Anti-microbial properties of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed extract

Abstract

Foeniculum vulgare has been used as an ethnic remedy for the cure of numerous infectious disorders of bacterial, fungal, viral, and mycobacterial origin. Several studies have been carried out in the past validating its antimicrobial, anti-mycobacterial and antiviral potential. Present study was conducted to validating anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of methanolic and hexane seed extract of five fennel genotypes commonly grown in India. The study showed genotypic variation in anti-microbial effect of both the extracts. The findings indicated significant anti-microbial activity in seed extract. Foeniculum vulgare has potential to be used as a good source of traditional medicine and it provides a noteworthy basis in pharmaceutical biology for the development/formulation of new drugs and future clinical uses.