Title: Fennel
Synonyms: Large fennel; sweet fennel
Literature References: Dried, ripe fruit of cultivated varieties of
Foeniculum vulgare Mill.,
Umbelliferae. Habit. Southern Europe, Western Asia, widely cultivated.
Constit. 2-6% volatile oil, fixed oil, protein, organic acids and flavonoids. Clinical trial of fennel oil emulsion in infantile colic: I. Alexandrovich
et al., Alt. Ther. Health Med. 9, 58 (2003).
Review: F. S. D'Amelio, Sr.,
Botanicals (CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1999) pp 105-106.
Derivative Type: Volatile oil
CAS Registry Number: 8006-84-6
Synonyms: Oil of fennel
Literature References: Constit. 50-70%
trans-anethole, up to 20% (+)-fenchone, methylchavicol, anisaldehyde, terpenoids including a-pinene, limonene, a-phellandrene.
Properties: Colorless or pale yellow liquid with characteristic odor of fennel. d2525 0.953-0.973. aD25 +12 to +24°.
nD20 1.532-1.543. Slightly sol in water; sol in 1 vol 90% or in 8 vols 80% alcohol; very sol in chloroform, ether.
Keep well closed, cool and protected from light.
Optical Rotation: aD25 +12 to +24°
Index of refraction: nD20 1.532-1.543
Density: d2525 0.953-0.973
Use: Flavoring agent in foods and pharmaceuticals. Used in eye washes and in facial steams to soothe and clean skin.
Therap-Cat: Carminative.
