Foeniculum vulgare

Foeniculum vulgare, Umbelliferae, Essential oil (which contains 50-60% anethole, 20% fenchone and less than 5% istragole) glucosides, proteins, cellulose, lignin, pectins, waxes, phospholipids, phytosterols (b-sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids, coumarins, vitamins
Foeniculum vulgare, Umbelliferae, Essential oil (which contains 50-60% anethole, 20% fenchone and less than 5% istragole) glucosides, proteins, cellulose, lignin, pectins, waxes, phospholipids, phytosterols (b-sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids, coumarins, vitaminsFoeniculum vulgare, Umbelliferae, Essential oil (which contains 50-60% anethole, 20% fenchone and less than 5% istragole) glucosides, proteins, cellulose, lignin, pectins, waxes, phospholipids, phytosterols (b-sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids, coumarins, vitaminsFoeniculum vulgare, Umbelliferae, Essential oil (which contains 50-60% anethole, 20% fenchone and less than 5% istragole) glucosides, proteins, cellulose, lignin, pectins, waxes, phospholipids, phytosterols (b-sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids, coumarins, vitaminsFoeniculum vulgare, Umbelliferae, Essential oil (which contains 50-60% anethole, 20% fenchone and less than 5% istragole) glucosides, proteins, cellulose, lignin, pectins, waxes, phospholipids, phytosterols (b-sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids, coumarins, vitaminsFoeniculum vulgare, Umbelliferae, Essential oil (which contains 50-60% anethole, 20% fenchone and less than 5% istragole) glucosides, proteins, cellulose, lignin, pectins, waxes, phospholipids, phytosterols (b-sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids, coumarins, vitaminsFoeniculum vulgare, Umbelliferae, Essential oil (which contains 50-60% anethole, 20% fenchone and less than 5% istragole) glucosides, proteins, cellulose, lignin, pectins, waxes, phospholipids, phytosterols (b-sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids, coumarins, vitaminsFoeniculum vulgare, Umbelliferae, Essential oil (which contains 50-60% anethole, 20% fenchone and less than 5% istragole) glucosides, proteins, cellulose, lignin, pectins, waxes, phospholipids, phytosterols (b-sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids, coumarins, vitamins
Botanical Nomenclature Foeniculum vulgare
Common Name Fennel, Sweet Fennel
Taxonomy- Family Umbelliferae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Foeniculum vulgare is a perennial, herbaceous plant growing from 80 to 150cm, with pinnate, green leaves. The fruits are oval, in characteristic brown-green color and the yellow flowers are arranged in umbels. The flowering lasts from July to August and the harvesting takes place from August to September.
Region Found Ioannina (Vikos-Aoos, Zagori, Konitsa) Thesprotia (Paramythia)
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Seeds
Active Substances Essential oil (which contains 50-60% anethole, 20% fenchone and less than 5% istragole) glucosides, proteins, cellulose, lignin, pectins, waxes, phospholipids, phytosterols (b-sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids, coumarins, vitamins
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has antispasmodic, mucolytic, expectorant, cough, emmenagogue and antibacterial properties. It is administered for the treatment of the convulsive disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (bloating), the stomach pain and the seizures during menstruation. In veterinary medicine it is used against dyspepsia of horses and flatulence of ruminants. In India the seeds are recommended to improve the vision, as well for the treatment of conjunctivitis. Finally, the poultice of the plant is applied to the skin against abscesses, boils, edema and pain from blows.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as anticonvulsant in the form of herbal tea (15g of dried seeds and 30g of dried leaves and root in 1L of boiled water), infusion (1-2 spoons of dried herb in a cup of boiling water, maximum three times a day) and tincture (2- 4mL, three times daily)
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects In therapeutic doses plant's consumption may occur photosensitivity and dermatitis. Overdose may cause vomiting, seizures and pulmonary edema. The use of the plant should be avoided by patients who suffer from liver cirrhosis or other liver disorders.
References 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Β' τόμος, σελίδες: 350-352 2)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 293 3) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036192301100298X 4)Naira T.C. Pessano, Luiza Leal, Daniel H. Roos, Vanderlei Folmer, Gustavo O. Puntel, Jo?o Batista Teixeira Rocha, Michael Aschner, Daiana Silva ?vila, Robson Luiz Puntel, Protective effect of Melissa officinalis aqueous extract ag 5)http://www.reherb.eu/el/content/foeniculum-vulgare 6)http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-fennel.html