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Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (2n=22) is an herbaceous species native to the Mediterranean region and naturalized in many temperate areas around the world. It includes subsp. piperitum and subsp. vulgare which are, respectively, the wild and cultivated forms. Fennel is of economic importance both as a vegetable crop and for its wide use in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In recent years, the therapeutic and pharmacological potential of this species has been widely analyzed, its cytogenetic traits have aroused less interest. Therefore, the intention of this study was to reduce this gap by investigating some aspects, such as the variations in its chromosome number and the occurrence of polyploidization events, so far neglected. By means of extensive chromosome counting, the presence of tetraploid cytotypes has been discovered both in the wild and cultivated fennel. Moreover, the analysis of pollen and PMCs at the tetrad stage provided evidence for spontaneous sexual polyploidization as the most probable origin of the tetraploid cytotypes discovered. The results of this study provide the first evidence of the occurrence of polyploidization events in F. vulgare and suggest that the use of 2n gametes could be a useful approach to genetic improvement of this crop.

Infant colic is an inconsolable cry of unknown cause in healthy babies. Observed in about 20% of infants, the most common reason for seeking medical attention at an early age. Colic is associated with maternal stress and the most significant risk factor for shaken baby syndrome, and can also cause premature breastfeeding termination. Informing and supporting parents with crying babies is increasingly important, and some guidelines recommend it as a cornerstone of intervention in families with a baby with colic. Because of the high quality randomized trials, none of the behavioral, dietary, pharmacological, or alternative interventions can be recommended as the only effective treatment. Unfortunately, many mothers around the world associate their child’s anxiety with “dietary mistakes” in their diets, leading to further dietary restrictions as a preventative measure. At the same time, according to the recommendations of the experts of the IV Rome Criteria, dietary restrictions for infant colic in breastfeeding mothers can be recommended only if there is a suspicion of suspicion of tolerance of cow’s milk protein. It is also possible for any type of feeding to prescribe fennel and chamomile preparations, in particular, in the form of aqueous infusions, and when breastfeeding it is desirable to use a bottle and excessively large volumes, which can reduce the amount of milk in a woman. It is desirable to exclude unreasonable dietary restrictions in breastfeeding mothers by excluding the so-called “gas-forming products” and ineffective therapy, in particular simethicone preparations.

Bu araştırma, farklı rezene popülasyonları arasındaki moleküler varyasyonunu belirlemek amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Araştırmada materyal olarak farklı kaynaklardan sağlanan ve ikisi doğal floradan toplanmış olan 6 adet rezene popülasyonu kullanılmıştır. Popülasyonların moleküler karakterizasyonu 6 adet ISSR primeri ile belirlenmiştir. Toplam 57 bant elde edilmiş, bunlardan 48 adedi polimorfik olarak değerlendirilmiştir. Ortalama polimorfizm oranı %85 olarak bulunmuştur. PIC değerleri 0.33 (ISSR-16) ile 0.43 (ISSR-11) arasında değişim göstermiş, ortalama ise 0.37 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Primerlerin ortalama RP değeri 4.17 olarak hesaplanmış, en yüksek değer ISSR-4 (6.33) primerinden elde edilmiştir. Ortalama EMR değeri 6.78 bulunurken en yüksek değer ISSR-4 (10.29) primerinden elde edilmiştir. Ortalama MI değeri 2.47 olarak tahmin edildi, en yüksek değer yine ISSR-4 (3.67) primerinde gözlenmiştir. ISSR-4 primeri bu üç parametre ve en yüksek toplam ve polimorfik bant sayısı bakımından öne çıkan primer olmuştur. Rezene popülasyonları arasındaki benzerlik değerleri 0.30 ile 0.95 arasında bulunmuştur. Jaccard'ın benzerlik matrisleri ile küme sonucu arasındaki zihinsel test r = 0.99 (Kofenetik korelasyon katsayısı) olarak bulunmuştur ve ISSR tabanlı benzerlik matrisi ile küme arasında çok iyi bir korelasyon olduğunu göstermektedir. İncelenen ISSR primerleri bakımından ekimi ve satışı yapılan Burdur, Denizli, Isparta ve Izmir populasyonları birbirlerine genetik bakımdan oldukça benzer bulunurken doğal floradan toplanan Manisa Yuntdağı ve Ödemis popülasyonları ayrı gruplarda yer almışlardır., This research was conducted to determine the molecular variation between different fennel populations. In this research, six fennel populations, of which two were collected from natural flora, were used as a material. The molecular characterization of the populations was performed using six ISSR (Inter simple sequence repeat) primers. A total of 57 bands were obtained, of which 48 were evaluated as polymorphic. The average polymorphism percentage was 85%. The PIC values changed from 0.33 (ISSR-16) to 0.43 (ISSR-11) with an average of 0.37. The average RP (Resolving Power) value of the primers was found as 4.17, and the highest value was obtained from the ISSR-4 (6.33) primer. The mean EMR value was 6.78, and the highest value was obtained from the ISSR-4 (10.29) primer. The mean MI (Marker Index) value was estimated to be 2.47, with the highest value similarly observed in the ISSR-4 (3.67) primer. ISSR-4 was the most prominent primer in terms of these three parameters and the maximum total and polymorphic bands. The similarity values of the fennel populations were found to be between 0.30 and 0.95. The Mental test conducted between Jaccard's similarity matrices and the cluster result revealed the r value as 0.99, showing a very good correlation between the ISSR-based similarity matrix and the cluster. The populations of Burdur, Denizli, Isparta and Izmir, which were cultivated and traded, were genetically similar in terms of the ISSR primers examined, whereas Manisa Yunt Mountain and Odemis populations collected from natural flora were in separate groups.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T19:44:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-01-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) This research aimed to evaluate the consumption of Hyadaphis foeniculi by Ceraeochrysa cubana larvae, based on the densities and developmental stages of the prey, as well as the predator searching and handling time, regarding its instar and previous feeding knowledge. In order to evaluate the predation rate, larvae of first, second and third instars of C. cubana were used, which were fed with aphids from first and second instars, from third and fourth instar, and from different instars, at three densities. For searching time and handling evaluation, green lacewing larvae were submitted to different feeding regimens: second instar larvae fed at the first instar with Anagasta kuehniella eggs; second instar larvae, fed at the first instar with H. foeniculi; third instar larvae, fed at the first and second instars with A. kuehniella eggs; third instar larvae, fed at the first instar with the eggs of A. kuehniella and at the second instar with H. foeniculi; third instar larvae, fed at the first and second instars with H. foeniculi. It can be concluded that the daily C. cubana predation rate is influenced by H. foeniculi densities and instars, but the predator searching and handling times are not influenced by the diets provided to them in their previous stages. Univ Fed Paraiba, Ctr Ciencias Agr, Campus Areia, Areia, PB, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Programa Posgrad Entomol Agr, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Programa Posgrad Entomol Agr, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil CAPES: 001

A field experiment was conducted in the winter season for the year 2017/2018 to study the Effect of Spraying with Liquid Solution of Some Organic Substances and Germinated Barley Grains in Physiological Growth Constants of Fennel. Three types of animal manure dungs of (cows, sheep and hens) and Germinated Barley Grains in addition to the mixture of all type were use withe concentration (0, 15, 20, 25) gm/l. with three periods of spraying (15, 30, 40) days/spray. Plants were sprayed until reaching to dealing point. Results showed high significant degree of (15) gm./l. of the liquid solution of cows dung in each of Bio Mas Duration and Relative Growth Rate and leaf area duration, while the liquid solutions sheep dung with a concentration of (15) gm./l. in Crop Growth Rate was exceeded Spraying date was recorded one time for each (30) days significant for all former characteristics.

Galactagogue herbs, also known as natural lactation adjuvants, are frequently used to stimulate breast milk production. Due to their antioxidant activity and phenolic content, anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) were chosen to increase the added value of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) purees. At the same time, this work aimed to determine the influence of heat treatment on various characteristics of the final product. The phytochemical content, color parameters, and rheological and textural parameters of zucchini purees enriched with herbal aqueous extracts were determined after processing and after one week of storage (4 °C). In the case of antioxidant activity, samples registered a variation between 6.62 ± 1.71 and 38.32 ± 3.85 µM Trolox/g DW for the samples processed by steam convection. The total difference color parameter (ΔE) increased seven times after one week of storage compared to samples at T0. Fennel and anise aqueous extracts helped improve the rheological behavior of zucchini samples both by steam and hot air convection. This study may serve as a springboard for future investigations and clinical trials into the scientific validity and safety of ready-to-eat foods with special destinations.

(1) Background: Natural antioxidants are health products found in many plants and may have a therapeutic effect on various diseases caused by oxidative stress. The purpose of this research is the antioxidant analysis of some kefir samples enriched with volatile oils extracted from three aromatic plants; (2) Methods: The volatile oils were extracted from lavender, fennel and mint. Four samples of kefir were made: kefir enriched with encapsulated lavender volatile oil, kefir enriched with encapsulated mint volatile oil, kefir enriched with encapsulated fennel volatile oil and a control sample without volatile oils. The analysis took place in three periods of storage: on the first day, on the 10th day and the 20th day; (3) Results: The antioxidant activity of kefir samples had decreased during the storage. The kefir sample with fennel and lavender volatile oil had the highest antioxidant activity, while the control sample had the lowest activity; (4) Conclusions: We can conclude that the volatile oils add value to the finished product.

Fennel (foeniculun vulgare L.) is a vegetal species that presents bioactive monoterpenes. These compounds are lipophilic substances almost insoluble in water. The best conditions to extract these substances, employs organic solvents or heating process. With the aim to developing new extractive methods in which the green chemical principles cam be applied, this work was performed. The effect of the use of ultrasound during the preparation of fennel extracts by water infusion and by ethyl acetate maceration methods was verified. The ethyl acetate extracts, and the organic portion of the aqueous extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The ethyl acetate extraction, without the use of ultrasound leads only to the extraction of two metabolites (fenchone and anethole), the maceration performed by using ultrasound by 5 and 10 minutes, promoted the extraction of seven metabolites (a-pinene, L-fenchone, estragole, anethole, β-caryophyllene, a-cadenol, and geranylgeraniol), while the use of ultrasound in times upper than 10 minutes leas to extracts with 4 metabolites (a-pinene, L-fenchone, estragole and limonene). The aqueous extracts submitted or not to the use of ultrasound led to the extraction of the same and five metabolites (D-limonene, L-fenchone, estragole, and anethole). El hinojo (foeniculun vulgare L) es una especie vegetal que presenta monoterpenos bioactivos, que son sustancias lipofílicas casi insolubles en agua. Las mejores condiciones para extraer estas sustancias apolares de las especies vegetales, suelen emplear disolventes orgánicos o procesos de calentamiento. Con el fin de desarrollar nuevos métodos extractivos en los que se apliquen los principios de la química verde, se llevó a cabo este trabajo. Se comprobó el efecto del uso de ultrasonidos en la preparación de extractos de hinojo por los métodos de infusión en agua y maceración en acetato de etilo. Los extractos de acetato de etilo y la parte orgánica de los extractos acuosos se analizaron mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. La extracción en acetato de etilo, sin el uso de ultrasonidos, condujo sólo a dos metabolitos (fenchona y anetol), la maceración realizada por ultrasonidos en 5 y 10 minutos, promovió la extracción de siete metabolitos (α-pineno, L-fenchona, estragol, anetol, β-cariofileno, α-cadinol y geranilgeraniol), mientras que el uso de ultrasonidos en tiempos superiores a 10 minutos da lugar a extractos con 4 metabolitos (α -pineno, L-fenchona, estragol). Los extractos acuosos somtidos o no al ultrasonido dieran lugar a la extracción del mismo y de cinco metabolitos (D-limoneno, L-fenchona, estragol y anetol). O funcho (foeniculun vulgare L) é uma espécie vegetal que apresenta monoterpenos bioativos. Devido ao seu caráter lipofílico, tais substâncias são quase insolúveis na água, deste modo, os processos extrativos destes compostos, geralmente empregam solventes orgânicos ou processo de aquecimento. Com o objetivo de desenvolver novos métodos extrativos em que os princípios da química verde sejam aplicados, este trabalho foi realizado. Foi verificado o efeito da utilização de ultrassom na preparação de extratos de funcho por infusão em água e métodos de maceração em acetato de etila. Os extratos em acetato de etila e a porção orgânica dos extratos aquosos foram analisados por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa. A extração, por maceração em acetato de etila, sem o uso de ultrassom, conduziu a extratos com apenas dois metabolitos (fenchona e anetol), a maceração realizada com auxílio de ultrassom por 5 e 10 minutos, promoveu a extração de sete metabolitos (α -pineno, L-fenchona, estragol, anetol, β-cariofileno, α-cadinol, e geranilgeraniol), enquanto a utilização de ultrassom em tempos superiores a 10 minutos leva a extratos com 4 metabolitos (α -pineno, L-fenchone, estragol e D-limoneno). Os extratos aquosos submetidos ou não ao uso do ultrassom conduziram a extração dos mesmos cinco metabolitos (D-limoneno, L-fenchona, estragol e anetol).

Maintaining crop productivity under limited irrigation water requires some new strategies. This study investigated the influence of drought stress and the application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) including jasmonic acid, brassinosteroids, and putrescine on photosynthetic performance of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill). The results indicated that fennel exhibited active osmoregulation which prevented a sharp decrease in relative water content. Fennel successfully maintained high leaf chlorophyll index, Net photosynthesis rate, and transpiration under mild stress, however, severe stress reduced the photosynthetic parameters by 22%, 24%, and 50%, respectively. Drought stress increased chlorophyll a fluorescence when fennel plants exposed to the stress condition. Vk and Wk parameters related to the donor side of photoinhibition of photosystem II (PSII) increased by 44% when severe drought stress imposed at the vegetative stage and 34% when occurred during the flowering. The elevation of Vk and Wk indicated a failure in water splitting in PSII. The VJ and VI parameters of acceptor sides increased by 16% and 22%, respectively when drought stress imposed at the vegetative phase and to 19% and 30%, when drought stress occurred during reproductive phase. Using PGRs resulted in reduced VJ, VI, Vk, and Wk, suggesting that some degree of recovery of damages occurred. All three PGRs stimulated biomass production and on average, plants yielded roughly 1.6 fold higher than the control plants. The influences of PGRs were mainly independent of drought stress level.

The development of methods increasing plant water use efficiency (WUE) would enhance the ability to grow wild aromatic and medicinally important species. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of plant growth regulators (PGRs) applied by spraying on stress resistance and WUE of fennel subjected to water stress. Plants in the generative stage were more drought tolerant than those in the vegetative stage. Water stress at vegetative stage decreased plant biomass and grain yield by 60% and 61%, respectively. Severe water stress in vegetative stage reduced grain production by 56%, and grains had 43% lower mass than those from non-stressed plants. Application of PGRs at both stages of growth increased grain yield and biomass, but the magnitude of increase depended on the type and application time of PGRs. Plants grown in well-watered conditions and sprayed with methyl jasmonate during the vegetative stage had the highest grain production (2.7 g plant−1), whereas under moderate water stress, plants yielded the best (2.1 g plant−1) when sprayed with epibrassinolide. The maximum WUE for grain (0.91 g L−1) and essential oil production (20 mg L−1) was noted in plants exposed to moderate stress and treated with methyl jasmonate during the vegetative stage.

In order to investigate the effects of some plant growth regulators on photosynthetic pigments and growth of fennel plants, a greenhouse experiment was conducted based on the randomized complete block design with three replicates in 2017. Treatments were the application of methyl jasmonate (25, 50, 100 and 200 μM), putrescine (0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 mM) and 24-Epibrassinolide at 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 μM and distilled water as a control. The results indicated that application of 0.5 Mm putrescine, exhibited significant effects on the chlorophyll a (62%), b (104%), total chlorophyll (72%), carotenoids (51%), flavonoids (51%), anthocyanin content (-14%), phenolic compounds (13%) and maximum quantum efficiency (17%) in dark condition and in light condition. Application of 24-Epibrassinolide resulted in a significant increase of chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenol content, maximum quantum efficiency in the dark condition and photochemical quenching of fluorescence. The highest chlorophyll content and carotenoids were observed in treated plants with 0.1 µM 24-Epibrassinolide, while the maximum phenol content was obtained by application of 0.01 µM 24-Epibrassinolide. The application of methyl jasmonate significantly affected the major chlorophyll and accessory pigments (except phenol) of fennel. Plants treated with 50 µM methyl jasmonate exhibited higher concentrations of chlorophyll a (3.25 mg per g FW-1), total chlorophyll (4.35 mg per g FW-1), carotenoids (0.87 mg per g FW-1) and flavonoids (4.75 µg per g FW-1). A significant dry weight increased after the application of methyl jasmonate and it can be concluded that the most effective treatment in this regard for fennel plants was 50 µM methyl jasmonate.

Background The aim of the present study was to assess the expression and serum level of AMH in first-generation female mice pups following fennel and flaxseed consumption. Methods Twenty pregnant NMRI mice were allocated into four groups including control (CTL), fennel (FV), flaxseed (LU) and FV+ LU. Sixty-four female offsprings after lactation period, received the same regimen as their mothers for 56 and 240 days. The ovarian follicles development, serum concentration of AMH, as well as gene and protein expression of AMH were evaluated in the female offsprings at post-natal day 56 (PND56) and 240 (PND240). Results The number of total growing follicles were raised in the FV group in compression to the all experimental groups. In contrast, LU group showed a marked decrease in their numbers. The highest level of serum AMH was seen in the FV-diet mice, whereas LU negatively affected it. The expression level of AMH also increased in the FV and FV + LU groups, while a reduction was observed in the LU group. As well, IHC data showed that the number of AMH-positive cells in almost ovarian follicles of FV and FV + LU-treated mice was in compared to those of the LU group. Conclusions The overall effect of fennel treatment (alone and in combination with flaxseed) on ovary might be maintain primordial follicle storage through increased expression and serum level of AMH.

In the current study, by-product seed pastes (VSPs) from Vitis vinifera, Foeniculum vulgare, Cannabis sativa and Punica granatum, generated during the oil production process, were investigated for their potential exploitation as dermo-cosmetic agent. The extraction pipeline of all the raw materials was developed with emphasis on green methodologies and employed on laboratory scale based on industry-adopted techniques. Two different protocols were applied, Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE); the by-product pastes were defatted with supercritical CO2 and n-Hexane, respectively. Then, two SFE extracts (CO2 with 10% and 20% of ethanol as co-solvent) and two UAE extracts (with ethanol and ethanol/water 1:1 v/v) were obtained from each raw material. The providing yield range was between 2.6 to 76.3 mg/g raw material. The extracts were analyzed with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) and Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer (LC-HRMS), and the major compounds, were identified. All the extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant and inhibition activity against collagenase, elastase and tyrosinase enzymes. Grapevine by-product extracts found rich in proanthocyanidins and presented the higher inhibition activity. A holistic green experimental methodology is proposed for the obtainment of extracts from significant medicinal plants by-products that provides us with promising results concerning dermo-cosmetic properties, especially for grape seeds extracts.

The bio-insecticidal efficacy of essential oils from anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), cumin (Carum carvi L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) and origanum (Origanum vulgare L.) essential oils was tested using adults of wheat granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and larvae of yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), as the two representants of stored grain pests. From the essential oils used, cumin showed the highest bio-insecticidal efficacy by both types of tests. From the model organisms used, only adults of wheat granary weevil were affected, since yellow mealworm larvae did not respond nor to any of the essential oils used neither to test type. Essential oils seem to have strong potential to replace dangerous synthetic toxic insecticides, however, their efficacy seems to be strongly dependent on the target organisms as well as way of application., Ефірні олії, як вторинні метаболіти рослин, містять широкий спектр біологічно активних сполук, які можуть впливати на метаболічні, біохімічні, фізіологічні та поведінкові функції комах. Метою даного дослідження було оцінити фумігантну і контактну токсичність ефірних масел деяких видів рослин, що використовуються в кулінарії, порівняти ефективність різної дози та часу експозиції, оцінити різницю між відпрацьованими оліями у відсотках смертності, визначити основні сполуки використовуваних ефірних масел. Біоінсектицидну активність ефірних олій анісу (Pimpinella anisum L.), кмину (Carum carvi L.), фенхеля (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) та материнки (Origanum vulgare L.) досліджували на модельних об’єктах. В якості останніх були обрані імаго довгоносика комірного – Sitophilus granarius L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) та личинки хрущака борошняного – Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). З випробуваних ефірних олій, олія з кмину проявила найвищу біоінсектицидну активність. Модельні організмів по різному реагували на вплив еферних олій. Були уражені лише імаго Sitophilus granarius, натомість личинки Tenebrio molitor не реагували на жодний вид олій, які використовували в тестових випробуваннях. З метою заміщення небезпечних токсичних фумігантів та інсектицидів ефірні олії є можливим інструментом захисту сільськогосподарських культур та продуктів харчування від комах-шкідників, як безпечна альтернатива для людини та довкілля, можуть бути використані в сільському господарстві в системі метоідв інтегрованого захисту від комах-шкідників. Однак, ефективність ефірних олій суттєво залежить від цільових груп організмів, а також способу застосування.

Fennel is used as an alternative treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fennel for reducing pain in primary dysmenorrhea. Twenty databases, including English, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Iranian, and Spanish databases, were searched from inception to 20 October 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness of fennel for treating primary dysmenorrhea were considered. Two reviewers conducted the data extraction and risk of bias assessment independently. Any discrepancies were resolved through discussion with a third reviewer. A total of 12 studies were included in this review. The pooled results of seven trials showed that the effect of fennel is similar to that of conventional drug therapies in alleviating pain (n = 502, standardized mean difference (SMD): 0.07, 95% confidence interval(CI): −0.08 to 0.21, p < 0.37, I2 = 0%). In comparison with placebo, fennel was seen to have favorable effects on reducing pain in primary dysmenorrhea (n = 468, SMD: −3.27, 95% CI: −5.28 to −1.26, p = 0.001, I2 = 98%). Only three studies assessed adverse events (AEs), and one study reported minor AEs. Although the risk of bias for all the included studies was moderate, potential publication bias was observed due to the presence of a greater number of small studies with favorable effects. This systematic review concludes that fennel is as effective as conventional drug therapies in alleviating pain in primary dysmenorrhea. More studies that include more diverse populations and robust evidence of fennel’s effects will be needed in future research endeavors.

This fact sheet describes fennel in the garden, varieties, how to grow, problems, harvesting and storage, productivity, and frequently asked questions.

A total of 122 honey samples (Apis mellifera ssp. Ligustica) collected from Southern Italy were examined for floral identification by melissopalynological examination and for polyphenols detection by an LC–ESI-OrbitrapTM -MS/MS method. The melissopalynological examination confirmed all the samples examined as fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) unifloral variety. The analytical method carried out for polyphenols detection showed satisfactory linearity and recovery values, achieved during the validation of the method. Very high amounts of flavonols (kaempferol and quercetin) and hydroxycinnamic acids (caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid), were found in all the samples examined. Among the hydroxycinnamic acids group, caffeic acid showed the highest mean contents (865.90 ± 67.07 µg/kg). The results of this work confirmed the high presence of phenolic acids with strong free radical–scavenging activity in fennel products such as honey, suggesting their use to reduce oxidative stress.

In this study, to produce single-use bee-repellent fabrics, a variety of essential oils were encapsulated with gum arabic wall material at a 1:5 ratio of wall to the core substance. The following core substances were used: lavender oil, laurel oil, fennel oil, N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET), lavender + laurel oil, lavender + fennel oil, laurel + fennel oil, lavender + fennel + laurel oil, lavender oil + DEET, fennel oil + DEET and laurel oil + DEET. Lavender, fennel and laurel oils were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. In this context, 11 different microcapsules were produced. After the microencapsulation process, the microcapsules were analyzed with a light microscope and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, an image processing application was developed and implemented to determine the particle size distribution of the microcapsules. After the analysis of the microcapsules, cotton fabric samples were treated with the microcapsules. In order to analyze the microcapsules on the fabric samples, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used. To analyze the bee-repellent abilities of the fabric samples, 12 different measurement cabinets made of pine tree and glass were produced. According to the results, lavender and fennel oils can be used as bee-repellent alternatives to DEET in beekeeping. © The Author(s) 2018. Ministry of Science, Technology and Space: 0897 -- The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This work was supported by the Ministry of Science, Industry, and Technology in Turkey under Grant Number 0897.STZ.2015. --

The effect of zinc (Zn) on phenols, antioxidant activities (free radicals' scavenging activities, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, chelating activity and reducing power), and enzyme inhibition activities of acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase and tyrosinase of anise, dill and two cultivars of fennel [Latina" (F-L) and "Doux de Florence" (F-DF)] aqueous extracts was evaluated for the first time. At the same time, growth and photosynthetic pigment contents were also estimated. A significant decrease in all growth parameters, such as plant height, fresh and dry weights of aerial parts and roots was statistically proved in the presence of 2 mM Zn. An enhancement of Zn accumulation was observed, particularly in aerial part. Exposure to 2 mM Zn induced quantitative changes in the phenols of all tested extracts. In fennel extracts, a decrease of phenol content was observed when treated with Zn, whereas an increase was found in dill and anise extracts submitted to Zn treatment. All samples, either in the presence or absence of Zn, showed antioxidant activity, independent on the tested assay, with the exception of the cultivar F-DF (treated and non-treated), which was unable to scavenge NO radicals. Zn-treated dill and anise presented usually higher antioxidant activity. Concerning inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase and tyrosinase enzymes, both treated and non-treated F-DF did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. Zinc-treated F-DF was also unable to inhibit lipoxygenase activity. The remaining species presented capacity for inhibiting those enzymes and tyrosinase as well, but their abilities varied in response to Zn excess. Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (Fundacao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia - FCT Portugal) [UID/BIA/04325/2013-MEDTBIO, UID/Multi/04326/2013] info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of integrated nutrient management practices on yield, quality and nutrient status of drilled rabi fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) during the year 2016-17 at College Agronomy Farm, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. Twelve treatment combinations comprising of various integrated nutrient management practices were tested in randomized block design with four replications in sandy loam type of soil having slightly alkaline pH, low organic carbon and available nitrogen content, medium available phosphorus and high available potassium status. Results shown that treatment with 100 % N from vermi compost + bio NPK @ 1 lit ha-1 produced significantly higher seed yield which was found comparable with all the treatments barring those applied with 50 % RDF along with 50% N from compost or vermi compost as well as 50 % RDF + 25% N from compost and vermi compost. Significantly highest microbial population was also found in the same treatment. Though available nitrogen and phosphorus were remained unaffected by IMN treatments, nitrogen content in seed and its uptake in seed as well as in stover had been affected significantly. Conversely, only phosphorus uptake in stover was found significantly vary due to different INM practices.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Morphological parameters (WVD) in CP-treated groups significantly reduced. • Female sexual hormones in CP-treated groups significantly decreased. • CP-treatment lead to a reduction in the number of different ovarian follicles. • Fennel extract significantly ameliorate cyclophosphamide ovarian damages., Evaluation of protective effect of fennel on mouse ovary against the destructive effects of cyclophosphamide (CP) was the aim of this study. Adult female NMARI mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 8): (A) negative control, (B) CP200 mg/kg, (C) fennel 400 mg/kg/day, (E, F, and D) that received fennel 200, 400 and 100 mg/kg/day respectively + CP200 mg/kg. Their ovary weight, volume, and diameter (WVD) were measured. Five micron sections were stained using the H&E method. The serum levels of oestrogen and progesterone were measured using ELISA kit. The results showed that WVD significantly reduced in the CP-treated groups in comparison with the A and C, but WVD increased after treatment of the mice with fennel extract, in comparison with B group. A significant decrease of serum in terms of oestrogen and progesterone levels among CP-treated groups in comparison with the A group was observed. In the CP-treated groups a reduction in the number of different ovarian follicles in comparison with the A and C groups was observed. However, in the treated animals with fennel extract, these parameters significantly increased in comparison with the B group. Finally, it is concluded that fennel can protect ovary from cyclophosphamide side effects.

SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Belgium Federal Public Service for Health, Food chain safety and Environment (Belgium FPS Health) submitted a request to modify the existing maximum residue level (MRL) for the active substance fludioxonil in Florence fennels. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive an MRL proposal of 1.5 mg/kg for Florence fennels. Adequate analytical methods for enforcement are available to control the residues of fludioxonil on the commodity under consideration at the validated limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.01 mg/kg. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the long‐term intake of residues resulting from the use of fludioxonil according to the reported agricultural practice is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health.

In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EC) No 396/2005, the applicant Syngenta Crop Protection AG submitted a request to the competent national authority in Greece to modify the existing maximum residue levels (MRLs) for lambda‐cyhalothrin in celeries, fennel and rice. The data submitted in support of the request were found to be sufficient to derive tentative MRL proposals for the concerned crops. They are tentative as formally the general data gap identified in the MRL review for further investigations of the toxicological properties of the compounds formed under sterilisation conditions has not yet been addressed. Adequate analytical enforcement methods are available to control the residues of lambda‐cyhalothrin in the commodities under consideration. Based on the risk assessment results, EFSA concluded that the short‐term and long‐term intake of residues resulting from the uses of lambda‐cyhalothrin according to the reported agricultural practices is unlikely to present a risk to consumer health. The consumer risk assessment presented might need to be reconsidered in the light of the confirmatory data requested following the renewal of the approval and the review of the existing MRLs.

The production, growth, and physiological processes of plants respond differently to the varying concentrations of nanoparticles. Due to the increasing importance and application of nanoparticles, it is essential to determine the impact on plants physiological systems. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of different bulk and nano nickel oxide concentrations on biomass production and the enzymatic system of fennel. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with the applications of 5 replications and 5 concentrations (0, 20, 100, 400, and 800 ppm) in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Science, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University. This study analyzed various plants traits, including shoot and dry root weight and a few antioxidant enzymes. The results showed that root and shoot dry weight were not affected by the applied treatments. Furthermore, all applied levels of treatment significantly increased the activity of fennel leaf polyphenol oxidase compared to the control. The bulk treatment at 800 ppm was exempted, where the application of bulk nickel oxide and nanoparticles decreased dehydrogenase enzyme activity. In addition, the activity of guaiacol peroxidase increased under all levels of treatments except 100 ppm nanoparticles. The highest amount of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity was obtained under 20 ppm treatment with a 61.98% increase compared to the control method. Furthermore, nickel oxide treatments also increased MDA. The results showed that nanomaterials' toxicity, caused oxidative stress in this plant, and the differences in MDA content of leaves explained the higher toxicity of NiO nanoparticles than bulk form. Moreover, higher activity of leaf antioxidative enzymes in bulk NiO2 treatments, especially Guaiacol Peroxidase, explained the plant's higher resistance to oxidative stress.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:08:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-10-02 This research evaluated beeswax production by Africanized honeybees, using essential oils: citronella, eucalyptus, lemongrass and fennel. The sheets of beeswax received 0.5 ml of each oil, on both sides, and placed in the hive. The measurement of constructed area was analysed weekly and the treatment that had a significant expand was evaluated the effect on population development. The results were compared by ANOVA followed by Tukey Test. Only the treatment with citronella showed beeswax production significantly higher (1090.7 ± 526.9 cm2) compared to control (590.3 ± 283.2 cm2), without affecting the population development. The treatments with eucalyptus (806.4 ± 481.6 cm2), lemon grass (664.0 ± 666.3 cm2) and fennel (517.3 ± 648.8 cm2) showed no significant differences compared to control. Center for Education Science and Technology in Beekeeping Rational (NECTAR). Department of Animal Production Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences University UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Jr., s/n Center for Education Science and Technology in Beekeeping Rational (NECTAR). Department of Animal Production Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences University UNESP, Distrito de Rubião Jr., s/n

The aim of this study was investigated the effects of fennel supplementation with energy-restricted diets on body fat and muscle percentage and insulin resistance in women with PCOS. Sixty-four overweight/obese women with PCOS were randomly allocated to 4 groups for 12 weeks as follows: (1) standard diet + fennel (SDF), (2) high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet supplemented with fennel (HPF), (3) standard diet + placebo (SDP), and (4) high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet + placebo (HPP). After 12 weeks of intervention, there were significant changes in the percentage of body fat and muscle in all groups. Decreasing in fasting insulin was −4.12 micIU/ml (P = 0.01) for HPF and −4.5 micIU/ml (P = 0.03) for SDP groups. In addition, HOMA-IR significantly decreased in HPF (P = 0.02) and SDP (P = 0.02) groups. Energy-restricted diets independent of dietary composition improved the body fat and muscle percentage and insulin resistance indices in women with PCOS. High-protein diet and fennel compared with standard diet and placebo had no significant effect on insulin resistance, body fat and muscle.

The development of F1 hybrid varieties benefits from the synergistic effect of conventional and molecular marker-assisted breeding schemes. A sequencing run was carried out in Foeniculum vulgare (2n = 2x = 22) to develop the first genome draft and to identify microsatellites suitable for implementing multilocus SSR marker assays. A preliminary cytometric analysis allowed us to estimate the genome size (2C = 2.64–2.86 pg), equal to about 1.34 Mbp for 1C genome, and to calculate the sequencing coverage (53×). The genome draft assembly into 300,408 scaffolds and its bioinformatic analysis enabled the annotation of coding and non-coding regions across the genome, including 103,306 SSR elements. A total of 100 microsatellites were randomly chosen among those with dinucleotide and trinucleotide repeat motifs and with a repeat motif length ≥ 25 times and were preliminarily tested. Of these, 27 SSR markers, classified as suitable for genetic diversity analyses, were efficiently organized in five PCR multiplex assays and validated using a core collection of 100 fennel individuals potentially useful for the development of inbred lines and F1 hybrids. All SSR loci were found to be polymorphic, scoring an observed number of marker alleles Na = 207 and an average polymorphism information content PIC = 0.69. The SSR data were used to calculate (i) the degree of homozygosity for the individual inbred lines (0.35

Ethnopharmacological relevance In the South of Italy the use of herbal remedies to alleviate pregnancy-related symptoms is very common. Objectives To investigate the proportion, prevalence of use, attitude and knowledge base in a sample of Italian pregnant women in the South of Italy. To explore the possible influence and risks of herbal consumption on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted during the study period November 2010–September 2013. Six hundred and thirty expectant mothers were interviewed within three days after childbirth in a public Hospital in the South of Italy. Results Due to a lack of data, a total of six hundred interviews were considered. Four hundred and eighty six women (81%) reported to have constantly used at least one herbal product throughout the pregnancy period. The study enrolled mostly women between 31 and 40 years of age, with a middle-high level of education, married and employed. The most commonly used herbal products, taken by oral route and for the entire period of pregnancy, were chamomile, fennel, propolis, cranberry, lemon balm, ginger, valerian and mallow. The most relevant source of information for the majority of participants was the doctor (95%), and most of the women (72%) informed their doctors about their use of herbal remedies. Conclusions The regular chamomile consumption resulted in a higher risk of pre-term delivery, lower birth weight and lower length of the newborn. Also a regular use of fennel resulted in a shorter gestational age. Finally, ginger intake resulted in a shorter gestational age and in a smaller circumference of the newborn’s skull.

Fennel, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, is known as Foeniculum vulgare Mill. And its clinical application has been shown to target many biological systems including gastroenterology, endocrinology, gynecology and respiratory. The main constituent of the fennel essential oil is trans‑anethole, which has been described to have anti‑inflammatory and antibacterial activities. The aim of the present study was to define the anti‑inflammatory influence in acute lung injury (ALI)‑bearing mice. For 3 days, ALI‑bearing mice were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) suspension in normal saline (24 mg/kg). On the fourth day, the trans‑anethole was administrated (36.4, 72.8 or 145.6 mg/kg) as well as dexamethasone (5 mg/kg) once per day for 7 consecutive days in mice. Following the completion of drug administration mice were sacrificed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed in the lung paraffin section, for comparisons between monocyte and eosinophil cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The relative gene expression of interleukin (IL)‑10 and IL‑17 was determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. These two cytokines and the proportion of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and T regulatory (Treg) cells were determined by flow cytometry. The main constituent of fennel, trans‑anethole, eliminated LPS‑induced histopathological changes, decreased the number of inflammatory cells and resulted in a notable reduction in IL‑17 mRNA expression. In addition, trans‑anethole increased IL‑10 mRNA expression in isolated lung tissues and resulted in a marked elevation in Treg cells and reduction in Th17 cells in spleen tissues. The results of the present study indicated that the main constituent of fennel, trans‑anethole may be an anti‑inflammation component, which influenced the regulation of Th17/Treg responses. Therefore, this medicinal herb may support a healing effect on diseases of inflammatory.

Aim: The present study was conducted to find the effect of four herbal seeds on carcass traits of turkey poults. Materials and Methods: A biological study using Nandanam turkey poults (Meleagris gallapavo) for 8 weeks duration was carried out to evaluate the effect of phytobiotics-containing four herbal seeds influence on production performances like biweekly body weight and on carcass traits. 150 poults were randomly subjected to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with basal diet (T1), 0.5% (5 g/kg) level of each seeds thyme (Thymus vulgaris) (T2), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) (T3), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) (T4) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) (T5). Carcass traits like blood loss, feather loss, dressed weight, New York dressed weight, ready to cook yield and cut-up parts yield were studied. Results: The body weight at 8th week was higher (p

Salinity causes yield reductions if threshold levels are exceeded, while it can cause the deterioration of some qualitative parameters and/or the improvement of others. Two years (2000-2001, 2006-2007) research was carried out to evaluate the effect of water quality on yield and quality of fennel, a vegetable very common in Apulia region. We compared two types of soil and two sodium absorption ratio of irrigation water obtained by dissolving in distilled water NaCl + CaCl2 (1:1) or only NaCl, and four electrical conductivity of water of 0.7 (control), 4, 8 and 12 dS m(-1). The soil type does not show any noticeable effect on the tested parameters. The salt type influenced the plant development and the total soluble solids contained in the bulbs. The plant height, the leaf and the bulb weight were, respectively, 6, 11 and 21% higher in NaCl + CaCl2 treatment as compared to NaCl one. The plant height, the leaf and the bulb weight dropped, respectively, by 33, 49 and 71%, shifting from 0.7 to 12 dS m(-1) salinity treatments. The dry matter content and total soluble solids increased with rising salinity. In fact, shifting from the control to the more saline treatment, the leaves and the bulbs dry matter increased, respectively, by 15 and 13%, and total soluble solids increased by 17%. Moreover, the increase in salinity favoured the production of flattened bulbs. The application of the Maas and Hoffman model to salinity response confirms the ranking of this species among moderately salt sensitive species, even though the critical threshold was the same for NaCl and NaCl + CaCl2 treatments (1.26 dS m(-1)), while the slope was higher in NaCl treatment (14.24% m dS(-1)) than NaCl + CaCl2 (10.39% m dS(-1)).

Nitrate and nitrite are toxicants that have become increasingly significant environmental chemicals. Increase in environmental distribution of nitrogenous compounds, especially in surface and ground water, has been attributed to the intensive use of nitrate as agricultural fertilizers and to increasing amounts of nitrogenous wastes produced by municipalities, industries, and feedlots. The purpose of this study is to illustrate a fatal nitrate toxicosis in cattle associated with the consumption of fennels (Foeniculum vulgare). Fifteen cows from the same farm suddenly developed weakness, muscular tremors, respiratory distress, and finally convulsions. The affected animals died within 24 to 48 h from the onset of the clinical signs. Five cows underwent a complete post-mortem examination. In all examined animals, gross lesions included presence of dark unclotted blood around the nostrils and the anal region, moderate inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, and brown discoloration of the skeletal muscles and kidneys. The histological examination showed tubular degeneration and congestion of glomerular vessels in the kidney. Toxicological analysis detected nitrates at 4 672.2 ppm in the fennels used to feed the animals. The source of exposure to nitrates was identified in the fennels. The fennels were grown in a polluted area of the Campania region in southern Italy and distributed in a public market for human consumption. The waste from the sale of the fennels was fed to the cows. The accumulation of nitrates in some vegetables poses a risk not only for animal health but also for human and environmental safety.

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

Background: Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is often used in women's health care to treat dysmenorrhea, increase the milk supply, and address symptoms of menopause. The object of this review is to evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of fennel for the management menopausal symptoms. Methods and analyses: Thirteen databases will be searched from their inception to the present. These include PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, six Korean medical databases (Korean Studies Information Service System, DBPIA, the Korean Institute of Science and Technology Information, the Research Information Service System, KoreaMed, and the Korean National Assembly Library), and 3 Chinese databases (the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database [CNKI], the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database [VIP], and Wanfang Database). Study selection, data extraction, and assessments will be performed independently by 2 researchers. The risk of bias will be assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required, given that this protocol is for a systematic review only. The review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated both electronically and in print. The review will be updated to inform and guide healthcare practice and policy. Trial registration number: PROSPERO 2018 CRD42018085698.

Lavender, anise, chamomile, fennel, geranium, oregano, parsley, and sage essential oils were tested for their effectiveness against mushroom pathogens: Verticillium fungicola var. fungicola, Mycogone perniciosa, and Cladobotryum sp. Isolates were exposed to the volatile phase of the oils and then ventilated in order to determine if the effect of the oil was lethal to the pathogen. Oregano and geranium oils were the most toxic, having a fungicidal effect at 0.02-0.08 μl/ml of air, depending on the pathogen. Oregano oil was characterized by high content of carvacrol and thymol, while citranelol and geraniol were the main components of geranium oil. U radu su prikazani rezultati in vitro testiranja efekata etarskih ulja: lavande, anisa, kamilice, morača, geranijuma, origana, peršuna i žalfije, na mikopatogene gljive: Verticillium fungicola var. fungicola, Mycogone perniciosa i Cladobotryum sp. Izolati su izlagani dejstvu para proučavanih ulja, a zatim provetravani, nakon čega je ocenjivan efekat njihovog delovanja. Ulja origana i geranijuma ispoljila su najveću toksičnost za sve proučavane patogene, sa vrednostima minimalne fungicidne koncentracije između 0.02-0.08 μl/ml vazduha, zavisno od patogena. Ulje origana imalo je visok sadržaj karvakola i timola, dok su citraneloli geraniolbile dominantne komponente ulja geranijuma.

Stability of productive traits (fruit yield, essential oil content) of varieties of cultivated medicinal plants belonging to the species of the family Apiaceae was studied(anise, coriander, dill, parsley and fennel). The trial was carried out in five locations in 2001. The estimate of stability parameters was done after the method of Eberhart and Russell (1966). As expected significant differences for the fruit yield and the essential oil content were determined among studied genotypes. Significant F-test differences were obtained for locations, while the genotype x environment interaction, as a source of variability for the identification of the growing region, had significant values of the F-test. This was a starting point for the analysis of stability parameters of these traits. The most stable genotype is the one whose value of S(2)di tends towards 0. Bearing this in mind, the most, i.e. the least stable yield was recorded in coriander; i.e. parsley, respectively. A somewhat different situation arises from the values of S(2)di in relation to the essential oil content. According to the value of this parameter; the most, i.e. the least stable essential oil content was found in fennel., i.e. parsley, respectively.

Background: Surgery is the preferred treatment for hydatid cyst (cystic echinococcosis, CE). At present, various scolicidal agents have been used for inactivation of protoscoleces during surgery, but they are associated with adverse side effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the scolicidal effects of amphotricin B, Silver nano particles, Foeniculum vulgare Mill, essential oil and hypertonic saline against protoscoleces of hydatid cyst on an in vitro model. Methods: Protoscoleces were aseptically aspirated from the naturally infected livers of sheep and goats. Various concentrations of AmB (2.5–20 mg/ml), Ag-NPs (0.5–4 mg/ml), F. vulgare essential oil (0.125–1 mg/ml) and hypertonic saline (10–20%) were used for 5–60 min. Eosin exclusion test was used to determine the viability of protoscoleces. Results: Maximum protoscolicidal effect of AmB and Ag-NPs was found at concentrations of 20 and 4 mg/mL, resulting in only 82.3% and 71.6% of the protoscoleces after 60 min of incubation, respectively. In contrast, F. vulgare essential oil at concentration of 1 mg/ml and hypertonic saline 20% killed 100% protoscoleces after 5 and 10 min of exposure, respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated weak scolicidal activity of AmB and Ag-NPs; whereas F. vulgare essential oil had potent scolicidal activity against protoscoleces of hydatid cyst that revealed the potential of F. vulgare as a natural source for the production of new scolicidal agent for use in hydatid cyst surgery. However, further studies will be needed to confirm these results by checking the essential oil and its active component in the in vivo model.

Komorač (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) je aromatična biljka iz familije Apiaceae. Plodovi komorača (Foeniculi fructus) obično sadrže 2-6% etarskog ulja, čija je glavna komponenta trans-anetol koji čini 60-90%. Imaju široku upotrebu u medicini i ishrani, ali i u poljoprivrednoj proizvodnji. Na komoraču je u svetu i kod nas zabeležen veliki broj bolesti, među kojima su gljivične najbrojnije, ali se javljaju i bakterioze i fitoplazme. Utvrđena je i pojava insekata i parazitne cvetnice Cuscuta sp. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is aromatic plant from Apiaceae family. Fennel fruits (Foeniculi fructus) usually contain 2-6% of essential oil, with trans-anethole which is main component with 60-90%. The fruits are widely used in medicine and nutrition, but also in organic agricultural production. In the world and in our country it was found a large number of diseases, including fungal which are more abundant, than bacterial and phytoplasmas on the fennel. It was determined and the appearance of insects and parasitic flower dodder (Cuscuta sp.).

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) originated from Mediterranean area. His ap­pearance is very similar to dill, but unlike it has a sweet taste and odor similar to anise. Fennel has two varieties: var. vulgare also called bitter, and var. dulce or sweet fennel. In organic farming has a much greater significance var. vulgare, which is a perennial species that are grown for fruit. The essential oil of the fruit has antifungal, virostatic, insecticidal and nematicidal properties, and is therefore very suitable for the synthesis of potential biopesticides that could have wide application in organic agriculture. Fennel in flowering produces large quantities of pollen and nectar, so it attracts a large number of beneficial insects for which it is often used for joint planting with other plants, but also as a buffer in organic agriculture. This plant has long been known as a healing, both in human medicine and in veterinary medicine and animal nutrition. Mainly used as a natural antibiotic and stimulator of growth, particularly in poultry, but has great significance in beekeeping, fish and sheep breeding. Komorač (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) potiče iz Sredozemlja. Izgled mu je veo­ma sličan mirođiji, ali za razliku od nje ima sladak ukus i miris sličan anisu. Komorač ima dva varijeteta: var. vulgare koji se još naziva gorki, i var. dulce ili slatki komorač. Za organsku poljoprivredu mnogo veći značaj ima var. vulgare, koji je višegodišnja vrsta koja se gaji zbog plodova. Etarsko ulje plodova poseduje antifungalne, virostatičke, insekticidne i nematocidne osobine, te je stoga veoma pogodano za sintezu potencijalnih biopesticida koji bi mogli da imaju široku primenu u organskoj poljoprivredi. Komorač u cvetanju produkuje veliku količinu polena i nektara, pa privlači veliki broj korisnih insekata, zbog čega se često ko­risti za združenu setvu sa drugim biljkama, ali i kao zaštitni pojas u organskoj poljoprivredi. Ova biljka je od davnina poznata i kao lekovita, kako u humanoj medicini, tako i u veterini i ishrani domaćih životinja. Uglavnom se koristi kao prirodni antibiotik i stimulator rasta, posebno u živinarstvu, ali ima veliki značaj i u pčelarstvu, ribarstvu i ovčarstvu.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is aromatic plant from Apiaceae family. Fennel fruits (Foeniculi fructus) usually contain 2-6% of essential oil, with trans-anethole which is main component with 60-90%. The fruits are widely used in medicine and nutrition, but also in organic agricultural production. In the world and in our country it was found a large number of diseases, including fungal which are more abundant, than bacterial and phytoplasmas on the fennel. It was determined and the appearance of insects and parasitic flower dodder (Cuscuta sp.). Komorač (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) je aromatična biljka iz familije Apiaceae. Plodovi komorača (Foeniculi fructus) obično sadrže 2-6% etarskog ulja, čija je glavna komponenta trans-anetol koji čini 60-90%. Imaju široku upotrebu u medicini i ishrani, ali i u poljoprivrednoj proizvodnji. Na komoraču je u svetu i kod nas zabeležen veliki broj bolesti, među kojima su gljivične najbrojnije, ali se javljaju i bakterioze i fitoplazme. Utvrđena je i pojava insekata i parazitne cvetnice Cuscuta sp.

Background: Primary dysmenorrhea refers to the occurrence of painful menstrual cramps of uterus and is considered as a gynecological complaint. The common treatment for this problem is medical therapy such as mefenamic acid [non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)] and oral contraceptive pills, both of which work by reducing myometrial activity. Fennel contains an antispasmodic and anethol agents and may be helpful for management of primary dysmenorrhea. Material and Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral fennel drop for treating primary dysmenorrhea. Sixty college students suffering from primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned to two groups and followed up for two cycles. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Parametric and non-parametric tests were adopted. Results: Comparison of pain intensity in the two groups showed that there was no significant difference in pain relief between the two groups. Comparison of bleeding severity in the study group before and after intervention was demonstrated from the first day to the fifth day (PV on first day, second day, third day, fourth day, and fifth day 0.948, 0.330, 0.508, 0.583, 0.890, respectively). Conclusion: It seems that fennel can be effective in reducing the severity of dysmenorrhea, but it has an unpleasant taste in view of most of the volunteers.

Introduction Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition characterized by a number of behavioral, psychological and physical symptoms recurring cyclically during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The uncertainty in the pathogenesis of PMS has led to many treatment protocols being suggested as possible therapies. The present study was carried out to compare the effects of echinophora-platyloba and fennel extracts on the PMS against placebo in students of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences in 2008. Methods In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, 90 students with moderate to severe PMS enrolled in the study and were randomely divided into three equal groups. The first group received echinophora-platyloba extract, the second group received fennel extracts and the third group received placebo. The severity of PMS was measured by Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP) questionnaire at the end of the first and second menstrual cycles before the intervention and the results were compared with them after the intervention. Data was analyzed using Dunn, Kruskal Wallis, and Pearson correlation tests by SPSS (v. 11.5) and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results There were not any significant differences in the means of premenstrual syndrome scores before the intervention among the three groups (100.8±22.1 in echinophora-platyloba group, 101.3±27.1 in fennel group and 104.3±19.5 in placebo group, p > 0.05), but the differences were significant after the intervention (49.7±23.2 in echinophora-platyloba group, 64.4±27.5 in fennel group and 79.1±28.1 in placebo group, respectively, p < 0.001). No significant differences were seen between the echinophora-platyloba and fennel groups. Conclusion The echinophora-platyloba and fennel extracts could reduce the severity of PMS. The effects of echinophora-platyloba and fennel were similar and greater than the placebo. Administration of the extracts of these herbs is suggested for relieving the signs and symptoms of PMS.

Soft rot bacterial strains were isolated from diseased fennel bulbs. They were characterised on the basis of its pathogenicity morphological, cultural and biochemical properties. All investigated strains caused the soft rot of inoculated fenel bulbs, pepper fruits as well as clices of potato and carrot. Results of bacteriological properties show that soft rot of fennel bulbs were caused by Gram negative, nonfluorescent, facultative anaerobic, levan and oxidase negative bacteria belonging to the genus Pectobacterium. The investigared strains utilised lactose, grew at 5% NaCl and weak growth was recorded on 37oC; they are resistent to erytromicin. Negative results were recorded in indol, phospathase, lecithinase and reducing compounds pf sucrose tests. These results as well as the characteristics growth on Logan differential medium indicated that sof rot of fenel bulbs was caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. This is the first report of this bacterium affecting fennel bulbs in Serbia. U radu su proučene patogene i biohemijske odlike fitopatogenih bakterija izolovanih iz glavica komorača sa simptomima truleži. Proučavani sojevi prouzrokuju trulež glavica komorača, veštački inokulisanih, plodova paprike, kao i kriški mrkve i krompira i pri tome ispoljavaju izraženu pektolitičku aktivnost. Proučavanjem bakterioloških odlika utvrđeno je da su izolovani sojevi Gramnegativni, ne fluoresciraju na Kingovoj podlozi B, glukozu metabolišu i u aerobnim i anaerobnim uslovima, ne stvaraju levan i oksidazu. Na osnovu navedenih karakteristika zaključeno je da ispitivani sojevi pripadaju rodu Pectobacterium. Proučavani sojevi ne stvaraju fosfatazu, lecitinazu, indol, redukujuće supstance iz saharoze, a na Loganovoj podlozi formiraju karakteristične kolonije ružičaste boje sa tamnim centrom. Na osnovu ovih, ali i rezultata ostalih diferencijalnih testova za vrste roda Pectobacterium (metabolizam ugljenih hidrata, razvoj pri 5% NaCl, osetljivost prema eritromicinu), zaključeno je da vlažnu trulež komorača prouzrokuje bakterija Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. Ovo je prvo saopštenje o nalazu ove bakterije kao patogena komorača u Srbiji.

In the recent studies two Foeniculum vulgare Mill. populations (Hungarian and Korean) had been studied in open field trials in 1997-98 in Budapest for the identification of their essential oil characteristics. The essential oil accumulation level as well as the composition of the oil were studied during ontogenesis and at 6 phases of the umbel development from budding to overripening. In the vegetative phases, the accumulation level of the essential oil was higher in the Hungarian genotype. In the leaf rosette stage, anethole is the main compound in both genotypes (40-96%), except the root of the Korean populations which contains 54% dillapiol. The accumulation level of anethole is slightly decreasing, while dillapiol is slightly increasing during the ontogeny. a- and [3-pinenes are characteristic compounds of the leaves, especially in the Korean genotype (10-11%). Before seed setting, fenchone was present in a considerable amount (7.5%) only in the umbels of the Hungarian genotype. During the generative development, the maximum values of essential oil content are reached at the milky fruit stage (10,11%) in the Hungarian. and at the green fruit stage (7.1% ) in the Korean type, while the composition of the essential oil changed only slightly. The ratio of fenchone is increasing after flowering and being stable during ripening. Anethole varies to a smaller extent in the umbels, only. We proved, that the dinamics of essential oil accumulation and the oil composition may vary according to genotype. Based on our results, the Korean population is characterized in the system of Bernáth et al. (2) as a high anethol-low methyl chavicol chemoform of the anethol chemovariety (fenchone68%; methyl chavicol< 3,2%).

The essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation from the mature fruits of Pimpinella anisum and Foeniculum vulgare were analyzed by GC-MS. The oil of aniseed was characterized by higher amounts of trans-anethole (96.80%) than fennel essential oil (83.43%). The isomer of trans-anethole, methyl chavicol (estragol) was also present in both plants, with 1.36% in fennel and 0.19% in aniseed. Apart from these two phenylpropanoids, nine sesquiterpenes and one monoterpene were present in essential oil of Pimpinella anisum, which constituted the other 3.01% of essential oil, but only γ-himachalene was present with more than 1%. In the case of fennel, eight monoterpenes constituted the other 15.21% of essential oil, and limonene and fenchone were present with contributions of 9.34 and 4.58%, respectively. Etarsko ulje dobijeno destilacijom vodenom parom iz zrelih plodova Pimpinella anisum i Foeniculum vulgare analizirano je GC-MS metodom. Etarsko ulje anisa se karakteriše većim sadržajem trans-anetola (96.80%), nego etarsko ulje komorača (83.43%). Isomer trans-anetola, metil kavikol (estragol) je takođe prisutan kod obe biljke, sa 1.36% kod komorača i 0.19% kod anisa. Pored ova dva fenilpropanoida, devet seskviterpena i jedan monoterpen je prisutan u etarskom ulju Pimpinella anisum, i čine ostatak od 3.01% etarskog ulja, ali je samo γ-himachalen prisutan u količini većoj od 1%. U slučaju komorača, osam monoterpena čine 15.21% etarskog ulja, a limonen i fenchon su prisutni sa 9.34 i 4.58%.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is one of the most important, most consuming aromatic and medicinal plants and it is one of the most exportable items in Iran. The fennel has essential oil and seeds are the most important organ that produces essential oil, and the most important compound is anethole (50 to 75). The level and quality of essential oils of fennel are influenced by factors such as different stages of growth and environmental factors (temperature, soil, location, gradient, elevation, and harvest time). The essential oil of this plant is used in various pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and sanitary industries. The active ingredients of this plant are used in pharmacy for the treatment of cough, abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion in children and increase breast feeding of mothers.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Synthetic additives are used in food industry to prevent contamination of food and reduction of microbial growth, while special attention have been paid to the use of natural anti-bacterial products because of higher food safety. Since plants are potential sources of anti-infective agents, the present study was conducted to study the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of ethanolic extract of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) seeds. METHODS: In this experimental study, the ethanolic extract was prepared after obtaining the fennel seeds. To analyze the antimicrobial effect of the extract, the Micro dilution method was used based on 9 concentrations of 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.12, 1.56, 0.78 and 0.39% on food isolates (kept in microbial bank) and standard strains of Escherichia coli 1270 PTCC, Salmonella enterica 1709PTCC, Bacillus cereus 11778ATCC and Staphylococcus aureus 1112PTCC. To change the antioxidant effect of the ethanolic extract of fennel, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method was used in 7 concentrations of 1000, 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 and 50 ppm. FINDINGS: Salmonella enterica food isolates showed highest level of resistance (2.3 of isolates grew at concentrations above 12.5%) while Staphylococcus aureus isolates showed highest level of sensitivity (without growth at concentrations above 12.5%) against ethanolic extract of fennel (p>0.05). In all the examined concentrations, the antioxidant effect of the ethanolic extract of fennel seed was reported to be less than synthetic antioxidants BHA (Bytalyted Hydroxy Toluene) (p