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Foam cell formation, driven by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) uptake, particularly 7-ketocholesterol (7KCh), is a pivotal event in lipid-associated inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis. Conventional therapies often yield side effects, prompting interest in plant-derived biomolecules. Fenchone, a monoterpene from Foeniculum vulgare, has recently garnered attention for its anti-inflammatory and anti-lipidemic potential.

This study elucidates the pharmacologic efficacy of fenchone in mitigating foam cell formation by modulating cholesterol homeostasis, inflammatory signaling and polarization in macrophages.

Murine IC-21 macrophages were induced with 7KCh and co-treated with fenchone. Cell viability was assessed using alamar blue assay, while lipid and calcium accumulation were analyzed with oil red O and alizarin red S staining. Pinocytosis, phagocytosis and …