Foeniculum vulgare Mill. · Family: Apiaceae · Seed Extract
A sweet, anise-scented fennel seed extract carrying a defined volatile-oil fraction of 2–6% with trans-anethole 60–80% by GC. Prepared from the seed of Foeniculum vulgare for digestive-comfort, gut-motility, women's-wellness and oral-care formulators. CoA-backed, GC-authenticated supply from India.
Standardised Grade
Foeniculum vulgare · Anethole by GCA sweet-volatile carminative from one of the oldest digestive seeds in continuous use
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) has been chewed after meals, brewed into gripe waters and written into pharmacopoeias for as long as digestive comfort has been a category — from Ayurvedic saunf tradition to European herbal medicine, where sweet and bitter fennel each carry their own monograph. The "seed" — botanically the plant's dried fruit, a two-part schizocarp — carries a sweet, anise-scented volatile oil dominated by trans-anethole, and it is that volatile fraction that gives fennel both its flavour identity and its functional positioning. A concentrated extract lets a formulator deliver that profile at a controlled, assayed level instead of relying on variable milled seed.
SV Botanica's Fennel Seed Extract carries a volatile-oil fraction of 2–6% v/w, within which trans-anethole runs 60–80% by GC. Two numbers define the material: the volatile-oil content tells you how much aromatic fraction the extract carries, and the anethole percentage tells you what that fraction is made of. Alongside anethole sit fenchone — the camphoraceous ketone that separates bitter from sweet fennel — and estragole, a minor constituent that EU-facing buyers increasingly ask to see reported per batch. We report all three by GC.
The extract is finished as a free-flowing powder, light tan to yellow, 40–80 mesh, with a characteristic sweet anise aroma. Because anethole exists as two geometric isomers — trans, the sweet natural form, and cis, a harsher off-note that genuine fennel contains only in traces — the trans:cis ratio is a genuine authenticity marker, and buyers who care about profile rather than just totals should specify it. Native-ratio full-spectrum grades, a certified-organic grade and a cold-water-soluble spray-dried grade are also available.
We supply supplement brands, functional-food and tea manufacturers, oral-care formulators, women's-wellness brands and Ayurvedic houses, with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis on every shipment.
The volatile and phenolic constituents that define the fennel seed
The defining sweet volatile of fennel — a phenylpropanoid ether that typically makes up 60–80% of the volatile fraction. Standardised here by GC; the trans isomer is the natural, sweet form.
A bicyclic monoterpene ketone with a camphoraceous, bitter note. Its level is the chemical signature separating bitter fennel from sweet — and its presence distinguishes genuine fennel volatile oil from anethole of other origins.
A minor phenylpropanoid constituent of natural fennel. An EU regulatory watch-item for fennel-derived materials, which is why we report it per batch by GC for buyers who need the figure in their dossier.
Monoterpene hydrocarbons that round out the top note of the volatile fraction and appear as characteristic early peaks on the GC trace.
Rutin, quercetin and kaempferol glycosides in the non-volatile fraction — the antioxidant phenolics that full-spectrum ratio grades preserve.
The seed's fatty fraction is dominated by petroselinic acid, a positional isomer of oleic acid characteristic of Apiaceae seeds — a useful compositional fingerprint of genuine seed material.
Why formulators specify an anethole-defined fennel extract — the functional role of the markers
Fennel is one of the most universally recognised botanicals in the digestive-comfort and bloating category, with after-meal use embedded in food culture from India to the Mediterranean. That recognition gives brands a label-friendly carminative hero that needs no consumer education.
A declared volatile-oil content with trans-anethole assayed by GC lets formulators build on a consistent, verifiable aromatic-active load rather than a vague extract ratio — and hold a stable sensory profile batch to batch.
Genuine fennel volatile oil is overwhelmingly trans-anethole with fenchone alongside; elevated cis-anethole or a fenchone-free profile points to non-fennel or synthetic anethole. GC profiling makes the difference visible, and we state the profile on the CoA.
Fennel carries centuries of traditional use in the lactation-support and women's-wellness categories, giving formulators a heritage-backed positioning ingredient for these growing formats. Positioning rests on tradition and market recognition, not efficacy claims.
Estragole content in fennel-derived materials is a live documentation topic for EU-facing products. We report estragole per batch by GC, so buyers formulating for the EU hold the figure their safety assessment and flavouring-regulation review need.
A cold-water-soluble spray-dried grade suits digestive teas, RTD beverages and drink mixes, while the standard grade and full-spectrum ratio grades suit capsules, tablets, gummies and oral-care formats. Milled to 40–80 mesh for predictable blending.
These are functional and physico-chemical properties of the actives; SV Botanica does not make medical or therapeutic claims for this ingredient.
The core specification for the anethole-defined standard grade, plus ratio, organic, water-soluble and oleoresin options
| Grade | Standardisation | Form | Best For | Solubility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fennel Seed Extract Standard | Volatile oil 2–6% v/w; trans-anethole 60–80% of volatile fraction (GC) | Light tan to yellow fine powder, 40–80 mesh | Digestive-comfort supplements, carminative blends, capsules & tablets | Partially water-soluble |
| Fennel Seed Extract Ratio Full-spectrum | Native 4:1 / 10:1 ratio (full-spectrum) | Light tan to yellow fine powder | Traditional & Ayurvedic formats, herbal blends, teas | Grade-dependent |
| Fennel Seed Extract Organic Certified organic | Volatile fraction and anethole declared per batch; certified organic chain | Light tan to yellow fine powder | Organic-certified supplement & functional-food lines | Partially water-soluble |
| Fennel Seed Extract WS Water-soluble | Cold-water-soluble spray-dried grade | Light tan free-flowing powder | Digestive teas, RTD beverages, drink mixes & sachets | Cold-water-soluble |
| Fennel Oleoresin Oleoresin | Volatile-oil and anethole content declared per batch | Viscous yellow-brown liquid | Seasoning systems, flavour & beverage applications | Oil-dispersible |
The anethole-defined standard grade is our CoA-backed flagship, assayed by GC with identity confirmed by TLC. Native-ratio (full-spectrum) extracts, certified-organic and cold-water-soluble grades, the oleoresin, custom mesh and packaging can be quoted against buyer specification and order volume; shelf life runs 24–36 months depending on grade. Every batch is released against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis.
Fennel Seed Extract is bought in five forms. The standardised extract is the stocked item; granulated and dispersible grades are produced on request and raw botanical forms are sourced against a confirmed order.
| Form | What it is | Specification basis | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standardised extract powder | Foeniculum vulgare seed extract, dried and milled | Volatile oil 2–6% with trans-anethole 60–80% (GC) | Stocked |
| Granulated (direct-compression) | Extract granulated for tablet lines | Same marker, declared on the granule | On request |
| Water-dispersible / soluble | Extract in a dispersible matrix for beverages, gummies and sachets | Marker declared on the matrix basis; carrier named | On request |
| Seed powder (non-extracted) | Cleaned Foeniculum vulgare seed, milled to mesh | Botanical identity by TLC; heavy metals and microbial panel | On enquiry, subject to lot; phytosanitary certificate usually required |
| Whole seed | Cleaned, graded whole seed | Purity, moisture, foreign matter; pesticide screen | On enquiry, subject to lot; spice-trade item |
A marker percentage without its assay method is not a specification; ask for the method and the plant part on every quotation. Read Fennel Seed Extract: A Complete Buyer's Guide, Anethole and How Fennel Seed Extract Is Standardised and Fennel Seed Extract Adulteration and How Authenticity Is Proven before comparing offers.
Full product specification for Fennel Seed Extract (standard grade). Values are specification limits, not batch results; a batch-specific CoA is issued per shipment.
| Parameter | Specification / Limit | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Source | Foeniculum vulgare Mill. | — |
| Plant Family | Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) | — |
| Part Used | Seed (botanically the dried fruit) | — |
| Country of Origin | India | — |
| Appearance | Fine powder | Organoleptic |
| Colour | Light tan to yellow* | Organoleptic |
| Odour | Characteristic, sweet anise-like | Organoleptic |
| Taste | Characteristic, sweet aromatic | Organoleptic |
| Identification | Corresponds to trans-anethole — positive | By TLC |
| Loss on Drying (at 105°C, % w/w) | NMT 5.0 | IP-2014 |
| pH (1% w/v solution) | 4 – 7 | IP-2014 |
| Bulk Density (g/ml) | NLT 0.35 | IP-2014 |
| Particle Size (mesh) | 40 – 80 (NLT 95% through #40) | Sieve |
| Total Ash (% w/w) | NMT 8 | IP-2014 |
| Acid Insoluble Ash (% w/w) | NMT 2 | IP-2014 |
| Volatile Oil (% v/w) | 2 – 6 | Distillation |
| trans-Anethole (% of volatile fraction) | 60 – 80 | By GC |
| cis-Anethole | Reported per batch (trace in genuine fennel) | By GC |
| Fenchone | Reported per batch | By GC |
| Estragole | Reported per batch | By GC |
| Residual Solvent (Ethanol, ppm) | NMT 5,000 | By GC |
| Lead (ppm) | NMT 1.0 | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (ppm) | NMT 1.0 | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (ppm) | NMT 0.3 | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (ppm) | NMT 0.1 | ICP-MS |
| Total Heavy Metals (ppm) | NMT 10 | ICP-MS |
| Pesticide Residues | Complies (EU MRL, on request) | GC-MS / LC-MS/MS |
| Ethylene Oxide (ETO) | Not treated — declaration provided | LC-MS/MS (on request) |
| Aflatoxins B1 / Total (ppb) | NMT 2 / NMT 4 | HPLC-FLD |
| Total Plate Count (cfu/g) | NMT 1,000 | USP <2021> |
| Yeast & Moulds / Fungi (cfu/g) | NMT 100 | USP <2021> |
| Escherichia coli | Absent | USP <2022> |
| Salmonella sp. | Absent | USP <2022> |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Absent | USP <2022> |
| Cultivation | Cultivated | Declaration |
| Kosher / Halal | Certified (on request) | Certification |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from date of manufacture, in original packed condition (up to 36 months for ratio grades) | — |
| Storage | Cool, dry place away from light and moisture, in tightly sealed containers | — |
*The product is of herbal origin; slight colour variation may occur due to geographical and seasonal variation in the raw material. The volatile fraction is assayed by GC and identity is confirmed by TLC; the trans/cis-anethole, fenchone and estragole figures are reported per batch on request. A current Certificate of Analysis and MSDS are issued with every batch. EU pesticide MRL and ethylene oxide reports are available on request.
From seed to defined-volatile extract — authenticated, tested, documented
Raw Material & Authentication: The extract is prepared from cultivated Foeniculum vulgare seed of sweet, anethole-rich profile. Because anethole is cheaply available from star anise and from synthesis — and spent seed from oil distillation looks identical to good material once milled — anethole identity is confirmed by TLC and the full volatile profile, including the trans:cis ratio and fenchone, is checked by GC on every batch before it is accepted.
Manufacturing & Testing: Fennel Seed Extract is manufactured at certified facilities in India. Each batch runs through a full QC battery — volatile-oil content by distillation, trans-anethole, fenchone and estragole by GC, loss on drying, pH, bulk density, ash and acid-insoluble ash, mesh, residual solvent by GC, heavy metals by ICP-MS, aflatoxins, pesticide residue screening, and a complete USP microbiological panel — before release.
Documentation: Every shipment is supplied against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis with an MSDS. Halal, Kosher and Organic certification are available. Country of Origin and export documentation are provided on request. Because dried seed-spice materials are a recognised ethylene-oxide risk category, we supply a non-ETO declaration and can add LC-MS/MS testing — see our guides on EU pesticide MRL compliance and EU import requirements for botanical extracts.
What backs every batch of Fennel extract
Key information for global product registration and labelling
Used as a botanical active in supplement, functional-food, tea and beverage formats, the extract is supplied to a defined volatile-oil and anethole specification with full analytical documentation. Fennel has long-standing food use in essentially every market, which simplifies its regulatory position relative to novel botanicals; estragole content — a documentation topic for fennel-derived materials in the EU — is reported per batch by GC. Buyers remain responsible for determining suitability and for compliance with the relevant food-supplement and flavouring regulations in their market. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed extract is an established cosmetic and oral-care ingredient with a recognised INCI listing, used in breath-freshening, soothing and toning formats. As an active input it should be used within the buyer's finished-product safety assessment; SV Botanica supplies the material specification, per-batch volatile profile and CoA to support that dossier.
Supplied from India by SV Botanica — FSSAI Central Licence holder and an APEDA-registered exporter. India is the world's largest producer and exporter of fennel seed, centred on Gujarat and Rajasthan, giving direct access to the raw material base. The material is Kosher certified and shipped against a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis with export documentation available on request.
Deep-dive articles on fennel seed extract for formulators, buyers, and brand owners
How to specify fennel extract by volatile fraction and anethole content, what a CoA must show, and the seed-spice sourcing traps.
TechnicalWhat the two-number fennel specification means, trans versus cis anethole, and how GC assay actually works.
QualitySpent seed, synthetic anethole, star-anise substitution — and the GC profiling that catches them.
ApplicationsDigestive, women's-wellness, tea and oral-care formats — and which fennel grade fits each.
ProcurementA scored checklist for qualifying a fennel seed extract supplier before you place a bulk order.
MarketWhere fennel demand is growing across digestive, beverage and oral-care segments, and India's supply position.
Frequently co-formulated with Fennel Seed Extract in digestive, women's-wellness & carminative blends
Technical and commercial questions answered by our ingredients team
Anethole-defined, lab-tested, fully documented supply of Foeniculum vulgare seed extract. Volatile oil 2–6% with trans-anethole 60–80% by GC. Samples available for qualified buyers.
Supplied as a bulk ingredient for further manufacture. Buyers are responsible for compliance with the regulations of their destination market. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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