Evaluation of physical, physicochemical and biochemical criteria, and biological activities of fennel seeds and seed oils (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)
The fennel is a typical plant of the Mediterranean region used in traditional pharmacopoeia and as an aromatic spice. This study was interested in an evaluation of the physical, physicochemical and biochemical criteria and the biological activities of the seeds and seeds oils of local (beldi) fennel...
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| Published in: | African and Mediterranean Agricultural Journal - Al Awamia no. 134; pp. 150 - 176 |
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
National Institute of Agronomic Research "INRA" Morocco
01-04-2022
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | The fennel is a typical plant of the Mediterranean region used in traditional pharmacopoeia and as an aromatic spice. This study was interested in an evaluation of the physical, physicochemical and biochemical criteria and the biological activities of the seeds and seeds oils of local (beldi) fennel produced at four stages of maturity in four terroirs of Essaouira province (Central West, Morocco), compared to those of a local fennel produced in a neighboring terroir and an imported fennel. Seeds of different maturity stages and geographic origins were clearly differentiated into homogeneous groups according to studied criteria. The water activity of these seeds is between 0.43 and 0.51 with an average ash content of 6.24 g/100 g of dry matter (DM) containing fairly high contents of potassium, calcium, sodium and baryum. Seed total polyphenols recorded interesting levels ranging between 623.64 and 959.24 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g DM. The antioxidant activity is estimated between 23.53 and 43.83 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/g DM. Yields of vegetable and essential oils varied from 8.55 to 16.28 % and from 1.4 to 2.7 %, respectively. However, the high values recorded for free acidity, peroxide index and specific extinction of vegetable oil indicate that it cannot be considered as edible oil. Concerning the essential oil, significant increases in the aroma compounds s-limonene and fenchone were noted during maturity. Besides, the antibacterial activity tests have shown that Staphylococcus aureus is sensitive to the action of this essential oil. Moreover, the quality criteria of the studied fennel seeds and seed oils showed the influence of the geographical origin. These results would make it possible to propose ways of valorizing, quality control and labeling of beldi fennel under a distinctive sign of origin and quality. |
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| ISSN: | 2658-9184 |
| DOI: | 10.34874/IMIST.PRSM/afrimed-i134.31673 |