Raw Material Introduction｜Sweet fennel

▎Essential Oil Introduction

Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is native to the Mediterranean coast of Southern Europe. It is a perennial plant from the Apiaceae family that thrives in sunny, well-drained areas and is highly adaptable to various environments. It is now widespread across Europe, India, China, and North America.

Sweet fennel has a long history of use. In ancient times, it was used by warriors to enhance courage and strength. It also symbolizes commitment, helping to keep lifelong promises between married partners. The medicinal and culinary use of fennel dates back to ancient Egypt, where the Greeks discovered its diuretic properties, and the Romans used it to aid digestion and freshen breath.

In addition to its digestive benefits, sweet fennel is also valued by women. It contains trans-anethole, which is effective for alleviating discomfort during menstruation or menopause and is commonly used in Indian gynecological treatments.

▎Component Analysis

｜Main component: Ethers

The typical main component of sweet fennel is trans-anethole (a phenyl ether), which constitutes approximately 66%-77% of the oil. Additionally, it contains various trace components, including methyl chavicol, 1.8-cineole, α-pinene, limonene, fenchol, fennel ketone, camphor, anethole, and furanocoumarins.

｜Component 1: Anethole

｜Component 2: Methyl chavicol

Also known as estragole, fenchol is a major component of tarragon essential oil. It is an isomer of anethole, with the difference being the position of the double bond in the phenylpropyl group. While they have similar effects, their aromas are distinct.

This component constitutes approximately 80% of tarragon essential oil, about 85% of tropical basil essential oil, and around 90% of aromatic rosemary leaf oil (extracted from the peel).

｜Raw Material Certifications

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▎References

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2. Ibrahim AM, Mohamed AS, Saleh A, Mansour AS, Mohammed AD, Mohamed AY et al. Fennel “Foeniculum vulgare” treatment protects the gastric mucosa of rats against chemically-induced histological lesions. Int J Pharmacol. 2013;9:182 -189.
3. Birdane FM, Cemek M, Birdane YO, Gülçin İ, Büyükokuroğlu ME. Beneficial effects of Foeniculum vulgare on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in rats. World J Gastroenterol. 2007;13(4):607-611.
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9. Veselin Marinov, Stefka Valcheva-Kuzmanova. REVIEW ON THE PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF ANETHOLE. Department of Preclinical and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Varna
10. Bernáth, J. et al. 1998. Production-biological and structural regularities of essential oil accumulation in developing fruits of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). Budapest: UHFI Department of Medicinal Plant Production.
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19. Lange, D. and U. Schippmann. 1997. Trade Survey of Medicinal Plants in GermanyA Contribution to International Plant Species Conservation. Bonn: Bundesamt für Naturschutz. 32-33.
20. Leung, A.Y. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2nd ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
21. Nadkarni, K.M. 1976. Indian Materia Medica. Bombay: Popular Prakashan. 557-559.
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23. Österreichisches Arzneibuch, Vols. 12, 1st suppl. ( AB). 1981-1983. Wien: Verlag der Österreichischen Staatsdruckerei.
24. Tanira, M.O.M. et al. 1996. Pharmacological and toxicological investigations on Foeniculum vulgare dried fruit extract in experimental animals. Phytother Res 10:33-36.
25. Tu, G. (ed.). 1992. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (English Edition 1992). Beijing: Guangdong Science and Technology Press. 70.
26. Wichtl, M. and N.G. Bisset (eds.). 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Stuttgart: Medpharm Scientific Publishers.

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