• Trans-Anethole Induces Inflammation in the Rat Hippocampus: An In Vivo Study
  • Mahsa Fathi,1,*
    1. Msc of Molecular Genetics Deprtment of Genetics ,Islamic Azad University , Zanjan . Iran


  • Introduction: Trans-anethole is a naturally occurring compound found in the essential oils of certain plants, including anise and fennel. It has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including as an anti-inflammatory agent. However, its effects on the central nervous system, particularly the hippocampus, are not well understood. The hippocampus is a critical region for memory and learning, and inflammation in this area is associated with several neurodegenerative diseases. This study aims to investigate the inflammatory effects of trans-anethole on the rat hippocampus.
  • Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups. The treatment group received intraperitoneal injections of trans-anethole at a dose of 100mg/kg body weight daily for 14 days. The control group received vehicle injections. On day 15, the rats were euthanized, and their hippocampi were isolated for further analysis. Inflammation was assessed by measuring pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (IL-1β, TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) via real-time PCR and Western blot. Histopathological examination of the hippocampus was performed to evaluate any morphological changes.
  • Results: Trans-anethole treatment significantly increased the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and iNOS in the hippocampus compared to the control group. These findings suggest that trans-anethole induces an inflammatory response in the hippocampus. Histopathological examination revealed inflammatory cell infiltration and neuronal damage in the hippocampus of the treatment group .
  • Conclusion: This study demonstrates that trans-anethole induces inflammation in the rat hippocampus, contradicting its purported anti-inflammatory effects. These findings have implications for the use of trans-anethole in traditional medicine and highlight the need for further research into its effects on the central nervous system. Chronic inflammation in the hippocampus is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and therefore, the long-term use of trans-anethole may potentially contribute to such conditions
  • Keywords: Trans-anethole, hippocampus, inflammation, cytokines, neurotoxicity.