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Medicinal Uses of Foeniculum Vulgare Mill and Small Cardamom: A Review

Authors:
  • Kalinga University Raipur Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Foeniculum vulgare Mill, commonly known as fennel, and small cardamom are both traditional spices in India. They have been used for centuries in Indian cuisine for their unique flavor and aroma, as well as their medicinal properties. Foeniculum Vulgare Mill (fennel) is a flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the parsley family and is cultivated worldwide for its culinary and medicinal uses. Fennel seeds, leaves, and stems can all be used medicinally. Fennels are used in digestive disorders such as indigestion, gas, bloating, and colic. It can also help to relieve nausea and vomiting, respiratory problems: to loosen mucus and relieve coughs and bronchitis, menstrual cramps and pain, lactation: to increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers and a variety of other conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, and high blood pressure. Small cardamom is a spice that is native to India and Sri Lanka. It is one of the most expensive and popular spices in the world. Cardamom is used in both sweet and savory dishes, and it is also used in traditional medicine to cure digestive problems such as indigestion, heartburn, and gas and also help to relieve nausea and vomiting, respiratory problems like bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. It has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to clear mucus from the lungs and airways. Cardamom can be used to freshen breath and prevent cavities. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to fight against the bacteria that cause plaque and tartar. It has also treated a variety of other ailments e.g. high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. It has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Fennel and Small Cardamom are often used together in traditional medicine. The combination of these two spices is thought to be particularly effective for treating digestive disorders and respiratory problems. This literature review is focus on various nutritive value and medicinal importance of fennel and Small Cardamom.
Journal of Advanced Zoology
ISSN: 0253-7214
Volume 44 Issue S-3 Year 2023 Page 1347:1352
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- 1347 -
Medicinal Uses of Foeniculum Vulgare Mill and Small Cardamom: A
Review
Manju Nag1, Sanyogita Shahi1*
1Kalinga University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492101, India
*Corresponding author’s E-mail: drsanyogitashahi@gmail.com
Article History
Received: 06 June 2023
Revised: 05 Sept 2023
Accepted: 08 Nov 2023
CC License
CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0
Abstract
Foeniculum vulgare Mill, commonly known as fennel, and small cardamom are
both traditional spices in India. They have been used for centuries in Indian
cuisine for their unique flavor and aroma, as well as their medicinal properties.
Foeniculum Vulgare Mill (fennel) is a flowering plant native to the
Mediterranean region. It is a member of the parsley family and is cultivated
worldwide for its culinary and medicinal uses. Fennel seeds, leaves, and stems
can all be used medicinally. Fennels are used in digestive disorders such as
indigestion, gas, bloating, and colic. It can also help to relieve nausea and
vomiting, respiratory problems: to loosen mucus and relieve coughs and
bronchitis, menstrual cramps and pain, lactation: to increase milk production
in breastfeeding mothers and a variety of other conditions, including insomnia,
anxiety, and high blood pressure. Small cardamom is a spice that is native to
India and Sri Lanka. It is one of the most expensive and popular spices in the
world. Cardamom is used in both sweet and savory dishes, and it is also used
in traditional medicine to cure digestive problems such as indigestion,
heartburn, and gas and also help to relieve nausea and vomiting, respiratory
problems like bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. It has expectorant and anti-
inflammatory properties that can help to clear mucus from the lungs and
airways. Cardamom can be used to freshen breath and prevent cavities. It has
antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to fight against the
bacteria that cause plaque and tartar. It has also treated a variety of other
ailments e.g. high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. It has also been
shown to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Fennel and Small
Cardamom are often used together in traditional medicine. The combination of
these two spices is thought to be particularly effective for treating digestive
disorders and respiratory problems. This literature review is focus on various
nutritive value and medicinal importance of fennel and Small Cardamom.
Keywords: Digestive Disorders, Respiratory Issues, Traditional Spice
1. Introduction
Small cardamom belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is obtained from the seeds of Elettaria
cardamomum Maton. It is grown in India, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Mexico
and Tanzania. It is viewed as the Queen of Spices and is quite possibly the costliest flavors. In India,
cardamom was customarily considered as a spice and was one of the fixings in Ayurveda (the old Indian
study of medication and way of life) and customary Chinese medication. It was accepted to be a solution
for teeth and gum diseases, throat issues, blockage of the lungs, pneumonic tuberculosis, aggravation
of the eyelids, gastrointestinal issues, deteriorating kidneys, and gallbladder stones, and was
additionally utilized as a remedy for toxic substances and toxins. Cardamom is loaded with cancer
prevention agents (Sudaldeep Sahoo and Sanyogita Shahi, 2021).
2. Literature Review
Fennel
Scientific name: Foeniculum vulgare Mill Common name: fennel, sweet fennel, Florence fennel, saunf
Medicinal Uses of Foeniculum Vulgare Mill and Small Cardamom: A Review
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Fig 1 (a): Foeniculum Vulgare (Fennel)
Chemical constituents:
The parts of fennel such as roots, leaves, fruit and especially the seeds are used. Trans anethole is the
major bioactive constituent of foeniculum vulgare (fennel). Different constituents incorporate alpha
pinene, beta myrcene, beta pinene, harsh fenchone, camphene, estragole (methyl-chavicol), fenchone,
limonene, p-cymen, and safrole. Also contain protein, fat, minerals, fiber and carbohydrates. Fennel is
a rich source of beta-carotene and vitamin C, as well as calcium, magnesium, iron, and lesser amounts
of other metal cations. The preliminary phytochemical study revealed the presence of saponins,
flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, sterols, triterpenes, coumarins and volatile oils.
Fig 1(b): Bioactive components of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel)
Biological activity:
Fennel has numerous natural exercises due to its unpredictable what's more, non-volatile mixtures. It's
recommended as a sweet-smelling stomachic in TCM to treat different conditions, especially ailment,
cold torment and stomach. Fennel fundamental oil had carminative and energizer exercises just as
spasmolytic activities on the sleek muscles. Foeniculum vulgare is authoritatively noted in Ayurvedic
Pharmacopeia as a significant piece of polyherbal definitions in the treatment of various infections and
problems. A number of organic pharmacological examinations have been embraced to assess the native
employments of F. vulgare. Not many concentrates of F.vulgare and confined mixtures have been
assessed for a few exercises, specifically, antiaging, antiallergic, anticolitic, antihirsutism, calming,
antimicrobial and antiviral, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic,
estrogenic properties, expectorant, gastrointestinal impact, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic,
hypolipidemic and so on.
1. Antimicrobial, Antifungal and Antibacterial Activities:
The antimicrobial movement of plant oils and concentrates has been perceived for an extended time,
and that they have numerous applications, including crude and handled food safeguarding, drugs,
elective medication and normal treatments, fennel displayed a robust antimicrobial action against
microscopic organisms and parasites. Dillapional, scopoletin, dillapiol, bergapten, imperatorin,
psolaren and dillapional were discovered to be antimicrobial standards against Bacillus subtilis,
Aspergillus niger and Cladosporium cladosporioides. Essential oils from the products of fennel
appeared huge antibacterial action. Dichloromethane concentrates and fundamental oils from F.vulgare
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showed antifungal action against Candida albicans. It very well may be the contender for an additional
antifungal specialist for candidiasis and other contagious sicknesses.
2. Antioxidant activity:
Fennel was called as excellent sources of nature antioxidants and contributed to the daily antioxidant
diet. Fennel is understood as an impressive wellspring of common cell reinforcements. This plant can
hinder free extremists due to the high substance of polyphenols and flavonoids. Phenolic compounds in
this spice, as an example, caffeoylquinic corrosive, rosmarinic corrosive, eriodictyol-7-orutinoside,
quercetin3-Ogalactoside, kaempferol 3-O-glucoside appeared cancer prevention agent movement.
Fennel unstable oil has solid cancer prevention agent movement, as well. Plant ethanolic and fluid
extricates in contrast with its pith has less antioxidant movement.
3. Anti-inflammatory activity:
The pharmacological impacts of fennel plant, calming movement can be noted. Exploration has shown
that the methanol concentrate of fennel has calming impacts. Kataoka et al. contemplated anti-
inflammatory impacts of fennel. The outcomes showed that the methanol concentrate of fennel seeds
restrains aggravation through cyclooxygenase and through lipoxygenase pathways.
4. Anti-anxiety activity:
Anxiety is that the unpleasant feeling of fear and concern. When anxiety becomes excessive, it's going
to be considered as a mental disorder. Anxiolytic movement of the unrefined concentrate of fennel has
been announced. Fennel due to phytoestrogens widely has helpful use within the treatment of estrogen
inadequacy anomalies. Estrogens are chemicals that are included within the marvel of nervousness
which seem to act by means of the GABA A receptors fennel presumably could be a home-grown cure
that has anxiolytic impacts interceded by GABA-ergic framework and estrogen receptors. Koppula et
al. investigated the properties of fennel extract in rats. This study showed that this herb with several
functions like anti-stress proceeding, increase in memory and antioxidant effects may reduce stress and
stress-related disorders.
5. Gastro-protective activity:
In an exceedingly study investigated the effect of fennel plant on peptic ulceration. The findings showed
that the plant had a protective effect on peptic ulcer. additionally, the herb reduced mucosal lining of
the stomach. These functions were attributed to its antioxidant capacity It has been shown that fennel
plant has huge defensive impact on gastrointestinal issues. It absolutely was shown that the use of fennel
oil emulsions dispensed with colic in treated newborn children which was impressively better than the
benchmark group.
2. Small Cardamom
Scientific name: Elettaria cardamomum Common name: small cardamom, green cardamom, or true
cardamom, Ailum, Elachi.
Fig 2 (a): True Cardamom Fig 2(b): Cardamom Pods (elaichi)
Introduction and Description:
Small cardamom belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is obtained from the seeds of Elettaria
cardamomum Maton. It is grown in India, Guatemala, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, Costa Rica, Mexico
and Tanzania. It is viewed as the Queen of Spices and is quite possibly the costliest Flavors. In India,
cardamom was customarily considered as a spice and was one of the fixings in Ayurveda (the old Indian
study of medication and way of life) and customary Chinese medication. It was accepted to be a solution
for teeth and gum diseases, throat issues, blockage of the lungs, pneumonic tuberculosis, aggravation
Medicinal Uses of Foeniculum Vulgare Mill and Small Cardamom: A Review
Available online at: https://jazindia.com - 1350 -
of the eyelids, gastrointestinal issues, deteriorating kidneys, and gallbladder stones, and was
additionally utilized as a remedy for toxic substances and toxins. Cardamom is loaded with cancer
prevention agents (Sudaldeep Sahoo and Sanyogita Shahi, 2021)
Chemical constituents:
The bioactive component of the volatile oil is cineole. The essential oil in the seeds contain α-terpineol,
myrcene, limonene, menthone, ß-phellandrene, 1 ,8-cineol, sabinene and heptane. Dried fruit of
cardamom contains steam volatile oil, fixed (fatty) oil, pigments, proteins, cellulose, pentoses, sugars,
starch, silica, calcium oxalate and minerals. The main factor that determines the quality of cardamom
is the content and composition of volatile oil, which governs the odour and flavour (Sanyogita Shahi,
Megha Turkane and Shirish Kumar Singh,2023).
Fig 2(c): Structure of Chemical Components of Elettaria Cardamomum.
Biological activity:
Cardamom has the accompanying therapeutic properties: The major bioactive properties of cardamom
fundamental oil are its germ-free, carminative, stomach related, diuretic, energizer, stomachic, tonic
and antispasmodic, antimicrobial and calming exercises. It has been utilized to treat bronchitis,
hemorrhoids, stangury, renal and vesical calculi, anorexia, dyspepsia and gastropathy and so forth.
1. Anti-inflammatory activity:
Cardamom is utilized extensively to treat contaminations in teeth and gums, to forestall and treat throat
inconveniences, clog of the lungs and pneumonic tuberculosis, aggravation of eyelids and furthermore
stomach related issues. Species in the variety amomumare additionally utilized in conventional Indian
medication.
2. Hepatoprotective:
The components in the volatile oil, e.g., 1 ,8- cineole, terpinene, terpiniol, sabinine, α-pinene and
imonene, act as a tonic for the heart and liver, an appetizer, promote the elimination of bile and help
reduce congestion of the liver.
3. Antiulcerogenic activity:
The Petroleum ether soluble extract from elettaria cardamomum seeds was screened for aspirin-induced
anti-ulcerogenic activity in rats.
4. Gastroprotective activity:
The oil ether solvent concentrates of cardamomum found to have gastroprotective action. Emission of
gastric juices and acids from the stomach is kept up by this oil. Cardamom has extraordinary stomach
related development in view of major oil presence in it. Entire stomach related framework is animating
via cardamom fundamental oil. Fundamental oil has stomachic in nature, which keeps the stomach solid
what's more, working appropriately. The spice also prevents other gastrointestinal ailments like acid
reflux, heartburn, diarrhea, etc.
5. Anticancer activity:
The fundamental oil of cardamom containers in vitro considers showed anticarcinogenic impacts by
hindering harm to grown-up DNA by aflatoxin b1 in a microsomal compound intermediated response.
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The blends in cardamom may help fight danger cells. This may be because of bioactive segments present
in the fundamental oil that have possible anticancer jobs. Studies have shown that cardamom powder
can assemble the development of explicit mixtures that assistance fight threatening development. The
zest may in like manner improve the limit of basic killer cells to attack tumours. One investigation
showed that a specific compound in the flavour halted oral malignant growth cells in test tubes from
increasing. Despite the fact that the outcomes are promising, these examinations have just been led on
mice or in test tubes. Human exploration is required before more grounded cases can be made.
6. Antioxidant and diuretic activity:
Cardamom may help lower pulse, in all likelihood because of its cancer prevention agent and diuretic
properties. Cell reinforcements are common or manufactured mixtures that can be utilized for
counteraction of free extreme arrangement through rummaging and concealment of ongoing and
degenerative illnesses. Cardamom seeds and capsules are rich wellsprings of cell reinforcement
substances that kill free extremists by forestalling oxidation of different segments (Sanyogita Shahi and
Shirish Kumar Singh, 2022).
4. Conclusion
Fennel has been utilized as food and drug with long history in focal Europe and Mediterranean locale
similarly as in China. It’s likewise a flavour food with wellbeing esteem. Various mixtures including
trans-anethole, estragole, fenchone, sesquiterpenoids, coumarins and polyphenolics were disconnected
from this plant, the bulk of which shown huge bioactivities. The fennel has potential helpful
restorative activities within the administration of bacterial and contagious contaminations and colic
torment. Both the products of the soil plant of this plant could also be the wellspring of substance and
organic materials in future.
Green cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (l.) Maton. (Family: Zingiberaceae)] cases (regular items)
have been used for ordinary medicine applications including for the control of asthma, teeth besides,
gum pollutions, cascades, infection, free entrails, similarly as cardiovascular, stomach related and
kidney issues. The adaptable utilization of cardamom containers has a few other advantageous
wellbeing impacts that are applicable considering customary and present-day drug viewpoints.
cardamom natural products are utilized broadly as a spice and enhancing fixing in food sources, and are
regularly perceived for their valuable wellbeing properties. They are furthermore used in fragrances.
Phytochemical examinations have portrayed critical compound constituents of cardamom including
sugars, proteins, minerals, lipids, essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids and carotenoids. Cardamom has
a couple of characteristic positions including cell support, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anticancer, gastro-
cautious and insecticidal properties.
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Purpose: To evaluate the anti-stress and memory-enhancing properties of F. vulgare extract in experimental rats. Methods: F. vulgare plant extract was obtained using Soxhlet extraction technique. The extract, at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, was administered orally with an orogastric tube. Urinary levels of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) and ascorbic acid in rats were used to evaluate anti-stress activity. Conditioned avoidance response was measured in normal and scopolamine-induced amnesic rats to study the memory-enhancing effects. Lipid peroxidation inhibition assay in liver and brain homogenates of rats was used to evaluate antioxidant activity. Results: Daily administration of F. vulgare extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) 1 h prior to induction of stress significantly (p < 0.05) altered the stress-induced urinary biochemical levels of VMA from 395.79 +/- 11.23 to 347.12 +/- 12.28, 311.21 +/- 12.48 and 258.86 +/- 10.26 mu g/kg, respectively, in 24 h, as well as ascorbic acid excretion levels from 65.74 +/- 9.42 to 78.59 +/- 8.44, 108.41 +/- 15.62 and 125.82 +/- 16.94 mu g/kg also within the same period, respectively. These changes occurred in a dose-dependent fashion, and the levels in the control groups were unchanged within the same period. The memory deficits induced by scopolamine (1mg/kg, i.p.) in rats was reversed by F. vulgare dose-dependently. The extract also exhibited potent antioxidant effect by inhibition of lipid peroxidation in both rat liver and brain homogenates to a greater extent than the standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid. Conclusion: F. vulgare may be useful in the management of stress and stress-related disorders on account of its multiple actions such as anti-stress, memory-enhancing and antioxidant effects.
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The influence of ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) followed by hydrodistillation of Elettaria cardamomum L. seeds was investigated. The yield, volatile components and sensory characteristics of the extracted essential oils (EO) were evaluated. Power of ultrasonic and time of sonication were optimized. The chemical composition of the EO was identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results revealed that the major components of cardamom essential oils varied between 26.59% and 39.34% for 1,8-cineole, and between 22.94% and 40.56% for α-terpinyl acetate, depending on the extraction conditions. The UAE technique facilitated short time extraction, improved extraction efficiency and produced good quality cardamom essential oil.