Evidence supporting the use of: Fennel
For the body system: Estrogen

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, for supporting women's reproductive health. It is commonly used for alleviating symptoms associated with menstruation, menopause, and to promote lactation. The traditional rationale is largely based on fennel’s phytoestrogen content—plant-derived compounds that are structurally similar to the hormone estrogen. These phytoestrogens, primarily anethole, are believed to exert mild estrogenic effects in the body, which, in theory, could help balance hormonal fluctuations.

Scientific evidence for fennel’s estrogenic activity is limited and mainly based on in vitro (cell culture) and animal studies. Some research suggests fennel extracts may have weak estrogen-like effects, potentially influencing reproductive tissues or menstrual cycle regularity. However, well-designed human clinical trials are sparse, and systematic reviews generally conclude that while fennel may have promise, there is insufficient high-quality evidence to support its efficacy for estrogen-related concerns in humans. Therefore, fennel’s use in supporting the estrogen body system is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific validation.

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