Search

Potato plants and their tubers in Egypt are affected by one of the most renowned soil-borne pathogen, Ralstonia solanacearum, that caused brown rot in potato tubers and wilt in plants. There is no efficient therapeutic bactericide so; control of bacterial wilt is very rough. The study investigated three different concentrations of seven essential plant oils under in vitro and in vivo conditions as a result of their effects on Ralstonia solanacearum growth and their possibility use as potato seed pieces dressing for controlling bacterial wilt disease incidence. In vitro, anise oil at the three tested different concentrations (0.04, 0.07, and 0.14% vol/vol) was the most effective one inhibiting the growth of T4 and W9 isolates of Ralstonia solanacearum then pursued by thyme, lemongrass, and clove oils. On the other hand, rocket oil at the tested concentration was the least effective one followed by fennel oil. However, wheat germ oil was not completely effective. In vivo, experiment revealed that anise oil at the three concentrations significantly reduced disease incidence and severity in sponta and hermes potato cultivars and their effect was associated with increase of peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, phenols and the foliar fresh weight of treated plants as well as the weight of tubers/plant followed by thyme and lemongrass oils compared to the infected untreated control. Morphological differences in bacterial cell structure have been observed using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Anise oil at higher concentration caused of cell wall rupture and degraded cellular components.

Adas telah dibudidayakan di Indonesia sebagai tanaman bumbu dan tanaman obat. Adas dapat menghasilkan minyak adas, yang merupakan hasil penyulingan dari serbuk buah adas yang kering dan masak, sedangkan daun adas lebih banyak dimasak untuk dijadikan sayur. Salah satu enzim yang berperan penting dalam pemecahan oligosakarida dan disakarida menjadi monosakarida sehingga siap untuk diabsorbsi adalah enzim ?-amilase. Penghambatan terhadap enzim ?-amilase dapat menunda dan memperlama waktu cerna karbohidrat, menyebabkan penurunan laju absorbsi glukosa dan mencegah peningkatan kadar plasma glukosa postpandrial. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui ekstrak etanol daun adas (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) memiliki aktivitas penghambatan enzim ?-amylase menggunakan Elisa Reader. Metode penelitian eksperimental diterapkan untuk menguji ekstrak etanol senyawa metabolit sekunder dari daun adas terhadap penghambatan aktivitas enzim ?-amilase. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa nilai IC50 pada ekstrak daun adas sebesar 7,87 ?g/mL sedangkan IC50 akarbose sebagai pembanding sebesar 14,80 ?g/mL. Sebagai kesimpulan, bahwa ekstrak etanol daun adas dapat digunakan dalam menurunkan kadar gula dalam darah.

Insecticidal, repellent and fumigant activities of Rosemary [Rosmarinus officinalis (Lamiaceae)], Daphne [Laurus nobilis (Lauraceae)], Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea (Asteraceae), Marjoram [Origanum majorana (Lamiaceae)], Basil [Ocimum basilicum (Lamiaceae)] and Fennel [Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae)] extracts were tested against Sitophilus granarius (Col.: Curculionidae) and Tribolium castaneum (Col.: Tenebrionidae) under laboratory conditions. The composition of essential oils extracted from the plants was also determined. Eucalyptol and Terpinyl acetate were the main components of Daphne oil. Similarly, the main components of Basil oil were Methyl cinnamate, Linalool and Eucalyptol, whereas Camphor and Eucalyptol were the main constituents of Rosemary oil. Likely, γ-Terpinene and β-Terpineol were the main components of Marjoram oil, while Estragole was the main component in Fennel oil. The β-Cubebene and Caryophyllene were the main components of Echinacea oil. Echinacea and Basil oils exhibited high contact toxicity against S. granarius. Basil oil caused 99.59% mortality of S. granarius 24 h after application, whereas Echinacea oil caused 99.59% mortality 72 h after application. In single-dose fumigant toxicity assays, Rosemary oil exhibited 58.41% fumigant activity against S. granarius after 24 h, whereas Fennel oil indicated 100% fumigant toxicity against T. castaneum. All essential oils showed repellent effects against both the pests. The essential oils caused 34.12–95.29% decrease in the progeny production of F1 generation of T. castaneum, while the decrease in the F1 generation of S. granarius ranged between 84.27 and 98.88%. It is concluded that essential oils of Fennel, Rosemary, Echinacea and Basil could potentially be used for the control of studied stored grain pests.

Latar Belakang: Demam adalah suatu keadaan dimana suhu tubuh diatas normal yaitu diatas 38°C. Demam dapat diredakan dengan pengobatan sintetis dan pengobatan tradisional, salah satu tanaman obat yang dapat digunakan dalam pengobatan tradisional untuk mengendalikan demam adalah bawang merah (Allium Cepa var. Ascalonicum). Tujuan Penelitian: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuat tisu basah dari bawang merah (Allium Cepa var. Ascalonicum) dengan minyak adas (Oleum Foeniculum Vulgare) sebagai kompres demam instan atau siap pakai yang mengandung bahan alami. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian tindakan (Action Research) menggunakan instrumen penelitian berupa lembar observasi dan angket uji kesukaan. Sediaan dibuat dengan komposisi antara bawang merah : minyak adas (12:1, 12:2, 12:3). Hasil: Menunjukkan hasil sediaan tisu basah yang tahan lama dan stabil selama 3 minggu penyimpanan pada suhu ruangan 20°C-25°C secara uji organoleptik dengan proposi formula yang paling disukai responden adalah formula 3 dengan penambahan minyak adas sebanyak 3 ml yaitu aroma 84% dan warna 88%. Simpulan: Tisu basah stabil dalam penyimpanan selama 3 minggu pada suhu ruangan dan sediaan yang paling disukai oleh masyarakat yaitu formula ketiga dengan penambahan minyak adas sebanyak 3 ml.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of foliar application of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (control, 2.5% and 5% aqueous MLE, 2.5% and 5% ethanolic MLE) and/or benzyladenine (control, 50, 100 and 200 ppm BA) on the growth, fruit and oil yield and its main components and chemical constituents of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare, Mill.) plants. The obtained results revealed that treated fennel plants with MLE and/or BA resulted in a significant increase in the vegetative growth, number of umbels/plant, fruit and oil yield per plant and feddan as well as total carbohydrates in fruits, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium contents in leaves compared to untreated plants. Generally, the application of moringa leaf extracts was more effective than BA treatments. The individual treatment of aqueous MLE at 5% or BA at 100 ppm gave the best results of the previous mentioned characteristics followed by 5% ethanolic MLE or 50 ppm BA compared to the control and the rest of tested individual ones. The highest values of all studied parameters were obtained by using 5% aqueous or ethanolic MLE combined with 100 ppm BA. The increments were 91.1% and 85.3% in fruit yield/feddan, 52.5% and 46.3% in volatile oil percentage and 192.4% and 172.0% in oil yield/feddan, respectively over the control. The G.C. analysis of the volatile oil showed that the major component of volatile oil was methyl chavicol (estragole) with concentration range from 77.5% to 87.3%. The minor compounds were myrcene and limonene. The best treatment for decreasing the concentration of methyl chavicol (77.5%), which is undesirable component in fennel oil resulted from the combination of 5% aqueous MLE plus 100 ppm BA. Therefore, it could be recommended that spraying fennel plants with 5% aqueous MLE plus 100 ppm BA for obtaining higher vegetative growth, fruit and oil yield.

Currently, the use of essential oils for behavioral manipulation of insects is being investigated for its potential application in integrated pest management programs. Thus, we identified the chemical composition of Eucalyptus globulus (Labill) and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. essential oils and evaluated its effect on the Aegorhinus superciliosus behavior, an important fruit tree pest in the south of Chile. The oils were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and then were evaluated in olfactometric bioassays in order to establish whether they have any effect on the insect behavior. Finally, we determined the electrophysiological activities associated with behavior studies using electroantennography. The GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of 17 compounds from eucalyptus oil being its major constituent’s eucalyptol (63.6%) and α-pinene (18.9%). For fennel oil, 16 volatile constituents were identified, being anethole (50.8%), estragole (19.5%), and fenchone (11.1%) the dominant compounds. The olfactometric bioassays revealed that eucalyptus oil was attractive for both sexes of A. superciliosus whereas fennel oil was only attractive to the females (P ≤ 0.05). The main compounds, eucalyptol and anethole, were attractive to females (P ≤ 0.05) and electrophysiologically active for both sexes of the insect. In conclusion, the components attractive identified in the present study could be the starting point for the development of effective attractant lures for controlling the raspberry weevil in southern Chile.

Background/Aim: Aim of this study was to develop efficient mosquito repellent by combining fennel oil (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) and cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum burmannii Blume) in a gel preparation form. Methods: Effectiveness of each oil and its combination as viral repellents was tested by the World Health Organization's Pesticide Evaluation Scheme (WHOPES) method. Repellent was prepared in gel form. Evaluation of gel preparation included organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, flow properties, acute skin irritation test and effectiveness test as mosquito repellent. Results: The mosquito protection test for cinnamon oil showed that cinnamon oil was most effective at concentration of 15 % (96.85 %), and fennel oil at 24 % concentration (79.26 %). Within 6 hours, gel made of 24 % fennel oil and 15 % cinnamon oil combination gave protection against 53.49 % mosquitoes. Conclusion: The combination of cinnamon oil and fennel oil can be formulated into gel form with satisfying physical and chemical characteristics and effectiveness against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes for 6 hours.

In the current study, fennel essential oil was used as an antibiotic alternative compared to gentamycin for enhancing the expression of apoptosis genes and antioxidant enzymes in weaned rabbits as well as meat quality and growth performance. The gene expression of the cell lymphoma 2 (BAX and BCL2), caspase3 (CASP3), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX1) were estimated in the liver tissue using qRT-PCR. A total of 45 Moshtohor weaned male rabbits aged four weeks were randomly allocated to control, T1, and T2 treatment groups, each consisted of 15 weaned male rabbits with five replicates. Rabbits in the T1 and T2 groups were orally supplied with 1 mL fennel oil and 1 mL gentamycin, respectively. Weaned rabbits under different treatments showed increased body weight (BW) at 8 and 12 weeks of age and average daily gain (ADG) at 4–8 and 4–12 weeks of age compared to the control group. Compared to the controls, the weaned rabbits supplemented with fennel oil and gentamycin had lower total cholesterol, triglyceride, and MDA. In addition, villus length, mRNA of BAX, BCL2, Casp3, and GPX were increased in the different treatments compared to the control. Furthermore, the meat of these rabbits was less tender, had a lower aerobic plate count (APC), pH, and was brighter and redder in color than the control. Under the conditions of the present study, the supplementation of weaned Moshtohor rabbits with fennel oil as a natural alternative for gentamycin enhanced feed conversion and daily gain through enhancing villus length and mucus thickness. Additionally, fennel essential oil reduces oxidative stress by increasing the antioxidant enzymes.

Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) Mill, commonly known as fennel, belongs to the Umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family, biennial or perennial herbs disseminated in Mediterranean region and central Europe. This herbal medicine (HM) is considered as a traditional HM, and its parts have been studied. In this survey, essential oils from seeds collected from three various regions (Kerman, Golestan, and East Azerbaijan Provinces) of Iran were prepared with hydro-distillation and their components were analyzed with gas chromatography (GC) and chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the essential oils were examined with disk-diffusion method on Muller–Hinton agar and Subaru-dextrose Agar, respectively. Additionally, the MTT assay was assessed on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The expression of apoptosis-related genes, Bax and Bcl2, was determined using quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The major fractions of essential oils identified by GC and GC/MS included trans-anethole (78.47%, 49.64%, 78.68%), fenchone (10.5%, 8.4%, and 10.2%), and limonene (5.9%, 6.70%, and 5.6%), respectively. Fennel oil collected from three various places exerted inhibitory effects on the bacterial growth and higher cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cancer cell line. In addition, the essential oil increased the expression of Bax, but decreased Bcl2 gene expression significantly (P

Alternaria leaf spot disease has been a concern during a tomato production in greenhouse. In vitro antifungal activities of vapours of four plant essential oils, cinnamon oil, fennel oil, origanum oil and thyme oil, were investigated during in vitro conidial germination and mycelial growth of Alternaria alternata causing the tomato leaf spots to find eco-friendly alternatives for chemical fungicides. The four plant essential oils showed different antifungal activities against in vitro conidial germination of A. alternata in dose-dependent manners, and cinnamon oil vapour was most effective to suppress the conidial germination. The four plant essential oils showed similar antifungal activities against the in vitro mycelial growth of A. alternata in dose-dependent manners, but low doses of thyme oil vapour slightly increased in vitro mycelial growth of A. alternata. Necrotic lesions on the A. alternata-inoculated tomato leaves were reduced differently depending on kinds and concentrations of plant essential oils. Delayed conidial germination and germ-tube elongation of A. alternata were found on the tomato leaves treated with cinnamon oil and origanum oil vapours at 6 hpi. These results suggest that volatiles from cinnamon oil and origanum oil can be provided as alternatives to manage Alternaria leaf spot during the tomato production eco-friendly.

Globally, the economic losses due to hard ticks infestation and the control of the associated diseases have been calculated at USD $13.9–18.7 billion per year. The economic impact is related to its direct damage to the skins, blood loss, anemia, severe immunological reactions and indirect losses that related to the effects of hemoparasites, cost of treatment for clinical cases and expenses incurred in the control of ticks. The current study evaluated the acaricidal activities of fennel Foeniculum vulgare essential oil and its main components; trans-anethole and fenchone; against R. annulatus. GC–MS analysis revealed that this oil contained 16 components representing 99.9% of the total identified compounds with E-anethole being the predominant component(64.29%), followed by fenchone (9.94%). The fennel oil and trans-anethole showed significant acaricidal activities. The LC50 of the fennel oil was attained at concentrations of 12.96% for adult ticks and 1.75% for tick larvae meanwhile the LC50 of trans-anethole was reached at concentrations of 2.36% for adult tick and 0.56% for tick larvae. On the contrary, fenchone showed no any significant adulticidal activities and its LC50 attained at a concentration of 9.11% for tick larvae. Regarding repellence activities, trans-anethole achieved 100% repellency at the concentration of 10% while fennel showed 86% repellency at the same concentration. Fenchone showed no repellency effect. Treatment of larvae with fennel, trans-anethole, and fenchone LC50 concentrations significantly inhibited the acetylcholinesterase activity. Meanwhile, glutathione s-transferase activity was significantly decreased in fennel treated larvae but no significant effect was found in the larvae of trans-anethole and fenchone groups. These results indicate that the acaricide effect of fennel oil may attributed to its high content of trans-anethole. This was supported by potent adulticidal, larvicidal, and repellency effects of trans-anethole against Rhipeciphalus annulatus tick and therefore it could be included in the list of acaricide of plant origin.

It is universally known as fennel and by more than 100 other names, and has been used medicinally throughout the world since ancient times. Hippocrates and Dioscorides mentioned fennel as diuretic and emmenagogue, and the juice was supposed to sharpen the eyesight. As one of the ancient Saxon people’s nine sacred herbs, fennel was credited with the power to cure, and was valued as a magic herb. In the Middle Ages it was draped over doorways on Midsummer’s Eve to protect the household from evil spirits. It is one of the most commonly consumed herb by more than a quarter of Italian pregnant women every day for at least 3 months during pregnancy, and one of the most frequently quoted plants in The Chilandar Medical Codex, the best preserved medieval Serbian manuscript on European medical science from the 12th to 15th centuries. In Europe and Mediterranean countries, fennel is traditionally used as antispasmodic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, secretomotor, secretolytic, galactagogue, as eye lotion, and antioxidant remedy and integrator; topically, fennel powder is used as a poultice for snakebites. In Portugal, it is highly recommended for treatment of diabetes, bronchitis and chronic coughs, and for kidney stones. In Unani medicine, it is used to open liver and spleen obstructions, relieve flatulent colic, and to induce diuresis and menstruation. In traditional Iranian medicine, it has been used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases. Boiled or roasted roots are used for the treatment of gonorrhea in East Africa. In TCM, it is used to relieve chills, abdominal distension, vomiting and diarrhea. Fennel infusion is approved for GI disorders use in Europe since Nov. 2005 by the HMPC of the European Medicines Agency. Fennel contains d-pinene, camphene, d-α-phellandrene, dipentine, anethole, fenchone, methyl chavicol, aldehydes, and anisic acid. Bergapten, columbianetin, osthenol, psoralen, scoparone seselin, vanillin, β-sistosterol and stigmasterol have also been identified in fruits. In general, fennel oil extracted by either distillation-extraction or supercritical fluid extraction shows similar compositions, with trans-anethole, estragole, and fenchone as the main components.

Fennel is one of the most significant medicinal and aromatic herbs. It is used as a culinary ingredient and has an essential role as a raw material in the pharmaceutical industry. Many researchers across the world are working to increase the active components in the essential oil of medicinal and aromatic plants under organic farming. Growth promoters are one of the most effective methods for stimulating secondary metabolite production under organic agriculture. The objectives of this study were to investigate how foliar sprays of yeast extract (Y) and/or chitosan-oligosaccharide (CHO) affected the growth and yield of organic fennel (Foeniculum vulgare spp. vulgare Mill.) and if these applications can stimulate the production of pharmaceutical active ingredients in fennel fruits. Fennel foliage was subjected to foliar spray of Y at concentrations of 0 (Y0), 2 (Y1), and 4 (Y2) g L−1, and CHO at concentrations of 0 (CHO0), 60 (CHO1), and 120 (CHO2) mg L−1 twice. The results revealed that both Y and CHO treatments promoted growth parameters and leaf pigments content. Total phenols and nutritional content (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) in fennel fruits were also improved. Furthermore, Y and CHO treatments enhanced fruit and oil productivity. Foliar spraying with Y and/or CHO, as well as their combination, resulted in significant modification in main pharmacological active components in fennel essential oil. Treated plants with Y1 had the lowest proportion of estragole (24.61 %), an undesirable component in fennel oil, and the highest concentration of anethole (64.50 %), which improved the oil quality. While treated plants with CHO1 or CHO2 displayed an increase in estragole content by about 33.34 and 46.59 % compared with Y1-plants, respectively. These new findings demonstrated that applying Y2 or CHO at both levels not only increased fennel growth and yield, but also contributed to increasing estragole and decreasing anethole concentration, and both had a negative impact on essential oil quality. However, applying Y1 enhanced fennel productivity as well as essential oil quality.

The objective of this study was to determine inhibitory activities of four volatile plant essential oils (cinnamon oil, fennel oil, origanum oil and thyme oil) on in vitro growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae causing Fusarium wilt of strawberry plants. Results showed that these essential oils inhibited in vitro conidial ger mination and mycelial growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae in a dose-dependent manner. Cinnamon oil was found to be most effective one in suppressing co nidial germination while fennel oil, origanum oil and thyme oil showed moderate inhibition of conidial ger mination at similar levels. Cinnamon oil, origanum oil and thyme oil showed moderate antifungal activities against mycelial growth at similar levels while fennel oil had relatively lower antifungal activity against mycelial growth. Antifungal effects of these four plant essential oils in different combinations on in vitro fungal growth were also evaluated. These essential oils demonstrated synergistic antifungal activities against conidial ger mination and mycelial growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae in vitro. Simultaneous application of origanum oil and thyme oil enhanced their antimicrobial activi ties against conidial germination and fungal mycelial growth. These results underpin that volatile plant es sential oils could be used in eco-friendly integrated dis ease management of Fusarium wilt in strawberry fields.

The effects of different concentrations of marjoram oil, thyme oil, (1%, 0.5%, and 0.25%) and their botanical extracts (2%, 1%, and 0.5%) as a nutritional additives offered to silkworm larvae during the 4th and 5th larval instars on food consumption, Approximate weight of digested food (A.D), Approximate digestibility (A.D%), efficiency of conversion of food ingested to body substance (E.C.I%), and efficiency of conversion of food digested to body substance (E.C.D%) were studied. Also, to determine their effects on total carbohydrates and total protein in larval haemolymph. Results showed significant variation in most of the studied parameters of oils and botanical extracts different concentrations compared to control; E.C.D% was found maximum with 0.5% marjoram oil (74.995%) and thyme oil (71.465%), in the botanical extracts 2% of both thyme, and marjoram exhibited the highest ratio (63.170% and 60.975%), respectively compared with control which recorded the minimum (38.830%). The efficiency with which the ingested food is converted into body substances (E.C.I%) 0.5% of marjoram and thyme oils showed the highest efficiency of conversion (21.000% and 20.555%), respectively compared to (13.445%) for the control. 2% of both thyme (19.960%) and marjoram extract (18.845%) showed also the highest ECI% while the control recorded the least result. The highest AD% was shown by control group (43.185%) and AD of the control group exhibited the highest among them (3.400 gm). Results revealed a significant variation between the both larval instars in most parameters. The quantity of food consumed in both oils and extracts varied significantly between the both instars with no significant values among different concentrations of them. Total protein exhibited the highest value when feeding larvae on mulberry leaves supplemented with 0.5% of both marjoram and thyme oils (41.067 and 39.867 mg/ml haemolymph), respectively, and 2% of both thyme and marjoram extracts (36.9 and 36.567 mg/ml haemolymph), respectively while the control group showed the minimum value (22.633 mg/ml haemolymph). The same trend was observed for total carbohydrates. It can be concluded that mulberry leaves fortified with different concentrations of marjoram and thyme oils and extracts were proved to be more efficient in rearing mulberry silkworm as it improved food acquisition, high ingestion, high (E.C.I & E.C.D) and low (A.D),also it increased protein and carbohydrates metabolism.

The fungitoxicity of Foeniculum vulgare herb essential oil was evaluated by mycelial growth inhibition assessment in medium culture. The radial growth of the Alternaria alternata was completely inhibited at the oil levels of 500 and 300 ppm in poisoned food and volatile activity assessments, respectively. Microscopic observations using Light Microscope showed morphogenic changes in the test fungus with 300 ppm of the oil. These changes included a significant loss of conidiation, decrease hyphal diameter and induce cytoplasm condensation. The treatment with the oil also resulted in a highly lobate and bulbous anomalous structure on the hyphal tips. Essential oil of F. vulgare at 500 ppm effectively reduced the percentage of rotted tomatoes in in vivo. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the Fennel oil revealed that it was considered of 25 monoterpenoid compounds of which trans-anethole, estragole, and fenchone as the major components. Findings of the current study suggest that essentia...

The effect of six plant essential oils against three stored grain insects, Sitophilus oryzae, Rhizopertha dominica andTribolium castaneum were studied under laboratory conditions. The tested oils are namely, fennel oil (Foeniculumvulgare), caraway oil (Carum carvi), cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum verum), citronella oil (Cymbopogon winterianus),nutmeg oil (Myristica fragrans) and black cumin oil (Nigella sativa). The result showed that increasing of the oilconcentration and exposure times significantly increased the mortality percentage.Generally, the toxicity of essential oils at all tested concentrations increased with the increasing of exposure time. So,the results indicated that toxicity of all tested essential oil against the three stored grain insects at the high concentrationwas recorded high mortality faster than low concentration.The tested essential oils significantly decreased the different haemocyte counts in tested insects, cinnamon oilmarkedly increased the haemocyte surface areas in the tested insects especially the surface area of oenocytoides in T.castaneum.The recorded results indicate that the essential oils of fennel, caraway, cinnamon and citronella could be applicable tothe management of S. oryzae, R. dominica and T. castaneum adults.

Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is an alkylating agent widely used as an anticancer and immunosuppressive drug. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) essential oil is a traditional medicine used against many diseases. The present work studied the effect of fennel oil against liver damage induced by the anticancer drug, cyclophosphamide (CPA) in albino rats. Animals were divided into 4 groups: group1: control, group2: orally given fennel oil (1 ml/kg body weight once a week for six weeks), group3: treated with CPA (15 mg/kg body weight once a week for six weeks) and group4: treated with CPA and fennel oil. The liver removed for histological and immunohistochemical preparation. Blood was collected and sera were prepared for biochemical analysis. The results revealed that CPA caused histological alterations in the liver including degeneration of hepatic cells, cytoplasmic vacuolation, fatty infiltration and congestion of blood vessels. Immunohistochemical observations revealed that both cell proliferation marker Ki67 and apoptotic marker caspase-3 were increased. Biochemical results revealed increase in the liver enzymes activity ALT and AST. Treating rats with CPA and fennel oil caused an improvement in the histological structure of the liver and decreased Ki67 and caspase-3. Moreover, ALT and AST activity appeared with normal value. It is concluded that administration of fennel oil exhibited ameliorative effect against CPA-induced hepatic toxicity in albino rats. This effect may be attributed to the antioxidant property of fennel oil.

This study assessed the effects of essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel oil) and of trans-anethole, the main component of fennel oil, on extracellular Ca2+-induced store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) into vascular endothelial (EA) cells and their mechanisms of action. Components of fennel oil were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) in EA cells was determined using Fura-2 fluorescence. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, fennel oil significantly increased [Ca2+]c in EA cells; this increase was significantly inhibited by the Ca2+ channel blockers La3+ and nifedipine. In contrast, fennel oil induced [Ca2+]c was significantly lower in Ca2+-free solution, suggesting that fennel oil increases [Ca2+]c mainly by enhancing Ca2+ influx into EA cells. [Ca2+]c mobilization by trans-anethole was similar to that of fennel oil. Moreover, SOCE was suppressed by fennel oil and trans-anethole. SOCE was also attenuated by lanthanum (La3+), a non-selective cation channel (NSC) blocker; 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borane (2-APB), an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) receptor inhibitor and SOCE blocker; and U73122, an inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC). Further, SOCE was more strongly inhibited by La3+ plus fennel oil or trans-anethole than by La3+ alone. These findings suggest that fennel oil and trans-anethole significantly inhibit SOCE-induced [Ca2+]c increase in vascular endothelial cells and that these reactions may be mediated by NSC, IP3-dependent Ca2+ mobilization, and PLC activation.

The effect of enzyme pre-treatment on extraction yield and quality of volatile oil of fennel seeds were evaluated using various enzymes viz., Celluclast, Pectinex, Viscozyme and Protease. Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) studies were conducted to visualize the effect of these enzymes on fennel seed cell walls. The quality of the oil was further evaluated using Gas Chromatography Mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). The enzyme pre-treatment resulted in an increase in yield of oil in the range of 11–22.5% as compared to the control sample. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed a marked difference between the structures of fennel seeds treated with enzymes than the non-treated seeds. GC–MS studies revealed that the flavor composition of the fennel oil remains unchanged even after pre-treatment. From an economic perspective, the results of the present study could be used effectively in the spice industry to increase the extraction yield of volatile oil from fennel seeds.

Functional dyspepsia (FD), a functional gastrointestinal disorder, is characterized by persistent or recurrent postprandial upper abdominal discomfort and epigastric pain. The high prevalence of FD and associated healthcare costs suggests that treatment of this condition by methods other than prescribed medicines, such as natural products, could be beneficial. Delayed gastric emptying and impaired gastric accommodation play important roles in the development of FD. Anethole (1-methoxy-4-((E)-propenyl)-benzene), a major component of essential fennel oil, has been used as a flavoring, in alcoholic beverage production and in pharmaceutical formulations for many years. In this study, we examined the effects of anethole on delayed gastric emptying and impaired gastric accommodation in rodents. Oral administration of anethole improved clonidine-induced delayed gastric emptying but did not affect normal gastric emptying in mice. Fennel oil and Anchu-san (a Japanese herbal medicine containing anethole) also restored delayed gastric emptying. Furthermore, oral administration of anethole stimulated gastric accommodation in rats. These results suggest that anethole could be beneficial for the treatment of FD.

The use of natural substances for pest control in agriculture is, economically, a viable option and has benefits for both the humanbeing and the environment, due to its low persistence and toxicity. Thus, this trial aimed on determining the insecticidal potential of the extracts and essential oils of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) and clove (Caryophillus aromaticus L.) to control Brevicoryne brassicae L. in kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala DC.). The treatments were: fennel, anise, cloves extracts at 10%; fennel, anise, cloves oils at 1% and control with distilled water. The mortality tests were carried out with aphids in laboratory, with three replications, after 1, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. During laboratory trials , it was found out that fennel oil at 1% showed the best rate of mortality on aphid nymphs (70% at 72 h), followed by clove extract at 10% with 37% mortality. Tests in pots were only carried out only with cloves extracts at 10% and fennel oil at 1% treatment, in which such efficiency was alsoindicated on aphid nymphs. RESUMOO uso de produtos naturais para controle de pragas da agricultura é opção economicamente viável e traz benefícios tanto ao homem como ao ambiente devido à sua baixa persistência e toxicidade. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o potencial inseticida de extratos e óleos essenciais de funcho (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), erva doce (Pimpinella anisum L.) e cravo-da-índia (Caryophillusaromaticus L.) para o controle de pulgão (Brevicoryne brassicae L.) em couve (Brassica oleracea var. acephala DC.). Os tratamentos utilizados foram os extratos de funcho, erva-doce e cravo-da-índia a 10%; óleos de funcho, erva-doce, cravo-da- índia a 1% e testemunha com água destilada. Testes de mortalidade sobre pulgão em condições de laboratório foram realizados com três repetições e avaliações após 1, 12, 24, 48 e 72 h. Em laboratório, verificou-se que o óleo de funcho a 1% apresentou maior atividade sobre as ninfas de pulgão (70% em 72 h), seguido do extrato de cravo a 10%, com 37% de mortalidade. Testes em vasos foram realizados somente com o extrato de cravo-da-índia a 10% e óleo de funcho a 1%, nos quais também se constatou a eficácia sobre as ninfas de pulgão.

The present study was conducted to assess the antifungal activity of essential oils of medicinal plants Mentha piperita (peppermint), Foeniculum vulgare, Satureja hortensis (Savory), Ferula asafoetida and Cuminum cyminum against Alternaria sp., Bipolaris sorokiniana and Acremonium sclerotigenum. The antifungal activity was evaluated by Broth Microdilution Method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFCs) of the essential oils were compared with Amphotricin B and Captan as standard drug. MIC values for all essential oils were between 1 to 8 mg/mL. MIC value of Fennel essential oil was comparable to MFC value obtained from fungicide Captan. Peppermint essential oil exhibited maximum inhibitory and fungicide activity in concentrations of 2 mg/ml and 4 mg/ml against Alternaria sp. The essential oil was more effective than Fennel against Bipolaris, but MFC values of both essential oils were 4 mg/ml. C. cyminum displayed less susceptibility against all of the fungi. Regarding our finding, peppermint and Fennel oil seem to be a promising solution to control plant diseases.

International audience; The implementation of renewable resources in the industrial production processes appears to be the most effective way to achieve sustainable development. However, in order to tackle the key issues of shifting to renewable resources, a full exploitation of biomass resources and efficient utilization of complex organic macromolecules and also other chemical constituents such as antioxidants in bio-refinery system will be crucial. In this regard, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds could be a promising bio-resource with significant interest as a rich source of both vegetable oil (VO) and essential oil (EO), in addition to rare phytochemicals. Thus, in the present paper, a trans-disciplinary assessment of a new bio-refinery process from fennel seeds was established: the development of an integrated valorization of fennel seeds, allowing the extraction of VO and EO and their exploitation in cosmetic applications as well as the valorization of residual by-products as a source of biologically active compounds, these processes constituted the basis of this bio-refinery concept. Laboratory obtained results and pilot-scale levels with fennel seeds reported extraction of high yield of both VO and EO (19.8% and 1.8%, respectively) with significant amounts of valuable components, petroselinic acid and trans-anethole (74.8% and 70.7%, respectively). Further, the valorization of these oils as functional ingredients in moisturizing cream formulas showed a positive impact on the overall emulsions structure and quality. Next to this, fennel oilseeds by-products exhibited a remarkable antioxidant potential with high phenols and flavonoids contents and exhibited good antimicrobial properties depending on the extract type. These promising findings are of great economic interest as they can lead to a wild range of novel, bio-based industrial applications from fennel seeds.

Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is cultivated for its seeds and foliage, which contain essential oil. We hypothesized that the collection of fennel seed oil at different time points during the distillation process may result in fennel oil with distinct composition and bioactivity. We collected essential oil from fennel seed at ten different distillation times, DT (at 2, 7, 15, 30, 45, 75, 105, 135, 165, and 195 min). Estragole (42.8–84.4% of the total oil) was the main constituent throughout the distillation. (−)-α-Pinene (0.12–0.84%) and ( R )-(+)-limonene (6.3–33.5%) were relatively high at initial DT and dropped significantly after the first DT. (−)-Fenchone (0.5–4.1%) showed a near linear decrease until approximately the 165 min DT. If high (−)-α-pinene and ( R )-(+)-limonene oil is desirable, then the oil fraction needs to be captured early in the distillation, at 2 min. Oil with highest estragole concentration may be obtained by collecting the oil eluted between 30 and 45 min. DT had an effect on the oil antioxidant activity; the oil from the control (195 min distillation time) had the highest antioxidant capacity (481 μmol Trolox equivalents/g), whereas the oil fraction sampled at 45 min DT had the lowest capacity (148 μmol Trolox equivalents/g). This study demonstrated an effective method for obtaining fennel seed oil fractions with differential composition and antioxidant capacity.

A comprehensive study on essential oil samples of Foeniculum vulgare Miller from Tarquinia (Italy) is reported. A 24-h systematic steam distillation was performed on different harvested samples applying different extraction times. The GC-MS analysis of the residue outcome showed o-cymene, α-phellandrene, α-pinene and estragole as the major constituents. The predominance and continued presence of o-cymene makes this fennel oil a rather unique chemotype. An evident correlation between the antifungal activity and phenological stage is demonstrated. The most active fractions were particularly rich in estragole, as well as a significant amount of fenchone that possibly exerts some additive effect in the expression of overall antifungal potency. Pre-fruiting material produced oil particularly rich in o-cymene. With reference to the duration of the extraction, the maximum amount of oil was released within the first 3 h, whereas the reproductive phase material needed at least 6 h for the extraction.

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical variation in indigenous populations of bitter fennel originating from Iran. Essential oils isolated from the fruits of eight different populations of Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare from different locations of Iran were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and GC/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). According to the results, the essential oil content in the fruit varied from 2.7% to 4%. The major chemical constituents exhibited higher differences between the populations. trans-Anethole was found to be the main component of the oil with rates of 46.5% and 84% in fruits and this component was followed by fenchone (9.1–23.8%), which is the second major phenylpropanoid detected in fennel oil. Limonene, estragol (methyl chavicol), γ-terpinene, α-pinene and β-mercene are other main components identified in the fennel oils. trans-Anethole was detected at the highest level (84%) in ‘Zanjan’ population oil and the ‘Marvdasht’ population contained the highest concentration (...

The present study was carried out to determine the hepatoprotective effect of some herbal oils as Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) and Fennel (foeniculum vulgare) oil seeds against carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) that caused hepatotoxicity in rats. The experiment was performed on 30 adult rat that classified into two main groups, the first main group (6 rats) was kept as control (-ve) group while the second main groups (24 rat) were administered a dose of (2 mL CCL4 /kg b.wt.) twice a week for two weeks to induce chronic damage in the liver then classified into four subgroups (six rats each) as follow, one of them (6 rats) was fed on the basal diet and used as a positive control group (+ve), however, the other three subgroups were fed on basal diets and obtained orally dill oil (1 mL/kg), Fennel oil (1 mL/kg), mixture of (0.5 dill and 0.5 mL/kg fennel) oil, respectively for 4 weeks. The hepatotoxicity produced by CCL4 administration was found to be inhibited by either Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) or Fennel (foeniculum vulgare) oil or by the mixture of both Dill and Fennel oil with evidence of significant (p

Aim To screen the antimicrobial activities of some plant essential oils against clinical isolates of C. albicans causing vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and to investigate the antifungal effect of the most active one against planktonic and sessile cells compared to fluconazole. Methods Screening of biofilm production by C. albicans causing VVC was performed by tissue culture plate method. The antifungal susceptibility of fluconazole was performed by disk diffusion method. Antifungal activities of nine essential oils were screened against strong biofilm-producer, fluconazole-resistant or dose-dependently susceptible clinical isolates and Candida albicans ATCC 10,231 by well diffusion method. Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of fennel essential oil and fluconazole against planktonic and sessile cells were performed by microdilution methods. Determination of the combined antimicrobial activity of fennel oil and fluconazole was evaluated by checkerboard microdilution assay. Results From 19 C. albicans strains, 10/19 showed strong ability to form biofilms. None of the tested clinical isolates was sensitive to fluconazole. Fennel oil had significantly higher antifungal activities against tested C. albicans compared with other tested oils (P = 0.000). The MICs of fennel oil for planktonic cells ranged from 0.78% to 6.25% with MIC50 of 3.12% and MIC90 of 6.25%, while concentrations ranging between 6.25% and 25% resulted in 50% biofilm reduction. Synergy or addition between fennel oil and fluconazole were detected against 7/11 strains, while no antagonism was detected. Conclusion Fennel oil alone or in combination with fluconazole could provide a promising approach to the management of VVC caused by drug-resistant strains.

This review paper evaluates use of Foeniculum vulgare extracts as a popular female plant in management of different ailments of women. Information in this paper was gathered from accessible sources (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley, and Google), and traditional books (Persian or English modern traditional books), unpublished data (R&D reports, thesis and dissertation) by keywords based on the words F. vulgare or fennel and women. Efficacy of oral fennel oil in management of dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhea, menopause, lactation, and polycystic ovary syndrome were confirmed according to results of clinical studies. Results of clinical efficacy of fennel oil on menstrual bleeding is complicated, but results of one meta-analysis study revealed that fennel oil significantly increased means of bleeding in the first menstrual periodic cycle (P = 0.001), while fennel oil had no significant effect on bleeding in the second menstrual cycle (P = 0.67). Topical and vaginal fennel extract (5%) exhibited good efficacy in treatment of sexual function, vaginal atrophy, and hirsutism. Fennel had no effect on bone density, or body mass index of menopause women. Results of clinical studies introduce fennel as a valuable medicinal plant in management of women's ailments, but understanding the mechanism of action could be the subject of future studies.

The development of natural crop protection products as alternatives to the use of synthetic fungicides is currently popular. The aim of this study is to evaluate the antifungal effects of several essential oils against the fungal pathogens, Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus stolonifer, under in vitro condition. Four essential oils (fennel, black caraway, peppermint and thyme) were each tested at five concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600 or 800 μl l−1). In vitro results showed that the essential oil of black caraway and fennel had the highest fungicidal effect against B. cinerea and R. stolonifer, respectively. The growth of B. cinerea was completely inhibited by the essential oil of black caraway at 400 μl l−1. Fennel oil perfectly inhibited growth of R. stolonifer fungus colonies at concentration higher than 600 μl L−1 in potato dextrose agar medium. Percentage of spores germination was the lowest in medium of Fennel and black caraway essential oils, and was the highest in Thyme ones. These results show that pla...

The aim of the study was to determine the antifungal effects of the fennel essential oil against fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea the causal agent of grey mould disease of tomato fruit under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Treatments consisted of five concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 lL-1).The fennel oil had a remarkable effect on spore germination of grey mould. The growth of grey mould was completely inhibited by fennel oil at 600 and 800 lL-1.The results in vivo showed that fennel oil increased the shelf life and decreased decay rate of tomato fruits. Also, fennel essential oil positively affected on postharvest quality factors. Treated fruits with fennel oil had significantly higher titrable acidity, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and lycopene and -carotene content comparison to control. Thus, these results showed that fennel essential oil has impact on postharvest decay and fruit quality of tomato.

Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae) is commonly known as fennel. This herb is well-known worldwide and traditionally used as curative herbal therapy for the treatment of epileptic disease, seizurescarminative, digestive, lactogogue, diuretic, treating respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of present study is to investigate the possible effect of fennel oil against the toxicity of Sodium-Valproic (SVP) in albino rats. In order to assess the protection of fennel oil on SVP induced hepato- and nephro-toxicity, male albino rats were treated with 1ml/kg b.w fennel oil 3days/week for 6weeks. The biochemical analyses of hepatic enzymes were evaluated by estimating blood biomarkers of liver and renal damage along with histological examination. The results obtained from this work showed that treating animals with SVP lead to many histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney tissues. The effect appeared in the liver tissue include leukocyte infiltrations, cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes, fatty degeneration and congestion of blood vessels. This commonly used chemical (SVP) caused some unwanted effects on the kidney cortex which histologically observed as degeneration in renal tubules, atrophy of the glomeruli and edema. Biochemical results also revealed an abnormal increase in the enzyme level of AST, SAT, ALP, bilirubin, creatinine and urea-nitrogen, with a noticed decrease in total protein content. However, the results of treated rats with SVP plus fennel oil showed some positive histopathological changes in both the liver and kidney tissues. These results have confirmed that fennel oil has positive effects on the histological structure of the liver and kidney and the biochemical levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, total proteins, creatinine and urea. It is concluded that fennel oil has various pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-cancer activity, anti-inflammatory. These valuable effects might be due to the presence of aromatic compounds trans-anethole. This useful properties of fennel plant could be due to its antioxidant activity that prevents the toxicity of SVP.

Antifungal and antibacterial activities of essential oils obtained from fennel seeds (Feoniculum vulgare Mill) and clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum) were studied by agar well dilution technique. Both essential oils (EOs) from fennel and clove exhibited pronounced and varying degrees of growth inhibition against fungal (86 to 39%) and bacterial pathogens (42 to 20%). Fennel oil depicted significant and greater fungitoxicity in case of three fungal strains Alternaria alternate (7.7, 3.8 cm) Fusarium oxysporum (5.9, 4.1 cm) and Aspergillus flavus (4.5, 3.7 cm) except two Aspergillus strains, Aspergillus acculeatus and Apergillus fumigatus where clove oil showed greater inhibition zone (5.5, 5.9 cm) (3.5, 3.7 cm) respectively. A. alternate was found to be most sensitive strain, which growth was suppressed up to 86% by fennel seeds oil. Bactericidal activity of culinary spices was evaluated against five food spoilage bacteria namely: Pseudomonas syringae, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp. , and Aeromicrobium erythreum . Fennel oil was found fairly active against bacterial strains as compared to clove oil with highest antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis (3.8 cm) and least against Gram negative bacteria E. coli (2.2 cm). The summarizing results from the present investigation showed that fennel seeds oil is a relatively stronger antimicrobial agent against broad range of pathogens as compared to clove oil, except in case of certain Aspergillus strains and E. coli. Key words : Food spoilage, anti-bacterial, pathogenic fungi, clove, fennel, essential oil.

In this study, fennel oil was isolated by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition was determined by gas chromatography/mass spectral analysis. The antimicrobial activity of fennel oil against Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated by broth microdilution. A haemolysis assay, tumour necrosis factor (TNF) release assay, western blot, and real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR were applied to investigate the influence of fennel oil on the production of S. aureus virulence-related exoproteins. The data show that fennel oil, which contains a high level of trans-anethole, was active against S. aureus, with MICs ranging from 64 to 256 μg/ml. Furthermore, fennel oil, when used at subinhibitory concentrations, could dose-dependently decrease the expression of S. aureus exotoxins, including α-toxin, Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1).

The antifungal activity of essential oils of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) against two well-known postharvest fungi, Penicillium digitatum and Rhizopus stolonifer, by poison food medium (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1,000 µL/L) and vapor phase (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 40 µL) methods were assayed. The results showed that in poison food medium thyme oil had greatest antifungal activity against P. digitatum and R. stolonifer at 1,000 and ≥600 µL/L, respectively. In vapor phase, thyme oil at ≥5 µL completely inhibited the mycelial growth of pathogens. Summer savory oil at ≥600 µL/L had a significant inhibitory effect on mycelial growth of R. stolonifer. Fennel oil showed the lowest antifungal activity against the pathogens. All the essential oil treatments completely inhibited the growth of R. stolonifer in vapor phase method. Also R. stolonifer were more sensitive against the essential oils. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that main compounds identified in sweet basil, fennel, summer savory and thyme oils were linalool (65.25%), trans-anethole (64.42%), carvacrol (54.14%) and β-ocimene (12.62%), respectively. Therefore, thyme and summer savory oils have a promising potential to use antifungal agent against fruit and vegetable fungi. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The results of this work show that thyme, summer savory and fennel oils have a high potential to be used as an antifungal agents for control of postharvest phytopatogenic fungi especially in vapor phase method. Therefore, essential oils as safe aromatic compounds that do have not negative effects on human health and environment may be used as a novel and practical tool for preservation of postharvest quality of horticultural crops and are suitable alternative for synthetic fungicides.

Essentail oils and carrier oils are generally used for Aromatherapy. Therefore the toxicity, possibilities of irritations and sensitive reactions and injury of essential oils must be considered for clients and therapists. So that, in this studies a toxicity of jojoba and 4 species essential oils (fennel, mandarine, tea tree and cedarwood) were investigated by the measurement of MTT-assay and sirius red staining. Liver, kidney and brain tell were chosen for the cell viability assay and observation of morphological change. In the result, no cytotoxicity was observed on live., kidney and brain cell at concentration of 0.01 jojoba oil. And lysis and nucleus breaking were not observed at same concentration of jojoba oil on live., kidney and brain cell. fennel oil was showed 50% of cell viability and inhibited cell growth on liver, kidney and brain cell at relatively high concentration compared with the other oils. 50% of liver, kidney and brain cell viability and delayed cell growth of tea tree and mandarine oil were revealed at lower concentration than fennel oil. In cedarwood oil, 50% of liver cell viability at concentration of 0.00067 was showed, but cell viability and cell growth of kidney and beam cell were effected at the lowest concentration compared with other oils. So that, jojoba oil as using of carrier oil may be not harmful. And 3 essential oils from the fennel, tea tree and mamdarine may have very low toxicity, but cedarwood may be used carefully for inhalation. And over dosage of concentrated cedarwood oil should be not directly touched and exposured, and absolute essential oils must be diluted with carrier oils for topical and systematic massage.

Activity of commercially and purified essential oils of aloes, anise, black cumin, caraway, carna-tion, cumin, fennel, garlic, jojoba, lavender, onion, rue and thyme were tested against growth of Pseudomonas syringae pv. lachrymans, caused bacterial angular leaf spot disease of cucumber, in vitro and in vivo. Three essential oils had an inhib-itory effect, based on the determination of the min-imum inhibitory concentrations (MICs 0.25-2.0%). Carnation, fennel and thyme were inhibito-ry at MIC 0.5%. The three mentioned oils showed considerable variation in the inhibitory effect by the disk diffusion method, though the recognized similarity in fumigation treatments. The greatest activity was recorded with thyme (18mm) followed by carnation (15 mm) while fennel showed the low-est effect (9mm). Soaking cucumber seeds of differ-ent cultivars in 2% emulsified oils for a period rang-ing from 0.25 to 4 hours significantly decreased the percentage of germination. Shorter duration of seed soaking, 0.25 to 0.5 hours, showed lower deleterious effect on germination and fennel oil showed greater harmful effect. In greenhouse experiments, the three oils significantly controlled the disease incidence compared to the check treatment, being more pro-nounced for thyme oil followed by fennel and carna-tion oils. Analysis of the essential oils in concern showed eugenol, dieugenol, linolenic acid, methyl chavicol (estragol), anisole and thymol, as an active ingredients.

Increasing attentions have been paid on the application of essential oils and plant extracts for control of postharvest pathogens due to their natural origin and less appearance of resistance in fungi pathogens. In this study, in addition to the chemical analysis of Iranian anise and fennel essential oils, their fungicidal and/or fungistatic effects on two postharvest pathogens were investigated. Essential oils were extracted by means of hydro-distillation and afterwards GC-MS analysis was performed to identify their components. The main constituents were E-anethol (92.9 %), p-alylanisol (2.2 %), Z-α-biosabolene (1.8 %) for anise oil and E-anethol (71.2 %), limonene (8.2 %), Fenchone (8.53 %), Methylchavicol (7.01 %) for fennel oil. Both essential oils exhibited fungistatic effect on Aspegillus niger but fennel was more effective. Satisfactory fungistatic effects against Rhizopus stolinifer, a stubborn pathogen, were observed for fennel oil. Anise oil did not show significant inhibitory effect on...

Since the ban on growth-promoting antibiotics throughout the EU essential oils are used increasingly as feed additives. In order to ensure a reliable authenticity assessment of those oils appropriate methods were developed. 2H/1H−, 13C/12C− and 18O/16O isotope ratio mass spectrometric analysis of carvacrol from origanum and savory oil, thymol from thyme oil and trans-anethole from fennel oil in combination with IRMS-analysis of minor components and differential analysis is reported. This is the only reliable method to assess the authenticity of these spice oils, provided that an adulteration with major components should be detected. The major component IRMS-measurements is a powerful tool in the authenticity assessment of savory- and thyme oil. In case of origanum and fennel oils a comprehensive analysis including major and minor component-, differential-IRMS as well as enantioselective analysis is essential.

Aims To report fungal and aflatoxin contamination in stored tobacco leaves and the potential of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed essential oil (EO) as a plant-based preservative in protection of tobacco during storage. Methods and Results Mycological analysis of tobacco samples was done by surface sterilization and serial dilution tests. The Aspergillus flavus isolates were screened for their toxigenicity. Both in vivo and in vitro tests were done to evaluate antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of chemically characterized EO. The mycoflora analysis revealed 108 fungal colonies belonging to five genera and nine species. All A. flavus isolates were found aflatoxigenic during screening. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry analysis of EO identified 19 components (99·66%); estragole being the major component (47·49%). The EO showed broad fungitoxicity at 1·25 μl ml−1 and 100% inhibition to AFB1 production as well as ergosterol synthesis at 1·0 μl ml−1 concentration. EO showed 100% protection of stored tobacco samples from aflatoxin B1 contamination. Conclusions The fennel EO can thus be formulated as a plant-based preservative for food items. Significance and Impact of the Study The present investigation comprises the first report on antiaflatoxin efficacy of fennel oil and its potency in the protection of tobacco leaves from fungal and aflatoxin contamination during storage.

Changes in the composition of essential oils from the seeds of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill., var. dulce Thelling) and their mixture with essential oil from coriander were studied by capillary gas-liquid chromatography during storage in the dark and in light. Under these conditions, essential oil of laurel retained its composition for 12 months. Essential oil of fennel was rapidly oxidized in light. However, the rate of its oxidation in the dark was lower. The major component of essential oil of fennel, transanethol, had a lower antioxidant activity than essential oil of coriander. The mixture of essential oils from laurel and coriander possessed antioxidant properties and strongly inhibited the oxidation of components of the fennel oil.

Volatile oil extracts of fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) and thyme leaves (Thymus vulgaris L.) were obtained by simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In general, fennel oil extracted by SDE and SFE showed similar compositions, with trans-anethole, estragole, and fenchone as the main components. In contrast, thymol and p-cymene, the most abundant compounds in thyme leaves, showed big differences, with generally higher amounts of monoterpenes obtained by SDE. However, in this case, the differences between the extracts were higher. Key odorants of fennel seeds determined by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) showed similar patterns when applying SDE and SFE. trans-Anethole (anise, licorice), estragole (anise, licorice, sweet), fenchone (mint, camphor, warm), and 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom) were the most intense odor compounds detected in fennel extracts. Thymol and carvacrol, with oregano, thyme, and spicy notes, were identified as key compounds contributing to the aroma of thyme leaves.

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with CO2 of the volatile oil from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ssp. piperitum (Ucria) Coutinho) was carried out at temperatures of 40 and 50 °C and pressures of 90 and 100 bar in a flow apparatus using a two-stage fractional separation technique. The best conditions for extraction (pressure P = 90 bar, and temperature, T = 40 °C)and separation (P = 80 bar, T = −10 °C for the first separator and P = 20 bar, T = −10 °C for the second)were used to assess the effect of different mean particle size and flow rate of CO2. The yield of the extraction and composition of the volatile oil were compared with those obtained by hydrodistillation. The study showed that the particle size of the fruits does not practically affect either the yield or the composition of the oil, with the exception of the presence of a small amount of waxes in the volatile oil extracted by SFE from the fruits presenting the highest particle size. Further, increasing of the flow rate of CO2 does not seem to influence the composition, although it increases the rate of extraction, thus leading to a decrease of the extraction time. The fennel oil was analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and chromatography –mass spectrometry (GC –MS). The main compounds identified in the oils were fenchone (17%), estragol (21%) and (E )-anethole (43%). Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Indonesia is a potential country in developing essential oils which is each part of the plants produce essential oils such as leaf, seed, fruit, and root. One of the potential plants is fennel. Fennel oil distillation used fennel seed from Cepogo District, Boyolali Regency. The characteristics of the seed are; the color is black and the length is 0,2 centimeters. The condition operation to exctract of the fennel seed are 1 atm and 7,5 hours. The calculation of the time started when the first fennel oil dropped into the decanter. It finished when the fennel oil was not dropped anymore. The color is bright and muddy. The last process is add 1% (m/m) Na 2 SO 4 anhidrous into fennel oil to absorp remain water in it. The distillation process produce fennel oil102,125 grams. Sample of fennel oil tested which are density test, solubility on 90% alcohol, GC-MS test, and AAS test. The result shows that fennel oil from the fennel seed is 2,0425%. The tested samples contain the brightest and the muddies sample. The density of 0,9500 and 0,949 g/cc respectively that is not fulfill to the Food Chemical Codex (FCC). Samples solubility in 90% alcohol (1:3) is fulfill to the the Food Chemical Codex (FCC). Three main components of the brightest sample are anethole (47,51%), estragole (22,41%), and α-fensone (21,92%) while the muddiest sample’s components are anethole (52,38%), estragole (21,37%),and α-fensone (15,74%). The AAS test shows that fennel oil contains 65,1473 ppm which does not fulfill the Indonesian National Standards of patchouli and clove leaf oil. [Keywords — essential oil ; extraction; fennel seed; steam distillation

Essential oil of fennel cultivated in Iran was obtained by hydrodistillation and supercritical (CO2) extraction (SFE) methods. The oils were analysed by capillary gas chromatography using flame ionization and mass spectrometric detection. The compounds were identified according to their retention indices and mass spectra (EI, 70 eV). The effects of different parameters, such as pressure, temperature, modifier volume and extraction time, on the supercritical fluid extraction of fennel oil were investigated. The results showed that, under pressure of 350 atm, temperature 55 °C, methanol 5% and dynamic extraction time of 45 min, extraction was more selective for the extraction of (E)-anethol. Sixteen compounds were identified in the hydrodistilled oil. However, by using supercritical carbon dioxide in optimum conditions, only nine components represented more than 99% of the oil. The results showed that, in Iranian fennel oil, (E)-anethol is a major component. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The chemical composition of the volatile oils of seeds of Foeniculum vulgare Miller from two Spanish locations (Santander and Aranjuez) were investigated by means of GC and GC/MS. Leaf and stem oils of F.vulgare from Aranjuez were also examined. Two different chemotypes have been found in the seeds: (I) methyl chavicol (54.9%), fenchone (24.6%) in the seeds collected in Santander; and (II) (E)-anethole (54.9–38.1%), fenchone (22.2–34.4%) in the seeds gathered in Aranjuez. The oil from the leaves collected in Aranjuez (April, June) was found to contain methyl chavicol (12.3–12.1%), α-phellandrene (9.4–27.2%), limonene (25.3–18%) and fenchone (19.4–18.3%) as major constituents. The oil from the stems gathered in Aranjuez (September) was characterized by a high content of (E)-anethole (17.4–3–3%), α-pinene (9.7–14.4%), α-phellandrene (24.3–31.4%), p-cymene (11.5–5–2%), limonene (11.6–15%) and fenchone (9–1–17–5%).

This study describes inhibitory properties of combinations of oil of fennel and paraben (methyl, ethyl or propyl) against C. albicans, E. coli and S. aureus. Bacteria or yeast were cultured in broth at 25°C and viable counts were measured over a period of 24 h. E. coli was particularly sensitive to inhibition by each combination where there was

In recent time the biological activity of essential oils from spicy-aromatic herbs, including the antioxidant one, have been evaluated in numerous studies. Earlier we have demonstrated the high antioxidant activity of the oils contained monoterpenes, such as γ-terpinene and α-terpinolene, or sesquiterpenes (zingeberene and β-caryofillene). However the concentration value of oils in the «aldehyde – essential oil» system was too high and the investigation of various concentrations was not carried out by us. The goal of this work was studying of the influence of oil concentration on antioxidant activity value for selected essential oils. The antioxidant properties of the essential oils from lemon ( Citrus limon ), mace ( Myristicia fragans L.), fennel ( Foeniculum officinale ) and black pepper ( Capsicum nigrum L.) have been studied in a wide interval of oil concentrations by capillary gas-liquid chromatography, using an aldehyde/carboxylic acid assay. Trans -2-hexenal was selected to serve as the test substance. The dependence of oil antioxidant activity on its concentration was found to be closely connected with a rate of content change of main antioxidants in the composition of the essential oils under study at prolonged exposure to light. It was observed the strongest dependence «antioxidant activity – oil concentration» for lemon oil, while fennel oil possessed the weakest one. The low concentrations of oil from black pepper did not inhibit the aldehyde oxidation.

Summary Field experiments were carried out in 2010 and 2011 on three dwarf cultivars of China-aster: Duszek, Skrzat and Srebrzysta Gwiazdka. The following biological plant protection products were applied: Polyversum WP (Pythium oligandrum), Trifender WP (Trichoderma asperellum) and biotechnical product HF-Mycol (fennel oil – 23.08%) and Prev-B2 (D-limonene – 4.2%, boron – 2.1%). Fungicide Amistar 250 SC (azoxystrobin 250 g/l) was used as a standard, and unprotected plants were untreated control. Health conditions of leaves, stems and inflorescences were studied during the vegetation season. Collected data included number of wilting and dying plants. Mycological analyzes were also carried out on infested plant parts. Amistar 250 SC and Polyversum WP used preventively in protection of aster wilt showed the highest effectiveness. They also limited the decay of whole plants. Products Amistar 250 SC and Prev-B2 efficiently inhibited the development of dieback of entire inflorescences. Prophylactic spraying with Amistar 250 SC, Prev-B2 and Polyversum WP effectively limited the occurrence of lesions on the leaves and shoots in comparison with plants from control treatment.