Neuroprotective effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil in developing Wistar rats exposed to manganese chloride

The present study was carried out in order to evaluate, on the one hand, the modifications induced by manganese chloride according to a neurobehavioral, biochemical and histological approach in developing Wistar rats and, on the other hand, to test the effectiveness of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) essential oil (FEO) in restoring or not the harmful effects of manganese chloride (MnCl2). The characterization of this essential oil by gas chromatography showed that the major component is E-anethole (34.7907%). The administration of FEO corrected the depressive state, anxiety and locomotor hypoactivity respectively observed in rats exposed to MnCl2, thus, the FEO restored the activity of the various antioxidant enzymes with a clear improvement of the cerebral tissue architecture in intoxicated rats treated with FEO. In conclusion, the FEO has a beneficial effect on the nervous system of rats intoxicated with MnCl2 which justifies the importance of this oil in traditional medicine.