Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) Effects on Puberty Timing, Reproductive Function and Behaviour in Adult Female Mice Following Neonatal Exposure

Results: The age at vaginal opening (VO) was significantly earlier in EB and 200 FAE. Body weight at VO was lower than control only in EB. A disrupted estrus cycle decreased number of cycles and increased index diestrus were observed in EB and 200 FAE treated mice. Ovary weight in the EB-, 100and 200 FAE-treated groups were lower. The number of Graafian follicles in the EB-, 100and 200 FAE and number of corpus luteum in the EB and 200 FAE groups were lower than that of control females. Estradiol concentration increased in the EB and 200 FAE and LH concentration decreased in the EB-, 100and 200 FAE groups. The lordosis quotient (LQ) was significantly low in the EBand 200 FAE-treated groups, vis-à-vis the control group.