Physico-chemical, GC-MS Spectrometry Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Foeniculum vulgare Seeds Oil

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the physicochemical properties, to investigate the chemical components of the fixed oil from foeniculum vulgare seeds and to appraisal its l antimicrobial activity against six microorganisms (Bacillus subitus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium). The chemical components of foeniculum vulgare seeds oil were specified and quantified using the GC-MS technique, where disc diffusion assays were appointed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities and physicochemical properties by criterion methods. the physicochemical analysis results showed that the seeds oil was green in colour and liquid at room temperature with the iodine, acid, peroxide, saponification, values and free fatty acid at (2.01± 0.01mgKOH/g, 78.36±0.1 gI2/100g, 15.42±0.02mgKOH/g, 18.2±0.01meqH2O2, 5.2mgKOH/g) respectively. The specific gravity, relative density, refractive index and viscosity of the oil were at 0.8808±0.0001 (g/ml), 0.918±0.01, 35.14±0.1 and 1.471±0.1respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed six components which had been identified and detected revealing the following major components 10-Nonadecanone (79.28%), Estragole (8.61%), 6-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester (7.63%). The oil appeared partial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and inactive against Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Aspergillus niger, but more active against Penicillium as naturally source of antimicrobial activity and justified its uses in traditional medicines.