Impact of Foeniculum vulgare on Hemoglobin, Red Blood Cell Indices and White Blood Cell Count: A Laboratory Based Randomized Controlled Study

Aims: Anemia is prime health issue of the population in developing region of world mostly due to dietary deficiencies and poor sanitation. Supplementary medicines as well as iron rich foods are utilized to combat this problem. Herbal products also have value in such diets. We evaluated role of Foeniculum vulgare incorporated diet on hemoglobin concentration and related indices.

Study Design: laboratory centred randomized controlled trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacology Department of University of Karachi, Karachi between June 2018 and September 2018.

Methodology: After selecting 30 healthy rabbits of either sex, we placed them in three groups; Control, 2% Foeniculum vulgare and 4% Foeniculum vulgare group. Control group, 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare groups were maintained on standard rodent diet, standard rodent diet containing 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare crushed seeds, respectively. Complete blood count of all rabbits was done twice after interval of a month.

Results: In comparison to control group, hemoglobin levels increased in both the study groups, while leucocyte count (WBC) increase was noted only in 4% Foeniculum vulgare group.

Conclusion: Foeniculum vulgare may have some role in maintenance of hemoglobin levels if not improving it.