Abstract:
Foeniculum vulgare (Mill.) is a weed of cultivated or disturbed grounds, common in grassland
areas of Ethiopia. Foeniculum vulgare, known by local name “wollago” has a long history of
herbal uses as both food and medicine in Jimma Oromo society, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.
The main objective of this study was to investigate phytochemicals, total phenolic content and
antimicrobial activities of Foeniculum vulgare leaf extract. The extraction was done by maceration
method. The obtained result was 57.93 ± 0.67, 46.56 ± 0.56, 41.79 ± 1.33, 17.59 ± 0.26% for
methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extracts respectively. Qualitative analysis
disclosed the presence of alkaloids, terpenoids and phenols. TPC was determined using Folin
Ciocalteu method. The maximum absorption wavelength (765 nm) and contact time between the
extracts or standard and the reagent (30 – 45 min) were experimentally justified and used. The
determined total phenolic content was 107.37 ± 0.24, 60.27 ± 0.12, 31.63 ± 0.08 and 20.10 ±
0.63 mg/g of the dry weight of extract expressed as gallic acid equivalents for methanol, acetone,
chloroform and petroleum ether extracts respectively. The antimicrobial activities of petroleum
ether, acetone, chloroform and methanol extract of plant leaf of Foeniculum vulgare against
pathogenic bacteria and Candida albicans were investigated. The results of antibacterial activity
of Foeniculum vulgare carried out by disc diffusion method with concentration of 37.5, 75 and
150 mg/mL. The results showed that the highest concentration of methanol, acetone, chloroform
and petroleum ether extract (150 mg/ml) had maximum effect on Staphylococcus aureus (Gram
positive) with a diameter of inhibition zone 19.6 ± 0.47, 16.5 ± 0.5, 11.25 ± 0.85 and 14.2 ± 0.99
mm respectively. The lowest concentration of methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether
extract (37.5 and 75 mg/mL) showed significant effect on the Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus
aureus, Streptococcus pyogen but no inhibition zone was observed against E. coli. The highest
concentration (150 mg/mL) of methanol, acetone, chloroform and petroleum ether extract against
C. albicans with inhibition zone 16.07 ± 1.1, 13.3 ± 0.6, 11.5 ± 0.34, 15.25 ± 0.5 mm respectively.
The current study supports the claims of use of Foeniculum vulgare leaf as traditional medicine
for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacterial and fungal pathogens.
