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Breast Milk is a natural baby food that is rich in nutrients and contains higher immunological factors compared to formula milk. Foeniculum vulgare Mill plants have long been used by the community as enhancing the production of breast milk (ASI). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of lactogogum extracts of Foeniculum vulgare Mill leaves and stems in lactation mice, as seen from mouse neuroglia cells. Foeniculum vulgare Mill extract was made by maceration method using 96% ethanol solvent. The test animals used in the study were white rats, divided into 6 groups namely, normal control, control without drugs (cmc-na 0.5%), comparison of asifit drugs (67.86 mg / KgBB), ethanol extract groups of leaves and stems fennel dosage 315 mg / kg body weight, 630 mg / kg body weight, and 945 mg / kg body weight. The results of the research that have been done show that the ethanol extract of Foeniculum vulgare Mill leaves and stems dose 315 mg / kg body weight, 630 mg / kg body weight, and 945 mg / kg body weight have a lactagogum effect seen from the parameters of the number of glia cells in the brains of breastfed mice. The effect increase is not as large as the dose increase given. The ethanol extract of Adas leaves and stems of 630 mg / kg BW has an optimal lactagogum effect equivalent to drug control on the market as seen from the parameters of the number of glia cells in the brains of breastfed rat.

Essential Oils (EO) from four different plants viz., Cinnamomum cassia ( L .) J. Presl, Foeniculum vulgare Mill ., Murraya koenigii (L.) Sprengel and Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth . were tested for their efficacy by Residual film technique for toxicity and Repellency by Area preference method against adult Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The repellency was recorded as an index of repellency (IR) at 30 min, 12 and 24-h’ time point. IR at 24 h time point with 1% v/v concentration for C. cassia and P. cablin was 0.1, 0.2 for F. vulgare and 0.5 for M. koenigii. The sub-lethal concentration (LC20) in % v/v for mortality to T. castaneum after 72 h was observed as 0.172 for C. cassia, 0.345 for P. cablin, 0.632 for M. koenigii and 0.712 for F. vulgare. The median lethal concentration (LC50) in % v/v for mortality to T. castaneum after 72 h was observed as 0.098 for C. cassia, 0.123 for P. cablin, 0.427 for M. koenigii and 0.304 for F. vulgare. It indicates that the P. cablin and C. cassia oil exhibits significant repellency and C. cassia oil exhibits significant toxicity against T. castaneum. Results obtained from this study indicate the important role of botanicals may be as pesticides against stored product pests in the modern world.

Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction remains a major determinant of the duration of stay after complex abdominal surgery. This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of heated fennel therapy in accelerating the recovery of gastrointestinal function.This surgeon-blinded, prospective randomized controlled study included 381 patients with hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and gastric tumors who were divided into 2 groups. The patients in the experimental groups received heated fennel therapy, and those in the control groups received heated rice husk therapy. We compared the baseline characteristics, time to first postoperative flatus and defecation, fasting time, duration of postoperative hospital stay, grading of abdominal pain, classification of abdominal distension, inflammatory markers, and nutritional status indicators.The time to first flatus and first defecation and the fasting time were statistically significantly less in the heated fennel therapy group than those in the control groups (P.05 each); and abdominal distension was also relieved in the experimental groups (P.001). Heated fennel therapy had no obvious beneficial effect on inflammatory markers but improved the serum albumin (ALB) level of the patients at postop day 9 (P.001). Among the patients with alimentary tract reconstruction, those in the heated fennel therapy group had a clinically important, lesser hospital stay than those in the control group (9.2 5 ± 5.1 versus 11.1 ± 6.4; P.023).Heated fennel therapy facilitated the gastrointestinal motility function of patients early postoperatively.

Background (-)-Fenchone is a bicyclic monoterpene present in essential oils of plant species, such as Foeniculum vulgare and Peumus boldus, used to treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Pharmacological studies report its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antinociceptive activity. Aim To investigate antidiarrheal activity related to gastrointestinal motility, intestinal secretion and antimicrobial activity. Methods A castor oil-induced diarrhea model was used to evaluate antidiarrheal activity. Intestinal transit and gastric emptying protocols were used to assess a possible antimotility effect. Muscarinic receptors, presynaptic α2-adrenergic and tissue adrenergic receptors, KATP channels, nitric oxide were investigated to uncover antimotility mechanisms of action and castor oil-induced enteropooling to elucidate antisecretory mechanisms. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated in the minimum inhibitory concentration model, the fractional inhibitory concentration index using the (-)-fenchone association method with standard antifungal agents. Results (-)-Fenchone (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) showed antidiarrheal activity, with a significant decrease in the evacuation index. This activity is possibly related to a percentage of reduced intestinal transit (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg). The antimotility effect of (-)-fenchone decreased in the presence of pilocarpine, yohimbine, propranolol, L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester or glibenclamide. In the enteropooling model, no reduction in intestinal fluid weight was observed. (-)- Fenchone did not show antibacterial activity; on the other hand, inhibits the growth of strains of fungi with a minimum fungicide concentration of 32 μg/mL. However, when it was associated with amphotericin B, no synergism was observed. Conclusion The antidiarrheal effect of (-)-fenchone in this study involves antimotility effect and not involve antisecretory mechanisms. (-)-Fenchone presents antifungal activity; however, it did not show antibacterial activity.

A field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm, College of agriculture, Bikaner (Rajasthan) during rabi season to study the influence of drip irrigation levels on yield, water use efficiency and nutrient uptake of different cultivars of fennel. Results revealed that irrigation through drip at 1.0 PE recorded significantly highest number of umbels plant-1 (30.90) and number of umbellate umbel-1 (20.04). Water use was higher when crop was irrigated at 1.0 PE, where as water use efficiency was found maximum (2.26 kg ha-1 mm) with application of 0.85 PE drip irrigation. Significantly highest nutrient (NPK) uptake by seed and stover recorded with 1.0 PE level of irrigation but remained at par with 0.85 PE. Total nutrient uptake (seed and stover) increased significantly with increasing level of irrigation. Among the different cultivars RF-205 found superior over the RF-101, RF-125 and RF-143. Different cultivars could not influence nitrogen uptake and potassium uptake by seed. Test weight was not significantly influenced by both irrigation levels and cultivars.

Background and objective The use of aromatic and herbal plants as a feed additive became a new trend in feeding dairy cows to enhance animal productivity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding some herbal and aromatic plants (Melissa, Fennel and Caraway) at 0.7% of total DM of rations. Materials and methods Three herbal plants were evaluated in this study (melissa, fennel and caraway) by using thirteen Holstein Friesian cows. Cows were in 3rd and 5th lactation seasons were used as one experimental group by swing over design in lactation experiment (control then T1 then T2 then T3 then control). Nutrients digestibility, milk production, milk composition and blood constituents were determined. Results Data indicated that nutrients digestibility and nutritive value were improved with herbal plants addition, especially with caraway treatment which recorded significantly (p>0.05) the highest values. In the same trend, Actual milk yield, 4% FCM and fat content were significantly (p>0.05) increased when cows fed rations supplemented with fennel and caraway. The addition of melissa decreased the concentration of Total Saturated Fatty Acids (TSFA) in the milk. Normal ranges for blood parameters with no negative impact on animal health were observed with experimental rations. Conclusion It could be concluded that caraway addition at 0.7% of the total dry matter of dairy rations, has a great potential to improve animal productivity and enhance the quality of milk fatty acids profile.

Purpose To study the cytotoxic evaluation, antimicrobial and confocal analysis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) obtained from a novel plant product fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed extract (FSE). Methods ZnO NPs were analyzed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, TEM and EDX techniques. The MTT cell cytotoxicity assay measured the proliferation and survival of MCF-7 cells treated at different concentrations of FSE-derived ZnO NPs. The antimicrobial activity towards pathogenic bacteria and yeast strains was investigated. Results The UV-Vis spectra showed two peaks at 438 nm and 446 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. The SEM morphology results showed porous ranging from 23-51 nm. The antitumor activity value (IC50) was at 50 µg/mL and 100 µg/mL. Besides, morphological changes of MCF-7, cells treated at different concentrations of FSE of ZnO NPs were observed in cell cultures transfected with a transient pCMV6-XL4-GFP-expressing vector containing C-terminal domain GFP-tagged proteins, which resulted in an apoptotic effect. Antimicrobial IZ ranged up No Inhibition to 18.00 ± 0.4. The IZ revealed at the highest concentration was E. faecium VRE and yeast Cryptococcus sp. (18.00 ± 0.4. mm), followed by S. aureus (17.00 ± 0.2 mm) and P. aeruginosa and the yeast C. parapsilosis (16 ± 0.4 mm). The IZ was equal to that caused by the nystatin to Cryptococcus sp., which was significantly highest than ampicillin treatments of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and C. parapsilosis. The MIC value of the FSE-derived ZnO NPs tested against E.faecium and C.albicans was 6.00 µg/mL (E. faecium and C. albicans). It was 32.00 µg/mL (S. aureus, S. typhimurium and Cryptococcus sp.), 64.00 µg/mL (P. aeruginosa), and 128 µg/mL (C. parapsilosis). Conclusion As far as it is to our knowledge, this study established, for the first time, the biological activities of biosynthesized ZnO NPs from FSE and their synergistic therapeutic potential.

Foeniculum Vulgare Mill (family Apiaceae) is a strong aromatic and medicinal plant. It used for various proposes i.e., in food, cosmetic and medicinal industries. Therefore,field experiment was conducted during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 seasons in private Farm at Maghnin village, Koum Hamada city, Elbehera Governorate, Egypt, to study the response of fennel plant to NPK doses and some biostumulants. The experiment was setup as a split plot design, whereas NPK doses ( 25, 50, 75, 100% from suggested dose which was 150, 150 and 50 kg/fed of ammonium sulphate, calcium superphosphate and potassium sulphate, respectively) were as main plots, and biostumulants treatments (ascorbic, salicylic and tryptophan acids )were arranged as sub plots. The obtained results indicated that 100% NPK dose gave significant increases in vegetative growth and flowering traits weight of 100 fruits, essential oil %, yield/pant and chemical composition parameters under study (N,P,K and carbohydrate % ) while 75% NPK dose achieved a significant higher fruit yield/plant. Application of 100 mg/l of each ascorbic, salicylic and tryptophan acids together was the most effective treatment in increasing the values of vegetative growth and flowering traits, yield of seeds, essential oil production and chemical composition parameters in comparison to the other treatments of such acids. While the interaction treatment of 100% NPK dose combined with 100 mg/l of each used acids together recorded higher significant values of such parameters mentioned before in two seasons.

The increasing prevalence of environmental pollutants such as pesticides is a major global problem that affects living organisms. Exposure to environmental pollutants remains a major source of health risk throughout the world. The potential health benefits of various medicinal plants and natural products in relation to protect various diseases are currently receiving considerable attention. A current approach is to develop a new biological compound from natural products that inhibits pain. Ethnopharmacological surveys have been found to be one of the most reliable tools for the discovery of the natural and semi-synthetic drug. The present study was performed to investigate the hematological and biochemical changes induced by carbendazim (CBZ) and the potential protective effect of seeds extracts of Nigella sativa (NSSE) and Foeniculum vulgare (FVSE) against CBZ toxicity in male mice. Mice were distributed into 6 groups. Mice of group 1 were served as control. Group 2 was exposed to CBZ. Group 3 was supplemented with NSSE and exposed to CBZ. Group 4 was treated with FVSE and CBZ. Normal mice of group 5 and 6 were subjected to NSSE and FVSE respectively. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in mice of group 2. In mice of group 2, significant declines of RBC, HB, Hct, WBC, total protein, FSH, LH, testosterone, T4, T3, CAT and SOD were observed. Moreover, the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, creatinine, BUN, uric acid, glucose, cholesterol, CK, LDH, MDA and GSH were significantly enhanced. Treatment with NSSE and FVSE showed attenuation effects against CBZ induced hematological and biochemical changes. The results suggest that the attenuation effects of NSSE and FVSE attributed to their antioxidant properties.

Mohamad S AlSalhi,1,2 Sandhanasamy Devanesan,1,2 Muhammad Atif,1,2 Wedad S AlQahtani,3 Marcello Nicoletti,4 Paola Del Serrone5 1Research Chair in Laser Diagnosis of Cancers, Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 2Physics and Astronomy Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 3Department of Forensic Sciences, College of Criminal Justice, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia; 4Department of Environmental Biology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome 00185, Italy; 5Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Center for Zootechnic and Aquaculture, Monterotondo, Rome, 00015, ItalyCorrespondence: Sandhanasamy Devanesan; Muhammad AtifResearch Chair in Laser Diagnosis of Cancers, Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi ArabiaEmail sdnesan1981@gmail.comPurpose: To study the cytotoxic evaluation, antimicrobial and confocal analysis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) obtained from a novel plant product fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) seed extract (FSE).Methods: ZnO NPs were analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, XRD, FTIR, TEM and EDX techniques. The MTT cell cytotoxicity assay measured the proliferation and survival of MCF-7 cells treated at different concentrations of FSE-derived ZnO NPs. The antimicrobial activity towards pathogenic bacteria and yeast strains was investigated.Results: The UV–Vis spectra showed two peaks at 438 nm and 446 nm, confirming nanoparticle formation. The SEM morphology results showed porous ranging from 23– 51 nm. The antitumor activity value (IC50) was at 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL. Besides, morphological changes of MCF-7, cells treated at different concentrations of FSE of ZnO NPs were observed in cell cultures transfected with a transient pCMV6-XL4-GFP-expressing vector containing C-terminal domain GFP-tagged proteins, which resulted in an apoptotic effect. Antimicrobial IZ ranged up No Inhibition to 18.00 ± 0.4. The IZ revealed at the highest concentration was E. faecium VRE and yeast Cryptococcus sp. (18.00 ± 0.4. mm), followed by S. aureus (17.00 ± 0.2 mm) and P. aeruginosa and the yeast C. parapsilosis (16 ± 0.4 mm). The IZ was equal to that caused by the nystatin to Cryptococcus sp., which was significantly highest than ampicillin treatments of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, and C. parapsilosis. The MIC value of the FSE-derived ZnO NPs tested against E.faecium and C.albicans was 6.00 μg/mL (E. faecium and C. albicans). It was 32.00 μg/mL (S. aureus, S. typhimurium and Cryptococcus sp.), 64.00 μg/mL (P. aeruginosa), and 128 μg/mL (C. parapsilosis).Conclusion: As far as it is to our knowledge, this study established, for the first time, the biological activities of biosynthesized ZnO NPs from FSE and their synergistic therapeutic potential.Keywords: fennel seed extract-derived zinc oxide nanoparticles, green nanotechnology, anti-tumor activity, antimicrobial activity and therapeutic agents

Spices and herbs are well appreciated for their medicinal properties since ancient times. Till date, spices are being explored for volatile oils (essential), flavour and for addressing many chronic diseases. In the present study, we investigated the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), elemental composition and nutraceutical compounds of fixed oils (non-volatile) from five selected spices viz., Alpinia galanga, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Foeniculum vulgare, and Myristica fragrans. The fixed oil (FO) content of volatiles-free powders of the five selected spices ranged from 1.58% (C. zeylanicum) to 26.43% (M. fragrans). The studied FO showed a good quality index which was analysed by estimation of free fatty acids, iodine value and unsaponifiable matter. The fatty acid analysis showed high palmitic acid in the FO of A. galanga and C. zeylanicum. High linoleic, oleic, and myristic acid levels were observed in T. foenum-graecum, F. vulgare and M. fragrans FOs, respectively. The nutraceutical compounds such as total phenolics were high in C. zeylanicum FO (0.53%). Hence the studied FO could be an excellent alternative to oil nutraceutical compounds. It may be used as a functional ingredient in foods which needs further validation for value addition. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13197-020-04813-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Habrobracon hebetor Say is among the most efficient natural enemies of several lepidopteran insect pests. In the present study, the lethal and sublethal activities of essential oils isolated from aromatic plants Achillea millefolium L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill, Ocimum basilicum L., and Zataria multiflora Boiss were studied on the H. hebetor female wasps. A. millefolium and Z. multiflora essential oils with lower LC50 values displayed lower toxicity on parasitoid wasps than F. vulgare and O. basilicum essential oils. Although LC30 values of essential oils affected the fecundity and fertility of treated wasps, A. millefolium and Z. multiflora essential oils were harmless than F. vulgare and O. basilicum oils. The lowest rm (intrinsic rate of increase), R0 (net reproductive rate), GRR (Gross reproductive rate), and λ (Finite rate of increase) values (0.20 day, 16.13 offspring, 83.61 egg, and 1.24 day, respectively) distinguished on female wasps treated by F. vulgare essential oil. Based on the results of present study, A. millefolium and Z. multiflora essential oils indicated lower lethal and sublethal effects on the H. hebetor than F. vulgare and O. basilicum essential oils, and therefore, they can be considered as relatively safe agents to H. hebetor in the management of its lepidopteran insect pests.

Foeniculum vulgare is a medicinal plant used in Moroccan folk medicine to treat several diseases such as diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the phenolic bioactive compounds and to evaluate the antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities of Foeniculum vulgare leaf and rootstock extracts. Phenolic compounds of F. vulgare rootstock and leaf extracts were determined using HPLC-DAD-QTOFMS analysis. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) radicals. Moreover, the in vitro antihyperglycemic effects were tested by measuring the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. HPLC-DAD-QTOFMS analysis identified thirty-two phenolic components in both leaf and rootstock extracts. Caffeic acid, quinic acid, and chlorogenic acid were the major compounds of F. vulgare leaf extract (FVLE), while the main compound of F. vulgare rootstock extracts (FVRE) was quinic acid. In the DPPH assay, F. vulgare leaf extract showed important antioxidant activity (IC50 = 12.16 ± 0.02 μg/mL) than F. vulgare rootstock extract (IC50 = 34.36 ± 0.09 μg/mL). Moreover, fennel leaf extracts revealed also the most powerful antioxidant activity (IC50 = 22.95 ± 0.4 μg/mL) in the ABTS assay. The in vitro antihyperglycemic activity showed that F. vulgare rootstock extract exhibited a remarkable inhibitory capacity (IC50 = 194.30 ± 4.8 μg/mL) of α-amylase compared with F. vulgare leaf extract (IC50 = 1026.50 ± 6.5 μg/mL). Furthermore, the inhibition of α-glucosidase was more importantly with F. vulgare rootstock (IC50 of 165.90 ± 1.2 μg/mL) than F. vulgare leaf extracts (203.80 ± 1.3 μg/mL). The funding of this study showed that F. vulgare rootstock and leaf extracts presented several phenolic compounds and showed important antioxidant and antidiabetic effects. We suggest that the identified molecules are responsible for the obtained activities. However, further studies focusing on the isolation and the determination of antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of F. vulgare rootstock and leaf main compounds are required.

Fennel is an important medicinal, and aromatic plant occupied the first in the list of Egyptian exports of herbs and spices. Dutch fennel is described by a large percentage of anethole and a lower percentage of estragole than the Egyptian fennel, therefore, it is used as an antidote to some viral diseases. The present research aims to investigate the influence of various growth stimulants (amino acids, brassinolide, humic acid, salicylic acid, seaweeds extract and tap water as control) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi as well as their combinations on vegetative growth, productivity and some chemical constituents of Dutch fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. spp. vulgare). This study was conducted at the Experimental Farm and in the Laboratory at the Hort. Dept., Fac. Agric. at Moshtohor, Benha Univ., Egypt, during 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 seasons. The greatest significant values of all studied parameters were gained by the combined treatment of seaweed extract at 2 ml/l with superior for the inoculum mycorrhizal fungi in 1st and 2nd seasons. The largest seeds oil percentage (2.22 and 2.24) was recorded by the combined treatment between seaweed extract combined with inoculum arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The chemical constituents of Dutch fennel essential oil about ten components, the master components of essential oil constituents trans-anethole, estragole, and myrcene. In general, it could be recommended that the combinations of seaweed extract at 2 ml/l and inoculum arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) could be achieved the greatest growth, productivity and chemical constituents of Dutch fennel.

Background Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) is traditionally suggested for the fertility improvement in Iranian lore due to its antioxidant and phytoestrogen compounds. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of fennel seed and its hydroalcoholic extract on the serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and folliculogenesis in offspring exposed to either of the treatments in utero and 56 days after birth (PND 56). Methods Pregnant NMRI mice were randomly divided into 5 groups of 7: extract-treated groups received 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day fennel extract (FE), seed-treated groups received 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day fennel seed (FS), and the control group (CTL) received no treatment. The treatments started from pregnancy day 1 and continued until PND 56. Body and right ovary weights and ovary dimensions were recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin stained ovary sections were prepared to calculate the proportion of different follicles. The level of TAC in the serums was also measured by fluorescence recovery after photo bleaching. Results A marked rise in the body and ovary weights of treated mice was observed compared to the CTL group. The mean number of primordial, primary, pre-antral, and pre-ovulatory follicles as well as corpus luteum size in the treated offspring was significantly higher compared to those of CTL offspring. The atretic follicle number was nonsignificantly lower in either of the treatment groups compared with that in the CTL. However, treatment of animals with 500 mg/kg FE showed a more pronounced effect. Animals in FS500, FE500 and FE1000 groups had a significantly higher level of serum TAC compared to the CTL group. Conclusions Fennel extract and seed administration in pregnancy and lactation period improve offspring’s folliculogenesis. Higher level of TAC in the serum of offspring might have positively altered the folliculogenesis milieu.

Biological studies on thirteen ethanolic plant extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis ,Ocimum basilicum , Moringa oleifera, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Nigella sativa ,Cinnamomum verum ,Salvia officinalis, Lepidium sativum, Foeniculum vulgare, Anethum graveolens, Ficus benghalensis and Cinnamomum camphora )revealed that four of them (Rosmarinus officinalis , Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum verum and Cinnamomum camphora) were the best active against two bacterial species ; E. coli , S .aureus and one fungus species C. albicans. Also, their synergistic effects against E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans were studied .So, the phytochemical studies were completed on these four plants . This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition of the best active plant extracts. The chemical major content of Rosmarinus officinalis was eucalyptol (7.48%) , Zingiber officinale was gingerol (12.73%) , Cinnamomum verum was (E)- cinnamaldehyde (25.55 % ) and Cinnamomum camphora was eugenol ( 27 .35% ) . The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values varied from 0.625 to 2.5 mg/ml, for the S. aureus (gram positive bacteria) affected by Rosmarinus officinali, Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum verum and Cinnamomum camphora. Respectively. C. albicans was the most effective microorganism by Cinnamomum verum and the least effective microorganism by Rosmarinus officinalis and Cinnamomum camphora. ethanolic extracts, as MIC ranged from 0.15 to 1.25 mg/ml.

Aims: Alzheimer disease and epilepsy are two of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders that not only affect the quality of life of patients but also of family members and caretakers. Remedies for these illnesses are available in allopathic medicines but not without side effects. Herbal products are being investigated for these ailments. Protective role of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. was assessed in this study. Study Design: Laboratory based randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Pharmacology Department of University of Karachi, between March 2018 and April 2018. Methodology: Mice and rats were divided in three groups, control, 2% and 4% F. vulgare groups, each containing 10 rodents. Control group was fed standard rodent diet, whereas, study groups were given 2% and 4% F. vulgare seeds (crushed) incorporated in standard rodent diet. Epilepsy model was made for mice and Alzheimer disease study was done using rats and passive avoidance test. Results: Lower incidence of seizures and mortality in both study groups as compared to control in epilepsy model and memory retaining effect in both treated groups in Alzheimer disease model was recorded with statistical significance. Conclusion: Clinical studies should be conducted to validate the protective role of this herb in these disorders.

A rapid and feasible method of HPTLC is standardized for quantification of anethole in essential oil’s extract and from herbal formulations of fennel seed. The developed densitometric HPTLC method was performed to estimate the existence of anethole in the essential oil, extract and herbal formulations of fennel with the optimized concentration of hexane: Ethyl acetate (8:2%, v/v, mobile phase) on glass coated silica gel 60 F254 plates (20 × 10 cm) scanned with the absorbance of λ260 nm under densitometric condition. The Linearity of regressions revealed a satisfactory relationship between peak area and concentration of anethole in between the range of 100-600 ng/spot. This reliable method was validated as per the ICH guidelines to fulfill the necessary parameters such as accuracy and robustness. The amount of anethole in essential oil (0.098 ± 0.002%), extract (0.101 ± 0.004%) and three herbal formulations A (0.024 ± 0.004%), C (0.019 ± 0.002%) while anethole is not detected in B formulations from fennel seed was completely estimated by the developed method. The standardized methods and its validation gave new insights of HPTLC based detection and quantification of anethole in other aromatic plants as well as in other pharmacological formulations.

Field experiments were carried out to develop a multi-purposes machine for secondary tillage, fertilizing and planting some medicinal and aromatic plants; fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) and caraway (Carum carvi L.). The combination machine performance was evaluated comparing with the traditional method as a function of change in forward speed (2.1, 3.6, 4.5 and 6.3 km/h),in terms of soil physical properties, seed scattering, emergence ratio, yield, power, energy and cost requirements. The experimental results revealed that soil physical properties, seed scattering, emergence, energy requirements and operational cost were in the optimum region under the following recommended conditions: - The use of the developed combination machine for secondary tillage, fertilizing and planting as a multi-purposes machine because of its minimum both energy and cost, added to the improvement of soil properties. - Adjust fluted roll length of the feeding device at 10 mm for seeds and 22 mm for fertilizer to obtain the desired quantity of seeds and fertilizers per feddan. - Operate the developed combination machine at forward speed of about 4.5 km/h, which corresponded to kinematic parameter of 3.28 for seeds and 7.5 for fertilizers.

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.

BackgroundAlong with swift economic evolution and continuous amelioration of lifestyle, people at present are paying more attention to health issues. Synthetic drugs will be compensated with other natural ones that belong to natural origin. Plants have always been considered as sources of several compounds that are used in many fields, especially human and animal health, starting from boosting immunity to the treatment of infectious diseases caused by some pathogenic microbes such as bacteria, fungi as well as viruses. This study aimed to incorporate some types of plants within the antimicrobial portfolio through the examination of different six plants which wereCichorium intybus,Cinnamomum camphora,Commiphora myrrha,Foeniculum vulgare,Nerium oleander, andSpartium junceum. As well, attempting to identify the active constituents of their extracts using GC–MS.Materials and methodsAll selected plants were analyzed to determine their phytochemical composition such as phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and so on. The extraction step was done by sophisticated equipment called supercritical fluid extractor SFE through adjustment of specific conditions include temperature, time, flow rate and pressure to change the behavior of CO2. Testing the antimicrobial activity of each plant extract via agar well diffusion method through the formation of clear zones against a wide range of test microorganisms including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as yeasts. Finally, attempting to primarily identify the constituents of each plant extract using GC–MS.Results and discussionThe crude extract ofF. vulgareshowed the highest potency againstC. albicans,E. faecalisandS. typhimurium, it contains some unique compounds such as squalene, eugenol and isoeugenol while, Extract ofC. intybusshowed a moderate activity especially againstC. lipolyticaand MRSA and it includes Vitamin A like compound which indicates antioxidant property.ConclusionConclusively, fennel gave a promising result as a good wide spectrum antimicrobial agent because it contains some compounds act as antimicrobial agents such as eugenol which was used as food preservatives in addition to squalene which acts as an antioxidant and antimycotic agent so, it will be useful especially while it was used in highly purified form excluding all undesirable subcomponents.

Phytopathogenic fungi have been responsible for considerable economic losses in vineyards, and therefore, more attention should be paid to the development and implementation of preventative treatment that is environmentally friendly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of ten essential oils (EOs) (viz. Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Carum carvi L., Pinus mugo var. pumilio, Mentha piperita L., Foeniculum vulgare L., Pinus sylvestris L., Satureja hortensis L., Origanum vulgare L., Pimpinella anisum L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L.). For the antifungal activity evaluation against Penicillium brevicompactum, P. citrinum, P. crustosum, P. expansum, P. funiculosum, P. glabrum, P. chrysogenum, P. oxalicum, P. polonicum and Talaromyces purpurogenus a disc diffusion method was used. The ten EOs exhibited different antifungal properties. Three tested EOs (Carum carvi L., Satureja hortensis L. and Pimpinella anisum L.) at concentrations of 0.75, 0.50, 0.25 and 0.125 µL/mL showed antifungal activity, inhibiting the mycelial growth. The Origanum vulgare L. EOs exhibited a lower level of inhibition. Overall, Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Pinus mugo var. pumilio, Mentha piperita L., Foeniculum vulgare L., Pinus sylvestris L., Satureja hortensis L., Pimpinella anisum L. and Rosmarinus officinalis L. were effective as fungicidal agents but their efficiency varied between the strains of fungi. Carum carvi L. showed strong antifungal activity against all tested strains at both full strength and reduced concentrations. These EOs could be considered as potential sources of antifungal compounds for treating plant fungal diseases.

Aims: Coagulation profile shows the clotting ability of blood. Biochemical tests indicate health status of vital organs such as liver, heart and kidneys. Herbal products are being assessed for their role in affecting these parameters. We evaluated role of Foeniculum vulgare incorporated diet on coagulation profile and some important biochemical parameters. Study Design: Laboratory centred randomized controlled trial. Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacology Department of University of Karachi, Karachi between June 2018 and September 2018. Methodology: After selecting 30 healthy rabbits of either sex, we placed them in three groups; Control, 2% Foeniculum vulgare and 4% Foeniculum vulgare group. Control group was given standard diet whereas; 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare groups were maintained on standard diet containing 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare crushed seeds. Coagulation profile and some biochemical parameters were done after interval of a month, for two months. Results: Platelet count and fibrinogen increased while activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) levels decreased in both the study groups animals as compared to control, while blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) elevation was noted both Foeniculum vulgare groups but within normal range. Conclusion: Foeniculum vulgare may have some role in affecting coagulation and biochemical profile These parameters, however, need clinical trial to validate reliability.

Eupatorium japonicum Thunb and Foeniculum vulgare are two of the most widely used folk herbs and constituents in many traditional Chinese herbal formulas. Nonetheless, little toxicological and safety information associated with following daily repeated exposure is obtained according to previous research. The present study was performed to assess the toxicity of ethanol extract from Eupatorium japonicum Thunb and Foeniculum vulgare (EFE) in male rats administered by dietary oral gavage at target doses of 0.39, 0.78, and 1.56 g/kg body weight/day for 90 days. There were no significant adverse effects on clinical signs, body weight, food conversion efficiency, and vital hematological indices. However, some hematology and biochemical indices such as WCV, MCH, MCHC, LY, MPV, T-CHO, as well as TG revealed significant changes in Sprague–Dawley rats and organ weights in lung and spleen showed diminished in male rats. Necropsy and histopathology findings suggested that no significant differences in absolute weights were found in all organs except lung and spleen, and no treatment-related alteration was identified in any organs. All results obtained in the present study indicated that the proper use of EFE in traditional medicine at oral dosages up to 1.56 g/kg/day body weight may harbor no prolonged toxicity to rats. However, further studies of EFE are still necessary to assess its oral safety in patients.

Medicinal plants produce natural chemicals either pure or in the form of mixture of compounds which are diverse in nature. These compounds show activities which are very important for human health such as antioxidant activity, antimicrobial effect, anti-helminths activity, anti-inflammation activity, immune system activation, decrease of platelet aggregation, treatment of diabetes and modulation of hormone metabolism and anticancer property. Demand of these natural compounds is increasing therefore it is needed to develop the more effective methods for extraction of these compounds. Foeniculum vulgare Mill. is one of the most commonly used medicinal plants used in cure of many diseases. In present study the experimental design was developed for the extraction of compounds specially “L-fenchone”, an essential part of fennel essential oils by Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) from seeds of F. vulgare. Extraction was done in hexane from different particle sizes (40μ and 80μ) of plant material at 600W of microwaves power in 1 and 5 mint. Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GCMS) was used for the quantification of L-fenchone. MAE was proved to be an efficient and rapid method of extraction from seeds of F. vulgare. Highest amount was extracted from 80μ, which was 183.33 mg per gram of plant sample. MAE consumed lesser energy by taking lesser time (5 minutes) for extraction. It proved to be cost effective technique as consumed lesser solvents and samples.

Rezene (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) ticari olarak üretimi yapılan önemli baharat bitkilerindendir. Rezene; gaz giderici özelliğe sahip olmasının yanında ayrıca koku, tat ve uçucu yağ bakımından zengindir ve ayrıca baharat olarak yaygın kullanıma sahip bir bitkidir. Bu çalışma, Kütahya - Gediz koşullarında farklı bor dozlarının (0, Saf doz, 1/8 dozda dekara 8 lt) Rezene (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)'de bulunan uçucu yağ oranı ve kalitesi üzerine etkisini belirlemek amacıyla, 2017 yılında Dumlupınar Üniversitesi, Tıbbi ve Aromatik Bitkiler deneme tarlasında yürütülmüştür. 2017 yılında tarla denemeleri tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre 3 tekerrürlü olarak kurulmuştur. Uçucu yağ bileşimi Gaz Kromatografi-Kütle Spektrometresi (GC-MS) ile belirlenmiştir. Uçucu yağ oranları sırasıyla borsuz doz %1.83, saf doz %3.43, 1/8 dozda %1.55 olarak bulunmuştur. Borsuz, saf dozda ve 1/8 dozda yetişen rezenelerin meyvelerinde yapılan 3 farklı dozun analiz sonucunda 7’şer bileşen tespit edilmiştir. Borsuz çalışmada elde edilen uçucu yağdaki ana bileşen sırasıyla; trans-anetol %84.65, limonen %5.92, p-allilanisol %4.18, fenkon %1.12’dir. Saf dozda elde edilen bileşenler ise; trans-anetol %94.52, anisol %3.54, limonen %1.09, fenkon %0.36 olarak bulunurken, 1/8 dozda trans-anetol %92.38, anisole %3.8, limonen %2.85, fenkon %0.35 olarak bulunmuştur.

The medicinal and aromatic plants in Egypt became vital economic crops for the local and export market. One of these crops is the Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), it is an important herbaceous plant. The fennel aphids, Hyadaphis foeniculi (Passerini) and cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae (Linnaeus) cause reductions on the yield components and amount of essential oil in the fennel fruits. This study was conducted to investigate the aphids infestation on two fennel varieties (Foeniculum vulgare var. vulgare (Local) and Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum (Holland) cultivated in two agro-ecological zones in Middle and Upper Egypt during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. Depend on the obtained results, there were significant effects of different locations on the infestation level by fennel aphids, while there was no significant interaction between seasons. This results on susceptibility degrees of fennel varieties showed that none of the tested varieties was found completely free from aphid attack. At Al-Fayoum, the Local and Holland were exhibited low resistance in the first season, whereas, both varieties were susceptible (S) in the second season. However, at Luxor, Local var. was low resistance (LR) and susceptible (S) in the first and second seasons respectively. While Holland var. was susceptible (S) in both seasons. The different treatments were similar in both seasons and highly significant compared to untreated plants. The efficient treatments are Tracer and Saif oil followed by KZ Oil + Potassium Soap. It is clear from the results that the local cultivar preferred to cultivate in Luxor, where the best vegetative growth, as well as the highest yield of fruits and the highest productivity of essential oil percentage and the highest oil yield, provided the treatment of plants with Tracer or Saif oil, where they have a strong impact on aphid resistance, which reflected on the production of local fennel type increased. On the other hand, Holland variety, the best yield was given in Al-Fayoum in terms of vegetative growth, fruit yield and oil yield, provided that the plants were treated with Tracer or Saif oil, which was efficient on the reduction the aphid infestation, leading to increased productivity. Our investigation suggested that the agro-ecological region have a high concern in widespread of the medicinal and aromatic plant for high production and quality of the essential oil especially the foreign fennel verities.

The widespread use of antibiotics often causes increase in the bacterial drugs resistance and causes many side effects in humans. Medical plants have antimicrobial effects against most pathogenic bacteria and can serve as harmless replacement to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to assess the antibacterial effect of five medicinal plant prevailed in Kurdistan region namely; Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia (L.) D.Don), Nigella (Nigella sativa L.), Allium (Allium hirtifolium Boiss.), Carrot (Daucus carota L.), and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) against pathogenic Gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus), and pathogenic Gram negative bacteria (Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli). The evaluation of antibacterial activity for these plant extracts was carried out using agar-well diffusion method. Results showed that minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of A. hirtifolium against tested bacterial isolates were (25 mg/mL), the lowest MIC values for S. aureus were (25 mg/mL) observed with C. cassia, N. sativa and F. vulgare ethanolic extracts and the lowest MIC of D. carota against bacterial isolates were (50 mg/mL), Also, it was observed that S. aureus was more sensitive than S. typhi and E. coli to plant extracts. The ethanol plant extracts had potential antibacterial activities. However, further studies are required to identify the active compounds which could be used for the preparation of new antimicrobial agents and control the bacterial infectious diseases.

The present study was conducted at farmer’s field in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh to assess the response of polyherbal mixture supplementation on milk production and postpartum reproduction in crossbred cattle. The polyherbal mixture was prepared by mixing 25 g each of Foeniculum vulgare (Saunf), Trachy spermumammi (Ajwain), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Methi), Zingiber officinale (Sundh), Anethum graveolens (Sowa) and Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom). Sixteen crossbred cattle were divided into two groups on eight each as T 0 : control and T 1: treatment and the animals of T 1 were supplemented ployherbal mixture from the day of calving till day 10 of postpartum. The data was recorded for 2 months duration. The animals were managed as per the standard feeding practices followed by the farmers. Significant increase in milk yield (P

Two field experiments were conducted in a newly reclaimed land at a private farm in Village No 8, El-Minia Governorate, Egypt during two successive seasons (2017/2018) to evaluate the effect of integrated nitrogen fertilizer sources with organic and bio-fertilization on growth and yield components of the fennel plant. The experiment was arranged in a split- split-plot design. The organic treatments (0.0 and 5.0 t compost t/fed.) were arranged in main plots, nitrogen treatments (0.0, 10.0, 50.0 and 80.0 kg N/fed.) as urea or ammonium sulphate were allocated in subplots and bio-fertilizer treatments (without and with) were applied in sub-sub plots. The main effects of compost, nitrogen fertilization and bio-fertilizer showed that the maximum values of plant height, dry weight/plant, number of branches/plant, number of mumble/plant, number of umbellule's/umble and 1000-fruits weight were attained under 5 t/fed compost, 80 kg N/fed as ammonium sulphate with bio-fertilizer. The results of the interaction among treatments indicated that combined 5.0 t compost /fed with 50 kg N/fed as ammonium sulphate and using bio-fertilizer exhibited the highest values of growth and yield components of fennel. Meanwhile, we can save about 30 kg N/fed by treated fennel plants with organic and bio-fertilizers without any reduction in vegetative growth.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is a valuable medicinal and aromatic plant. The introduction of such an eco-friendly element as presowing seeds inoculation with phosphate mobilizing microbial biopreparation into the growing technology is especially important in the cultivation of this crop. It is connected with an extensive use of fennel in the production of medicines, including the remedies for children. Under the moisture deficiency conditions of the southern Steppe of Ukraine, the study on the effectiveness of phosphate mobilizing biopreparations depending on the impact of sowing dates is particularly relevant. Our field experiments were carried out in 2017-2019 in the Kherson region on the dark chestnut soils typical for the southern Steppe of Ukraine. Presowing seeds inoculation with biopreparations of phosphate mobilizing bacteria Albobakteryn and Polimiksobakteryn positively affected the indicators of fennel productivity and yield quality. Among the microbial preparations studied, a preference for Polimiksobakteryn was recorded. The research findings indicate a tendency to lower the quantitative and qualitative indicators of fennel seed yield from early to late sowing. The most favourable conditions for the productive processes of fennel plants and accumulation of essential oil were ensured by the interaction of seeds bacterization with the Polimiksobakteryn biopreparation and early spring sowing at the right soil tilth stage in the third ten-day period of March. In this variant, the yielding capacity was 1.41 t/ha, the weight of 1000 seeds reached 5.61 g, the essential oil content in the seeds amounted to 6.13% in dry matter, the relative yield of essential oil being 76.1 kg/ha. The introduction of microbial preparations of phosphate mobilizing bacteria into the technology of fennel cultivation is a promising environmentally friendly approach to improving the crop productivity.

The agriculture sector requires a revolutionary alternative that makes crop production high and elicits less ill-effects on the environment. At present, agriculture area facade the challenge of low yield of many agronomic crops which lead to economic losses. Experimentally, it is proved that fertilizer use can boost yield two three times more in spite of other factors unchanged. But surplus and unbalanced usage of these soil supplements like fertilizers and irrigation causes serious problems to our soils like water logging and formation of saline soils and ultimately lead to denatured soil. This situation can be alleviated through the use of eco-friendly biofertilizer. So the present appraisal scrutinizes the effect of fertilizer Ammonium Phosphate Sulphate (APS) and biofertilizer (Agrozyme) on the cytology, morphology and pigment constituents of the Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and to trace out a safer crop enhancer among the two. The results revealed that fertilizer expelled to be more chromotoxic and mito-inhibitory at higher concentration in comparison to biofertilizer. Fertilizer negatively affects the plant’s mitotic index while biofertilizer enhances mitotic index parallel to the increasing concentration. Biofertilizer shows positive effect on the germination, survival and plant growth while fertilizer shows this elevation effect at lower concentration. The biochemical constituents (photosynthetic pigments) are greatly affected by higher concentration of both the treatments. The treated system shows various anomalies such as stickiness, precocious movement, loop formation at metaphasic stage and stickiness, laggard and bridge etc at anaphasic stage. Since, biofertilizers area much safer as compared to fertilizers and it also enhances the qualitative and quantitative traits, therefore it could be used in agro-system to obtain sustainable crop upgradation.

Introduction: Breast cancer is described as a serious disease and one of the important factors of cancer-related deaths. Considering the drug resistance, special attention has been paid to natural compounds. This study aimed at evaluating the anti-metastatic activity of fennel in a breast cancer mouse model.Methods: A total of 28 adult female BALB/C mice were used in this study. Breast cancer was induced by subcutaneous injection of 4T1 cells in the right lower flank. The mice received fennel extracts daily via intraperitoneal injection for two weeks. Meanwhile, tumor volume was measured every day using calipers. After two weeks, each animal was anesthetized. The expression levels of ki-67 and dysadherin as tumor markers, as well as E-cadherin as a tumor suppressor, were measured in tumor tissue and ovary. Also the expression of her2 was measured in ovary.Results: Tumor size significantly decreased after nine days treatment of the fennel. Fennel treatment caused an increase in the ratio of the expression of E-cadherin to Ki-67 and dysadherin in the tumor tissues. On the other hand, the expression of Ki-67 and HER2 decreased in the ovary.Conclusion: Based on our findings, fennel has anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activities against aggressive cancers.

The essential oils of plants have been widely recognized in the pharmaceutical industry due to their various benefits as well as their biological activities. In Algeria, the seeds of Foeniculum vulgare Mill (Family Apiaceae) are widely utilized in herbal medicine. We aimed to examine the chemical composition of seed essential oil of this species, and to reveal its in vitro antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp., Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton violaceum, Microsporumgypseum, Microsporumcanis and Rhodotorula sp. Chemical analysis of essential oil isolated by hydro-distillation was carried out by GC–FID and GC–MS. The basic components of the essential oil were estragole (84.8%), limonene (7.8%), fenchone (3.1%) and α-pinene (1.3%). The essential oil of F. vulgare revealed higher antifungal activities particularly against C. albicans and Aspergillus species with MIC values of 0.16–0.2 mg/ml.

Recent complex changes in social, dietary, and behavior routines led to a significant increase in functional and immune disorders of the human gastrointestinal tract. Volatile essential oils from major food commodities such as culinary and medicinal plants (spices) hold the potential to protect the digestive system from abusive agents and immune hypersensitivity by modulating inflammation and gut microbiome. Here we identify 8 botanical interventions including fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Ros.), garlic (Allium sativum L.), peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium L.), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton), and dill (Anethum graveolens L.) essential oils that prevented gastric ulcer formation, reduced production of gastric acids, or promoted upper gastrointestinal healing in preclinical or early phase human studies. These oils were further evaluated for their biochemical constituents, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities to provide insight into potential mechanisms of action in vivo. With a few current human studies in support of these findings, there is a critical opportunity to further examine clinical effects, efficacy, and acceptability of botanical essential oils to manage upper gastrointestinal health and wellbeing.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is a major seed spice crop, belongs to family Apiaceae (Umbelliferae). Fennel crop suffers from various diseases caused by fungi and other microorganisms. Amongst the major fungal diseases of fennel, the Alternaria blight caused by Alternaria alternata, is becoming a measure threat to the fennel cultivation. During present investigations six fungicides were evaluated against Alternaria alternata under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Among these fungicides, mancozeb + carbendazim (300 ppm) was found most effective in inhibition of mycelial growth (96.90%) and while in field, two spray of mancozeb + carbendazim (0.2%) was recorded highly effective in reducing disease intensity (71.53%) by increasing 73.07 per cent seed yield followed by mancozeb over unprotected control. The benefit cost ratio value was highest (1.95) with two sprays of mancozeb + carbendazim at 15 days interval followed by mancozeb (1.84).

Present study was aimed to optimize the microwave assisted extraction (MAE) of phytochemicals from Foeniculum vulgare Mill and its comparison with other conventional extraction methods. Biological activities of polar and nonpolar extracts (from MAE, Soxhlet and cold maceration) were also compared. For this purpose, seed powder of Foeniculum vulgare Mill was extracted by Microwave assisted extraction (MAE), Soxhlet extraction (SE) and Cold maceration (CM) using water as a solvent. MAE conditions (power level, time of microwave irradiation and particle size of plant matrix) for maximum phenolic content from F. vulgare, were optimized using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology. Thereafter, antioxidant activities and reducing power of all extracts was analyzed and compared. Nonpolar fractions of extracts were analysed with GCMS. Results showed that MAE gave higher extracts from F. vulgare in 4 min as compared to 20 and 24 h of SE and CM respectively. MAE extracted smaller particle size (40 µ) more efficiently while extraction yield of other two techniques was not significantly affected by particle size of seed powder. Optimal extraction conditions were found to be 600 W, 3 min and 80 µm of particle size. Antioxidant potential of MAE extracts was also higher (75.5%), comparable to the standard antioxidants used. Extracts were then fractionated into chloroform and n-hexane fractions and were subjected to GCMS analysis and antibacterial activity. On comparison it was concluded that both the fractions of MAE gave the maximum variety of nonpolar constituents and enhanced antibacterial activity. MAE proved to be a rapid and energy efficient method for plant based extractions for polar as well as non-polar components from F. vulgare without affecting their biological activities. In conventional herbal industry, MAE protocols can replace maceration and SE, to save time, energy and cost as well. This will also reduce the final cost of the medicine at consumer level Keywords: Antioxidants, Foeniculum vulgare, Medicinal plants, Microwave assisted extraction, Phenolics, Phytochemicals

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.

Background Panch phoron is a mixture of five spices containing an equal proportion of Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), Trigonella foenum-graecum Linn (fenugreek), Nigella sativa (black cumin), Cuminum cyminum (cumin) and Brassica nigra (black mustard). The mixture is commonly used in Bangladeshi cuisine and possesses many pharmacological effects. In this study, we evaluated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous panch phoron extract (PPE) in vivo, its possible mechanism of action and phytochemical analysis by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). We also investigated the effect of PPE on postoperative pain in mice. Methods HPLC was carried out using LC-20A Modular HPLC system to identify the bioactive compounds present in PPE. Five groups of Swiss albino male mice (n = 6 per group) were orally treated with 10 ml/kg of distilled water or 10 mg/kg of sodium diclofenac or three doses of PPE (100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg). In vivo assessment was carried out by the writhing test, tail-flick test, formalin test, and carrageenan induced paw edema test. The opioid antagonist, naloxone was used in the acetic acid test to evaluate the involvement of opioid receptors. To assess the effect of PPE in postoperative pain, mice that underwent sciatic nerve surgery were measured for the paw withdrawal latency in a hot water bath. Results In HPLC analysis, different types of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, including catechin hydrate, para-coumaric acid, vanillic acid, and syringic acid were detected. Treatment with PPE exhibited dose-dependent antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in pain models (p Conclusions Our results demonstrate that PPE has significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and can provide significant postoperative analgesia.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with high blood glucose levels due to insulin shortcoming (insulinopenia) or defective insulin action. The objective of the study was to investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of Foeniculum vulgare in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Methods: The effects of the leaves aqueous extract (LAE) of Foeniculum vulgare (F. vulgare) at a dose of 10 mg/kg on blood glucose levels were evaluated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)- induced diabetic rats. Histopathological changes were also evaluated in liver in STZ-induced rats. Results: Single oral administration of F. vulgare LAE reduced blood glucose levels 6 h after administration in STZ diabetic rats (p Conclusion: This study demonstrates the antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of the leaves of F. vulgare in normal and diabetic rats.