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Dietary supplement

Fennel Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by BulkSupplements.com

Powder Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Fennel is a dietary supplement by BulkSupplements.com with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and bloating, infant colic, menstrual cramps.Based on those ingredients, 740 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Fennel. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Fennel by BulkSupplements.com

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product is 100% fennel powder — a single active ingredient. Fennel is the seed of an herb in the carrot family, traditionally used for digestive support and other purposes.

There are no other active ingredients; the product contains fennel powder as its only component.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded Fennel's overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports Fennel for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredient's overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Dysmenorrhea — rated "Possibly Effective" (Natural Medicines).

The clearest evidence we hold is for fennel and dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), where it's rated possibly effective — meaning there's some credible research but not yet enough for a full recommendation. For other uses — bronchitis, anxiety, bedwetting, and cholera — the evidence in our data is insufficient to rate, so we can't say whether it works for those purposes based on what we have on file.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Fennel

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Fennel powder is generally well tolerated when used in food amounts, but this concentrated supplement warrants more caution than culinary doses. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal discomfort, photosensitivity (sun sensitivity), and allergic reactions in sensitive people.

A rare serious effect is seizures. Some individuals have reported bronchial asthma or allergic reactions (sneezing, wheezing, breathing trouble, and swelling) even to fennel products like toothpaste.

During pregnancy, avoid medicinal or concentrated amounts — the safety data is limited and fennel's hormone-like effects raise concerns. While breastfeeding, food amounts are probably okay, but medicinal doses and fennel essential oil are not well studied, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Fennel

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Fennel.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs.
  • For scale: 741 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you start fennel, double-check it against any blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs you take (Moderate risk of increased bleeding). Also check birth control, hormone replacement therapy, tamoxifen, drugs processed through your liver's CYP3A4 pathway, and ciprofloxacin — all Moderate interactions.

If none of that applies, use the medication checker on this page with your full medication list to be sure.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Fennel powder may be worth considering if you're looking at possibly effective options for menstrual cramps, but it's not established for other common uses. If you take any blood thinners, birth control, hormone therapy, tamoxifen, or certain antibiotics or other medications, check your exact drugs with the tool below before adding this.

Talk to your pharmacist if you're pregnant, nursing, or have a history of allergies or asthma.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Aug 23, 2021.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Fennel, straight from the product label.

Brand BulkSupplements.com
Net contents 100 Gram(s); 3.53 Ounce(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2021
DSLD ID 253549
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Fennel by BulkSupplements.com, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1000 mg
Maximum serving Sizes:
1000 mg
Servings per container
100
IngredientAmount% DV
Fennel1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Pure Fennel powder

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Clean & Pure Bulk Supplements

US Standard measuring spoons Spoon size (Level) milligrams 1/4 teaspoon 500 1/2 teaspoon 1000 1 teaspoon 2000 Powder density may vary. For accurate measurement, a milligram scale is necessary.

Precautions

Warning: This product is not intended for use by those with a serious medical condition or pregnant or lactating women.

Consult your physician before use.

Keep out of reach of children!

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Formulation

Free of: sugar, soy, dairy, yeast, gluten or additives.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: As a dietary supplement, take 1000 mg (about 1/2 tsp) once or twice daily, or as directed by a physician. Individual needs may vary.

Storage

Storage: keep dry, cool & dark.

See for yourself

Fennel by BulkSupplements.com label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Fennel by BulkSupplements.com

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1000 mg Dosage formPowder Servings per container100 Amounts shown are per serving.

Fennel

Interacts with
740 drugs
1000 mg per serving

Fennel is a Mediterranean herb widely used as a food and spice, and traditionally taken for digestive complaints, colic, and menstrual cramps. Some sm...

Fennel monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Pure Fennel powder. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Fennel by BulkSupplements.com Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Fennel?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
740Drugs
740 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Fennel 740

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Fennel with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Fennel6 drug types · 740 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fennel might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Animal research suggests that fennel oil has antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Theoretically, fennel might decrease the levels and clinical effects of ciprofloxacin.

Animal research shows that fennel reduces ciprofloxacin bioavailability by nearly 50%, possibly due to the metal cations such as calcium, iron, and magnesium contained in fennel. This study also found that fennel increased tissue distribution and slowed elimination of ciprofloxacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the effects of contraceptive drugs due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, fennel might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.

In vitro research suggests that fennel inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the antiestrogenic effect of tamoxifen.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity, which may interfere with the antiestrogenic activity of tamoxifen.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Fennel, from the product label.

BulkSupplements.com

See all BulkSupplements.com products
Name
BulkSupplements.com
Street Address
7511 Eastgate Road
City
Henderson
State
NV
ZipCode
89011
Web Address
BulkSupplements.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Fennel by BulkSupplements.com: Common Questions

Does Fennel by BulkSupplements.com interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Fennel has a known interaction with 740 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Fennel contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does fennel really help with menstrual cramps?
Fennel is rated possibly effective for dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), which means there's some credible research behind it, but the evidence isn't yet strong enough for us to call it proven. Whether it works for you is an individual question — your pharmacist or doctor can help you decide if it's worth trying.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or nursing?
The data advises against medicinal or concentrated amounts during pregnancy because safety information is limited and fennel has hormone-like effects. While breastfeeding, food amounts are probably fine, but medicinal doses and fennel essential oil aren't well studied. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice.
What are the side effects I should watch for?
Most people tolerate fennel well, but side effects can include stomach discomfort, sun sensitivity, and allergic reactions. Rarely, seizures have been reported. If you have asthma or a history of allergies, fennel may trigger bronchial asthma or breathing problems — mention that to your pharmacist before you start.
Can fennel interfere with my birth control?
Theoretically, yes. Fennel contains compounds that act like estrogen and might reduce how well contraceptive drugs work by competing for estrogen receptors. That's a Moderate-level concern, so check your specific birth control with your pharmacist or doctor before adding fennel.
Will this interact with my blood thinner?
Fennel may increase bleeding risk if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), since animal research shows fennel has blood-thinning properties. This is a Moderate interaction — do not start fennel without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.
What exactly is fennel powder?
Fennel is the seed of an herb in the carrot family. This product is 100% fennel powder with no other active ingredients — it's a concentrated form of the seed used in cooking and traditional herbal practice.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Fennel is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Fennel label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Fennel's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 17 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Fennel 17 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Zhu M, Wong PY, Li RC. Effect of oral administration of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on ciprofloxacin absorption and disposition in the rat. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:1391-6.
  4. Gral N, Beani JC, Bonnot D, et al. [Plasma levels of psoralens after celery ingestion]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 1993;120:599-603.
  5. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70. PubMed
  6. Rosti L, Nardini A, Bettinelli ME, Rosti D. Toxic effects of a herbal tea mixture in two newborns. Acta Paediatrica 1994;83:683. PubMed
  7. Cuzzolin L, Zaffani S, and Benoni G. Safety implications regarding use of phytomedicines. Eur.J Clin Pharmacol. 2006;62:37-42. PubMed
  8. Tognolini, M., Ballabeni, V., Bertoni, S., Bruni, R., Impicciatore, M., and Barocelli, E. Protective effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil and anethole in an experimental model of thrombosis. Pharmacol.Res 2007;56(3):254-260. PubMed
  9. Subehan, Usia, T., Iwata, H., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 by Indonesian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 5-24-2006;105(3):449-455. PubMed
  10. Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., and Impicciatore, M. Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life Sci. 2-23-2006;78(13):1419-1432. PubMed
  11. Subehan, Zaidi, S. F., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Inhibition on human liver cytochrome P450 3A4 by constituents of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): identification and characterization of a mechanism-based inactivator. J Agric.Food Chem. 12-12-2007;55(25):101 PubMed
  12. LEVY, S. B. Bronchial asthma due to ingestion of fennel and fennel seed. Ann.Allergy 1948;6(4):415.
  13. Ottolenghi, A., De Chiara, A., Arrigoni, S., Terracciano, L., and De Amici, M. [Diagnosis of food allergy caused by fruit and vegetables in children with atopic dermatitis]. Pediatr Med Chir 1995;17(6):525-530.
  14. Trabace L, Tucci P, Ciuffreda L, et al. "Natural" relief of pregnancy-related symptoms and neonatal outcomes: above all do no harm. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;174:396-402. PubMed
  15. Denaxa D, Arkwright PD. Fennel as a cause of immediate hypersensitivity to toothpaste. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2020;125(1):99-100. PubMed
  16. Lee HW, Ang L, Lee MS, Alimoradi Z, Kim E. Fennel for reducing pain in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients 2020;12(11):3438. PubMed
  17. Mathew T, John SK, Javali M, Vasireddy M, Nadig R, Sarma GRK. Substance use related cluster headache: A case series. Headache 2022;62(7):908-910. PubMed

See these in context on the Fennel monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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