Abstract Fennel is widely cultivated in many countries where it is used as flavouring agent. Fennel is rich in some minerals like calcium, sodium, iron, potassium and phosphorus. The plant also contains fibre (18.5%), protein (9.5 %); fats (10%) beside niacin, riboflavin and thiamine. Fennel hexane fraction was analyzed by GC-MS. Gas chromatogram revealed presence of: fatty acids (87.83%); aldehydes (5.80%); ketones (2.90%); alcohols (1.44%); mono- and sesquiterpenes (1.23%); hydrocarbons (0.80%).
Foeniculum vulgare hexane fraction was evaluated for antimicrobial activity against five standard human pathogens.The extract exhibited significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus in the concentration range: 100-50mg/ml. It also exhibited significant anticandidal activity at 100mg/ml.
Keywords Foeniculum vulgare, Hexane extract, GC-MS analysis, Antimicrobial activity.