Fennel Seed Extract (Foeniculum Vulgare)

What is Fennel Seed?

Fennel is a popular culinary plant that is part of the carrot family. The seeds are strong in flavour thanks to the essential oils within them, and they're used as a dry spice in Middle Eastern and Indian cooking. Beyond flavour, the seeds contain a range of plant compounds, which has made them a subject of research.

What does the research say about Fennel Seed?

Fennel seeds have been studied mostly for their role in digestion and normal digestive processes. A fennel seed extract has been studied for its effect on the intestinal barrier and digestive tract function, and fennel oil has been studied alongside other botanicals in a formulation looking at bowel habits.

Fennel has been described as having a 'spasmolytic' effect. 'Spasmolytic' means it relaxes the smooth muscle that lines the digestive tract.

Fennel seeds also contain polyphenols with antioxidant activity, including 'rosmarinic acid' and 'chlorogenic acid'.

Learn more about the 'Common reasons you might be bloated' and '10 practical tips to reduce bloating'. You may also enjoy reading 'What is GORD? Best 3 foods to eat and avoid', 'What causes bloating' and '7 Best Foods to Help you Debloat: Vegan Bloating Remedies'.

Why it's in GastroAid®

Fennel Seed powder has diverse applications for gastrointestinal health. These bioactives relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing oesophageal spasms and helping to alleviate symptoms associated with acid reflux:¹ Anethole, estragole, fenchone, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, oleic acid and linoleic acid, anethofuran, scopoletin and umbelliferone, and sitosterol. Additionally, Fennel’s anti-inflammatory properties, driven by its phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid and flavonoids like quercetin, may help soothe irritation in the oesophageal lining caused by gastric acid. Fennel also promotes digestion by stimulating gastric motility, reducing bloating, and minimising the buildup of gas, which can exacerbate reflux symptoms. Fennel serves as a complementary therapy to improve digestive comfort in clients with mild to moderate reflux.

Why it's in Debloat & Detox

Fennel Seeds are well-known for their use in digestive health, particularly for their carminative effects, which help in relieving bloating and gas. They also have a role in enhancing liver detoxification processes.

Smooth muscle relaxation: Fennel contains flavonoids and volatile oils (such as anethole) that have been shown to relax smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, reducing bloating and cramping associated with indigestion and bloating.²

Antioxidant activity: Fennel also has antioxidant properties. Fennel’s antioxidant properties reduce inflammation within the gut, helping to maintain normal gut function and preventing toxin buildup that can lead to bloating.

Mild diuretic action: Fennel has a mild diuretic effect, helping the body flush out excess water and reduce the fluid retention often associated with bloating. Fennel’s diuretic effect supports detoxification through the renal system and prevents fluid buildup in the tissues.³