Biochemical evaluation of seminal fructose levels in male Swiss albino mice treated with aqueous seed extract of Foeniculum vulgare Mill

Abstract

Seminal fructose, secreted by seminal vesicles under androgenic regulation, serves as the primary energy substrate for spermatozoa, and alterations in its levels can impair sperm motility and viability, directly affecting male fertility. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel), a phytoestrogen-rich medicinal plant, has been traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes, yet its male antifertility potential remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical effect of aqueous fennel seed extract on seminal fructose levels in male Swiss albino mice. Healthy adult males were divided into control and experimental groups and administered two doses of the extract orally for 15, 30, and 45 days. Seminal fructose was measured using the resorcinol colorimetric method, and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test. Control mice maintained stable fructose levels (1.68 ± 0.06-1.74 ± 0.04 mg/ml), whereas treated groups exhibited significant, dose- and time-dependent reductions. Low-dose treatment reduced levels from 1.52 ± 0.04 mg/ml (15 days) to 1.37 ± 0.05 mg/ml (30 days) and 1.21 ± 0.06 mg/ml (45 days, p<0.01), while high-dose treatment caused a sharp decline from 1.14 ± 0.05 mg/ml (15 days) to 0.92 ± 0.04 mg/ml (30 days) and 0.72 ± 0.03 mg/ml by day 45 (p<0.01). The decrease correlated with diminished sperm motility and viability. These findings suggest that F. vulgare extract impairs sperm energy metabolism and fertility, supporting its potential as a natural male contraceptive, in line with other antifertility plants such as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and Azadirachta indica.