Fennel extract mainly comes from the plant fennel. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a herbaceous plant of the genus Fennel in the family Apiaceae, and its plant height is generally around 0.4-2 meters. It has a thin stem, and the leaves are pinnately divided and bright green. The flowers of fennel are yellow, with compound umbels, and the fruit is an oblong fennel, which is a commonly used spice. Fennel is native to the Mediterranean region and is now widely cultivated around the world.
Volatile oil is an important component of fennel extract, and the main components include anethole, anisaldehyde, etc. This method can effectively separate and collect volatile active ingredients. Fennel extract also includes flavonoids, coumarin compounds, etc.
Main Components and Effects of Fennel Extract
Stomachic and Digestive Effects
Fennel extract contains volatile oil components, among which anethole plays a major role. It can stimulate gastrointestinal nerves and blood vessels, promote the secretion of digestive juices, and enhance gastrointestinal motility. For example, for some people with indigestion and loss of appetite, eating food or medicine containing fennel extract can help relieve symptoms and have an appetizing effect.
Analgesic Effect
Fennel extract has a certain analgesic effect. Its mechanism may be to relieve pain by regulating some neurotransmitters in the body or affecting the transmission of pain signals. In some folk medicine applications, fennel extract is used to relieve dysmenorrhea. It can help soothe spasms of uterine smooth muscles and relieve menstrual pain.
Antibacterial Effect
The ingredients in fennel extract (such as anisaldehyde, etc.) have an inhibitory effect on a variety of bacteria. These ingredients can destroy the cell membrane of bacteria or affect the metabolic process of bacteria. In the field of food preservation, fennel extract can be used as a natural preservative to inhibit the growth of common harmful bacteria in some foods (such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, etc.) and extend the shelf life of food.
Anti-inflammatory Effect
Flavone compounds and other ingredients make fennel extract have anti-inflammatory ability. It can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors in inflammatory reactions and may have a certain alleviating effect on some local inflammations (such as skin inflammation, arthritis, etc.). For example, in skin inflammation, fennel extract can reduce the redness and pain caused by inflammation.
Application of Fennel Extract
Food Industry
Fennel extract is an important food spice. It is widely used in cooking various dishes such as meat, seafood, vegetables, etc., which can add unique flavor. In some seasonings (such as curry powder, five-spice powder, etc.), fennel extract is also one of the main ingredients. In addition, in food processing, it can also be used as a natural preservative to extend the shelf life of food.
Pharmaceutical Industry
In traditional medicine, fennel extract is used to make stomachic and analgesic drugs. For example, some drugs for treating indigestion, gastrointestinal cramps and dysmenorrhea contain fennel extract ingredients. It can also be used to make topical ointments for relieving skin inflammation and pain.
Cosmetic Industry
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, fennel extract can be used in skin care products. It can be added to products such as creams and lotions to improve skin inflammation and prevent and treat skin problems such as acne. In some fragrance products, the unique smell of fennel extract can also be used as a fragrance ingredient.
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