An Insight of Multitudinous and Inveterate Pharmacological Applications of Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel)

Since time numerous herbs and spices are used by humans for various health issues. Foeniculum vulgareMill, popularly known as fennel, is one among them, which is the most widely used herb throughout the world. In traditional medicines, fennel has been used for multiple disorders related to the digestive, reproductive, respiratory and endocrine system. Fennel is used in more than 34 diseases and disorders. Fennel has carminative, galactagogue, oestrogenic, chemomodulatory, bronchodilatory, diuretic, vasorelaxant, antithrombotic, hypotensive, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidaemic, antispasmodicand memory-enhancing effect. Experimental evidence proves fennel as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic and antimetastatic agent. Fennel is effectively used in anxiety, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, obesity, irritable bowel syndrome(IBS), cataract, etc. Fennel seedsare rich in essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, fatty acids and amino acids.