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Dietary supplement

Organic Fennel Seed Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Banyan Botanicals

Other (e.g. Tea Bag) Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Organic Fennel Seed is a dietary supplement by Banyan Botanicals 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 Organic Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals

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 contains one active ingredient: fennel seed. Fennel is an herb traditionally used in teas and cooking; here it's presented as an organic seed product with no added inactive ingredients listed.

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 is strongest for dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain): fennel is possibly effective for that. For other uses — bronchitis, anxiety, nocturnal bedwetting (enuresis), and cholera — the evidence we hold is insufficient to say whether fennel works.

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 in food amounts. The most common side effects from medicinal doses or supplements are gastrointestinal discomfort, sun sensitivity (photosensitivity), and allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Rarely, seizures have been reported. Some people — particularly those with oral allergies to fennel — can experience wheezing and breathing difficulty; one case report described a child who reacted to fresh fennel root but not ground seed.

During pregnancy, concentrated fennel supplements are rated possibly unsafe because of limited safety data and hormone-like effects; food amounts are likely fine. The same applies to breastfeeding: food amounts are thought to be okay, but medicinal doses and the essential oil haven't been well studied.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether fennel is right for you if you're pregnant or nursing.

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 taking this, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take contraceptive drugs, hormone replacement therapy (estrogens), tamoxifen, blood thinners (anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs), ciprofloxacin or other antibiotics, or any medication processed by your liver. All of these have moderate interactions documented with fennel.

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 menstrual pain. If you take contraceptive drugs, hormone therapy, blood thinners, tamoxifen, ciprofloxacin, or medications processed through your liver's CYP3A4 pathway, you'll want to clear this with your doctor or pharmacist first — the interactions are real.

Pregnant and breastfeeding people should also check before starting. For most other folks without those medications, fennel is generally well tolerated.

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 Apr 25, 2019.

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 Organic Fennel Seed, straight from the product label.

Brand Banyan Botanicals
Net contents 0 Not Present
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 25, 2019
DSLD ID 199538
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Other (e.g. Tea Bag)
Dietary claims / uses No Claim
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic
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 Organic Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals, 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 Teaspoon(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Teaspoon(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
Fennel1 Teaspoon(s)--

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

Ayurvedic herbs

Formula

(Foeniculum vulgare)

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Steep 1 teaspoon per one cup of hot water and strain. Drink tea once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

2011 Banyan Botanicals

Formulation

Certified Organic by New Mexico Department of Agriculture

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

See for yourself

Organic Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Organic Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals

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

Serving size1 Teaspoon(s) Dosage formOther (e.g. Tea Bag) Amounts shown are per serving.

Fennel

Interacts with
740 drugs
1 Teaspoon(s) 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
Interaction report

Organic Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Organic Fennel Seed?

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 Organic Fennel Seed 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 Organic Fennel Seed, from the product label.

Banyan Botanicals

See all Banyan Botanicals products
Name
Banyan Botanicals
City
Albuquerque
State
NM
ZipCode
87113
Phone Number
1-800-953-6424
Web Address
www.banyanbotanicals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Organic Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals: Common Questions

Does Organic Fennel Seed by Banyan Botanicals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Organic Fennel Seed 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?
Organic Fennel Seed 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 actually work for period cramps?
Fennel is possibly effective for dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain). That's the clearest evidence we have for any use of fennel in our data.
Can I use this if I'm on birth control?
Not without checking first. Fennel's hormone-like compounds might theoretically reduce how well contraceptive drugs work, so talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
What are the side effects?
Most often, people experience gastrointestinal discomfort, sun sensitivity, or allergic reactions. Seizures are very rare. Some people with oral allergies to fennel may have wheezing or breathing trouble.
Is it safe if I'm pregnant?
Medicinal doses and concentrated supplements are rated possibly unsafe because there isn't enough safety data and fennel has hormone-like effects. Food amounts are thought to be fine, but talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
Can I take this if I'm breastfeeding?
Food amounts of fennel are likely okay while breastfeeding, but medicinal doses and the essential oil haven't been well studied. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're planning to use a supplement.
Why does it interact with so many drugs?
Fennel interacts with 741 individual medications across several categories — some because its hormone-like compounds interfere with birth control and cancer drugs, some because it may affect how your liver breaks down certain medications, and some because it might increase bleeding risk with blood thinners.

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

Not sure if Organic Fennel Seed 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.

Organic Fennel Seed label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Organic Fennel Seed’s Ingredients

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

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Organic Fennel Seed'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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