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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.

Nine essential oils from fennel (seeds and herbs) and anise (seeds) from different origins were analysed for density, refractive index and for a complete composition through GC-MS and 1H-NMR-spectroscopy. Anethole was the main compound identified in fennel and anise essential oils. Anethole content varied between 30 – 90% in fennel oils and between 80 – 99% in anise oils; anethole is often used as flavouring substance in foods with a good antimicrobial activity also. A positive correlation was found between anethole content determined by GC-MS and 1H-NMR (r = 0.8567 for fennel oils and r = 0.6986 for anise oils). The results showed different levels of anethole in oils (values ranged between 30.66 % and 99.24 %). Electronic nose was a very good and rapid method for discrimination of essential oils based on PCA (Principal Component Analysis) with discrimination index above 90 for both essential oils.

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.

Introduction Long-term use of laxatives may have side effects such as bloating, allergic reaction, abdominal pain, metabolic disturbances, and hepatotoxicity. In this study, we have compared the efficacy of herbal medicine Nucarb, a combination of activated charcoal, calcium sennosides, peppermint oil, fennel oil, rhubarb extract, and purified sulfur, in relieving constipation. Methods This longitudinal study was conducted in multiple cities of Pakistan from April 2021 to June 2021. A total of 1000 patients, of either gender between age group 18 and 75 years, with complete spontaneous bowel movement of less than or equal to two times per week, were enrolled in the study. Participants were prescribed two tablets of Nucarb once daily (OD) at bedtime for the first seven days, followed by one tablet of Nucarb OD at bedtime for the following seven days. They were asked to return for follow-up after 14 days. Results There was a statistically significant improvement in all six components of constipation. After 14 days, the severity of constipation reduced by 80.70%, the sensation of straining was reduced by 72.69%, and the feeling of incomplete evacuation was reduced by 71.87%. There was no adverse event reported. Conclusion Nucarb is efficacious in reducing the severity of constipation, sensation of straining, bloating and abdominal pain, feeling of incomplete evacuation, and difficulty in passing gas. Since it is a herbal product, it can be safely used in all populations.

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

Background: The relation between menopausal status and diabetes mellitus remains controversial. However, clinical trials suggest that menopause would speed the progression to diabetes. Reproductive tract dysfunction is a recognized consequence of diabetes obesity syndrome (DOS). Therefore, a possible association between obesity, diabetes mellitus and abnormalities of female reproductive function may occur. Nowadays traditional medicinal plants and spices are commonly used for their possible effects as hypoglycaemic, antidiabetic and folliculogenic agents instead of using synthetic drugs. Recent studies suggest that bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) are promising grafts to treat a variety of diseases, including reproductive dysfunction.Aim of the work: The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic implication of MSCs and fennel ingestion on ovarian diabetically induced senile rats.Materials & Methods: 24 senile female albino rats were used in this study. They were divided into 4 equal groups: control group, diabetic group, diabetic/MSCs group and diabetic/ MSCs /fennel oil group. Treatments were continued for 8 weeks, and ovarian samples were collected for histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructure studies.Blood glucose levels were estimated and serum hormonal analyses were performed.Results: Induction of diabetes caused variable sizes of typical ovarian follicular cysts and elevation of blood glucose level. Stem cell transplantation showed some amelioration in the ovarian structure and blood glucose level. Administration of both MSCs and fennel oil had the ability to lower the blood glucose level and restore ovarian structure in diabetic rats.Conclusion: The use of MSCs in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering makes them a promising therapy to treat diabetes mellitus complications. Fennel essential oil could be given to diabetic patients to ameliorate diabetes in addition to its use as a fertility enhancing agent.

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.

In this work, nanoemulsion-based delivery system was developed by encapsulation of fennel essential oil. A response surface methodology was used to study the influence of the processing conditions in order to obtain monomodal nanoemulsions of fennel essential oil using the microchannel homogenization technique. Results showed that it was possible to obtain nanoemul-sions with very narrow monomodal distributions that were homogeneous over the whole observation period (three months) when the appropriate mechanical energy was supplied by microfluidization at 14 MPa and 12 passes. Once the optimal processing condition was established, nanoemulsions were formulated with advanced performance xanthan gum, which was used as both viscosity modifier and emulsion stabilizer. As a result, more desirable results with enhanced physical stability and rheological properties were obtained. From the study of mechanical spectra as a function of aging time, the stability of the nanoemulsions weak gels was confirmed. The mechanical spectra as a function of hydrocolloid concentration revealed that the rheological properties are marked by the biopolymer network and could be modulated depending on the amount of added gum. Therefore, this research supports the role of advanced performance xanthan gum as a stabilizer of microfluidized fennel oil-in-water nanoemulsions. In addition, the results of this research could be useful to design and formulate functional oil-in-water nanoemulsions with potential application in the food industry for the delivery of nutraceuticals and antimicrobials. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad CTQ2015-70700-P

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.

Introduction: Postmenopausal obesity sounds an alarm for women’s health, since it serves as a predominant risk factor for many chronic diseases leading to reduced life expectancy and increased health problems.The relation between menopausal status and diabetes mellitus remains controversial. Reproductive tract dysfunction is a recognized consequence of diabetes obesity syndrome (DOS). Therefore, a possible association between obesity, diabetes mellitus and abnormalities of female reproductive function in several respects may occur.Nowadays traditional medicinal plants and spices are commonly used for their possible effects as hypoglycaemic, antidiabetic and folliculogenic agents instead of using synthetic drugs.Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic implication of fennel ingestion in ovarian changes in diabetically induced senile rats.Materials and Methods: A total of 24 senile female albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups: control group, fennel oil receiving group, diabetic group and diabetic/fennel oil ingested group. Treatments were continued for 8 weeks, then ovarian samples were collected from all rats for histological, immunohistochemical and ultra-structural studies. Blood glucose levels were measured to confirm hyperglycemia and to follow the disease progression. Serum analyses for hormonal assay were also estimatedResults: STZ injection caused typical ovarian follicular cysts of variable sizes together with elevation of blood glucose level. Fennel oil administration to diabetes-induced group showed some amelioration in the ovarian structure and blood glucose level.Conclusion: Fennel essential oil could ameliorate diabetes with its use as a fertility enhancing agent. Fennel has folliculogenesis effect consistent with its use in folk medicine as a fertility enhancing agent.

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.

Cyclophosphamide (CPA) is a nitrogen mustard alkylating agent from the oxazaphosphorine group. It is used as an anticancer, anti-neoplastic agents and immunosuppressive agent widely used in chemotherapy. Fennel oil is traditionally used as a treatment for different diseases. The present work studied the effect of Fennel oil on CPA-induced nephrotoxicity in albino rats. Male albino rats were divided into 4 groups; gp1; control, gp2: Each rat was orally given Fennel oil (1 ml/kg body weight once a week for six weeks), gp3: animals were each orally treated with CPA at a dose of 15mg/kg body weight once a week for six weeks, gp4: CPA plus Fennel oil treated group. The obtained results showed that CPA induced histopathological alterations in the kidney including intertubular leucocytic infiltrations,congestion of blood vessels, degeneration of renal tubules and atrophy of glomeruli. Immunohistochemical observations revealed increase in expression of PCNA, caspase-3 and α -SMA. In addition, creatinine and urea levels increased in sera of treated rats. Treating rats with CPA and fennel oil caused an improvement in the histological structure of the kidney and decreased PCNA, caspase-3 and α-SMA. Moreover, creatinine and urea values were decreased. In conclusion, fennel oil showed ameliorative effect against nephrotoxicity of CPA due to its antioxidant activity.