Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, is a highly aromatic herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. Fennel's cultivation has expanded across several regions globally due to its medicinal and industrial applications, particularly for its essential oil, which contains bioactive compounds like trans-anethole and estragole. These components contribute to fennel's medicinal and culinary uses, including antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, fennel's essential oil has shown promise in managing conditions such as diabetes, hirsutism, and dysmenorrhea, making it a valuable phytopharmaceutical ingredient. Fennel’s diverse chemical composition includes phenolic compounds, fatty acids like oleic and petroselinic acid, and volatile compounds that contribute to its health benefits. Although traditionally propagated through seeds, this method has limitations, such as low seed viability and genetic inconsistencies in plant quality. Plant tissue culture techniques provide an alternative approach, enabling faster and more reliable propagation. Tissue culture methods such as callus induction and somatic embryogenesis have been used to regenerate plants from explants, providing a model for studying in vitro morphogenesis. Additionally, nano-encapsulation techniques have enhanced the bioavailability and stability of fennel essential oil, making it more effective in pharmaceutical applications, particularly for anti-diabetic and antimicrobial purposes. By improving both bio-accessibility and stability, nano-encapsulation offers significant advancements in the use of fennel’s bioactive compounds in therapeutic treatments. Despite fennel's promising medicinal properties, the presence of furocoumarin, a potentially toxic compound, requires careful consideration regarding its consumption. Overall, fennel holds immense potential for both medicinal and industrial applications, offering a natural source of therapeutic compounds with various health benefits.
Singh et al. (Tue,) studied this question.