Abstract

 In tropical and sub-tropical countries, spices have a long history in traditional food preparations. Several spices are described to have medicinal effects. Among them are Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Trachyspermum ammi L. belonging to the Apiaceae family are the most common spices known for their highly aromatic nature and flavor with culinary and traditional uses. F. vulgare seeds increase urine flow, improve the digestive system, promote menstruation and improve milk flow. Various pharmacological activities of F. vulgare such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, estrogenic, acaricidal, antihirutism, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic, have been reported in the literature. T. ammi seeds are used for relieving flatulence, dyspepsia, spasmodic disorders, common cold, acute pharyngitis, sore and congested throat, dipsomania, and hysteria. T. ammi seeds are reported to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, nematicidal, antihelmintic, and gastroprotective activities. The review presents an overview of the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological properties of F. vulgare and T. ammi seeds.