Giant Fennel (Fenula)

Giant Fennel (Ferula species) is a plant that spreads from the Eastern Mediterranean to Central Asia, including our nation. It is prevalent in almost all regions with almost 20 species found within our borders.

The plant has a traditional usage in China and India. In China, it is used to prepare tea from the above-ground parts of the plant as a remedy for internal parasites. In India, gum-resin from the plant is used as a muscle relaxant, constipation, and carminative. Preparations derived from gum-resin are known to be used for contraception in Central Asia and some African countries.

In our country, preparations made from above-ground parts of giant fennel are commonly used to treat stomach, gynaecological diseases, and diabetes. Moreover, the roots of giant fennel are used as a sexual enhancer.

Ferula comprises of chemical components including glucuronic acid, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, sulphur-containing derivatives, coumarins, sequiterpenes, and sesquiterpene coumarins.

Gum comprises 25% glucose, galactose, L-arabinose, rhamnose and glucuronic acid.

The resin content ranges from 40-64% and contains ferulic acid esters (60%), free ferulic acid (1.3%), acarenotannols, farnesiferols A, B and C, coumarin derivatives like umbelliferone and coumarin-seskiterpene complexes such as acacumarin A and acacumarin B. The free ferulic acid transforms into coumarin through dry distillation.

A protective effect of Ferula against fat-induced hyperlipidaemia has been documented. Studies also report significant effects in treating irritable bowel syndrome. In vitro research shows the sesquiterpenic structures in Ferula have antimicrobial and antiviral effects.

Clinical studies on extracts from the seeds and roots of Ferula assa-foetida species demonstrate that the preparation has significant effects on male fertility, libido, and other functions.