Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a pleasant-smelling herb and medicinal plant that bears yellow flowers. This perennial plant is native to the Mediterranian region but has become widely available around the world.
Fennel seeds consumption is possibly safe when it is used in appropriate doses. Excess intake of fennel seeds may cause some serious side effects, such as phytophotodermatitis, premature thelarche, contact dermatitis, and allergies.
Check out some of the serious side effects of fennel seeds.
Fennel Seeds Side Effects
1. May Cause Phytophotodermatitis
Fennel seeds contain phototoxic compounds called psoralens. When the skin comes in contact with these compounds, and this is followed by exposure to sunlight, it results in the formation of blister-like patches and inflammation on your skin. This condition is called phytophotodermatitis (1). Other symptoms of phytophotodermatitis include pain and redness, and, in some extreme cases, chills, fever, and headache.
2. May Interact With Drugs
If you are under medication for seizure disorders or epilepsy, fennel seeds are a big no. The seeds interact with the functioning of the drug and may aggravate the situation (2).
3. May Cause Premature Thelarche
Thelarche is a condition that marks the start of breast development in women at the beginning of puberty. Fennel can cause premature thelarche.
In a study, consumption of two to three teaspoons of fennel tea every day had lead to breast development in a 12-month-old girl (3). The breast development regressed and became normal by the end of one year after stopping fennel consumption.
4. May Cause Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a skin condition, the symptoms of which include skin inflammation and an outburst of blisters. Fennel seed oil is known to cause contact dermatitis and other cross-reactions (4).
5. May Cause Allergy
Fennel seeds can cause allergies. Mostly, people with pre-existing allergies are vulnerable to allergies caused by fennel (5). Abdominal cramps and wheezing are the other symptoms of allergic reactions.
6. May Stimulate The Uterus
One of the most talked-about fennel seeds side effects is that they stimulate the uterus (6). Fennel seeds should not be consumed by pregnant women as the seeds can stimulate uterine contractions and cause premature delivery.
7. May Inhibit Drug-Metabolizing Enzymes
A constituent of fennel seeds is known to inhibit a drug-metabolizing enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A4 (7). This reduces the effectiveness of medications that are metabolized by these enzymes. Hence, not consuming fennel seeds while under such medication is the best option.
8. Other Toxicities
Fennel seed oil was found to be detrimental to DNA. Also, a constituent of fennel called estragole was found to cause tumors in animals (8). If you have any kind of hormone-sensitive disease like cancer, strict medical advice is mandatory before consuming fennel.
Conclusion
Fennel is an herb with high medicinal value. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties and has been used for centuries to treat many health ailments.
The intake of higher doses of fennel in the supplement form may cause reactions with certain drugs. The seeds are also unsafe for pregnant women. Excess consumption of fennel seeds may also lead to phytophotodermatitis, contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions. Hence, consult a doctor before you include these seeds in your daily diet.
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