Antibacterial activity of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed essential oil against the growth of Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

To demonstrate antibacterial activity of fennel seed essential oil against Streptococcus mutans, S. mutans KCTC 3065, NHS 1DD, UBF GTFC, and GS-5 were tested. Growths of all S. mutans strains tested were inhibited completely at concentrations higher than 80 ppm. Trans-anethole was the most abundant volatile compound, comprising 77.7% of total volatiles of fennel seed essential oil, followed by limonene, estragole, and fenchone. Minimum inhibition concentrations of fennel seed essential oil and trans-anethole were 80 and 70 ppm, respectively, indicating that trans-anethole is responsible for antibacterial activity of fennel seed essential oil against S. mutans. Fennel seed essential oil can be used as an ingredient for oral hygienic products to prevent human dental caries.