Phenolic Characterization and Bioactivity of Fennel Seed (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) Extracts Isolated by Microwave-Assisted and Conventional Extraction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) as an environmentally friendly approach compared conventional heat-reflux (CE) for isolation fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed polyphenols and assess bioactivity obtained extracts. Water, ethanol (30%, v/v) acetone were used solvents, carried out varying temperature (40, 60 80 °C), irradiation time (5 10 min) microwave power (300 600 W). According total phenolic content (TPC), 30% at °C after 5 min 300 W proved be optimal MAE conditions obtaining highest yield polyphenols. profile both extracts comprised 21 compounds, with cinnamic acids flavonols being most abundant. When CE, extract showed a lower amount TPC well sum all identified individual phenols, although similar antioxidant capacity. antimicrobial activity weak, showing inhibitory only against Pseudomonas fragi, Shewanella putrefaciens Campylobacter jejuni strains, while Gram-positive bacteria yeasts not sensitive extract.