EXPLORING THE AMELIORATIVE EFFECTS OF ANETHUM GRAVEOLENS AND FOENICULUM VULGARE SEEDS ON DYSLIPIDEMIA: A COMPARATIVE EFFICACY IN HIGH FAT DIET-INDUCED MODEL

Abstract

This study evaluated the comparative ameliorative effects of sowa dill (Anethum graveolens) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed powders on lipid profile, hematological indices, hepatic and renal biomarkers, and serum proteins in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced dyslipidemic rats. Eighteen albino Wistar rats were randomly allocated into six groups (n=3): normal control (G₀), dyslipidemic control (positive control; G₁), and four treatment groups (G₂-G₅) receiving sowa or fennel seed powders at a dosage of 250 mg or 500 mg for 28 days. Seed powders were characterized for physicochemical composition, functional properties, mineral profile, and antioxidant potential before in vivo evaluation. Significant (p < 0.05) compositional differences were observed between the two seeds, with fennel exhibiting a superior nutritional and mineral profile (p < 0.01). Hexane extracts of fennel demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (p < 0.01), supporting its nutraceutical potential. Both sowa and fennel significantly (p < 0.05) improved dyslipidemia by reducing lipid profiles and enhancing HDL-cholesterol levels, with the most prominent effects observed in the fennel 500 mg group. Hematological parameters were markedly increased (p < 0.01), while liver enzyme activities, renal markers, and serum protein profiles were favorably modulated, particularly fennel 500 mg group. Overall, Foeniculum vulgare seed powder at 500 mg showed superior efficacy in ameliorating HFD-induced dyslipidemia and improving systemic biochemical and hematological health markers, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic and functional food ingredient for dyslipidemia management.