Characterization, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Fennel Extract Loaded Phytosome

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the characterization, antioxidants, and antibacterial properties of fennel extract-loaded phytosomes. Materials and Methods: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) extract was obtained through hydroalcoholic maceration and encapsulated using phosphatidylcholine to improve stability and bioavailability. Results: Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the formation of spherical nanoparticles with a uniform size distribution (44-98 nm), while zeta potential analysis (-25.3 mV) indicated good colloidal stability. Phytochemical analysis demonstrated high phenolic (152.3±0.63 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (89.2±0.71 mg QE/g), and tannin (28±1.00 mg TAE/g) content, supporting its antioxidant potential. The DPPH assay revealed strong radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 0.067 mg/mL, suggesting its suitability as a natural antioxidant. Antibacterial assessment using the agar well diffusion method showed broad-spectrum efficacy, with significant inhibition zones against Salmonella Typhi (22.18±0.05 mm) and Bacillus cereus (23.18±0.06 mm), in some cases outperforming azithromycin. Conclusion: These findings highlight the formulation's potential as an antimicrobial and antioxidant agent with applications in drug delivery, food preservation, and therapeutic interventions. Further studies are required to optimize stability, investigate mechanisms of action, and evaluate clinical applicability.

Keywords

Egyptian Academic Journal of Biological Sciences, G. Microbiology
Volume 17, Issue 2
December 2025
Pages 1-12

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