Pharmacological, nutraceutical, functional and therapeutic properties of fennel (foeniculum vulgare)

Figures & data

Figure 1. Health benefits of fennel seeds.

Figure 2. Foeniculum vulgare Mill (a) stem; (b) bulb (c) leaves and flowers; (d) population of F. vulgare Mill. (43).

Figure 3. Antibacterial activity of fennel seeds extract.

Figure 4. Effect of fennel seeds extract on blood glucose level.

Figure 5. Positive effect of fennel seeds on fatty liver.

Table 1. Functional, nutraceutical, and therapeutic properties of fennel and their associated action mechanisms.

Properties	Images	Mechanisms of efficacy	References
Anti-microbial activity		Active substances with anti-microbial action are present in both the aqueous and the alcoholic extracts, including coumarin and oleic acid.	[13]
Antioxidant activity		Presence of antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and phenols in aqueous and ethanolic extract	[9]
Anti-inflammatory activity		Through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase, methanol extract has preventive benefits against acute and subacute diseases, type 4 allergic responses.	[25]
Hepato-protective activity		reduced levels of proinflammatory cytokines such TNF- and CTGF in fibrosis, as well as AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin.	[37]
Anti-cancer activity		anethole’s presence, an inhibitory impact on TNF- activation, antiangiogenic actions, and apoptotic and anticancer effects are examples of active substances.	[33]
Gastro-protective activity		gastrointestinal spasm and chronic colitis therapy, protection against gastric ulcers, and a reduction in the mucosal membrane of the stomach.	[26]
Estrogenic activity		Compounds like anatole influence enhancing milk secretion, which is present, reduce menstruation pain, make childbirth easier, treat primary dysmenorrhea, and minimize infertility.	[27]
Anti- lipid activity		Effects that are hypolipidemic include reduced plasma triglycerides, lower total cholesterol, lower LDL, lower apolipoprotein B, higher HDL, and higher apolipoprotein A-1 with anethole	[20]
Cardiovascular activity		a cardiovascular workout lower systolic blood pressure, less sodium, potassium, water excretion and fennel extract	[5]
Anti-diabetic activity		The hypoglycemic impact reduces blood sugar levels, boosts glutamine peroxide activity, and increases liver and muscle glycogen stores.	[31]

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Data availability statement

Data used for this review is available on request through the corresponding author; although all the relevant data have been provided here