Published in Scientific Bulletin. Series F. Biotechnologies, Vol. XXVII, Issue 1
Written by Elena MIHAI, Alexandra GASPAR-PINTILIESCU, Teodora CIUCAN, Ana-Maria PRELIPCEAN, Justinian TOMESCU, Miruna NEAGU, Oana CRĂCIUNESCU
The aim of this study was to investigate the composition and biological properties of hydrolates from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) seeds and their usefulness in food and biomedical applications. Hydrolates were obtained by steam- and hydro-distillation of fennel seeds followed by essential oil separation. GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of volatile compounds in the hydrodistilled extract. HPLC analysis of fennel hydrolates showed a higher concentration of phenolic compounds in the steam distilled extract. The antioxidant activity, determined as Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), was correlated to the total phenolic content of fennel hydrolates, being higher in the steam distilled extract. Thus, besides volatiles, the phenolic compounds could significantly increase antioxidant activity. In turn, higher inhibition of bacterial growth was found for the hydrodistilled extract, due to the significant number of volatile compounds. In conclusion, fennel hydrolates represent a waste of significant interest for valorization within the circular bioeconomy and further application in the food and biomedical industry.
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