Foeniculum vulgare Miller for the treatment of symptoms associated with the menopause
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30827/ars.v66i2.31647Keywords:
Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare, menopause, menopausal symptoms, reviewAbstract
Introduction: Several studies have shown that preparations of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) may be useful in relieving symptoms associated with the menopause. The aim of this paper is to review published articles on the efficacy and safety of fennel in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Method: Articles published from January 2011 to July 2024 were searched in the University of La Laguna (ULL) search engine, “PuntoQ”. Randomised and controlled clinical trials (with placebo or other drugs) with the keywords in the abstract, text or title, both in English and Spanish, were selected.
Results: Eleven articles that met the inclusion criteria were identified. We found that fennel preparations, especially its essential oil, may be useful in reducing the frequency and intensity of menopausal symptoms, mainly vegetative symptoms (hot flushes and night sweats) and psychological symptoms. In addition, improvements in hormone levels (increased levels of estradiol), quality of life, sexual function and symptoms of vaginal atrophy have been observed. No significant adverse effects were observed at the doses administered.
Conclusions: Fennel preparations (especially its essential oil) have been shown to be effective and well tolerated in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. However, due to the limitations of the trials reviewed, more high-quality clinical research is needed to confirm these findings.
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