Fennel Herb
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel Herb (Foeniculum vulgare) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides from herb have moderate bioavailability (15-25%). Volatile oil components (anethole, fenchone) present at lower levels than seed products.
| Botanical name | Foeniculum vulgare |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Apiales |
| Also known as | Fennel Herb, FennelHerb |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3034922 · Wikidata Q43511 · NCBI Taxonomy 2849586 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Fennel_Herb |
What is it made of?
Key Active Markers
- Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles)
- Standardized on primary bioactive markers
Analytical Methods: HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Fresh herb (culinary), Dried herb powder, Infusion/tea, Capsule, Tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol)
Standard Dosage: Fresh herb: 5-15g in salads/cooking; Dried herb: 2-4g as infusion 2-3 times daily; 500mg dried extract capsule twice daily; 2-5ml tincture three times daily
Bioavailability: Fennel herb (aerial parts - stems, fronds) contains lower essential oil than seeds (0.5-1.5% vs 2-6%) but higher flavonoid and chlorophyll content. Quercetin and kaempferol glycosides from herb have moderate bioavailability (15-25%). Volatile oil components (anethole, fenchone) present at lower levels than seed products. Chlorogenic acid has moderate oral absorption (~33%). Fresh herb provides enzymes and labile nutrients lost during drying. Traditional culinary use provides gentle digestive support without concentrated dose.
Optimal Timing: Infusion: after meals for digestive comfort; fresh herb consumed with meals for culinary and digestive benefit
Standardized Extract: Dried herb extract standardized to NLT 1% total flavonoids (as quercetin equivalent) and NLT 0.5% volatile oil. Extract ratio 5:1.
Shelf Life: Fresh herb: 5-7 days refrigerated; Dried herb: 1 year; Capsule: 2 years; Tincture: 3 years
Storage: Fresh herb: refrigerate in perforated bags. Dried herb: airtight, light-resistant containers below 25 deg C. Protect from moisture and UV light to preserve green color and volatile content.
Marker Compounds: Quercetin, Kaempferol, Chlorogenic acid, trans-Anethole (lower levels than seed), Fenchone, Rutin
Extraction Methods
- Hot water infusion of dried aerial parts
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (50:50)
- Fresh herb juicing
- Shade-drying followed by pulverization
Synergistic Combinations
- With Dill herb for carminative synergy
- With Mint for digestive tea blends
- With Chamomile for calming digestive combination
- With Ajwain for enhanced carminative and anti-flatulent action
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews10
- 2025. Advanced techniques and applications in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) breedingMolecular genetics and genomics : MGG. PMID 40892151 · doi:10.1007/s00438-025-02294-y
- 2025. Genetics, genomics and breeding of fennelBMC plant biology. PMID 40335931 · doi:10.1186/s12870-025-06608-5
- 2024. Exploring fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Composition, functional properties, potential health benefits, and safetyCritical reviews in food science and nutrition. PMID 36803269 · doi:10.1080/10408398.2023.2176817
- 2024. The Mediterranean Species Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Source of Bioactive CompoundsMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39124999 · doi:10.3390/molecules29153594
- 2022. Indian traditional medicinal plants in ophthalmic diseasesAvicenna journal of phytomedicine. PMID 36583172 · doi:10.22038/AJP.2022.20345
- 2022. Perspective, Opportunities and Challenges in Using Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) in Poultry Health and Production as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Antibiotics: A ReviewAntibiotics (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 35203880 · doi:10.3390/antibiotics11020278
- 2019. Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Plant in Management of Women's HealthJournal of menopausal medicine. PMID 31080784 · doi:10.6118/jmm.2019.25.1.1
- 2015. Anti-Aging Potential of Phytoextract Loaded-Pharmaceutical Creams for Human Skin Cell LongetivityOxidative medicine and cellular longevity. PMID 26448818 · doi:10.1155/2015/709628
- 2014. Foeniculum vulgare Mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicologyBioMed research international. PMID 25162032 · doi:10.1155/2014/842674
- 2006. Fennel PMID 30000852
Laboratory and animal studies2
- 2025. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Mitigates Scopolamine-Induced Cognitive Deficits via Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Mechanisms in ZebrafishMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 40649373 · doi:10.3390/molecules30132858
- 2022. Chemical and Genetic Variability of Istrian Foeniculum vulgare Wild PopulationsPlants (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 36079624 · doi:10.3390/plants11172239
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