International Journal of Pharmaceutics & Drug Research

Roli Shukla*

ABSTRACT

There is at present growing interest, both in the industry and in the scientific research, for aromatic and medicinal plants because of their antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer and antioxidant properties etc. These properties are due to many active phytochemicals including flavanoids, terpenoids, carotenoids, coumarins, curcumines etc. These bioactive principles have also been confirmed using modern analytical techniques. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Fennel), a perennial herb with a characteristic aniseed flavor belongs to the Apiaceae family and is cultivated worldwide. For centuries, fennel seeds have been used as a traditional herbal medicine in Europe and mainland China. A number of beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-depressant effect have been attributed to fennel seeds. The aim of the present study was to examine F. vulgare seeds for phytochemical profile and quercetin was detected in hydroalcoholic seed extract of F. vulgare under study by using RPHPLC analysis. Qualitative analysis of various phytochemical constituents and quantitative analysis of total phenolics and flavonoids were determined by the well-known test protocol available in the literature. Quantitative analysis of phenolic and flavonoids was carried out by Folins Ciocalteau reagent method and aluminium chloride method respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, fixed oil, and fats. The total phenolics content of seed hydroalcoholic extract was (0.271 mg / 100mg), followed by flavonoids (0.543mg/100mg). For future studies, phytochemcials responsible for various activities can be isolated and modified for pharmacological purpose.

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