Inhibition of aldose reductase and anti-cataract action of trans-anethole isolated from Foeniculum vulgare Mill. fruits

► Trans-anethole isolated from Foeniculum vulgare showed potent aldose reductase inhibition. ► Pet ether fraction could effectively reduce fasting blood glucose in diabetic rats. ► Trans-anethole demonstrated good in vitro anti-cataract and antioxidant activity. ► Noncompetitive to mixed type of inhibition was shown by trans-anethole.