| Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an herb that is native to the Mediterranean region, but is currently cultivated in most temperate areas. The constituent oils and extracts of Fennel Seed have been shown to possess considerable benefits in various areas: inflammation, asthma, indigestion, hirsutism and colic. It is also an anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and hepato-protective agent. And, researchers use it to develop tea to clear the throat and repel mosquitoes. |
RESEARCH FINDINGS
Researchers have evaluated the potential effects of fennel on
various health conditions, and fennel appears to have a wide
range of health benefits:
ANTI-BACTERIAL / ANTIMICROBIAL GROWTH
Dadalioglu I et al , Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey, found that
fennel exhibited a very strong antibacterial activity against
bacteria Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes,
Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus in a vitro
study. [J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Dec 29;52(26):8255-60]. Lo Cantore P
et al, Universita di Napoli "Federico II", Italy, even suggested to use it as
natural bactericide for the control of bacterial diseases of plants and for
seed treatment, in particular, in organic agriculture. [J Agric Food Chem.
2004 Dec 29;52(26):7862-7866].
Singh G et al, DDU Gorakhpur University, India, studied
Foeniculum vulgare, Pimpinella anisum and Seseli indicum for
antibacterial activity against eight pathogenic bacteria, causing
infections in the human body. They concluded that it is effective
when compared with standard antibiotics, at a very low
concentration. [Phytother Res. 2002 Nov;16(7):680-2].
Kwon YS et al, Kangwon National University, Korea, found a
phenyl propanoid derivative, dillapional(1) be a antimicrobial
principle of the stems of Foeniculum vulgare. [Arch Pharm Res. 2002
Apr;25(2):154-7].
REPEL MOSQUITOES
Kim SI et al, Seoul National University, Korea, incorporated fennel
oil into aerosol and cream products to repel mosquitoes. [Pest
Manag Sci. 2004 Nov;60(11):1125-30; J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Nov
20;50(24):6993-6].
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES
Satyanarayana S et al, Andhra University, India, suggested daily
use of Foeniculum vulgare in various forms is very common in
India and their study revealed strong antioxidant activity of the
extracts that was superior to known antioxidant ascorbic acid and
indicate their intake may be beneficial as food additives. [J Herb
Pharmcother. 2004;4(2):1-10]
Parejo I et al, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain isolated and
identified of the nonvolatile antioxidant compounds from fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) waste: in fennel: 3-caffeoylquinic acid,
4-caffeoylquinic acid, 1,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, rosmarinic acid,
eriodictyol-7-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside,
kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside. And,
these compounds exhibited a strong antiradical scavenging
activity. [J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Apr 7;52(7):1890-7]
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVIES
Choi EM et al, Yonsei University, Korea, suggested that oral
administration (200 mg/kg) of Foeniculum vulgare fruit methanolic
extract exhibited inhibitory effects against acute and subacute
inflammatory diseases and type IV allergic reactions and showed
a central analgesic effect. [Fitoterapia. 2004 Sep;75(6):557-65].
THROAT CLEARING
Puodziuniene G et al, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania,
develop of throat clearing herbal teas using fennel as one of the
active ingredients. [Medicina (Kaunas). 2004;40(8):762-7]
ASTHMA
Haggag EG et al, Ain Helwan, Egypt, developed an water extract
of a mixture of eight herbs (chamomile, saffron, anise, fennel,
caraway, licorice, cardamom and black seed). And, he found that
this herbal water-extract inhibited histamine released from
chemically- and immunologically-induced cells by 81% and 85%.
And, the clinical results showed significant improvements of sleep
discomfort, cough frequency and cough intensity. [J Herb
Pharmcother. 2003;3(4):41-54]
DIGESTION
Ramakrishna Rao R et al, Central Food Technological Research
Institute, India, examined in vitro influence of 14 individual spices
(curcumin, capsaicin, piperine, garlic, onion, ginger, mint,
coriander, cumin, ajowan, fennel, fenugreek, mustard, and
asafoetida) on the activities of digestive enzymes of rat pancreas
and small intestine by including them in the reaction mixture at
two different concentrations. The study suggested that spices
had an overall digestive stimulation. [Nahrung. 2003
Dec;47(6):408-12]
ANTI-HIRSUTISM
Idiopathic hirsutism is the occurrence of excessive male pattern
hair growth in women who have a normal ovulatory menstrual
cycle and normal levels of serum androgens. Javidnia K et al,
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran evaluated the clinical
response of idiopathic hirsutism to topical Fennel extract. They
treated 38 patients with creams containing 1%, 2% of Fennel
extract and placebo in a double bind study. They then measured
hair diameter was measured and rate of growth. They found that
the mean values of hair diameter reduction was 7.8%, 18.3% and
-0.5% for patients receiving the creams containing 1%, 2% and
0% (placebo) respectively. [Phytomedicine. 2003;10(6-7):455-8]
INFANTILE COLIC
Colic is a condition in which an infant cries for at least three hours
a day, for at least three days a week and continues for more than
three weeks. Causes of colic may include food allergies, formula
intolerance (such as lactose intolerance), excessive gas
formation, or intestinal cramping. Alexandrovich I et al, St.
Petersburg Medical Academy of Postdoctoral Education, Russia
randomly assigned 121 infants with colic to receive 5 to 20 ml of a
0.1% fennel seed oil emulsion or placebo up to four times per day
for one week. Acording to the Wessel criteria, the use of fennel oil
emulsion eliminated colic in 65% (40/62) of infants in the
treatment group, which was significantly better than 23.7%
(14/59) of infants in the control group (P < 0.01). [Altern Ther
Health Med. 2003 Jul-Aug;9(4):58-61]
HEPATO-PROTECTIVE EFFECT
Ozbek H et al, Yuzuncu Yil University, Turkey, studied the
hepato-protective activity of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) essential
oil (FEO) using carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) induced liver injury
model in rats. They found that FEO inhibited the hepatotoxicity
produced by acute CCl(4) administration with evidence of
decreased levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and
bilirubin.[ Fitoterapia. 2003 Apr;74(3):317-9].
CONCLUSION
Fennel appears to have a wide range of health benefits, based
on several foundamental studies. More clinical studies are needed
to confirm the health claims.
The information above is for your reference only. If you have any
questions, please, consult with your medical doctor immediately. ALL
RIGHT RESERVED 2008 zhion.
Researchers have evaluated the potential effects of fennel on
various health conditions, and fennel appears to have a wide
range of health benefits:
ANTI-BACTERIAL / ANTIMICROBIAL GROWTH
Dadalioglu I et al , Mustafa Kemal University, Turkey, found that
fennel exhibited a very strong antibacterial activity against
bacteria Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes,
Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus in a vitro
study. [J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Dec 29;52(26):8255-60]. Lo Cantore P
et al, Universita di Napoli "Federico II", Italy, even suggested to use it as
natural bactericide for the control of bacterial diseases of plants and for
seed treatment, in particular, in organic agriculture. [J Agric Food Chem.
2004 Dec 29;52(26):7862-7866].
Singh G et al, DDU Gorakhpur University, India, studied
Foeniculum vulgare, Pimpinella anisum and Seseli indicum for
antibacterial activity against eight pathogenic bacteria, causing
infections in the human body. They concluded that it is effective
when compared with standard antibiotics, at a very low
concentration. [Phytother Res. 2002 Nov;16(7):680-2].
Kwon YS et al, Kangwon National University, Korea, found a
phenyl propanoid derivative, dillapional(1) be a antimicrobial
principle of the stems of Foeniculum vulgare. [Arch Pharm Res. 2002
Apr;25(2):154-7].
REPEL MOSQUITOES
Kim SI et al, Seoul National University, Korea, incorporated fennel
oil into aerosol and cream products to repel mosquitoes. [Pest
Manag Sci. 2004 Nov;60(11):1125-30; J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Nov
20;50(24):6993-6].
ANTI-OXIDANT ACTIVITIES
Satyanarayana S et al, Andhra University, India, suggested daily
use of Foeniculum vulgare in various forms is very common in
India and their study revealed strong antioxidant activity of the
extracts that was superior to known antioxidant ascorbic acid and
indicate their intake may be beneficial as food additives. [J Herb
Pharmcother. 2004;4(2):1-10]
Parejo I et al, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain isolated and
identified of the nonvolatile antioxidant compounds from fennel
(Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) waste: in fennel: 3-caffeoylquinic acid,
4-caffeoylquinic acid, 1,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, rosmarinic acid,
eriodictyol-7-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-galactoside,
kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside. And,
these compounds exhibited a strong antiradical scavenging
activity. [J Agric Food Chem. 2004 Apr 7;52(7):1890-7]
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVIES
Choi EM et al, Yonsei University, Korea, suggested that oral
administration (200 mg/kg) of Foeniculum vulgare fruit methanolic
extract exhibited inhibitory effects against acute and subacute
inflammatory diseases and type IV allergic reactions and showed
a central analgesic effect. [Fitoterapia. 2004 Sep;75(6):557-65].
THROAT CLEARING
Puodziuniene G et al, Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania,
develop of throat clearing herbal teas using fennel as one of the
active ingredients. [Medicina (Kaunas). 2004;40(8):762-7]
ASTHMA
Haggag EG et al, Ain Helwan, Egypt, developed an water extract
of a mixture of eight herbs (chamomile, saffron, anise, fennel,
caraway, licorice, cardamom and black seed). And, he found that
this herbal water-extract inhibited histamine released from
chemically- and immunologically-induced cells by 81% and 85%.
And, the clinical results showed significant improvements of sleep
discomfort, cough frequency and cough intensity. [J Herb
Pharmcother. 2003;3(4):41-54]
DIGESTION
Ramakrishna Rao R et al, Central Food Technological Research
Institute, India, examined in vitro influence of 14 individual spices
(curcumin, capsaicin, piperine, garlic, onion, ginger, mint,
coriander, cumin, ajowan, fennel, fenugreek, mustard, and
asafoetida) on the activities of digestive enzymes of rat pancreas
and small intestine by including them in the reaction mixture at
two different concentrations. The study suggested that spices
had an overall digestive stimulation. [Nahrung. 2003
Dec;47(6):408-12]
ANTI-HIRSUTISM
Idiopathic hirsutism is the occurrence of excessive male pattern
hair growth in women who have a normal ovulatory menstrual
cycle and normal levels of serum androgens. Javidnia K et al,
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran evaluated the clinical
response of idiopathic hirsutism to topical Fennel extract. They
treated 38 patients with creams containing 1%, 2% of Fennel
extract and placebo in a double bind study. They then measured
hair diameter was measured and rate of growth. They found that
the mean values of hair diameter reduction was 7.8%, 18.3% and
-0.5% for patients receiving the creams containing 1%, 2% and
0% (placebo) respectively. [Phytomedicine. 2003;10(6-7):455-8]
INFANTILE COLIC
Colic is a condition in which an infant cries for at least three hours
a day, for at least three days a week and continues for more than
three weeks. Causes of colic may include food allergies, formula
intolerance (such as lactose intolerance), excessive gas
formation, or intestinal cramping. Alexandrovich I et al, St.
Petersburg Medical Academy of Postdoctoral Education, Russia
randomly assigned 121 infants with colic to receive 5 to 20 ml of a
0.1% fennel seed oil emulsion or placebo up to four times per day
for one week. Acording to the Wessel criteria, the use of fennel oil
emulsion eliminated colic in 65% (40/62) of infants in the
treatment group, which was significantly better than 23.7%
(14/59) of infants in the control group (P < 0.01). [Altern Ther
Health Med. 2003 Jul-Aug;9(4):58-61]
HEPATO-PROTECTIVE EFFECT
Ozbek H et al, Yuzuncu Yil University, Turkey, studied the
hepato-protective activity of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) essential
oil (FEO) using carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) induced liver injury
model in rats. They found that FEO inhibited the hepatotoxicity
produced by acute CCl(4) administration with evidence of
decreased levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and
bilirubin.[ Fitoterapia. 2003 Apr;74(3):317-9].
CONCLUSION
Fennel appears to have a wide range of health benefits, based
on several foundamental studies. More clinical studies are needed
to confirm the health claims.
The information above is for your reference only. If you have any
questions, please, consult with your medical doctor immediately. ALL
RIGHT RESERVED 2008 zhion.
FENNEL HEALTH BENEFITS
zhion@zhion.com 2008
zhion@zhion.com 2008
MAJOR NUTRIENT
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
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Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
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Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
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Isothiocyanates
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Kelp
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Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
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Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Wheat Grass
Whey
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Wheat Grass
Whey
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?