The multifaceted potential of fennel: From antioxidant to biostimulants

Abstract

The Apiaceae family, which includes Foeniculum vulgare Mill., has several traditional and therapeutic uses. It has been utilized extensively as a vital medication to cure a variety of illnesse and well-known nutraceuticals worldwide. It has been discovered that many phytochemicals, including anethole, fenchone, limonene, estragole, and p-coumaric acid, fatty acids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and volatile compounds are present in different parts of this plant. The two main compounds identified from F. vulgare called anethole and fenchone which have been shown to have significant antioxidant, anticancer, carminative, diuretic, and galactagogue properties. The antioxidant properties of fennel acting as source of nitric nitric oxide is also documented and make it more suitable for combating oxidative stress. Nitric oxide play various role in animal and plant, which make it significant universal signaling molecule. At the same time, there is increasing social pressure to reduce the use of antibiotics and substitute them with alternative feed additives for animal husbandry. Consumers believe that phytogenic products are the safest solutions available. Fennel improves health and productivity by acting as a phytogenic feed additive for both humans and cattle. In order to lessen reliance on chemical fertilizers, the agriculture sector is currently using more biostimulants. Fennel is increasingly being used as a biostimulant to a safe and ecologically sound approach for improving crop yields. In order to provide a foundation for future study and development on this medicinal plant, this review outlines its antioxidants properties, biostimulants nature, and possible advantages of employing it as a phytogenic product in animal husbandry.