Fennel describes a group of perennial plant species in the genus Foeniculum that are indigenous to the shores of the Mediterranean. Several of the species have been investigated for potential medicinal benefits with overall good results. However, consult with a physician before treating any ailment with herbal supplements.
Medicinal Uses of Fennel
A February 2011 article appearing in "Molecules" examined the chemical constituents, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of three varieties of fennel: Foeniculum vulgare azoricum, Foeniculum vulgare dulce and Foeniculum vulgare vulgare. Analysis of the essential oils disclosed the existence of 18 major monoterpenoids, the purposed biologically active components of the oils, but their proportions in each were immensely dissimilar. The study found that essential oils from the azoricum and dulce varieties were more effective antioxidants than that from vulgare. Antimicrobial activities of each oil were determined using two species of fungi and four species of bacteria, and the researchers concluded that all three showed similar antimicrobial activity.
Powdered Fennel for the Treatment of Diarrhea
Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most frequent causes of bacterial diarrhea in the world and is associated with the occurrence of Guillain-Barré syndrome, and inducing diseases partly through its ability to adhere to the intestinal wall. A study published in the January 2011 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" investigated drug-resistant strains of C. jejuni against standard antibiotics and herbal medications. Twenty-one herbal extracts were screened for antibacterial activity against this pathogen, including ginger, cayenne pepper, licorice and fennel. The researchers found no significant activity in combating the adhesive characteristics of the bacteria using fennel for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders caused by C. jejuni.
Anti-Cancer Effects of Fennel
Anethole, a major constituent of fennel, is known to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. In a study appearing in the January 2011 issue of "Biological and Pharmacological Bulletin," researchers evaluated anti-metastatic and toxic effects of anethole on highly-metastatic human tumor cells. The study found that despite weak cytotoxicity against the cells, anethole inhibited the adhesive and invasive activities of cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, anethole suppressed the enzymatic-regulated activities necessary for cancer cell multiplication. Taken together, the study's findings indicate that anethole is a potent anti-metastatic drug.
Fennel Treatment of Thrush
Oral microbiota, resident organism of the mouth, is related to interactions of bacteria with yeasts. Therefore, it is important for medicinals used in the treatment of oral diseases to have anti-fungal properties as well. A study in the July 2010 issue of the "Indian Journal of Dental Research" evaluated the anti-fungal efficacy of Foeniculum vulgare on Candida albicans, the causative agent of thrush. Powdered fennel was used to treat cases of thrush and anti-fungal properties by inhibition of Candida albicans reproduction. The researchers found that fennel showed potential as a cheap and convenient adjuvant to enhance pharmaceutical anti-fungal products.
References
- "Molecules"; Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oils From Organically Cultivated Fennel Cultivars; A. Shahat et al.; February 2011
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Investigations Into the Anti-Adhesive Activity of Herbal Extracts Against Campylobacter Jejuni; K. Bensch et al.; January 2011
- "Biological and Pharmacological Bulletin"; Anethole Exerts Anti-Metastatic Activity via Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase 2/9 and AKT/Mitogen-Activated Kinase/Nuclear Factor Kappa B Signaling Pathways; E. Choo et al.; January 2011
- "Indian Journal of Dental Research"; Anti-Fungal Efficacy of Punica Granatum, Acacia Nilotica, Cuminum Cyminum and Foeniculum Vulgare on Candida Albicans: an In Vitro Study; M. Pai et al.; July 2010
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