Evidence supporting the use of: Fennel
For the health condition: Amenorrhea

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly within various systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and traditional Persian medicine, for the management of menstrual disorders including amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation). In these traditions, fennel seeds and extracts have been used as emmenagogues—substances believed to stimulate menstrual flow. The rationale behind its use is based on the presence of phytoestrogens (plant-derived compounds with estrogen-like activity) such as anethole, which is thought to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and potentially help regulate the menstrual cycle.

Scientific data supporting fennel’s effectiveness for amenorrhea are limited and mainly preliminary. A few small clinical trials and animal studies suggest fennel may help with dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and potentially influence hormonal balance, but robust evidence specifically for amenorrhea is lacking. Most published clinical trials focus on fennel's effects on menstrual pain, menopausal symptoms, or lactation, rather than its ability to restore absent menstrual cycles. Therefore, while fennel’s use for amenorrhea is well-rooted in traditional medicine, there is insufficient scientific validation to strongly support its efficacy for this specific condition.

In summary, fennel is traditionally used for amenorrhea, likely due to its phytoestrogen content and perceived hormonal effects, but scientific evidence remains limited, meriting a low but not negligible evidence rating.

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