Search

Culex pipiens is a major mosquito in different areas; it is in charge of transmitting several serious diseases. Several essential oils showed larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens, the present work aims to clarify the alterations in the biochemical profile of Culex pipiens third instar larvae induced by exposure to the nanoemulsion containing Pimpinella anisum essential oil.The formulated nanoemulsion was characterized by dynamic light scattering and the stability of nanoemulsion was evaluated. Furthermore, biochemical analysis was performed to examine the impact of median lethal concentration of the nanoemulsion on the biochemical profile of larvae. The results of this research revealed that treatment caused alterations in some metabolites and digestive enzymes of the larvae; it induced significant increase in total carbohydrate amount and elevated the amylase activity significantly. While, there was slight increase in the total protein amount and slight elevation in the level of protease activity. Therefore, this study suggests that the use of nanoinsecticides containing Pimpinella anisum essential oil can be effective for controlling the disease vector Culex pipiens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insecticidal activity of anise, thyme, and coriander essential oils in bulk and prepared nano-emulsions formulations were evaluated against the adults of stored grain pests Sitophilus oryzae and Tribolium castaneum. The prepared essential oil nano-emulsions exhibited poly dispersity indices ranging from 0.209 to 0.37, and zeta potentials between −14.5 and −27.8 mV. The smallest oil nano-emulsion droplet diameter was coriander (88.83 nm) and the largest was anise (103.57 nm). Although no significant differences in the toxicity of the three oils against T. castaneum were detected, anise and thyme oils were significantly more toxic than coriander oil to S. oryzae. Preparing the anise and thyme oils as nano-emulsion formulations significantly increased the toxicity by 1.50- and 1.47-fold, respectively, against T. castaneum. The nano-emulsions were also significantly more toxic (1.41–1.48 times) than the bulk essential oils to S. oryzae. The anise nano-emulsion showed the highest toxicity against S. oryzae and T. castaneum, with LC50 values of 3858.88 and 4985.1 mg/L respectively. GC–MS analysis of anise essential oil revealed that ultra-sonication caused a 2.73-fold decrease in the anethole level in the nano-emulsion and completely removed nine minor compounds. The anise oil nano-emulsion was the most effective insecticide, reducing S. oryzae emergence by 94.64% and protecting nearly 84.5% of wheat grains from T. castaneum infestation. Finally, the tested NEs or EO had not any negatively significant effect on wheat seed germination rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culex pipiens Linnaeus, 1758 is the chief vector of dangerous diseases such as lymphatic filariasis in tropic and subtropic regions. The current study aimed to investigate the larvicidal effect of nanoemulsion of Pimpinella anisum L. essential oil by studying the associated cuticular deformations in Culex pipiens larvae via scanning electron microscopy. The nanoemulsion was prepared using ultrasonication method. The mean droplet size of the nanoemulsion was 116nm, with poly dispersity index equal to 0.21. The LC50 of the nanoemulsion was 40.1ppm. The third instar larvae were treated with the LC50 of the prepared nanoemulsion. The cuticular deformations possibly inhibited the ability of the larvae to continue developing leading at the end to the death of these treated larvae. This is the first report to demonstrate the association between the nanoemulsion of Pimpinella anisum and the cuticular changes of Culex pipiens larvae. The results of the present study proved that nanoemulsion of Pimpinella anisum EO can be considered as a promising candidate in the integrated management programs to control Culex pipiens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myzus persicae and Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are two of the most significant aphid species acting as vectors for plant viruses in vegetable crops worldwide. This work provides new knowledge relating the persistence (including population growth and survival) and impact on aphid probing and feeding behaviour of plant essential oil-derived products. Modifications in M. persicae behaviour (EPG results) were noted in plants treated with 0.2% nanoemulsions of distilled lemon oil: (1) the non-probing activity lasted longer, (2) both non-phloematic probing and phloem ingestion activities of aphids were shorter, and (3) xylem ingestion activity and the time taken to achieve sustained phloem ingestion appear to be longer. Finally, a slight increase was also observed in the mean duration of the non-probing activity of M. persicae on plants treated with 0.2% nanoemulsions of farnesol. When pepper plants were sprayed with a 0.2% nanoemulsion of farnesol with Tween 80® (1:2), the population growth of M. persicae colonies on treated plants was slower (40 aphids/plant) than on controls (60 aphids/plant) up to the day seven. The slope of the aphid population growth line corresponding to the formulated mixture of bioactive volatiles was lower (2.26 b) and statistically significant in comparison with the control (7.09 a), probably due to a controlled-release effect up to day 14. No systemic effects were obtained for the bioactive volatiles tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles can be synthesised by several methods. Due to the long duration, high cost, and toxic by-products of chemical and physical methods, the biological method has become more preferred. Among various sources such as bacteria, fungi, or yeast, the use of plants in biological synthesis has proven to be the most ideal. Many metals can be used in the biological method, including copper oxide (CuO). In this study, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) were synthesised using Pimpinella anisum L. aqueous extract. For characterisation of the CuONPs, UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses were performed. The biological activity of the P. anisum extract and CuONPs was determined using DNA cleavage (agarose gel electrophoresis), antioxidant (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity), mutagenic (Ames/ Salmonella test), and catalytic (methylene blue degradation) activities. In DNA cleavage activity test, CuONPs completely denatured DNA at high concentrations (100 and 200 μg mL−1) due to their oxidative activity. The results showed that both the extract and CuONPs have antioxidant properties in DPPH and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities. According to the mutagenicity, CuONPs did not have a mutagenic effect. In catalytic activity, CuONPs degraded methylene blue within 240 min by 99.45%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background There are numerous challenges associated with producing desired amounts of secondary metabolites (SMs), which are mostly unique and cannot be chemically synthesized. Many studies indicate that nanoparticles (NPs) can boost the production of SMs. Still, the precise manner in which NPs induce metabolic changes remains unidentified. This study examines the influence of eco-friendly silver NPs (AgNPs) on the chemical makeup and toxicity of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise). Results AgNPs were introduced into anise callus cultures at different concentrations (0, 1.0, 5.0, 10, and 20 mg/L). The induced oxidative stress was tracked over intervals of 7, 14, 28, and 35 days. Chemical composition evaluations were carried out on the 35th day. Within the first 14 days, plant stress was evident, though the plant adapted to the stress later on. Notably, the plant showed high tolerance at 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L concentrations despite increased toxicity levels. However, relatively high toxicity levels were identified at 10 and 20 mg/L. The AgNP-induced stress significantly impacted anise SMs, particularly affecting fatty acid content. In the 10 and 20 mg/L AgNP groups, essential metabolites, including palmitic and linoleic acid, showed a significant increase. Polyunsaturated (omega) and monounsaturated fatty acids, vital for the food and pharmaceutical industries, saw substantial growth in the 1 and 5 mg/L AgNP groups. For the first time, vanillyl alcohol and 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid were detected along with various phenolic compounds, such as t-anethole, Salicylic acid, and Thiamazole. Conclusion AgNPs can function as an elicitor to efficiently generate essential SMs such as omegas and phenolic compounds in anise callus culture. This study explores the application of AgNPs as plant elicitors in anise SM production, offering invaluable insight into potential uses.

AbstractVarious methods have been used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, but recently, the use of medicinal plants and the combination of their extracts and active substances with nanoparticles have been considered. Determination of anti-Alzheimer properties of silver nanoparticles synthesized by the Pimpinella anisum seed extract may be the novelty of this research. Nanoparticles were confirmed by UV–Vis, FTIR, SEM, EDAX, TEM, DLS, and XRD analysis. The antioxidant effects were determined by DPPH and ABTS and the inhibitory effects on the production of amyloid nanofibrils were determined by Congored assay. Nanoparticles were spherical with a diameter ranging from 40 to 60 nm. The highest antioxidant effect was observed at 500 and the highest inhibition of amyloid production was observed at 100 μg/mL of nanoparticles. Anise-AgNPs with antioxidant and inhibitory properties for amyloid production could be introduced as a suitable candidate for reducing the side effects of Alzheimer’s disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichophyton rubrum is the major causative organism of dermatophytosis. The methanolic extracts of Pimpinella anisum seed has shown in vitro anti-dermatophytic activity. In the present study, the active compounds present in Pimpinella anisum seed-methanolic extracts was tentatively identified by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Further molecular docking analysis of these active compounds with Trichophyton rubrum proteins aspartate-beta (β)-semialdehyde dehydrogenase and sialidase was studied. Liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of different class of compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, phenolic acid derivative, fatty acids and lignan. In silico molecular docking analysis of these compounds with Trichophyton rubrum proteins aspartate-β-semialdehyde dehydrogenase revealed the top five compounds with lowest binding energy were phelligridin I (-10.1 kcal/mol), pectolinarin (-9.6 kcal/mol), fortunellin (-9.5 kcal/mol), epigallocatechin gallate (-9.4 kcal/mol) and kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide (-9.2 kcal/mol). In sialidase, the compounds phelligridin I (-10.6 kcal/mol), fortunellin (-9.5 kcal/mol), chicoric acid (-9.2 kcal/mol), epigallocatechin gallate (-9.1 kcal/mol) and kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide (-8.6 kcal/mol) bound with lowest binding energy. All these compounds were found to orient in the active site forming interactions with amino acids involved in catalysis of these proteins. The proteins aspartate-beta-semialdehyde dehydrogenase and sialidase are considered important drug target of Trichophyton rubrum. In silico analysis has shown promising results hence, these compounds identified in the present study might be further studied for its in vitro antidermatophytic activity. Also, the results from the present study clearly indicate that the active compounds present in Pimpinella anisum seed-methanolic extracts through its interaction with proteins present in Trichophyton rubrum might have shown in vitro anti-dermatophytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are numerous challenges associated with producing desired amounts of secondary metabolites (SMs), which are mostly unique and cannot be chemically synthesized. Many studies indicate that nanoparticles (NPs) can boost the production of SMs. Still, the precise manner in which NPs induce metabolic changes remains unidentified. This study examines the influence of eco-friendly silver NPs (AgNPs) on the chemical makeup and toxicity of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise). Results: AgNPs were introduced into anise callus cultures at different concentrations (0, 1.0, 5.0, 10, and 20 mg/L). The induced oxidative stress was tracked over intervals of 7, 14, 28, and 35 days. Chemical composition evaluations were carried out on the 35th day. Within the first 14 days, plant stress was evident, though the plant adapted to the stress later on. Notably, the plant showed high tolerance at 1 mg/L and 5 mg/L concentrations despite increased toxicity levels. However, relatively high toxicity levels were identified at 10 and 20 mg/L. The AgNP-induced stress significantly impacted anise SMs, particularly affecting fatty acid content. In the 10 and 20 mg/L AgNP groups, essential metabolites, including palmitic and linoleic acid, showed a significant increase. Polyunsaturated (omega) and monounsaturated fatty acids, vital for the food and pharmaceutical industries, saw substantial growth in the 1 and 5 mg/L AgNP groups. For the first time, vanillyl alcohol and 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid were detected along with various phenolic compounds, such as t-anethole, Salicylic acid, and Thiamazole. Conclusion: AgNPs can function as an elicitor to efficiently generate essential SMs such as omegas and phenolic compounds in anise callus culture. This study explores the application of AgNPs as plant elicitors in anise SM production, offering invaluable insight into potential uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes mellitus (DM) arises from a cascade of factors, primarily stemming from defective insulin secretion by the pancreas and emergence of insulin resistance. These alterations disrupt lipid and protein metabolism, which may lay the foundation for hyperglycemia. The efficacy and safety of spice herbs from traditional medicine have long been regarded for the potential to treat this condition. Remarkably, many of the drugs we rely on today have origins, either directly or indirectly, in the realm of plant sources. The exploration of hypoglycemic potential extends beyond the boundaries of herbs and spices, embracing a diverse tapestry of food extracts. Among the spices, Trachyspermum ammi and Pimpinella anisum are plants in the Umbelliferae family, and their fruits are used traditionally as carminatives, aromatics, disinfectants, and galactogogues. In this comprehensive review the published scientific articles related to antidiabetic properties of both seeds are discussed.

Scientific relevance. The State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, edition XIV, requires the identification of aniseed and fennel fruits by the same thin-layer chromatography (TLC) procedure using Sudan III and menthol. These markers are neither specific nor related to the therapeutic effects of these herbal drug products. The visual interpretation of chromatograms is complicated because of the low intensity of adsorption zones. Moreover, the corresponding compendial monographs do not characterise the adsorption zones specific to each of the plants. The most abundant component in aniseed and fennel essential oils, trans-anethole, would make a better reference standard from a methodological point of view.Aim. This study aimed to optimise the TLC procedure for essential oil determination in herbal drugs and herbal medicinal products of aniseed and fennel fruits and subsequently recommend it for inclusion in the relevant compendial monographs.Materials and methods. The study examined samples from several batches of herbal drugs, including aniseed and common fennel fruits, sourced from Russian manufacturers. The reference standards comprised commercial reagents, including trans-anethole, anise oil, and linalool, as well as fresh essential oils that had been steam distilled from the test samples in a Clevenger apparatus. The study was conducted by TLC. Sample preparation involved using Merck aluminium TLC plates, an IKA KS-501 digital orbital shaker, and a CAMAG Linomat 5 semi-automatic sample application system. The authors heated the plates in either a Binder ED53 drying oven or a CAMAG TLC plate heater. For visualisation, the authors selected a CAMAG TLC VISUALIZER 2 UV imaging and documentation system.Results. The informational and experimental research showed the feasibility of using trans-anethole as an identification reference standard for common anise and fennel fruits. The authors selected the optimal solvent for extracting active substances from the test products (hexane) and a detection reagent for improving visual evaluation of the chromatograms (1% sulfovanillin). The authors established characteristic adsorption zones for differentiating between aniseed and fennel fruits.Conclusions. The optimised procedure identifies the main components in the essential oils of aniseed and fennel fruits with a specific reference standard. This procedure may be recommended for inclusion in draft monographs for the corresponding herbal medicinal products.

Herbal medicine is one of the most common fields explored for combating colon cancers, and Pimpinella anisum L. seeds (PAS) have been utilized widely as medicinal agents because of their increased essential oil (trans-anethole) contents. In this essence, our study investigates the toxic effect and chemoprotective potentials of PAS against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer in rats. The toxicity trial for PAS conducted by clustering fifteen rats into three groups (five rats each): A, normal control had 10% Tween 20; B, ingested with 2 g/kg PAS; and C, supplemented with 4 g/kg PAS. The in vivo cancer trial was performed by using 30 rats (Sprague–Dawley) that were randomly adapted in five steel cages (six rats each): group A, normal controls received two subcutaneous injections of normal saline 0.09% and ingested orally 10% Tween 20; groups B–E, rats received two injections of 15 mg/kg of azoxymethane (AOM) subcutaneously in 2 weeks and treated orally with 10% Tween 20 (group B) or intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (35 mg/kg) (group C), or orally given 200 mg/kg PAS (group D) and 400 mg/kg PAS (group E) for 8 weeks. After the scarification of rats, the colon tissues were dissected for gross and histopathological evaluations. The acute toxicity trial showed the absence of any toxic signs in rats even after 14 days of ingesting 4 g/kg of PAS. The chemoprotective experiment revealed significant inhibitory potentials (65.93%) of PAS (400 mg/kg) against aberrant crypto foci incidence that could be correlated with its positive modulation of the immunohistochemically proteins represented by a significant up-regulation of the Bax protein and a decrease of the Bcl-2 protein expressions in colon tissues. Furthermore, PAS-treated rats had notably lower oxidative stress in colon tissues evidenced by decreased MDA levels and increased antiradical defense enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx). The outcomes suggest 400 mg/kg PAS as a viable additive for the development of potential pharmaceuticals against colorectal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the essential oil of Pimpinella anisum seeds was obtained by six different extraction methods. In the chemical composition analysis, 4, 6, 4, 1, 20, and 8 compounds were detected in the extracts obtained by Soxhlet, Ultrasonic-assisted (UAE), hydrodistillation using Clevenger apparatus (HDC), subcritical water extraction (SWE), supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (ScCO2) using three solvents (methanol (ScCO2-Met), ethanol (ScCO2-Et), and hexane (ScCO2-H)) and supercritical 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (ScR134a) methods, respectively. Also, the performances of the applied methods were compared by analysing the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the extracts. Anethole was the main component of all extracts obtained by SWE (94.5%) and Soxhlet (94.5%) methods, respectively. Also, TPC values were the highest (508.5 mg GAE/100 g kb) in ScR134a extract and the lowest (27.77 mg GAE/100 g kb) in HDC extracts. The antioxidant capacity was found to be the highest in ScCO2-H (IC50 = 1.58 mg/mL) and the lowest in Soxhlet extracts (IC50 = 0.07 mg/mL). The results showed the great effectiveness of eco-friendly extraction SWE, ScCO2-Et, and ScR134a methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In various countries, Pimpinella has been used to cure several diseases for centuries. Therefore, we focus on one of its potent species in this research. The aim of this experimental study was to document the various extracts derived from Pimpinella anisum that can effectively eradicate oral pathogens. In addition, the presence of antioxidants, antimicrobials, and cytotoxicity was determined using chromatographic testing methods. The alkaloid range was from 22.34 ± 043 mg/g, and the saponin range was from 15.1 ± 1.07 mg/g. HPLC analysis showed that the samples contained eight identified phenolic compounds. The antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract exhibited the highest inhibition region against Streptococcus iniae (43 ± 0.6 mm) and the lowest inhibition region against Staphylococcus haemolyticus (19 ± 0.2 mm) in 200 mg/mL of leaf ethanolic extracts. The antifungal activity revealed that ethanol showed the maximum inhibition zone against Aspergillus luchuensis (42.5 ± 0.19 mm) and the minimum inhibition zone against Aspergillus kawachii (15 ± 0.13 mm) in 200 mg/mL. The current study suggested that, after the isolation of individual components, P. anisum be investigated for assessing biological activity. The mixture and various combinations of these compounds may indicate a truly potent agent that is novel in its ability to combat a wide range of bacteria and oral pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For industries that use aniseed as a raw material, essential oil content and aroma composition are critical factors. Anise fruits were collected from 15 locations to determine these criteria. The essential oil procured by hydrodistillation was analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC – MS). The locations were divided into five classes according to the cluster analysis of essential oil components. The most important components that made up the classes were estragole (2.33%), trans–anethole (93.90%), cis-anethole (0.21%), carvone (0.097%), p-anisaldehyde (0.651%), longifolene (1.35%), carvacrol (0.06%) and α-himachalane (0.12%). The rate of essential oil varied between 0.33-3.01% in the locations. Trans–anethole is the main component of the essential oil, while their rates changed according to the populations (90.8–96.6%). Location has a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on the essential oil, fruit width, fruit length and a thousand fruit weight; furthermore, it is positively related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anise fruit (Aniseed) has been used for many years as a traditional medicine in various countries throughout the world; however, the chemical material basis of Aniseed water extract (AWE) has not been examined in detail, limiting our understanding of its pharmacological mechanism and methods for practical quality control. A high‐efficiency and high‐sensitivity LC‐triple time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis method using data processing method combined with product ion and neutral loss filtering for systematic screening and identification of the constituents of AWE was established. A quantitative method was established by using LC–MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring for 10 min to determine the concentration of 17 representative constituents. A total of 89 compounds were discovered in AWE, of which 31 were confirmed by the reference standards, while 24 were found in Aniseed for the first time. The qualification analysis results showed that chlorogenic acids and luteolin derivatives were the major compounds. The linearity, sensitivity, precision, stability, repeatability, and accuracy of the method were verified, which demonstrated that the method could meet the requirements for quantification. This work contributes to a better understanding of the chemical material basis of Aniseed and assists in the development of effective analytical methods for natural medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and aims Human milk supports pre-term infants to thrive. Yet human milk production can be inhibited when infants are born prematurely. Pimpinella Anisum has been evidenced to increase milk production and infant weight gain in previous animal studies. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Pimpinella Anisum herbal tea on human milk volume and preterm infant weight in human populations for the first time. Methods Human milk supports pre-term infants to thrive. Yet human milk production can be inhibited when infants are born prematurely. Pimpinella Anisum has been evidenced to increase milk production and infant weight gain in previous animal studies. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Pimpinella Anisum herbal tea on human milk volume and preterm infant weight in human populations for the first time. Results There was a statistically significant difference in terms of milk volume in the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh days between the three groups of intervention, placebo, and control (p

This study was conducted at the AL- Musayyib Technical College / Department of Biological-Control Techniques for the period from 1/10 /2021 to 1/4 /2022. The study aimed the effectiveness of essential oils (anise, clove)solution in controlling Varroa mites (Varroa destructor) on honey bees Apis mellifera. The results indicatd that there are significant differences between all treatments of the essential oil solution (cloves, anise) and the treatment of its Varroa mites in comparison with the control treatment and the natural shedding of Varroa mites after (24, 48) hours of treatment, except for the treatment of cloves and anise at concentration (10). mg/ml, where there were no significant differences between them in the average mortality of Varroa mites. The results also showed in table (1) that there were no significant differences between the treatments of the solution (cloves, anise) in all concentrations in the time periods after (72, 96, 144) hours of treatment.It also showed that there were no significant differences between the treatments of cloves and anise at a concentration of (10) mg/ml after (48) hours of treatment. The results showed that there are significant differences between the treatments of cloves and anise at the concentration (40) mg/ml and the control treatment in the average mortality of field honey bee workers.The treatment of the essential oil solution of cloves with a concentration of (10) mg/ml achieved the lowest average death rate for the workers, which amounted to (2.42) after (15) hours of treatment, while the treatment of the essential oil solution of cloves at a concentration of (40) mg/ml gave the highest average death. It reached (6.58) after (15) hours of treatment, but it differs significantly with all transactions in Table (2) after 15 hours of treatment. The results revealed showed that there were no significant differences between the two treatments (cloves and anise) in the concentrations (10, 20) mg/ml after (15) hours of treatment in the average mortality of worker bees. Through the results of the statistical analysis in Table (2), it was found that there were no significant differences between all treatments (cloves, aniseed) and the control treatment in the average death of workers in the time period after (40,64) hours of treatment. The results show that a solution of essential oils with concentration (40)mg/ml has a small effect on the worker bees compared to the great effect on Varroa.

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of P. anisum and S. officinalis extracts on the liver of chicken embryos. Eighty fertilized chicken eggs were divided into eight groups. The first group (C) served as a control group. The second, third, and fourth groups (P1, P2, and P3) of high, medium, and low concentrations of P. anisum aquatic extracts. The fifth, sixth, and seventh groups (S1, S2, and S3) of high, medium, and low concentrations of S. officinalis aquatic extracts. The eighth group (M) of medium concentrations of P. anisum and S.officinalis aquatic extracts. All groups were injected in ovo (0.1 ml/egg) of aquatic extracts before incubation and the eighth day of incubation. After 14 days of incubation, the eggs were opened and biochemical assays in liver homogenate were made. Also, histological studies were made in the liver. Results revealed that the activity of liver homogenate levels of SOD, GSH, and CAT significantly decreased in P1, S1, and M-treated chicken embryos, while significantly increasing in P2, P3, S2, and S3-treated chicken embryos. A significant increase in liver homogenate levels of MDA was observed in all treatment groups. Histological studies of the liver in medium and low concentrations showed normal structures. Furthermore, the liver sections in P1, S1, and M-treated chicken embryos showed some damage. In conclusion, high concentrations of P. anisum and S.officinalis and the combined group have negative effects on the embryo chick liver. While medium and low concentrations have positive effects due to their antioxidant constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oils are intensely investigated worldwide for the beneficial properties, due to the specific bioactive compound's structure. (1) Background: This study characterized the structure of the Pimpinella anisum essential oil and evaluated its antimicrobial properties. (2) Methods: An evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal activity targeted strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), and levure Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used for structure identification, and the optical density mass loss was applied for the analysis of different dilutions of aniseed essential oils antimicrobial activity. (3) Results: A total of 13 compounds were identified, of which trans-anethole was in the highest proportion (72.49%), followed by limonene (10.01%), anisole (5%), and α-pinene (3.26%). The results obtained and statistically analyzed, utilizing one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's multiple comparison test, indicated the antimicrobial activity (p < 0.001) of anise essential oil. (4) Conclusion: Anise essential oil is a promising phyto-remedy with important antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Inhibition high percentages were found for the p. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains, but also excellent antifungal activity against C. albicans was ascertained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to evaluate the oxidative stability and rheological properties of dark chocolates with the addition of essential oils (EO) of Cymbopogon citratus, Pimpinella anisum, and Mintostachys mollis. For this purpose, before the inclusion in chocolates, the EO were chemically characterized to identify the most important volatile compounds. We added essential oils of P. anisum, C. citratus and M. mollis to dark chocolates (cocoa 70%) at doses of 10, 12 and 14 μL per 500 g, separately. These chocolates were evaluated for oxidative activity, hardness, microstructure, rheological and melting properties and antioxidant capacity. It was found that C. citratus EO (10 μL/500 g of chocolate) improve the oxidative stability of the chocolates at 90 days of storage at 25 °C (230 meq O2/kg), while higher concentrations promote lipid oxidation. The incorporation of essential oils improves the antioxidant capacity, likewise, it changes the rheological, thermal, and microstructural properties. Therefore, essential oils can improve the physicochemical characteristics of dark chocolates allowing greater stability in oxidative fat and thus increase the shelf life.

Dermatophytosis is mainly caused by Trichophyton rubrum. The use of presently available conventional antifungal agents is limited due to various side-effects, requirement of long-term application, emergence of resistant organisms and cost-effectiveness. In the present study, methanolic extract of 12 medicinal plants was screened for antifungal activity against T. rubrum. To identify the phytochemicals in the extract qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed along with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). By analysing the samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the chemicals that were present were identified. Among the various plants studied, the methanolic extracts of Aegle marmelos leaves (AML-ME) and Pimpinella anisum seed (PMS-ME) showed high zone of inhibition of 16 and 22 mm, respectively. MIC of both the extracts was found to be 100 µg/ml. Some major compounds identified in AML-ME with alkaloids are N, N,-dimethyl-o-(1-methyl-butyl)-hydroxylamine, 13-tetradece-11-yn-1-ol (15.21%), n-hexadecanoic acid, Propanal, 2,3-dihydroxy-, (s)-(5.22%) and 1,3-butanediol, and in PAS-ME, hexamethylene chloroiodide, cyclopentene, 3-hexyl, E-2-octadecadecen-1-ol, n-hexadecanoic acid and 2-cyclopentene-1-undecanoic acid, ethyl ester. Both AML-ME and PAS-ME showed dose-dependent in vitro antioxidant activity against the radicals such as DPPH and ABTS. Also, FRAP activity was found in both the extracts. Altogether, the presence of antifungal and antioxidant activity in the AML-ME and PAS-ME might be advantageous in exploring these extracts as either alternative or complementary therapy to the available antifungal agents further. The phytochemicals present in these extracts has acted synergistically against the T. rubrum and affected its viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aniseeds (Pimpinella anisum) have gained increasing attention for their nutritional and health benefits. Aniseed extracts are known to contain a range of compounds, including flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils. These compounds have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help inhibit the growth of nasty bacteria and other microbes. The purpose of this study was to determine if aniseed extracts have potential antioxidant, phytochemical, and antimicrobial properties against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. A disc diffusion test was conducted in vitro to test the aniseed methanolic extract's antibacterial activity. The MIC, MBC, and inhibition zone diameters measure the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and size of the zone developed when the extract is placed on a bacterial culture, respectively. HPLC and GC/MS are analytical techniques used for identifying the phenolics and chemical constituents in the extract. DPPH, ABTS, and iron-reducing power assays were performed to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of the extract. Using HPLC, oxygenated monoterpenes represented the majority of the aniseed content, mainly estragole, cis-anethole, and trans-anethole at 4422.39, 3150.11, and 2312.11 (g/g), respectively. All of the examined bacteria are very sensitive to aniseed's antibacterial effects. It is thought that aniseed's antibacterial activity could be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds which include catechins, methyl gallates, caffeic acid, and syringic acids. According to the GC analysis, several flavonoids were detected, including catechin, isochiapin, and trans-ferulic acid, as well as quercitin rhamnose, kaempferol-O-rutinoside, gibberellic acid, and hexadecadienoic acid. Upon quantification of the most abundant estragole, we found that estragole recovery was sufficient for proving its antimicrobial activity against MDR bacteria. Utilizing three methods, the extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. Aniseed extract clearly inhibited MDR bacterial isolates, indicating its potential use as an anti-virulence strategy. It is assumed that polyphenolic acids and flavonoids are responsible for this activity. Trans-anethole and estragole were aniseed chemotypes. Aniseed extracts showed higher antioxidant activity than vitamin C. Future investigations into the compatibility and synergism of aniseed phenolic compounds with commercial antibacterial treatments may also show them to be promising options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trotz steigender Nachfrage stagniert der Arzneipflanzenanbau in Deutschland seit Jahren. Derzeit wird der steigende Bedarf zu ca. 85-90 % aus Importen gedeckt (Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V., 2014). Ein Grund für den begrenzten Anbau stellen pilzliche Pathogene dar, die zu massiven Ernteausfällen führen können. Ein breites Screening auf aktuell auftretende pilzliche Pathogene wurde an Johanniskraut (Hypericum perforatum), Anis (Pimpinella anisum), Kümmel (Carum carvi), Koriander (Coriandrum sativum) und Fenchel (Foeniculum vulgare) über vier Jahre (2020-2023) durchgeführt, wobei der Schwerpunkt auf H. perforatum und P. anisum lag. Untersucht wurden symptomatische und asymptomatische Pflanzenproben sowie Saatgutchargen der genannten Kulturen. Um Pilze aus dem Material zu isolieren, wurde die Oberfläche des Materials desinfiziert und auf ein Nährmedium übertragen. Diese kulturabhänge Methode ist jedoch nicht für den Nachweis aller Pilze geeignet. So können z. B. Pilze mit einem sehr langsamen Wachstum von anderen überwachsen werden. Zudem können obligat biotrophe Pilze nicht auf Medium kultiviert werden. Für den Johanniskrautwelkeerreger, der derzeit immer noch ein massives Problem im H. perforatum-Anbau darstellt, wurde eine kulturunabhängige Methode unter Verwendung der Real-Time-PCR optimiert und validiert. Dieser Test ist schneller und sensitiver als der bisher verwendete kulturabhängige Nachweis und kann sehr gut für Routinetestungen verwendet werden. An P. anisum stellt Rost (Puccinia pimpinellae) eine große Herausforderung für den Anbau dar, da dieser den Ertrag und die Qualität des Ernteguts erheblich beeinträchtigt. Für den Nachweis dieses obligat biotrophen Pathogens wurde eine kulturunabhängige Methode mittels konventioneller PCR etabliert, die die Detektion von Pilz-DNA in Pflanzenmaterial und Samen ermöglicht. Auch diese Methode steht für Routinetestungen zur Verfügung. Der routinemäßige Einsatz beider Methoden zur Überprüfung von Saatgut auf Befall mit den genannten Pathogenen ermöglicht es, kontaminierte Saatgutchargen vor der Aussaat zu identifizieren, vom Markt zu nehmen oder einer Saatgutbehandlung zu unterziehen. Dieses unterstützt eine gesunde Kultur sowie eine deutliche Einschränkung der Pathogenverbreitung.

Background and aims: Human milk supports pre-term infants to thrive. Yet human milk production can be inhibited when infants are born prematurely. Pimpinella Anisum has been evidenced to increase milk production and infant weight gain in previous animal studies. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Pimpinella Anisum herbal tea on human milk volume and preterm infant weight in human populations for the first time. Methods: Human milk supports pre-term infants to thrive. Yet human milk production can be inhibited when infants are born prematurely. Pimpinella Anisum has been evidenced to increase milk production and infant weight gain in previous animal studies. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Pimpinella Anisum herbal tea on human milk volume and preterm infant weight in human populations for the first time. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in terms of milk volume in the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh days between the three groups of intervention, placebo, and control (p < 0.05). On the first day, the mean volume of pumped milk in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.008). On the second day, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. On the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh days, the mean volume of pumped milk in the intervention group was significantly higher than the placebo and control groups (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of preterm infant weight on days 0, 3 and 7 between the three groups. Conclusion: The use of Pimpinella Anisum or 'Anise' tea can increase the volume of human milk and since no specific side effects have been reported in its use, it may be incorporated easily, cheaply, and effectively in practice where appropriate to the benefit of preterm infant nutrition worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) is an aromatic plant from the Apiaceae family which have various medical properties. It has been used to protect human health and improve the quality of human life for thousands of years. This plant has different benefits and uses such as reducing the symptoms of depression, being rich in nutrients, protecting against gastric ulcers, preventing the growth of fungi and bacteria, helping relieve menopause symptoms, balancing blood sugar levels and blood pressure, reducing inflammation, stimulant, culinary significance, skin benefits. Numerous studies show that wild and cultivated P. anisum L. has a wide range of compounds, including flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils, they are rich also in bioactive compounds, such as phenols, tannins, carotenoids, and fatty acids. These compounds have pharmacological activities, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, gastro-protective, and antidiabetic activities. In this research, Pimpinella anisum L was investigated from 11 different localities in terms of latitude and longitude, in the town of Negotino, Republic of North Macedonia. The nutritive traits of Pimpinella anisum L were analysed 15 days before harvest and 3 months after storage at room temperature, under +4oC, and at -18oC and it was observed that the mean value of protein content was 17.83%; 17.62%; 17.40%; 17.25% and the mean value of fat content was 16.23%; 16.23%, 15.88%; 15.76%, respectively. The samples were stored in a zip plastic bag (manually compressed air). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent attention has been drawn to green methods for preparing metal oxide nanoparticles due to their ease of preparation and environmental friendliness in comparison with chemical and physical methods. By using an Eco-friendly reducing agent, Pimpinella anisum seed extract, this study describes a method for synthesizing CuO nanoparticles that are based on biological principles. Copper oxide nanoparticles were produced utilizing a precipitation technique involving Pimpinella anisum extract, (CuCl2.2H2O), and (NaOH). To determine the morphology of CuONPs and their elemental composition, shape, size, and type of bonds present in the sample, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, XRD, SEM, and EDS analysis have all been performed. Spectra of the UV-Visible spectrum showed an absorption peak between 250-300nm, which confirms the formation of CuO nanoparticles. FT-IR spectral showed bands related to CuO vibration at 529 cm-1 are, suggesting the production of CuO nanoparticles. Analysis by X-ray diffraction revealed that the CuO nanoparticles produced were monoclinic in phase and had mean size of 22nm. Based on SEM analysis, the obtained nanoparticles have an aspherical shape. EDX analysis was used to confirm copper and oxygen presence. The weight percentage of the latter was (71.2% Cu and 28.8% O), respectively. Four pathogenic microorganisms were used to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles. As a result, the CuONPs prepared to have the potential for application as antimicrobial agents, suggesting that they may be useful for therapeutic applications in e future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pimpinella anisum (anise) is a dense vegetal matrix with considerable amounts of bioactive components known for its pharmacological properties. The optimization of extraction constitutes an important key to improving efficacy and avoiding wasting time. Within this framework, the present study was designed to select the most appropriate extractor solvent mixture to extract phenolic and flavonoids using Mixture Design Methodology. The concerned responses were the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant ability examined by 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Before mixture design optimization, a screening of solvents was conducted on ten polar and nonpolar solvents to choose the best solvents that give a maximum of total phenolic compounds. This first step has shown that water, ethanol and methanol were the best-used solvents. Later, an augmented centroid design investigated the solvent system's optimization. The results of simultaneous optimization have shown that the ternary mixture containing 44% of water, 22% of ethanol and 34% of methanol was the most appropriate for simultaneous maximization of TPC, TFC and antioxidant activity with 18.55 mg GAE/g, 7.16 mg QE/g and 0.56 mg/mL, respectively. Our results have shown that using mixture design as an optimization technique was an excellent way to choose the most suitable mixture to extract bioactive compounds, which may represent a promising method of multi-purpose extraction, especially in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori is a challenge due to rising antibiotic resistance and GIT-related disorders. Cuminum cyminum, Pimpinella anisum, and Carum carvi are fruits belonging to the Apiaceae family. Their essential oils were extracted, analyzed using GC-MS, tested for anti-H. pylori activity by a micro-well dilution technique, identified for potential anti-H. pylori inhibitors by an in-silico study, and investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using a COX-2 inhibition assay. Results showed that the main components of C. cyminum, P. anisum, and C. carvi were cumaldehyde (41.26%), anethole (92.41%), and carvone (51.38%), respectively. Essential oil of C. cyminum exhibited the greatest anti-H. pylori activity (3.9 µg/mL) followed by P. anisum (15.63 µg/mL), while C. carvi showed the lowest activity (62.5 µg/mL). The in-silico study showed that cumaldehyde in C. cyminum has the best fitting energy to inhibit H. pylori.C. cyminum essential oil showed the maximum ability to reduce the production of Cox-2 expression approaching celecoxib with IC50 = 1.8 ± 0.41 µg/mL, followed by the C. carvi oil IC50 = 7.3 ± 0.35 µg/mL and then oil of P. anisum IC50 = 10.7±0.63 µg/mL. The investigated phytochemicals in this study can be used as potential adjunct therapies with conventional antibiotics against H. pylori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oils are intensely investigated worldwide for the beneficial properties, due to the specific bioactive compound’s structure. (1) Background: This study characterized the structure of the Pimpinella anisum essential oil and evaluated its antimicrobial properties. (2) Methods: An evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal activity targeted strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), and levure Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used for structure identification, and the optical density mass loss was applied for the analysis of different dilutions of aniseed essential oils antimicrobial activity. (3) Results: A total of 13 compounds were identified, of which trans-anethole was in the highest proportion (72.49%), followed by limonene (10.01%), anisole (5%), and α-pinene (3.26%). The results obtained and statistically analyzed, utilizing one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni’s multiple comparison test, indicated the antimicrobial activity (p < 0.001) of anise essential oil. (4) Conclusion: Anise essential oil is a promising phyto-remedy with important antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Inhibition high percentages were found for the p. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains, but also excellent antifungal activity against C. albicans was ascertained.

This study was aimed to evaluate the cytoprotective role of nitric oxide (NO) against cadmium (Cd) through the potential transcriptional modifications in the expression of genes. Pimpinella anisum seedlings were treated with Cd (0 and 1 mM) and/or NO (0 and 25 µM). The Cd-associated decreases in shoot and root biomass were mitigated by the exogenously applied NO. Proline concentrations were increased in response to NO and/or Cd. Cd and NO treatments caused a considerable increase in peroxidase activities in comparison to the control. The individual Cd treatment led to the slight significant (p≤0.001) up-regulation in expression of R2R3-MYB transcription factor by 2.5 folds, while the simultaneous exposure to NO and Cd stimulated this gene by 7.2 folds (p≤0.0001). With a similar trend, NO significantly (p≤0.0001) upregulated bZIP transcription factor by 5.9 folds in Cd-treated seedlings. Likewise, upregulation (5.2 folds) in the significant (p≤0.0001) increase in expression of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene resulted from the NO+Cd application. Moreover, t-anol/isoeugenol synthase 1 (AIS1) gene was slightly stimulated (p≤0.05) in response to individual NO treatment. However, the Cd treatment resulted in a drastic significant (p≤0.0001) increase in AIS1 expression by 42 folds which was partly declined in the Cd+NO group and reached 22 folds (p≤0.0001). Moreover, the NO+Cd treatment caused significant (p≤0.0001) induction in the transcription of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene by 11.3 folds. The correlation observed among expression patterns of mentioned genes, therefore, highlights the close interplay between the transcription factors, secondary metabolism, and antioxidant system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aniseeds (Pimpinella anisum) have gained increasing attention for their nutritional and health benefits. Aniseed extracts are known to contain a range of compounds, including flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils. These compounds have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help inhibit the growth of nasty bacteria and other microbes. The purpose of this study was to determine if aniseed extracts have potential antioxidant, phytochemical, and antimicrobial properties against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. A disc diffusion test was conducted in vitro to test the aniseed methanolic extract’s antibacterial activity. The MIC, MBC, and inhibition zone diameters measure the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and size of the zone developed when the extract is placed on a bacterial culture, respectively. HPLC and GC/MS are analytical techniques used for identifying the phenolics and chemical constituents in the extract. DPPH, ABTS, and iron-reducing power assays were performed to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of the extract. Using HPLC, oxygenated monoterpenes represented the majority of the aniseed content, mainly estragole, cis-anethole, and trans-anethole at 4422.39, 3150.11, and 2312.11 (g/g), respectively. All of the examined bacteria are very sensitive to aniseed’s antibacterial effects. It is thought that aniseed’s antibacterial activity could be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds which include catechins, methyl gallates, caffeic acid, and syringic acids. According to the GC analysis, several flavonoids were detected, including catechin, isochiapin, and trans-ferulic acid, as well as quercitin rhamnose, kaempferol-O-rutinoside, gibberellic acid, and hexadecadienoic acid. Upon quantification of the most abundant estragole, we found that estragole recovery was sufficient for proving its antimicrobial activity against MDR bacteria. Utilizing three methods, the extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. Aniseed extract clearly inhibited MDR bacterial isolates, indicating its potential use as an anti-virulence strategy. It is assumed that polyphenolic acids and flavonoids are responsible for this activity. Trans-anethole and estragole were aniseed chemotypes. Aniseed extracts showed higher antioxidant activity than vitamin C. Future investigations into the compatibility and synergism of aniseed phenolic compounds with commercial antibacterial treatments may also show them to be promising options.

Copyright of Egyptian Journal of Experimental Biology (Zoology) is the property of Egyptian Society of Experimental Biology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, also known as the red spider, is one of the most harmful pests in agriculture and causes large losses of many crops. These mites have rapidly developed a resistance to many chemical pesticides in recent years. In this study, the essential oil of seeds of the anise plant (Pimpinella anisum) was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition of the oil was analyzed. The antioxidant activity of the volatile oil was determined by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The acaricidal activity of the anise oil, a natural acaricide, was evaluated for its ability to protect green bean plants from mite injury. The two-spotted spiders were spread on green bean seedlings for 1 week; then, different plants were sprayed with different concentrations of anise oil (10, 20, 30, or 40 µL/L). Our results revealed that anethole was the major component of anise oil, at 53.23%. The acaricidal effect of the various concentrations on T. urticae was recorded after 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment. Our findings suggest that anise oil showed significant acaricidal activity against T. urticae in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Anise oil at a concentration of 40 µL/L killed 96.0% of the red spiders after 72 h. Also, all concentrations of anise oil inhibited acetylcholinesterase, and the spiders’ protease activity declined when the plants were treated with 30 or 40 µL/L of anise oil. The concentrations of 10 and 20 µL/L did not significantly affect the protease activity of T. urticae mites. We can conclude that anise oil exhibited acaricidal activity against T. urticae and that this was highly correlated with the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and protease activities in the mites.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common gynecological endocrine disorder., Objectives: This study evaluated the therapeutic effects of Pimpinella anisum L. ( P. anisum ) fruit on pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and ovarian tissue structure in a rat model of PCOS., Methods: After inducing PCOS, female Wistar rats were randomly divided into control and PCOS groups. They orally received daily doses of normal saline or hydro-alcoholic extract of P. anisum at two doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, ovarian and liver tissues were collected to measure lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status, TNF-α, IL-6 mRNA expression, and its content. Additionally, histopathological examinations of the ovarian tissue were conducted., Results: Our findings revealed a dose-dependent change in the biochemical and histopathological parameters. Treatment with P. anisum resulted in a significant decrease in TNF-α and IL-6 mRNA expression levels and their content in the ovarian and liver tissues. It also reduced MDA levels while increasing SOD and GPx activity in both ovarian and liver tissues of PCOS rats. Furthermore, the number of follicular cysts in the PCOS rat model was significantly reduced., Conclusions: The beneficial effects of P. anisum in PCOS rats are partly attributed to the inhibition of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in ovarian tissue. These findings suggest that P. anisum could be a potential candidate for the treatment of PCOS disorders., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024, Dadkhah et al.)

The two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, also known as the red spider, is one of the most harmful pests in agriculture and causes large losses of many crops. These mites have rapidly developed a resistance to many chemical pesticides in recent years. In this study, the essential oil of seeds of the anise plant (Pimpinella anisum) was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition of the oil was analyzed. The antioxidant activity of the volatile oil was determined by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The acaricidal activity of the anise oil, a natural acaricide, was evaluated for its ability to protect green bean plants from mite injury. The two-spotted spiders were spread on green bean seedlings for 1 week; then, different plants were sprayed with different concentrations of anise oil (10, 20, 30, or 40 µL/L). Our results revealed that anethole was the major component of anise oil, at 53.23%. The acaricidal effect of the various concentrations on T. urticae was recorded after 24, 48, and 72 h of treatment. Our findings suggest that anise oil showed significant acaricidal activity against T. urticae in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Anise oil at a concentration of 40 µL/L killed 96.0% of the red spiders after 72 h. Also, all concentrations of anise oil inhibited acetylcholinesterase, and the spiders' protease activity declined when the plants were treated with 30 or 40 µL/L of anise oil. The concentrations of 10 and 20 µL/L did not significantly affect the protease activity of T. urticae mites. We can conclude that anise oil exhibited acaricidal activity against T. urticae and that this was highly correlated with the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and protease activities in the mites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry systems have been practiced for hundreds of years with multiple benefits both environmentally and economically in terms of productivity. Olive cultivation is widespread in the countries of the Mediterranean basin, including Greece. Agroforestry practices are common in olive groves, but little research has been conducted on the productivity of such systems, especially with medicinal–aromatic plants (MAPs) as understory crops. Natural populations of MAPs can be found in various ecosystems, while some of them are cultivated. The purpose of this research was to study the effects of fertilization and shading both on yield and chemical composition of essential oils derived from chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), grown in olive silvoarable systems. Fertilization and shading increased the plant height of chamomile and delayed the flowering. In addition, fertilization increased the concentration of α-bisabolol oxide A and (Z)–spiroether, and reduced the α-bisabolone oxide A and hamazulen. Shade also reduced α-bisabolone oxide A and hamazulen but increased the α-bisabolol oxide B. In the case of anise, fertilization increased plant height, decreased the concentration of limonene, and increased the concentration of E-anethole. Shading reduced plant height. Intercropping of olive trees with chamomile and anise yielded essential oils rich in the substances defined by the commercial specifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]