World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

CHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF FOENICULUM VULGARE MILL: A REVIEW

Mojahidul Islam, Ankur Srivastava, Satendra Kumar and Navneet Kumar Verma*

ABSTRACT

Foeniculum vulgareis a perennial, aromatic plant belonging to Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. The fruits, commonly referred to as seeds, are ridged, aromatic and oblong or ellipsoid shaped. Originally indigenous to the Mediterranean region, it has now been naturalized and cultivated throughout the world and is universally known as fennel and by more than 100 other names. It was well-known to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Chinese. Hippocrates and Dioscorides described it as a diuretic and Emmenagogue and to strengthen eyesight. The fruits are reputed as carminative, stomachic, diuretic, Emmenagogue and Galactagogue and to promote menstruation and facilitate birth. Fennel fruits contain carbohydrates, alkaloids, Phytosterols, phenols, tannins and flvonoids. They are also a rich source of dietary, protein, calcium, iron, magnesium and manganese. Pharmacologically, the fruits possess antioxidant, anti-inflmmatory, Gastro protective, estrogenic, Hepatoprotective and antithrombotic activities. This article reviews the use of fennel in medical practices in various parts of the world and reflects upon the scientific studies conducted and how they reconcile withitstraditional uses.

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