Foeniculum Vulgare Mill Research Articles

Comparative Study of Essential Oils Extracted From Foeniculum vulgare Miller Seeds Using Hydrodistillation, Steam Distillation, and Superheated Steam Distillation

ABSTRACTFoeniculum vulgare Miller is a highly valued aromatic and nutritious plant. The unique compositions of its essential oil make it more valuable in the flavor, fragrance, and medicinal industries. However, the potential of superheated steam distillation for obtaining essential oils from its seeds has not been explored in detail. This study assessed the composition, yield, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of essential oils distilled from F. vulgare seeds using traditional hydrodistillation, steam distillation, and superheated steam distillation. Superheated steam distillation resulted in the maximum quantity of essential oil (5.24%) compared to steam (3.47%) and hydrodistillation (2.47%). Trans‐anethole, fenchone, estragole, and limonene were the main identified by GC–MS analysis in the essential oils, and these compounds were abundant in the essential oil produced by superheated steam distillation. Essential oil distilled by superheated steam distillation presented the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pastrulla multocida, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. The highest antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus, and Alternaria alternate was also demonstrated by the same essential oil. These findings demonstrated the potential of superheated steam distillation as a highly effective and efficient technique for distilling high‐quality essential oils from Foeniculum vulgare Miller seeds. It is suitable for various applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Aromatic plants as cosmeceuticals: benefits and applications for skin health.

This review highlights the potential of aromatic plants as natural antioxidants in cosmeceuticals to combat skin aging and promote health and rejuvenation. Aromatic plant extracts, essential oils, or their phytoconstituents have a long history of use in skincare, dating back centuries. Currently, these plant-based sources are extensively researched and utilized in the cosmeceutical industry to formulate products that enhance skin health and promote a youthful appearance. These plants' diverse bioactivities and sensory properties make them ideal ingredients for developing anti-aging agents recommended for maintaining healthy skin through self-care routines, offering a natural alternative to synthetic products. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in the dermis, attributed to intrinsic and extrinsic aging factors, particularly prolonged sun exposure, is identified as the primary cause of skin aging. Plant extracts enriched with antioxidant compounds including flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, stilbenes, terpenes, and steroids, are fundamental to counteract ROS-induced oxidative stress. Noteworthy effects observed from the use of these natural sources include photoprotective, senolytic, anti-inflammatory, anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, and anti-tyrosinase activities, encompassing benefits like photoprotection, wound healing, skin whitening, anti-pigmentation, tissue regeneration, among others. This review highlights several globally distributed aromatic plant species renowned for their benefits for skin, including Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae), Calendula officinalis L. and Matricaria chamomilla L. (Asteraceae), Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae), Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. (Lauraceae), Althaea officinalis L. (Malvaceae), Malaleuca alternifolia (Maiden y Betche) Cheel (Myrtaceae), Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf (Poaceae), Rubus idaeus L. (Rosaceae), and Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck (Rutaceae), emphasizing their potential in skincare formulations and their role in promoting health and rejuvenation.

Effect of Some Soil Additions on Growth and Productivity of Dutch Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare Mill.) Plants Under North Sinai Conditions

Effect of Some Soil Additions on Growth and Productivity of Dutch Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare Mill.) Plants Under North Sinai Conditions

Anti-inflammatory Activities and Mechanisms of New Compounds Isolated from the Fruits of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

Forty-nine compounds, including six previously unknown together with forty-three known ones, were isolated from the fruits of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Their structures were elucidated using high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), infrared spectroscopy (IR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) methods. All isolates were evaluated their anti-inflammatory activity. The results indicated that compounds 1, 6, 35 and 45 inhibit lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages with IC50 values of 17.13 ± 0.74, 14.40 ± 0.54, 112.13 ± 2.08 and 77.02 ± 3.62 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the potential targets of the four active ingredients were explored through network pharmacology, revealing that SRC, TP53, AKT1, and PIK3CA may serve as key anti-inflammatory targets. To confirm the potential binding mode, molecular docking was employed, which demonstrated that all active targets except SRC exhibited favorable binding energy with compound 35. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory activities of compounds 1-6 were first observed in this experiment.

Protective effect of essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and oxidative stress in rat

BackgroundWild fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is a very common plant used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases. In recent years, scientific research proved its biological properties. However, the protective effect of fennel against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (BLM-IPF) is not yet study. PurposeFennel essential oil (FEO) composition was characterized and its protective effect was assessed. MethodsGC–MS was employed to determine the chemical composition of fennel essential oil. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using TAC, DPPH, RAP and ABTS assays. After inducing fibrosis by bleomycin, several biological assays were used to evaluate the protective effect [proteins content, malondialdehyde MD, thiol group, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)]. ResultsFEO was rich in estragole (77.55 %), fenchone (9.23 %), and limonene (9.23 %), and phenolic compounds and showed a significant antioxidant potential. The effects on BLM-IPF were revealed by disruption and alteration of oxidative stress biomarkers in lung, liver and kidney. Treatment of rats with FEO improved abnormal fluctuations in protein and thiol levels, decreased oxidative stress in terms of MDA and also restored the response of the antioxidant system, measured in terms of SOD and CAT, in lung, liver and kidney. The biological activity was recorded in a dose response manner. The potential of FEO in limiting the progress of the histopathologic effects of BLM-IPF was confirmed by microscopic histological observations, with a reduction of the fibrosis score and the inflammatory index in the FEO treated lung tissue. ConclusionThese results, proved that FEO could attenuate BLM-induced PF, thus suggesting that the latter could serve as a potential therapeutic approach for PF.

Characterization of key aroma compounds in microgreens and mature plants of hydroponic fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)

Fennel is a popular culinary herb known for its unique flavor. In this study, we identified key aroma-active compounds in fresh fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) and its microgreens. Fennel was cultivated hydroponically with soilless substrates. Upon harvesting, samples were ground with liquid nitrogen, and headspace solid phase microextraction (SPME) gas chromatography-mass-spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O) was used for volatile analysis. Thirty-two and 28 key aroma-active compounds were identified in fennel microgreens and mature leaves, respectively. Phenylpropenes, especially (E)-anethole, were the predominant aroma-active compound in all samples (36.3–83.4 %). Quantitation results showed that fennel microgreens contained a significantly higher amount of monoterpenes, showing an 81.4–98.1 % increase when compared to mature fennel. Principal component analysis (PCA) of identified volatiles indicated a distinctive difference in the overall aroma profile between microgreens and mature leaf. The changes in aroma contents over different growth stages revealed the underlying volatile biosynthesis discrepancy. This study provided baseline information for understanding the aroma evolution from microgreen to mature fennel herbs

Biological Potential and Essential Oil Profile of Two Wild Apiaceae Species from Algeria (Daucus carota L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill.): Larvicidal and Antibacterial Effects.

Infectious diseases, including vector-borne and antibiotic-resistant infections, present significant global health challenges, necessitating the exploration of natural alternatives for disease control. In this study, we investigated the essential oil (EO) profile as well as larvicidal and antibacterial properties of two wild Apiaceae species used in Algeria: Daucus carota L. (DCEO) and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (FVEO). EO was extracted from the aerial parts by steam distillation and analyzed using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Major constituents identified in DCEO were geranyl acetate (50.07%) and elemicin (10.77%), while FVEO contained estragole (24.93%), fenchone (20.20%), and α-phellandrene (17.96%). Both EOs were highly effective towards Culex pipiens larvae, with low LC50 values of 30.6 ± 1.06 ppm for DCEO and 34.7 ± 1.06 ppm for FVEO, indicating their potential as bioinsecticides due to their bioactivity and bioavailability. Additionally, the two Eos demonstrated moderate antibacterial efficacy against gram-positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA ATCC 43300, respectively, with DCEO showing MIC values of 10 and 20 mg/mL, respectively, and FVEO exhibiting MIC values > 20 mg/mL. However, both EOs showed limited effectiveness against gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Klebsiella pneumonia ATCC 700603. These results highlight the potential applications of DCEO and FVEO as natural bioinsecticides and antibacterial agents, offering promising avenues for further research and development in pest control and food preservation.

Protective Effects of Anethole in Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Seed Ethanol Extract on Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury in H9C2 Heart Myoblast Cells.

Active compounds from plants and herbs are increasingly incorporated into modern medical systems to address cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Foeniculum vulgare Mill., commonly known as fennel, is an aromatic medicinal plant and culinary herb that is popular worldwide. Protective effects against cellular damage were assessed in the H9C2 cardiomyocyte hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) experimental model. The identities of phytochemicals in FVSE were determined by GC-MS analysis. The phytochemical's potential for nutrients and pharmacokinetic properties was assessed by ADMET analysis. GC-MS analysis of the ethanol extracts of F. vulgare identified 41 bioactive compounds, with four prominent ones: anethole, 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-propanone, ethoxydimethylphenylsilane, and para-anisaldehyde diethyl acetal. Among these, anethole stands out due to its potential for nutrients and pharmacokinetic properties assessed by ADMET analysis, such as bioavailability, lipophilicity, flexibility, and compliance with Lipinski's Rule of Five. In the H/R injury model of H9C2 heart myoblast cells, FVSE and anethole suppressed H/R-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA double-strand break damage, nuclear condensation, and the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of FVSE and its prominent component, anethole, in the treatment of CVDs, particularly those associated with hypoxia-induced damage.

Effect of irrigation levels, crop geometry and mulching on yield, economics and water use efficiency of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) grown under drip system in Western Rajasthan, India

A study was carried out at Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan, during the rabi seasons of 2015–16 and 2016–17 to investigate the effects of irrigation levels, crop geometry, and mulch on yield parameters, yield, economics, and water use efficiency of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). Findings showed that the irrigation level of 0.8 ETc considerably increased the yield parameters of fennel, including seed (1684 kg ha-1) and stover yield (3110 kg ha-1), net return (103149 ha-1) and benefit: cost ratio (2.58). At 0.6 ETc, a maximum water use efficiency of 5.48 kg ha-1 mm-1 was observed. 40 cm x 60 cm paired row planting produced significantly superior yield parameters, seed yield, and water use efficiency. Results further revealed that the application of plastic mulch considerably improved yield parameters, yield, net return, and benefit: cost ratio as compared to no mulch treatment. However, test weight and harvest index were not influenced by plastic mulch. Thus, in arid and semi-arid parts of Rajasthan, integrated use of drip irrigation at 0.8 ETc and plastic mulch under paired row sowing of 40 cm x 60 cm proved more viable for ensuring higher productivity of rabi fennel.

Herbal Companion Crops as an Example of Implementation of Sustainable Plant Protection Practices in Soybean Cultivation

This study aimed to assess the effect of using selected herbs as companion crops in soybean cultivation on the yield and overall health of soybeans. A three-year field experiment (2021–2023) was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications, where the primary experimental variable was the sowing method. The innovative cropping system involved cultivating soybeans alongside different companion herbs, such as alyssum (Lobularia maritima L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), borage (Borago officinalis L.), French marigold (Tagetes patula L.), calendula (Calendula officinalis L.), and a herbal mixture referred to as ‘MIX’. The study showed that cultivation of soybean with fennel improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the yield, with a significant increase in seed yield (on average by 0.27 t ha−1) as well as protein (7.67%) and oil yield (8.57%) compared to the pure soybean crop. The following fungal diseases were identified during the three-year study period (2021–2023): Cercospora leaf blight, Ascochyta blight, Fusarium wilt, and downy mildew. Cultivation of soybean with herbs as companion crops was implemented to improve the health of soybean to a varied extent. Borage, marigold, and calendula companion crops reduced infection of soybean by the fungi C. kikuchii and F. oxysporum. Cultivation with fennel and marigold was also beneficial for soybean health. On the other hand, cultivation with sweet alyssum and a mixture of herbs increased the occurrence of the fungus A. sojaecola. Cultivation of soybean in association with herbs is legitimate and requires further research given the priorities facing 21st-century agriculture.

Antimicrobial in vitro effects of eight essential oils on Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica from nasopharyngeal swab samples of fattening calves

Essential oils are secondary metabolites of aromatic plants and are used in phytotherapy to treat various diseases. In the present study, eight selected essential oils - ajwain oil (Trachyspermum ammi L.), fennel oil (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. subsp. vulgare var. vulgare), thyme oil chemotype (ct.) thymol (Thymus vulgaris L.), tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel.), oregano oil (Origanum vulgare L.), mountain savory oil (Satureja montana L.), lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf.) and eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) -were examined for their antibacterial effect against Pasteurella (P.) multocida and Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica isolates from deep nasopharyngeal swab samples of fattening calves using agar diffusion and microdilution. All eight essential oils were effective against the tested isolates. Lemongrass oil proved to be the most potent of all eight essential oils, while fennel oil was only weakly effective. Different antimicrobial effects were observed between the two research methods. The effectiveness of ajwain, thyme, oregano and mountain savory oils was comparable in agar diffusion. However, this could not be reproduced using the microdilution method. P. multocida was found to be more sensitive to all essential oils tested than M. haemolytica. This study shows that the tested essential oils have antimicrobial in-vitro effects on P. multocida and M. haemolytica isolates and that the examination method is associated with the test result.

Growth Performance and Seed Yield of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) Varieties under Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) Based Agroforestry System in South-Eastern Rajasthan, India

Growth Performance and Seed Yield of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) Varieties under Shisham (Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.) Based Agroforestry System in South-Eastern Rajasthan, India

Inhibitory Effect of Fennel Fruit Essential Oil and Its Main Component Anethole of Corrosion on Steel Plates in 1 M HCL

Corrosion worldwide causes large losses of metal, which is why various ways are being sought to slow it down. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of fennel fruit essential oil (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) and its main component anethole. The inhibitory effect of three different concentrations of the fennel essential oil and anethole (1.0 mL/L, 1.5 mL/L, and 2.5 mL/L) in a solution of 1 M HCl at 298 K for 6 h on a sheet of low-carbon steel was investigated. The inhibitory effect was established using gravimetric methods evaluating weight loss, corrosion rate, and inhibition efficiency, as well as electrochemical methods. In gravimetric studies, the inhibition effect of the inhibitors fennel essential oil and isolate anethole at a concentration of 2.0 mL/L was 70.85% and 45.86%, respectively. The anodic polarization curve data at 298 K demonstrate that the anethole and fennel essential oil adsorption on the metal surface creates a barrier that hinders hydrogen ions’ access and prevents them from being reduced on the steel surface’s cathode sites. Fennel essential oil acting as a mixed type-inhibitor can replace synthetic organic substances and could become an alternative to be used as environmental corrosion inhibitors.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) essential oil: The chemical profile, biological activity, and utilization of the commercial products

Laboratory-isolated essential oils are commonly used in experiments regarding their utilization as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. This study analyzed commercially available essential oils (Serbian-FSR and Russian-FRU) of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) and added to the pork patties to investigate their possible role as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Chemical analysis of the samples showed significant differences in profiles caused by geographical origin and other environmental factors. The main compound in both samples was trans-Anethole, but it had a much higher content in Serbian oils. On the contrary, Russian oil had a high portion of anisaldehyde and linalool. These diversities are the main reason for thermal behavior and biological activity differences. The thermal analysis has shown that FSR had a crystalline form in the solid state, while FRU had an amorphous form. During heating, in FSR, a single-step weight loss was detected, while in FRU, a two-step weight loss was observed, indicating that, in addition to evaporation, components in FRU interacted with each other, forming lesser volatile molecules. After adding pork patties, Russian oil showed higher potency and better protective behavior than Serbian oil. Moreover, mixtures of these oils were added to the patties samples, and results showed higher potency when compared to individual oil samples. This indicated that minor compounds from both oils interacted and synergistically acted to prolong the shelf life of the meat samples. Commercial essential oils could be successfully utilized to prolong shelf life and provide additional intake of natural compounds significant for the human diet.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Essential Oil on Opportunistic Microflora: Growth and Enzymatic Activity Indicators

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an edible spice with edible value and is cultivated in both tropical and temperate regions. It is a traditional spice with important economic value and extensive medical application value. The purpose of the research: Antibacterial tests were conducted on four types of opportunistic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to determine their biochemical indicators. Fennel oil was used as raw material in this study. The object of study were opportunistic microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus. The study groups were fennel essential oil produced by Botanika LLC, Russian Federation (FEN-B) and IP Saules Sapnis, Republic of Belarus (FEN-SS). Collection microorganisms of the same species were used as a control. Research results have shown that fennel essential oil (Foeniculum vulgare) inhibits the growth of opportunistic microflora. E. coli, B. cereus and P. mirabilis exhibited proteolytic and amylolytic activities. In S. aureus cultured cells, amylolytic enzymes were not present.

Insecticidal effects of some plant extracts against Khapra beetle [Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae)

The study aims to determine the toxicity of extracts in three different solvents (methanol, hot water, and cold water) obtained from 10 different plants [Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Lamiaceae), Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae), Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae), Anethum graveolens L. (Apiaceae), Origanum onites L. (Lamiaceae), Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae), Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae), Hypericum perforatum L. (Clusiaceae), Mentha piperita L. (Lamiaceae), and Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae)] against the larvae of the third instar of Trogoderma granarium Everts (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) collected from different provinces of Türkiye. The results of the study varied depending on the plant species and the solvent used. Based on the observations, methanol was found to be the most effective solvent, followed by hot water and then cold water. On the 14th day of application, the highest mortality rate of 100% was observed when methanol was used as a solvent at a concentration of 20% (w/v) of the plant extracts. In contrast, this rate was 44% when cold water was used and 56% when hot water was used. According to the research results, extracts of A. graveolens, N. tabacum, and N. sativa showed a highly toxic effect on the pest, suggesting that these extracts are promising for the control of storage pests. However, more extensive studies are still needed to confirm the applicability and feasibility of these applications on an industrial scale.

Enhancing the productivity of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) plants by using some organic and bio fertilizers treatments

Enhancing the productivity of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) plants by using some organic and bio fertilizers treatments

Optimizing Baby Telon Oil Preparation Formula Tree Tea Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) with VCO and Olive Oil Variations using the Simplex Lattice Design Method

One of the plants that can be used as a natural medicine is the tea tree plant (Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) which is generally known as the tea tree. The tea tree plant contains essential oils which are useful as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Another plant that can be used as a natural ingredient is the fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) which contains essential oils which are useful as antimicrobials. In order to develop the preparation, a telon oil preparation was formulated. The use of additional ingredients in the formulation of telon oil preparations, namely VCO and Olive Oil as vegetable oils which function as solvents for essential oils, can certainly affect the physical properties of telon oil preparations, so a method is needed to find an optimum formula that meets the good physical properties of the preparation. This research aims to determine the optimum formula composition of telon oil preparations with variations of VCO and Olive Oil using the Simplex Lattice Design method by looking at the results of evaluation tests of the physical properties of telon oil preparations which include organoleptic tests, homogeneity tests, pH tests, specific gravity tests, viscosity tests and displaced volume test. The results of organoleptic tests, homogeneity, pH, specific gravity, viscosity and transferred volume have met the requirements. Analysis using SLD showed that the optimal preparation formula for baby telon tree tea oil (Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) was obtained with a VCO and Olive Oil composition of 78.4% and 19.6% with a specific gravity response value of 0.906 gr/ml, viscosity 36.84 cp and volume transferred 57.33 ml. In the hedonic testing of baby telon oil preparations, tree tea oil (Melaleuca alternifolia Cheel) with variations of VCO and olive oil from the optimum formula in terms of color was preferred more by the panelists.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF AYURVEDIC SEEDS IN WASTEWATER FILTRATION

Waterborne diseases such as Hepatovirus, Vibrio Cholera, Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli pose significant public and individual health challenges in underdeveloped areas lacking access to safe and clean drinking water, as mentioned in the UN Sutainable Develepment Goal Number 6, which highlights the need for sustainable and cheap water purification methods. This experiment tested the antimicrobial properties of the following ayurvedic (i) Strychnos Potatorum, (ii)Moringa Oleifera,(iii) Salvia hispanica,(IV) Foeniculum vulgare Mill, by taking stable concentrations of each seed extract and testing them against dirty water samples collected from polluted water sources. Water samples have been mixed with definite concentrations of extract, spread under agar, and then incubated for 24 hours to identify bacterial inhibition zones. After 24 hours of incubation, a Manual colony counter LMCC-A11 was used to identify major countable colonies. The sample of Strynchnos Potatorum showed the greatest bacterial inhibition, followed by Foeniculum Vulgare Mill, Slavia Hispanica, and Moringa Oleifera. Compared to dirty water, the seeds inhibited what was nearly 500-700 colonies of bacteria that could have been present in the samples.With the results above, seeds, ayurveda sample Strynchnos Potatorum, showed the most antimicrobial activity against the various bacteria and harmful compositions present in dirty water, representing its strong potential in being able to filter microbes in water to greater extents. This investigation addresses the importance of sustainable and cheaper methods of water filtration by diving into the antimicrobial aspects of various plant extracts against contaminated water, highlighting its replaceability with traditional filtration methods

Identification and expression profiling of microRNAs in leaf tissues of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. under salinity stress

ABSTRACT Foeniculum vulgare Mill. commonly known as fennel, is a globally recognized aromatic medicinal plant and culinary herb with widespread popularity due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, carminative, and diuretic properties, among others. Although the phenotypic effects of salinity stress have been previously explored in fennel, the molecular mechanisms underlying responses to elevated salinity in this plant remain elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are tiny, endogenous, and extensively conserved non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) typically ranging from 20 to 24 nucleotides (nt) in length that play a major role in a myriad of biological functions. In fact, a number of miRNAs have been extensively associated with responses to abiotic stress in plants. Consequently, employing computational methodologies and rigorous filtering criteria, 40 putative miRNAs belonging to 25 different families were characterized from fennel in this study. Subsequently, employing the psRNATarget tool, a total of 67 different candidate target transcripts for the characterized fennel miRNAs were predicted. Additionally, the expression patterns of six selected fennel miRNAs (i.e. fvu-miR156a, fvu-miR162a-3p, fvu-miR166a-3p, fvu-miR167a-5p, fvu-miR171a-3p, and fvu-miR408-3p) were analyzed under salinity stress conditions via qPCR. This article holds notable significance as it identifies not only 40 putative miRNAs in fennel, a non-model plant, but also pioneers the analysis of their expression under salinity stress conditions.