Fennel is a widely known plant used around the world as a spice or herb that adds aromatic flavors to any dish. All parts of the fennel plant are used (bulb, leaves, seeds, and flowers), but in my area, we mostly use the leaves and seeds. What many of us don't know is that fennel has a lot of benefits, much to the degree that it is used in traditional medicine for its many benefits.
Fennel is a famous plant in Ayurveda and can be used by Ayurvedic experts to improve symptoms of some conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, among many other uses. In this article, we will look into the benefits of fennel seeds and leaves, all based on science.
Medicinal History of Fennel
Before we get into the benefits, taking a look at the history of fennel might give you some perspective on the benefits of this magnificent herb. According to the Herb Society of America, fennel dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used it both for culinary purposes and as a medicinal plant. In China, the plant was used as an antidote to snake bites.
There was also a lot of superstition surrounding fennel. During the Middle Ages, fennel was hung on doors to drive evil spirits away. It was also related to magic in some areas.
Therapeutic Uses and Benefits of Fennel
I dug around and looked into some studies and research about the benefits of fennel, and this is what I found.
1. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Fennel has antibacterial and antifungal properties. The aqueous extract of fennel seeds inhibits the growth of a wide range of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella Typhi, alongside many other bacteria.
Several studies have also demonstrated that fennel possesses antifungal activity . The essential oil of fennel exhibits significant antifungal activity against food spoilage fungi. The antifungal activity of fennel is quite strong, to the degree that the aqueous extract of fennel seeds showed stronger antifungal activity compared to griseofulvin.
Those activities support the traditional use of fennel in the treatment of some conditions like respiratory disorders, conjunctivitis, and diarrhea.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
A study has found that the methanolic extract of fennel inhibits ear edema that was caused by arachidonic acid in mice.
3. Hepatoprotective Activity
The essential oil of fennel seeds showed an ability to protect the liver from toxicity in mice.
4. Anxiolytic Activity
Those who suffer often from anxiety, especially those who were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, might find a benefit to taking fennel, as fennel extract might have some anxiolytic activity that supports its use in traditional medicine as a remedy for anxiety.
5. Anti-Stress Activity
Fennel whole plant extract has also shown a significant reduction of induced stress in tested animals. Although this and some of the other activities were only tested by animals, it leaves the door open for possibilities.
6. Enhancing Memory
In another study, the whole plant extract of fennel was tested on rats who were given scopolamine to induce amnesia. It was found that the extract given to those subjects showed a memory-enhancing effect.
This one I personally find appealing; as I'm studying for an upcoming exam, knowing what healthy and natural remedies can enhance my memory will be a good thing.
7. Enhancing Cognitive Function
Fennel can be employed in the control of some degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. That's because whole plant fennel extract might inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the mechanism by which Alzheimer's disease drugs like donepezil reduce symptoms of the disease.
This doesn't mean that if you are a patient of Alzheimer's, you should put aside your medication and drink fennel extract instead. It's just that there is a possibility that fennel might be considered for this in the future, but we need more studies.
8. Anti-Hirsutism Activity
Hirsutism is a condition in women characterized by hair patterns that resemble those of men; this happens despite the woman having a normal ovulatory cycle and androgen levels.
Traditionally, fennel has been used as an estrogenic agent to increase milk secretion, increase libido, and improve menstruation. This use prompted some researchers to try the seed extract for hirsutism. They made two cream formulations, one containing 1% of the extract and another containing 2%. Both concentrations produced a reduction in hair diameter, albeit the 2% formulation showing higher efficacy.
9. Expectorant Activity
Another activity of the fennel seeds is that it increases the ciliary motility of the respiratory system, improving by that the ability of the respiratory system to expel foreign materials and pollutants. The volatile oil of fennel leads to the contraction of the smooth muscles of the trachea by increasing the ability to remove mucus and bacteria from the respiratory tract .
10. Antispasmodic Activity
As I mentioned earlier, fennel is used in Ayurveda and other traditional medicine to treat or control conditions like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. That's because fennel can regulate the motility of the intestine. That way, it helps with abdominal cramps, IBS, diarrhea, and gas.
Other Benefits of Fennel Plant
Fennel really is an amazing plant; it has a plethora of beneficial or therapeutic effects, for which one blog post won't be enough to mention them in detail. But let me give you an idea about those possible effects:
Increase milk secretions.
Antiviral activity.
Antiallergic activity.
Reduce sensation of pain.
Diuretic.
Reduction in arterial blood pressure.
Reduction of intraocular pressure.
Antimutagenic effect, meaning that it reduces the chance of gene mutation.
Protective effect on the gastric mucosa.
Antitumor activity.
Antipyretic activity (it might reduce fever).
Reduction of plasma lipid levels.
It might help with lowering blood sugar levels.
Anti-aging effect.
Antioxidant activity.
Possible bronchodilatory effect.
Precautions
Fennel reduces the activity of cytochrome P450, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of many drugs. Be cautious and consult your doctor if you are taking other drugs or medications to prevent the risk of interactions.
The Takeaway
Fennel is a famous medicinal plant that was used traditionally in many places around the world. It has a lot of therapeutic activities that make it a good choice for the synthesis of many potential medicines. Some of its activities include hypotensive, antioxidant, expectorant, anti-hirsutism, memory enhancement, antistress, and anxiolytic activity.
Fennel, if used for medicinal purposes, should not be used without caution; it can interact with some medications. For that, it's always better to consult a doctor first, even when you are taking natural remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is fennel and how is it commonly used?
Fennel is a widely known plant used around the world as a spice or herb that adds aromatic flavors to dishes. All parts of the fennel plant (bulb, leaves, seeds, and flowers) are utilized, but in many areas, the leaves and seeds are most commonly used.
2. What are the historical uses of fennel?
Fennel has been used since ancient times, both for culinary and medicinal purposes. Ancient Egyptians used it as a medicinal plant, while in China, it served as an antidote to snake bites. During the Middle Ages, fennel was hung on doors to drive away evil spirits and was associated with magic.
3. What are the antibacterial and antifungal properties of fennel?
Fennel has demonstrated antibacterial properties by inhibiting the growth of various bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella Typhi. It also possesses strong antifungal activity, with the aqueous extract of fennel seeds showing greater antifungal effects than griseofulvin.
4. How does fennel exhibit anti-inflammatory properties?
Studies have found that the methanolic extract of fennel can inhibit ear edema caused by arachidonic acid in mice, indicating its anti-inflammatory potential.
5. What is the hepatoprotective activity of fennel?
The essential oil of fennel seeds has shown the ability to protect the liver from toxicity in mice, suggesting its hepatoprotective properties.
6. Can fennel help with anxiety?
Fennel extract may have anxiolytic activity, making it a potential natural remedy for anxiety. This supports its traditional use in treating anxiety disorders.
7. Does fennel have anti-stress benefits?
Fennel whole plant extract has shown significant stress reduction in animal studies, indicating its potential anti-stress benefits.
8. How does fennel enhance memory?
Studies have shown that fennel extract can enhance memory in rats induced with amnesia, suggesting its potential for improving cognitive function.
9. What are the benefits of fennel in cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease?
Fennel extract may inhibit acetylcholinesterase, a mechanism targeted by Alzheimer's disease drugs to reduce symptoms, making it a potential candidate for future research in treating degenerative diseases.
10. Can fennel help with hirsutism?
Fennel has been traditionally used as an estrogenic agent and has shown efficacy in reducing hair diameter in women with hirsutism when applied as a topical cream.
11. What are the expectorant properties of fennel?
Fennel increases the ciliary motility of the respiratory system, aiding in the expulsion of foreign materials and pollutants by enhancing the removal of mucus and bacteria from the respiratory tract.
12. How does fennel exhibit antispasmodic activity?
Fennel can regulate intestinal motility, helping with conditions like diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal cramps, and gas, thus exhibiting antispasmodic properties.
13. What other potential benefits does fennel have?
Fennel has various other potential benefits, including increasing milk secretion, antiviral activity, antiallergic activity, pain reduction, diuretic effects, reducing arterial and intraocular pressure, antimutagenic effects, gastric mucosa protection, antitumor activity, antipyretic effects, reducing plasma lipid levels, lowering blood sugar levels, anti-aging effects, antioxidant activity, and possible bronchodilatory effects.
14. What precautions should be taken when using fennel?
Fennel can reduce the activity of cytochrome P450, an enzyme involved in the metabolism of many drugs. It is essential to consult a doctor before using fennel, especially if you are taking other medications, to prevent the risk of interactions.
References and Citations
Portincasa, P., Bonfrate, L., Scribano, M. L., Kohn, A., Caporaso, N., Festi, D., Campanale, M. C., Di Rienzo, T., Guarino, M., Taddia, M., Fogli, M. V., Grimaldi, M., & Gasbarrini, A. (2016). Curcumin and Fennel Essential Oil Improve Symptoms and Quality of Life in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Journal of gastrointestinal and liver diseases : JGLD, 25(2), 151–157. https://doi.org/10.15403/jgld.2014.1121.252.ccm
The Herb Society of America. Fennel.
Kaur, G. J., & Arora, D. S. (2009). Antibacterial and phytochemical screening of Anethum graveolens, Foeniculum vulgare and Trachyspermum ammi. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 9, 30. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-9-30
Martins, M. R., Tinoco, M. T., Almeida, A. S., & Cruz-Morais, J. (2012). Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of three essential oils from Portuguese flora. Bioinfo Publications.
Taie, H. A. A., Helal, M. M. I., Helmy, W. A., & Amer, H. (2013). Chemical composition and biological potentials of aqueous extracts of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L). Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 9(3), 1759-1767.
Badgujar, S. B., Patel, V. V., & Bandivdekar, A. H. (2014). Foeniculum vulgare Mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicology. BioMed research international, 2014, 842674. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/842674
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