Last Updated on May 11, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Fennel seeds have been used as a medicinal plant in India for centuries. Known as “saunf” in Hindi, it is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments. Fennel seeds are believed to have numerous health benefits, such as aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, and improving respiratory health. In India, fennel seeds are also commonly used as a natural remedy for menstrual cramps, boosting milk production in breastfeeding mothers, and promoting overall wellness. Its distinct flavour and medicinal properties have made fennel seeds a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine and traditional medicine. This article provides comprehensive information about fennel seeds and answers common questions about their impact on health and more.
Antibacterial Properties
Fennel has natural substances that help fight against different types of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and mycobacteria. One of the key components is 5-hydroxy-furanocoumarin, which helps in its antibacterial action. Fennel’s extract can kill harmful bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhi. The study found that the fennel extracts can inhibit the growth of bacteria at specific concentrations, which were different for water-based and alcohol-based extracts.
Antifungal activity
Fennel extract has antifungal properties that can help fight against different types of fungi, including those that cause skin infections like dermatophytes and Candida albicans. Fennel stalks also have a substance that can fight against some moulds like Aspergillus niger, Bacillus subtilis, and Cladosporium cladosporioides. Another substance called scopoletin can also help fight against these microorganisms, but it is less effective than dillapional. Fennel extract can also fight against a specific type of fungus called Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Additionally, fennel extract can stimulate the immune system to fight against fungal infections by increasing the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species in cells called macrophages. The chemical component in fennel extract called Anethole is particularly effective in fighting against fungi.
Help treat diabetes
Research has shown that fennel, along with other plants in the Apiaceae family, can help regulate blood glucose levels and may be useful for diabetic patients in managing their condition. Studies on rats with induced diabetes have demonstrated that fennel extract can lower blood sugar levels, potentially due to its impact on the oxidation system. This suggests that fennel could be used in the development of anti-diabetic medications. Additionally, fennel fruit extract in methanol has been shown to lower both blood sugar and cholesterol.
Antioxidant activity
Fennel is rich in natural antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids which can prevent the formation of harmful free radicals. These antioxidants include components like caffeoylquinic acid, rosmarinic acid, eriodictyol-7-orutinoside, quercetin 3-O-galactoside, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside. Fennel volatile oil also has strong antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that fennel extracts can serve as effective antioxidants and stop the damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidant activity of fennel has been compared to other popular antioxidants and the results showed that fennel seed can be a great source of natural antioxidants. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of fennel have been found to have high antioxidant activity.
Reduces anxiety
Fennel has been reported to have properties that reduce anxiety. It contains phytoestrogens, which can alleviate problems caused by oestrogen deficiency. The anxiolytic effects of fennel were observed in a study where mice spent more time in open arms, indicating reduced anxiety levels. These effects were blocked by tamoxifen and picrotoxin, a GABA receptor antagonist. Fennel may help with stress and anxiety management by acting on the GABA-ergic system and oestrogen receptors. Another study found that fennel extract reduced stress levels in mice. It also showed that fennel can improve memory, act as an anti-stress agent, and have antioxidant properties.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Fennel has anti-inflammatory properties that can be helpful for treating different types of inflammation. Research has shown that methanol extracts of fennel fruit can inhibit allergic responses and acute or subacute inflammatory disorders. It can also increase HDL cholesterol levels and decrease lipid peroxidation. Two studies have shown that fennel methanol extract can reduce inflammation both through central and peripheral routes.
Protects reproductive health
Research has shown that the fennel plant is beneficial for digestive disorders, reducing colic in infants and protecting against stomach ulcers due to its antioxidant capacity. The primary component responsible for these effects is called anethole. Fennel extract has also been found to be effective in treating primary dysmenorrhea with fewer negative side effects than other treatments. Fennel extract has also been used to treat infertile women by elevating follicle-stimulating hormone levels and lowering testosterone and yolk hormone levels.
In conclusion, fennel seeds have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and recent scientific studies have provided evidence of their medicinal properties. Fennel seeds have shown promising results in reducing digestive problems, improving menstrual pain, reducing anxiety, and regulating blood glucose levels. Moreover, fennel seeds are a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals that promote overall health and well-being. With their diverse range of benefits, fennel seeds are a valuable addition to any diet and could be a natural remedy for various health issues.
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