Hepatoprotective Properties of Fennel Seeds Extract

Foeniculum vulgare, universally known as Fennel is an important seed spice crop belonging to the umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family. Fennel is very well known by ancient people of Europe and Asia Minor for its flavour and medicinal properties. Depending on the variety it may be an annual, biennial or perennial herb. Survey of published literature revealed that significant research work have been carried out on various aspects of its cultivation (propagation), nutritive value, uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of seeds and green herbs as well as toxicity of F. Vulgare [1]. Fennel has been known to controls many infectious disorders of microorganism origin [2-5]. Seeds and essential oil of fennel has been reported to possess antioxidant, antitumor, chemopreventive, cytoprotective, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, and oestrogenic activities [1]. In India fennel is cultivated in semi arid regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan states with an area of 760 lakh hectares and production of 129350 tonnes annually (Spice board, India). Fennel seeds, whole and ground are important constituent of most of the curry powders in India and sub continent. Fennel seeds form major part of all kind of pickles due to its anti-microbial and preservative properties [1].