Unveiling the chemical composition, bioactive properties, and potential applications of fennel essential oil

Fennel essential oil is obtained from the seeds or fruits of Foeniculum vulgare, which belongs to the family Apiaceae. Essential oils comprise numerous phytochemicals responsible for their biological activity. Different procedures are employed in the extraction of essential oils, which are pure herb compounds with a major amount of phytoconstituents. It has various food applications, including food preservation. Different extraction methods have been utilized for the extraction of essential oils based on various factors. Fennel essential oil contains phytochemicals such as trans-anethole, α-pinene, limonene, and estragole, which exhibit potent pharmacological activities. The present review highlights the Foeniculum vulgare essential oil extraction process, chemical composition, and various applications with the biological properties of Foeniculum vulgare. Foeniculum vulgare essential oil contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds and is used as a cooking and natural preservative for food and meat products. It has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, allelopathic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and estrogenic properties.