Generalić Mekinić I1,
Blažević I2,
Mudnić I3,
Burčul F4,
Grga M1,
Skroza D1,
Jerčić I3,
Ljubenkov I5,
Boban M3,
Miloš M4,
Katalinić V1.
- 1Department
of Food Technology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Chemistry and
Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split,
Croatia.
- 2Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of
Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35,
21000 Split, Croatia.
- 3Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia.
- 4Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 35, 21000 Split, Croatia.
- 5Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 33, 21000 Split, Croatia.
Abstract
Sea
fennel, a rediscovered star of the coastal cuisine, has been
investigated for its phytochemical profile and biological potential. Sea
fennel flowers, stems and leaves were analyzed for essential oils (EOs)
isolated by hydrodistillation, as well as non-volatiles obtained by
ethanolic extraction. Limonene were found to be a dominant compound in
EOs and ethanolic extracts; ranging from 57.5-74.2 % and 0.7-8.1 mg/g
dry plant material, respectively. In addition total phenolic content was
determined for ethanolic extracts. All samples and their main
phytochemicals were tested for various methods. EO and extract obtained
from flowers were tested for vasodilatory activity on rat aortic rings.
Antioxidant activity of EOs was extremely low in comparison to extracts,
on the contrary to cholinesterase inhibition where EOs showed better
activity than extracts. Flower extract and chlorogenic acid showed
stronger vasodilators in comparison to EO and limonene. The obtained
results point out the potential impact of the dominant compounds from EO
and extract on the biological properties of the sea fennel.
KEYWORDS:
Antioxidation; Chlorogenic acid; Cholinesterase inhibition; Limonene; Vasodilatation
