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Dietary supplement

Fennel Seed 480 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Vitamin World

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

Fennel Seed 480 mg is a dietary supplement by Vitamin World 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 Seed 480 mg by Vitamin World

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 supplement contains one active ingredient: fennel seed at 480 mg per capsule. The capsule itself is made from gelatin as an inactive ingredient.

Fennel is a plant seed used traditionally for digestive and respiratory support.

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 evidence we hold shows fennel is possibly effective for period pain (dysmenorrhea). For other uses listed—including bronchitis, anxiety, bedwetting, and cholera—the evidence isn't established well enough to rate.

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 is generally well tolerated when used as food, but concentrated supplements like this one warrant more caution. The most common side effects are stomach discomfort, sun sensitivity, and allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Rarely, seizures have been reported. One case describes an allergic reaction to fennel in toothpaste, and fennel has been linked to asthma-like symptoms in some individuals.

The safety data advises against medicinal or concentrated amounts during pregnancy due to limited data and fennel's hormone-like effects. While food amounts are likely fine while breastfeeding, medicinal doses and fennel essential oil haven't been well studied in nursing—talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's 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 starting fennel seed, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), contraceptive drugs, hormone replacement therapy, ciprofloxacin, tamoxifen, or any medications broken down by your liver's CYP3A4 enzyme. Fennel may reduce how well these work or increase their levels in your body.

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 seed might help with period pain, but because of its interactions with blood thinners, hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy, and several other medication types, you'll want to check your exact medications before taking it. If you're pregnant, nursing, or taking any prescription drugs, run it past your doctor or pharmacist first.

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 May 24, 2013.

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 Seed 480 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Vitamin World
Barcode (UPC) 074312751912
Net contents 100 Rapid Release Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2013
DSLD ID 21174
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 Seed 480 mg by Vitamin World, 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:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
UPC/BARCODE
074312751912
IngredientAmount% DV
Fennel480 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin

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.
Formulation

No Artificial Color, Flavor or Sweetener, No Preservatives, No Sugar, No Starch, No Milk, No Lactose, No Soy, No Gluten, No Wheat, No Yeast, No Fish. Sodium Free.

Vitamin World’s preservative-free gelatin capsules contain pure milled herb powder.

Precautions

WARNING: Not intended for use by pregnant or nursing women. If you are taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Vitamin World’s Guarantee: We use only the finest quality herbs and spices. Each is screened and finely milled for quick release.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

Brand IP Statement(s)

(C)2013 Vitamin World, Inc.

Get healthy.

General Statements

Traditionally Used After a Meal NATURAL WHOLE HERB

Vitamin World’s Natural Whole Herb products utilize ground plant parts to provide the natural components found in nature. Fennel is known as a spice, but is also becoming a favorite supplement known for its goodness.

Vitamin World products are subject to critically stringent quality assurance analysis. Our state-of-the-art laboratory, manufacturing and packaging facilities insure the highest quality nutritional supplements money can buy. Your health & safety are our first priority!

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: For adults, take one (1) capsule three times daily, preferably with meals. Capsules may be opened and prepared as a tea.

General

PROD. #5191 B5191 09C

Seals/Symbols

QA QUALITY ASSURED

See for yourself

Fennel Seed 480 mg by Vitamin World label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Fennel Seed 480 mg by Vitamin World

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Amounts shown are per serving.

Fennel

Interacts with
740 drugs
480 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: Gelatin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Fennel Seed 480 mg by Vitamin World Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Fennel Seed 480 mg?

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 Seed 480 mg 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 Seed 480 mg, from the product label.

Vitamin World

See all Vitamin World products
Name
Vitamin World, Inc.
City
Ronkonkoma
State
NY
ZipCode
11779
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Fennel Seed 480 mg by Vitamin World: Common Questions

Does Fennel Seed 480 mg by Vitamin World interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Fennel Seed 480 mg 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 Seed 480 mg 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.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control?
Fennel may interfere with contraceptive effectiveness due to its estrogen-like compounds. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this supplement with any hormonal contraceptive.
Is fennel safe during pregnancy?
The safety data advises against medicinal or concentrated amounts during pregnancy due to limited data and fennel's possible hormone-like effects. Speak with your doctor before taking this.
What does fennel actually do?
Fennel is possibly effective for period pain. For other uses like bronchitis or anxiety, the evidence isn't strong enough for us to rate it one way or the other.
What are the side effects?
Most people tolerate fennel well orally. Common side effects include stomach discomfort, sun sensitivity, and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Seizures are rare but have been reported.
Can I use this with blood thinners like warfarin?
Fennel may increase bleeding risk when combined with blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it alongside these medications.

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

Not sure if Fennel Seed 480 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 Seed 480 mg label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Fennel Seed 480 mg’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Fennel Seed 480 mg'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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