The document outlines the morphology, microscopy, and chemical constituents of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), including its biological sources and geographical origins. It details the physical characteristics of fennel's fruits, such as shape, color, and aromatic properties, along with microscopic structures like the pericarp and vascular bundles. Additionally, the presentation discusses the uses of fennel, describing it as a carminative, appetizer, and galactagogue.

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Morphology & Microscopy of Fennel
ashokababu.pc.ph@msruas.ac.in

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Content
Fennel

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Objectives
At the end of this lecture, student will be able to
• Discuss source, family, chemical constituents and uses
• Discuss the macroscopical and microscopical characters of fennel

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Fennel
Synonym: Sompu
Biological Source: Dried ripe fruits of
Foeniculum vulgare contains not less
than 0.6 % of anethole
Family : Umbelliferae
Geographical Source: Romania, Russia,
Germany, France, India

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Type: Cremocarp
 Shape: Straight or slightly curved, oblong, laterally compressed,
tapering towards the base and apex. A short bifid stylopod and a thin
pedicel is present at the base.
 Size: 5-10 mm (l), 2-4 mm (b)
 Surface: Each mericarp has two surfaces- the dorsal and the
commissural surface. Dorsal surface is glabrous with 5 straight
prominent primary ridges. Commisural surface is flat and shows the
carpophore which holds the mericarps together.
 Colour: Greenish or yellowish brown
 Odour: Strongly aromatic
Morphology of Fennel

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Microscopy of Fennel
 Pericarp
Epicarp
Mesocarp
• Vascular bundle
• Reticulate parenchyma
• Vittae
Endocarp
 Testa
 Endosperm

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Microscopy of Fennel

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Microscopy of Fennel
Vascular bundle
Reticulate
parenchyma
Carpophore

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Pericarp
o Epicarp: It consists of layer of polygonal, tangentially elongated cells with smooth cuticle
o Mesocarp: The bulk of mesocarp is made up of parenchyma. Bicollateral vascular bundles
appear in the mesocarp below the primary ridges. Reticulate and lignified parenchyma, a
characteristric feature of fennel appears in the mesocarp surrounding the vascular bundles.
Besides, yellowish brown and elliptical vittae (schizogenous oil ducts), 4 on the dorsal
surface between the ridges and two on the commissural surface are seen
o Endocarp: It is seen as a single layer between testa and mesocarp in the form of parquetry
layer
Microscopy of Fennel

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 Testa: It is single layered and yellowish in colour
 Endosperm: It is thick walled, polygonal colourless parenchyma containing oil
globules and aleurone grains. Raphae, a ridge of vascular strand appears in the
middle of commissural surface just in front of the carpophore
Microscopy of Fennel

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Powder characters- Fennel
1. Mesocarp: Lignified and reticulate nature of parenchyma
2. Endocarp: Cells showing parquetry arrangement.
3. Endosperm: Polyhedral, thick walled cells containing aleurone grains,
minute calcium oxalate crystals and oil globules.
4. Vittae: Many in the form of yellowish brown fragments.

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Chemical constituents:
 Volatile oil (4-6%)- anethole (50-60%), a phenolic ether- d fenchone (20%),
 Ketone – methyl chavicol, terpineol etc
 Fixed oil (12-18 %), Proteins (14-22%)
Anethole
Fennel

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Uses:
 Carminative
 Stomachic
 Appetizer
 Galactagogue
 Comforts belly ache in infants
Fennel

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Fennel:
Summary
 Dried ripe fruits of Foeniculum vulgare, Umbelliferae
 Straight or curved, commissural surface, dorsal surface, Primary
ridges, carpophore
 Pericarp, epicarp, mesocarp, endocarp, testa and endosperm
 Fenchone and anethole
 Carminative, appetizer, galactagogue, eye wash and stomachic

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Disclaimer
All data and content provided in the presentation are taken from the reference books,
internet-websites and links for informational purpose only