BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF DIETARY FOENICULUM VULGARE POWDER IN CCL₄-INDUCED TOXICITY IN RATS

Abstract

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity is widely used as an experimental model to evaluate natural hepatoprotective agents. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Foeniculum vulgare powder against liver injury in rats using biochemical and histopathological assessments. A total of twenty-four male albino rats (150 ± 10 g) were randomly assigned into four experimental groups (n = 6 each): a healthy control group, a group exposed to CCl₄, and two CCl₄-exposed groups receiving dietary supplementation with 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare powder, respectively. for 28 days. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analyses, and liver tissues were processed for histological examination. Results indicated that the hydromethanolic extract of Foeniculum vulgare seeds contained high levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, reflecting significant antioxidant potential. Dietary supplementation improved growth performance and dose-dependently restored liver function, serum protein levels, and lipid profiles. Moreover, it mitigated renal dysfunction markers and preserved normal liver histoarchitecture, demonstrating its protective biological effects. These findings suggest that Foeniculum vulgare exerts dose-dependent antioxidant and organ-protective effects, supporting its potential therapeutic application. Nevertheless, further studies are required to confirm its efficacy and safety in broader experimental and clinical settings.