibited rich phytochemical content such as TPC, TF, TFL, and AOA with altered phenolics and volatiles. HPLC identified nineteen compounds of phenolic acids and their derivatives in FS. Thirteen phenolics and six flavonoids were predominantly identified as Vanillic acid and Kaempferol, respectively. GC-MS analysis identified fifty and fifty-one components in FS and FSS, respectively. The predominant component was Benzene, [1-(2-propenyloxy)-3-butenyl] (trans-Anethole) (38.41%), followed by trans-Anethole (Benzene, 1-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)) (23.65%), Fenchone (11.18%), and 1,7-Octadiene, 2-methyl-6-methylene- Cyclohexene (7.17%). Interestingly, α-Pinene, Fenchone, trans-Anethole (Benzene, 1-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)), 4-Methoxybenzaldehyde (4-Anisaldehyde), Benzeneacetic acid, α-hydroxy-4-methoxy, and Nonacosane contents were increased. While Dillapiole, 7-Octadecenoic acid, and methyl ester were newly identified and quantified in FSS. The oxidative DNA damage prevention capability of FSS and FS extracts indicated remarkable DNA protection. Administrating FS and FSS extracts at 300 and 600 mg kg−1 ameliorated AST, ALT, and ALP, as well as GSH, CAT, MDA, and SOD, in a dose-dependent manner. The most efficient treatment of FS or FSS was using a dose of 600 mg Kg−1, which recorded an improvement rate of 20.77 and 24.17, 20.36 and 24.92, and 37.49 and 37.90% for ALT, AST, and ALP, respectively. While an improvement rate of 40.08 and 37.87%, 37.17 and 46.52%, 114.56 and 154.13%, and 66.05 and 69.69% for GSH, DMA, CAT, and SOD compared to the CCl4-group, respectively. The observed protection is associated with increased phenolics and volatiles in F. vulgare. Therefore, FS and FSS are recommended as functional foods with bioactive functionality, health-promoting properties, and desired prevention capabilities that may help prevent oxidative stress-related diseases.

Fatty Acid Profile and Oxidative Stability of Layers’ Egg Yolk as Affected by Dietary Supplementation with Fresh Purslane and Addition of Aromatic Plant Essential Oils to Drinking Water

“…The essential oil of fennel seeds contains 16.81% trans-anethole (phytosterol) and 47.20% estragol, active substances with antioxidant potential that contribute to the reduction of cholesterol and triglycerides [54]. The total phenolic content of the essential oil extracted from fennel seeds is extremely high and is measured to be 70.42 mg GAE/g [55]. Gharaghani et al [56] showed that consumption of diets containing fennel significantly reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels in eggs.…”

Effect of Fennel Seed Supplementation into Broiler Diet on Their Growth, Physiological, and Immunological Performance

“…The decreased ALT, AST, and UA in the FS-treated broilers could be explained by the ability of FS administration to maintain liver and renal functions (Ragab, 2007). In addition, several studies reported that FS administration has a hepatoprotective effect against oxidative stress and improves the levels of liver enzymes in rats (Barakat et al, 2022). Due to the hepatoprotective qualities of FS and the fact that a healthy liver controls the metabolism of proteins and amino acids, the higher plasma TP in FS-treated groups may also result from these properties (Charlton, 1996).…”

“…We found that MDA and CORT levels were linearly decreased as dietary FS levels increased, and this could be linked to the FS's polyphenols and flavonoids in the present study. These components, in turn, have a direct capacity to eliminate free radicals (Barakat et al, 2022). Previous studies have shown that the administration of phenolic compounds from fennel seed significantly lowered MDA levels and returned antioxidant enzyme levels to normal levels in broilers (Ghiasvand et al, 2021) and in rats (Samadi-Noshahr et al, 2021), especially in those animals suffered from stress.…”

“…The techniques provided by the Association of Official Analysis Chemists, AOAC, were used to conduct the proximate chemical analysis for the FS samples (AOAC, 2005). The antioxidant capacity (AOC), flavonoid contents (FC), and polyphenolic contents (PC) of the FS samples were assayed following the procedures outlined in prior research (Barakat et al, 2022). In conclusion, 10 mL of 70% methanol was used to extract 1 g of FS samples, and then the supernatant was taken out and adjusted to a final volume of 10 mL.…”

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Foeniculum vulgare extract regulate retrieval of sensory and motor functions in mice

“…Several phytomolecules including soy lecithin, glutamic acid, vitamins, β-carotene, tocopherols and polyphenolics support peripheral nerve regeneration owing to their high antioxidant potential. A very recnt study has evaluated the phenolic composition of FVSE and validated their high antioxidative stress potential [ 19 ]. Recently, it has been observed that crude and methanolic exacts of FV were effective for accelerated recovery after induced PNI [ 20 , 21 ].…”