Fennel seed extract,
does it really help with Relief of menopausal symptoms?
research showsTwo eight-week RCTs reported improved overall menopausal-symptom scores, but a three-month RCT found no difference from placebo, and sleep, anxiety, and depression outcomes in separate trials were mostly null. All trials were small and from one country, and some received product support, resulting in C with 52 points.
ads claimMarketing groups phytoestrogen activity and relief of hot flashes, night sweats, sleep, mood, and sexual desire as one established effect. Trials used different powders, softgels, standardization levels, and questionnaires, and results for individual symptoms were inconsistent.
Useful facts when choosing a product
- Trial formulations ranged from fennel softgels at 200-300 mg/day to fennel seed powder at 2 g/day.
- Positive outcomes mainly involved self-reported scales such as the MRS and Kupperman index.
- Barij Essence supplied study products in some trials.
- Human trial durations were mainly eight weeks to three months.
What the research actually shows
The Rahimikian 2017 triple-blind RCT gave 90 postmenopausal women 100 mg fennel softgels twice daily for eight weeks and reported lower MRS scores than placebo at weeks 4, 8, and 10. The Ghaffari 2020 RCT gave 80 women fennel seed powder 2 g/day for eight weeks and reported a better Kupperman score, but between-group differences in estradiol and sexual desire were null. The Ghazanfarpour 2018 RCT gave 50 women 100 mg capsules three times daily for three months and found no placebo-adjusted difference in the main menopausal symptoms. The 50-person Afiat 2018 trial also found no significant difference in total PSQI or most sleep subscales.
Why this is classified as C (52)
Several randomized trials assessed clinical symptom scales, but sample sizes were 50-90 and results were split between positive and null. Regional concentration, formulation differences, and product support support C with 52 points.
Counterpoint. Two placebo-controlled trials reported improvements in overall menopausal-symptom scores, leaving a signal for independent replication.
Rejudgment record. New verdict — Several small RCTs exist, but overall menopausal scores are split between positive and null and individual symptoms are inconsistent, producing limited and conflicting evidence
Cross-check — Codex and Claude
Evidence Table
| Study | Design | Sample | Funding | Endpoint | Result | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rahimikian F et al. 2017 | Randomized triple-blind placebo-controlled trial | 90 | Academic study with an author affiliated with the Barij Medicinal Herbs Research Center | Menopause Rating Scale | MRS scores were lower than placebo at weeks 4, 8, and 10 after 100 mg twice daily for eight weeks. | Key |
| Ghazanfarpour M et al. 2018 | Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial | 50 | Supported by Mashhad University; capsules supplied by Barij Essence | MENQOL menopausal symptoms | There was no between-group difference for the main menopausal symptoms. | Key |
| Ghaffari P et al. 2020 | Randomized placebo-controlled trial | 80 | Unknown; Iranian academic institutions | Kupperman index, sexual desire, and serum estradiol | The symptom score improved, but between-group differences in sexual desire and estradiol were null. | Supportive |
| Afiat M et al. 2018 | Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial | 50 | Capsules supplied by Barij Essence | Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index | No between-group difference appeared in total PSQI or most subscales. | Supportive |
Receipt — 4 References
All 4 cited sources were verified for existence at the original page (as of 2026-07-11).
Reviewed and approved: Chamgap Editorial Team · Approval date: 2026-07-11 · Corrections: none
Cite this verdict
[Chamgap] Fennel seed extract x Relief of menopausal symptoms — Evidence Grade C·52. 4 cited sources checked. Source: https://health-receipt.pages.dev/en/verdicts/womens/fennel-seed-menopause/ · CC BY 4.0CC BY 4.0 — free to use with attribution; do not distort grades, numbers, or verdict meaning.
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