FENNEL: A BRIEF REVIEW

*Arzoo and Milind Parle

ABSTRACT

Nature is full of numerous supernatural fragrances, which have their own magic and are pleasant to our senses. Fennel is one of them, generally known as Saunf (Foeniculum vulgare) belonging to Apiacae family. India is the greatest manufacturer of fennel in the world. Fennel is mainly cultivated in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Fennel contains volatile compounds, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids and amino acids. It has pharmacological properties like antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antithrombotic, apoptotic, cardiovascular, chemomodulatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and memory enhancing property. Fennel is being used in several Ayurvedic formulations. In daily life people used to chew Fennel seed after eating food, to refresh mouth and prevent bad odour. Taking fennel juice regularly, helps to rebalance the digestive tract, thus promotes a healthy bowel movement and used as remedy for diarrhea. Fennel helps in curing digestive, endocrine, reproductive and respiratory systems related problems. Fennel has been used to restore psychological and physical well being.

Keywords: antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, antipyretic, etc.