foeniculum vulgare seed

Foeniculum vulgare seed, commonly known as fennel seed, is a botanical substance derived from the *Foeniculum vulgare* plant, widely recognized for its culinary and medicinal applications. It contains a complex mixture of bioactive compounds, including trans-anethole, fenchone, estragole, and various flavonoids and phenolic acids. Research indicates that fennel seed extracts exhibit significant pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and estrogenic effects. In preclinical oncology studies, extracts have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma and lung cancer cells by downregulating anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2 and survivin, thereby triggering mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Additionally, the seed extract has shown potential in managing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and providing neuroprotection against lead-induced toxicity. It is also known to interact with drug-metabolizing enzymes, specifically acting as a mechanism-based inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.

Other names

fennel seedFoeniculum vulgare seed extractFVEEEFS