Histology and antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Trigonella foenum-graecum seed from Algeria

The essential oils, nowadays, are of increasing interest to chemists and biologists due to their use in the treatment of certain infectious diseases. In our study, we evaluated the level and antibacterial activity of the essential seeds oil from Algerian Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum (L.), in order to estimate their industrial valuation. This species, from the Fabaceae family, is widespread in Algeria and is used by local people for its medicinal and condiment properties. To conduct this study, the cross sections were carried out at seed level. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistilation and refractive index was also measured. The antibacterial activity was carried out by the diffusion method and the MICs were determined. The anatomical study showed a structure similar to that of the majority of leguminous seeds. The yield of essential oil was 4.2%. The results also revealed that the Gram positive and Gram negative strains of bacteria had different responses to essential oil. The latter inhibited the growth of Staphylococus aureus (Gram positive, ATCC 43300) and Escherichia coli (Gram negative, ATCC 25922) with inhibition zone diameter 12 mm and 11 mm, respectively. The MICs were 56.25 mg/mL and 225 mg/mL, respectively (significant antibacterial activity). We concluded that fenugreek essential oil from seeds could be an important source of antibacterial agents used in food, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.