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The quantity and quality of the active components of plants are strongly influenced by environmental factors. In this regard, dried cumin seeds were collected from four different locations (SaadatShahr (P1) and Sarvestan (P2) from Fars Province and Kashmar (P3) and Sabzevar (P4) from Khorasan), and their essential oils were isolated by Clevenger apparatus and evaluated using GC and GC–MS. In addition, the hypnotic and antinociceptive activities of the cumin EO sample, which had the highest yield and quality, respectively, were assessed via the pentobarbital‐induced loss of righting test and acetic acid‐induced writhing test. Our results showed that the highest amount of EO was present in sample P4 (3.63%), followed by P3 (2.92%), P2 (2.69%), and P1 (2.31%). GC–MS analysis revealed cuminaldehyde (21.31–33.60%), γ‐terpinene (13.68–23.29%), p‐mentha‐1,4‐dien‐7‐al (14.44–20.84%), p‐mentha‐1,3‐dien‐7‐al (10.06–14.02%), β‐pinene (9.32–11.46%), and p‐cymene (3.16–7.89%) were the major constituents in all the populations. Generally, the results showed that the seeds harvested from areas with hotter and drier climates (P3 and P4) had higher EO yields and cuminaldehyde concentrations but had moderate amounts of γ‐terpinene, β‐pinene, and p‐cymene. In addition, the hypnotic (100 and 200 mg/kg) and antinociceptive (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) effects of cumin EO were proven in animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to check the effect of different essential oils on chitosan and gelatin-based antimicrobial films. Films prepared from biopolymers contain better mechanical strength but lack in moisture barrier properties. In order to increase the moisture barrier properties of chitosan and gelatin-based films in the current research work, different essential oils, i.e., thyme, cinnamon, basil, ginger, and cumin, at varying concentrations (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) were incorporated. Moreover, the concentrations of glycerol (plasticizer) and emulsifier (Tween 20) were kept constant to maintain homogeneity in the research. Antimicrobial films composed of gelatin and chitosan infused with essential oils were evaluated for their physicochemical (emulsion stability, particle size, and viscosity), FT-IR, microstructural (scanning electron microscopy), moisture barrier (water vapor permeability), and antimicrobial properties (E. coli, Salmonella, and S. aureus). Study outcomes elucidated significant variations (p < 0.05) as the concentration of essential oil was increased in the film solutions. An increased concentration of essential oil (2.0%) significantly enhanced the moisture barrier properties (1.12 ± 0.03 g.mm/kPa.h.m2). Nevertheless, the tensile strength decreased (38.60 ± 1.4 to 31.50 ± 1.5 MPa) from 1 to 2%. The increase in essential oil concentration in the emulsion-based films also influenced their physicochemical characteristics, such as droplet size, viscosity, and emulsion stability. At lower concentrations (1.0%), films exhibited a uniform microstructure but lacked moisture barrier properties. Antimicrobial properties against E. coli, Salmonella, and S. aureus showed an increased inhibition effect as the concentration of essential oil was increased. Of the essential oil-based films, ginger- and basil-based films showed greater inhibition effects as compared to the other essential oils. Overall, antimicrobial films containing a 1.5% concentration of ginger and basil oil showed better results as compared to the other treatments for mechanical, moisture barrier, and antimicrobial properties, while films with a 2.0% oil concentration showed better antimicrobial and moisture barrier properties but lacked in mechanical properties. Essential oil-based antimicrobial films have prospective applications in foods, specifically in fresh and processed food items such as seafood, meat, chicken, and sausages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to investigate the antifungal activities of cumin, black cumin, and lavender essential oils and their maltodextrin-based coatings against Fusarium oxysporum, one of the most locally predominant tomato fungal pathogens (Tehran, Iran). Also, investigation of some qualitative characteristics of coated tomato fruits during storage was aimed. The phytochemical constituents of the essential oils were evaluated using GC and GC-MS methods. Also, the inhibitory activities of the oils were examined against spore germination, mycelial growth, and fungal infection development on tomato fruits. According to the results, cuminaldehyde (34.54 %), γ-terpinene (18.30 %), p-cymen-7-ol (13.19 %) and p-cymenene (12.82 %) in cumin, carvone (28.74 %), p-cymen-7-ol (12.02 %), p-cymenene (11.55 %), safrole (8.93 %) and β-pinene (5.88 %) in black cumin, and camphor (19.11 %), eucalyptol (15.90 %), α-pinene (6.69 %), 3-carene (6.50 %) and β-Caryophyllene (5.38 %) in lavender essential oil were determined as main components. In spore germination assay, cumin, black cumin, and lavender essential oils exhibited potent activities with IC50 values of 1.05, 0.64 and 0.89 mg/mL, respectively. While, kresoximmethyl (a standard antifungal agent) inhibited the fungal strain with IC50 value of 0.11 mg/mL. Black cumin oil showed the most activities against mycelial growth of fungus. Furthermore, the coating enriched with black cumin oil showed the most inhibitory activity to reduce fungal growth on inoculated fruits, with a severity reduction of 79.2%. Whereas, cumin and lavender coatings showed significant activities with 71.43 and 38.09% inhibition, respectively. The results indicated that black cumin coating is a potent antifungal coating that of interest for the bioactive packaging of tomato fruits to extend their shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate magnetic and superabsorbent water on some morphophysiological traits and performance of cumin under low irrigation regime. Methods: An experiment was conducted in the agricultural year of 2020-2021 at the research fields under the supervision of the Faculty of Agriculture of Shahrood University of Technology in two districts of Rahnjan and Garman of the Shahrood city in a factorial format in the form of a randomized complete block design with three repetitions. Irrigation water type treatment at two levels (normal and magnetic) and location (Rahanjan, Garman) with different climatic conditions and altitude above sea level were considered the main factor and superabsorbent treatment at three levels (zero, 100 and 200 kg/ha) was considered the sub factor. In all treatments, irrigation was applied based on 100% of plant water needs. Results: The results showed that location, type of irrigation, and different concentrations of superabsorbent had a positive and significant effect on the growth characteristics of cumin. The highest plant height, plant fresh and dry weight, essential oil, and protein percentage were observed in the Rahanjan region, using superabsorbent concentration of 100 kg/ha. In the Rahnjan region, due to the climatic conditions and higher average annual temperature and the treatments of 100 and 200 kg/ha of superabsorbent and the use of magnetic water, the highest amount of plant height, percentage and yield of essential oil and protein, and soluble carbohydrates were observed. Conclusion: According to the results, most of the traits in the Rahnjan region had higher values than those in the German region, and plant cultivation in the Rahnjan region is economical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The effect of pretreatment (grinding), packing material (raschig rings) and vacuum on the yield and the component distribution of the essential oil of cumin during steam distillation was investigated. Concurrently, kinetic studies were conducted to examine the essential oil yield. RESULTS: At the end of 120 min, the yield under normal conditions was 0.79, 1.26, 1.90 and 2.36 for nonground and 20‐, 40‐ and 80‐s ground cumin seeds, respectively. Equivalent figures in a vacuum were 0.64, 1.56 and 1.95 for nonground, 40‐ and 80‐s ground cumin seeds, respectively. When raschig rings were used, the yield value was 1.99 and 2.06 under normal and vacuum conditions, respectively, for cumin seeds ground for 80 s. Under normal conditions, the cumin aldehyde percentages of the nonground sample, and the 40‐ and 80‐s ground samples was 51.31, 33.59 and 32.54, respectively, and under vacuum, 70.00, 49.02 and 40.59, respectively. Six kinetic models were applied with sufficient R2 values. Drug release models were first applied to kinetic data successfully. Conclusion: Grinding cumin seeds in a blender increased the essential oil yield up to three‐fold and Raschig rings as a packing material also contributed to this increase. The effect of complex mechanisms such as sample positioning and flow regime on the essential oil yield during the washing stage was observed. Although there was minimal difference (3.8%) in the yield values for the experiments with nonground cumin samples, the slight variation in essential oil yield observed in the experiments with each ground cumin sample may be attributed to the particle distribution, positioning and flow regime. So, five cases were determined depending on positioning. Cumin aldehyde has the highest composition in all time intervals after 10 min at the fractional distillation under vacuum. However sabinene was relatively higher only in the early time interval at 0‐10 min. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumin and eucalyptus essential oils (EOs) are among the most important and widely used EOs with a broad range of applications in the pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food industries. The seeds and leaves of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) plants are processed with extraction techniques to retrieve their EOs, yet certain product specifications need to be met to achieve a high-quality product. Based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the essential oils of cumin and eucalyptus should contain certain amounts of cuminaldehyde and 1,8-cineole to be of acceptable quality. In this study, we design and optimize a dynamic fractional distillation process that enriches cumin and eucalyptus EOs to the ISO standards, with concentrations of 42% cuminaldehyde and 80% of 1,8-cineole achieved for each EO respectively. The dynamic model of this process is simulated via Aspen Plus using data from a pilot-scale fractional distillation unit, and the operating conditions that minimize the operational cost in the simulated environment are identified using the NOMAD algorithm. The optimization results show that the operating cost of standardization processes for cumin and eucalyptus EOs are $0.688/batch and $0.6973/batch, with process efficiencies of 69.56% and 59.77%, respectively. Furthermore, the techno-economic analysis for these two standardization processes showed that the total annualized cost was approximately $510,600 for both processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of cumin essential oil (CEO) supplementation on levels of certain gene expression related to antioxidant, apoptotic, detoxific, and heat shock mechanisms in the breast meat and ileum of heat-stressed broilers. The study was conducted on a 2 × 6 factorial design (heat stress + feed additive) on 600 day-old male broiler chicks for a period of 42 days. From day 7 to 42, although broilers in heat stress groups (HT) were exposed to constant chronic heat stress (36 °C), others were housed at thermoneutral ambient temperature (TN). The chicks in both conditions were fed with 6 experimental diets: C0 (basal diet with no additive), ANTIB (basal diet + 100 mg/kg chloramphenicol), VITE (basal diet + 50 IU α-tocopherol), C2 (basal diet + 200 mg/kg CEO), C4 (basal diet + 400 mg/kg CEO), C6 (basal diet+ 600 mg/kg CEO). The results showed that heat stress upregulated (except for Bcl-2) the genes related to antioxidant, apoptosis, detoxification, and heat shock mechanism. However, cumin essential oil increased the dose-dependently positive effect on certain genes in tissues of the heat-stressed broilers and downregulated (except for Bcl-2) these genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to check the effect of different essential oils on chitosan and gelatin-based antimicrobial films. Films prepared from biopolymers contain better mechanical strength but lack in moisture barrier properties. In order to increase the moisture barrier properties of chitosan and gelatin-based films in the current research work, different essential oils, i.e., thyme, cinnamon, basil, ginger, and cumin, at varying concentrations (1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) were incorporated. Moreover, the concentrations of glycerol (plasticizer) and emulsifier (Tween 20) were kept constant to maintain homogeneity in the research. Antimicrobial films composed of gelatin and chitosan infused with essential oils were evaluated for their physicochemical (emulsion stability, particle size, and viscosity), FT-IR, microstructural (scanning electron microscopy), moisture barrier (water vapor permeability), and antimicrobial properties (E. coli, Salmonella, and S. aureus). Study outcomes elucidated significant variations (p < 0.05) as the concentration of essential oil was increased in the film solutions. An increased concentration of essential oil (2.0%) significantly enhanced the moisture barrier properties (1.12 ± 0.03 g.mm/kPa.h.m2). Nevertheless, the tensile strength decreased (38.60 ± 1.4 to 31.50 ± 1.5 MPa) from 1 to 2%. The increase in essential oil concentration in the emulsion-based films also influenced their physicochemical characteristics, such as droplet size, viscosity, and emulsion stability. At lower concentrations (1.0%), films exhibited a uniform microstructure but lacked moisture barrier properties. Antimicrobial properties against E. coli, Salmonella, and S. aureus showed an increased inhibition effect as the concentration of essential oil was increased. Of the essential oil-based films, ginger- and basil-based films showed greater inhibition effects as compared to the other essential oils. Overall, antimicrobial films containing a 1.5% concentration of ginger and basil oil showed better results as compared to the other treatments for mechanical, moisture barrier, and antimicrobial properties, while films with a 2.0% oil concentration showed better antimicrobial and moisture barrier properties but lacked in mechanical properties. Essential oil-based antimicrobial films have prospective applications in foods, specifically in fresh and processed food items such as seafood, meat, chicken, and sausages.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil (CEO) and its nanoemulsion (CEON) on oxidative stability and microbial growth of mayonnaise during storage. The GC analysis indicated that Cuminaldehyde (27.99%), o‐Cymene (17.31%), γ‐Terpinen (16.67%), and β‐Pinene (9.35%) were the major components of CEO, respectively. The assessments of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) showed that Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (MBCCEO = 12 and MBCCEON = 6 mg/mL) was the most resistant bacteria, and in contrast, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MBCCEO = 6 and MBCCEON = 3 mg/mL) was the most sensitive bacteria. In the radical‐scavenging assay, CEON (IC50 = 5 ± 0.07 μg/mL) exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than CEO (IC50 = 10 ± 0.13 μg/mL). The results showed that applying the MBC of CEO and CEON in mayonnaise led to a significant decrease (p <.05) in acidity, peroxide value, number of acid‐resistant bacteria and fungi, and total microbial count compared with the control sample. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that using CEON resulted in oxidative stability, microbial growth control, and desirable sensorial attributes in mayonnaise compared with CEO and control samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi 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.)

In this study, thyme (Coridothymus capitatus L.), laurel (Laurus nobilis), lavender (Lavandula officinalis), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), cinnamon (Cinnamon zeylanicum), and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil nanoemulsions were screened for their antifungal activity against isolated Saprolegnia parasitica strains by disc diffusion and tube dilution methods. The constituents of the essential oil nanoemulsions were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The major constituents of the essential oils were carvacrol (46.17%) in thyme, eucalyptol (1,8-cineole; 45.57%) in laurel, linalyl acetate (32.95%) in lavender, thymoquinone (44.86%) in cumin, eugenol (58.59%) in cinnamon, and 1,8-cineole (68.97%) in eucalyptus. The thyme essential oil nanoemulsions were showed the highest antifungal potency (MIC; 50–100 µL mL− 1 and MLC; 100–125 µL mL− 1) while cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions were less effective (MIC; 250–500 µL mL− 1 and MLC; 500–1000 µL mL− 1) against S. parasitica. The thyme essential oil nanoemulsions were more effective on fungal strains than the positive control group (formalin) at a range of 250–1000 µL mL− 1 concentrations. Following in vitro studies, the antifungal effect of thyme and cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions was determined in rainbow trout eggs experimentally infected with S. parasitica strains. The highest survival rates were recorded in thyme essential oil nanoemulsions at 50 mg L− 1 (76.60%) and the positive control (81%) (p < 0.05). These results indicate that thyme and cinnamon essential oil nanoemulsions could be new plant-based antifungals against Saprolegniasis. Besides, they are eco-friendly and safe for use in aquaculture. [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]

In this study, anaesthetic effects of cumin and lavender essential oils by comparing with clove oil were determined on common carp. Fish (mean weight of 10 g) were exposed to nine concentrations of essential oils (5–500 mg L−1). Anaesthesia induction, recovery times and mean lethal dose of essential oils (10 min LC50 concentration) were evaluated separately for each fish. In addition, histopathological effects of essential oils on the fish tissues including hepatopancreas, gill and skin were investigated. The results showed that when the dose of essential oils increased, the time to anaesthesia induction was shortened and the time to recovery from anaesthesia was prolonged. Cumin essential oil at 300 mg L−1 dose and lavender oil at 400 mg L−1 dose on common carp showed similar anaesthetic effects (sedative and deep anaesthesia) to clove oil (p >.05). At these concentrations, sedative (Stage 2) and deep anaesthesia (Stage 4) induction times were 105 and 187.5 s for cumin and 94 and 194 s for lavender respectively. Recovery times at these concentrations were 415 s for cumin and 477.5 s for lavender. Mean lethal dose of essential oils for carp were found as 450 mg L−1 for cumin oil and 500 mg L−1 for lavender oil. Histopathological examination revealed no lesion in gill, skin and hepatopancreas in essential oils group. In the light of these findings, it was determined that lavender and cumin oils can be used as effective and safe anaesthetic in common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils have been proposed as promising non-toxic transdermal permeation enhancers. Their use is limited because of their low water solubility. The use of nanotechnology-based strategies is one of the ways to overcome this limitation. This study aimed to explore the transdermal permeation enhancing capability of cumin essential oil in nanoemulgel systems containing diclofenac sodium. Cumin essential oil nanoemulsion was produced by high-pressure homogenization technique. The formulation was optimized by changing HLB values in a range of 9.65–16.7 using different surfactant mixtures, namely, Tween 20, Tween 80, and Span 80. Preparations were characterized by polydispersity index, droplet size, and zeta potential. Nanoemulsion with concentrations of 2 and 4% essential oil was incorporated into 0.75% Carbopol gel matrix to make nanoemulgel formulation, and its permeation enhancing effect was performed through Franz diffusion cells. Antinociceptive activities of the formulations were measured in thermal (tail-flick) and chemical (formalin) models of nociception in mice. Characterization exhibited that at HLB value of 9.65, the smallest particle size (82.20 ± 5.82 nm) was formed. By increasing the essential oil percentage in the nanoemulgel from 1 to 2%, the permeation of diclofenac increased from 28.39 ± 1.23 to 34.75 ± 1.07 µg/cm2 at 24 h. The value of permeation from the simple gel (21.18 ± 2.51 µg/cm2) and the marketed product (22.97 ± 1.92 µg/cm2) was lower than the formulations containing essential oil. Nanoemulgel of diclofenac containing essential oil showed stronger antinociceptive effects in formalin and tail-flick tests than simple diclofenac gel and marketed formulation. In conclusion, the study proved that nanoemulgel formulation containing cumin essential oil could be considered as a promising skin enhancer to enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an edible composite coating of chitosan and galbanum gum containing cumin essential oil (CEO) was used to increase the shelf life of chicken fillets during a 12-day refrigeration period (4 ± 1 °C). In order to achieve the optimal concentration of essential oil, antioxidant (free radical scavenging DPPH) and antimicrobial properties (MIC and MBC values) were determined. Then, chicken fillet coated with chitosan and galbanum gum (individually and in combination), and different concentrations of CEO (0.75 and 1.5%) was periodically evaluated chemically, microbiologically and sensory. IC50 values of DPPH free radical was to 45.32 μg/ml for CEO, and MIC and MBC values for different bacteria were 37.15–5.25 and 50–25 μg/ml, respectively. As results of coated chicken fillets showed that the composite coating with CEO effectively inhibited microbial load (total bacterial counts, psychrotrophic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, yeast and mold) in chicken fillet (P < 0.05). The results of the chemical analysis showed that the coated samples had less peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid, and total volatile basic nitrogen than the control (P < 0.05). At the end of the storage period, the best results were observed in the composite coating containing CEO at 1.5% and were approved by sensory evaluators, thus this study suggests that utilization of this treatment (composite coating containing CEO at 1.5%) can maintain the quality and enhance the shelf life of chicken fillets during refrigeration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cuminum cyminum, a member of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family is a well-known medicinal plant. The goal of this study was to see how effective essential oils from cumin fruit extracts are at fighting cancer. A Clevenger-type device was used to obtain the essential oil extract, which is based on hydro-distillation. Based on the results, the extract was submitted to an MTT experiment to determine its anticancer capability against HepG2 (hepatocarcinoma) cell lineages. The antioxidant activity of the extract against DPPH was determined using a spectrophotometric DPPH-colored disappearance of free radicals assay. The anti-cancer assay revealed that the essential oil extract inhibited HepG2 cells significantly (p < 0.0001) with an IC50 of 100ìL. The antioxidant activity of the extract was shown to be effective when compared to vitamin C, with an IC50 value of 157.4 at 400ìL. The presence of Propanal, 2-methyl-3-phenyl, Propionitrile-3-hydroxy-3-phenyl, gamma-Terpinene, 2--Pinene, Cymene, 1-Acetyl-2-methylcyclopentene, Limonene and other chemicals was confirmed by GC-MS analyses of the essential oil. In conclusion: In HepG2 tumor cells, the essential oil extract of C. cyminum displayed substantial cytotoxicity, suggesting that it could be employed as a therapeutic alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anadolu (1300-0225) is the property of Anadolu Dergisi 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.)

Candida are commensal yeasts, present in the alimentary tract and mucocutaneous membranes of mammals. Recently, opportunistic Candida infections increased presenting resistances. Essential oils are mixtures of volatile compounds that may show antibacterial and antifungal effects and are important for food and pharmaceutical industry purposes. The aim of this work was to analyse the potential action of sweet orange, cedar, juniper, cumin, fennel and manuka essential oils. The tested oils were chemically characterised by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. The composition of these formulations suggests that each oil is featured by both specific and common components. The activity of the oils was analysed through Agar Disk Diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration. Their biological performance could be related to the comprehensive set of interactions settled by the natural formulation. Our results demonstrated the efficacy of cumin, fennel and manuka essential oils and supported their application as a natural alternative treatment against Candida spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophilic inflammatory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or psoriasis, exert a huge burden on the global health system due to the lack of safe and effective treatments. Volatile oils from terrestrial plants showed impressive therapeutic effects against disorders of the skin, digestive system, lungs, liver, metabolism, and nervous system. However, their effect on the immune system and neutrophil function is still elusive. Fennel, cumin, marjoram, lavender, caraway, and anise are the common nutraceuticals that are widely used in the Mediterranean diet. The volatile oils of these herbs were screened for various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects. Several oils showed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial potential. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) fruits' volatile oils significantly suppressed the activation of human neutrophils, including respiratory burst and the degranulation induced by formyl peptide receptor agonists fMLF/CB and MMK1 in the human neutrophils (IC50, 3.8–17.2 µg/ml). The cytotoxic effect and free-radical scavenging effects (ABTS, DPPH) of these oils did not account for the observed effects. Both fennel and cumin volatile oils significantly shortened calcium influx recovery time and inhibited phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38, JNK, and ERK) expression. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of these oils revealed the presence of estragole and cuminaldehyde as the major components of fennel and cumin volatile oils, respectively. Our findings suggested that cumin and fennel, common in the Mediterranean diet, hold the potential to be applied for the treatment of neutrophilic inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh sausage has a short shelf life and is easily spoiled in refrigerated conditions. The present study aimed to assess the effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil (CCEO; 0%, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2% v/v) on the shelf life extension of fresh camel sausage within storage at the temperature of 4oC for 15 days. According to the microbiological findings, the integration of CCEO significantly retarded microbial growth in the sausage compared to the control group (P<0.05). Mesophilic bacteria count (MBC) reached the upper microbiological permissible limit (7 log CFU/g) on day five in the control samples, on day seven in the samples containing 0.05% and 0.1% CCEO, and on day 15 in the samples containing 0.2% CCEO. According to the chemical findings, the total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) value in the control samples increased to 39.75 mg/100 g on the last day of storage. At the end of the research, a significant reduction (approximately 6.29-11.85 mg/100 g) was observed in the final TVB-N of the samples integrated with CCEO compared to the controls (P<0.05). The peroxide value (PV) of the control samples was 4.49 meq/1,000 g of lipids, while the PV values of the treated samples remained lower (3.25 meq/1,000 g of lipids) at the final stage of the study. In terms of sensory attributes, the addition of 0.05% and 0.1% CCEO caused slight adverse effects on the sensory characteristics of the samples (P>0.05). According to the results, the integration of CCEO with fresh camel sausages is a practical method to increase the shelf life of this product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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 current study aimed to investigate the essential oil yields, chemical compositions, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds collected from India (Mehsana province and Banaskantha district of Gujarat), Morocco (Tinghir province), Iran (Khorasan province), Syria (Homs province), Turkey (Ankara province), Pakistan (Kalat province), Iraq (Basra province) and Afghanistan (Helmand and Balkh provinces). No previous studies were found for cumin seed essential oils from Afghanistan and Iraq so this could be considered as the first report. The essential oil yields were ranging between 1.16 % and 1.98 %. According to the chemical compositions, two chemotypes were identified as p-mentha-1,4,-dien- 7-al, and cumin aldehyde. Cumin aldehyde was dominant in Indian-originated seeds (39.3-46.5 %) and p-mentha-1,4,-dien-7-al was the major component (42.1-58.8 %) of the rest. All essential oils performed moderate antioxidant properties (IC50 values of 23.3-32.4 μg/mL for DPPH and 65-73 % inhibition for β-carotene/ linoleic acid tests) and high antimicrobial activities. Correlation analysis demonstrated that amount of cumin aldehyde had a strong negative relation with DPPH activity and had a positive relationship with β-carotene/linoleic acid assay inhibitions. The amount of cumin aldehyde also correlated positively with disk diffusion- based antimicrobial susceptibilities and had variable correlations with broth microdilution tests. The sum of two other major aldehydes (p-mentha-1,4-dien-7-al and p-mentha-1,3-dien-7-al) were found to have no statistically significant correlation with biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study was carried out to determine the effects of cumin essential oil on the silage fermentation, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of alfalfa silages. Methods Alfalfa was harvested at early bloom (5th cutting) stage in October and wilted for about 3 hours. The research was carried out at three groups which were the control group where no additive control was done (CON), cumin essential oil (CMN3) with 300 mg/kg and CMN5 with 500 mg/kg cumin essential oil addition. Alfalfa was ensiled in plastic bags. The packages were stored at 8°C±2°C under laboratory conditions. All groups were sampled for physical, chemical and microbiological analysis 120th day after ensiling. At the end of the ensiling period, all silages were subjected to an aerobic stability test for 7 days. In addition, enzimatic solubility of organic matter (ESOM), metabolizable energy (ME), and relative feed value (RFV) of these silages were determined. Results pH level decreased in the cumin groups compared to CON (p

Hydrodistilled volatile oils obtained from the fruits of Cuminum cyminum L. and Ammodaucus leucotrichus L., cultivated in Morocco, were analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. Twenty-one compounds repre- senting 98.7 % of the oil were identified for the C. cyminum L. species. The main components of the oil were: γ- terpinen-7-al (37.2 %), cuminaldehyde (29.1 %), γ-terpinene (10.0 %), β-pinene (7.1 %) and p-cymene (6.1 %). For the Ammodaucus leucotrichus L. species, there were 21 identified compounds, representing 98.4 % of the total oil. The major constituents were perrilla aldehyde (78.2 %) and limonene (9.5 %). Isolated essential oils were tested for radical-scavenging ability using the stable DPPH radical and the ABTS radical, for reducing power ability with a test based on the reduction of ferric cations, and for lipid peroxidation inhibitory ability using β- carotene bleaching assay. The two oils showed a particularly interesting profile concerning oxidation of the fatty unsaturated substances. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was individually evaluated against representatives of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar diffusion method. The most sensi- tive microorganisms are: Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella sp, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus epidermis, Citrobacter freundii and Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Antibiotic resistant Salmonella is a major threat to poultry industry and public health. Medicinal plants are an effective alternative of antibiotics for the control and treatment of multiple drug resistant Salmonella. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in-vitro activity of essential oils of some medicinal plants against multiple drug resistant Salmonella of poultry origin and to determine their active ingredients. Essential oils of Cuminum cyminum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Eucalyptus globulus, Allium sativum and Nigella sativa were prepared by steam distillation and their active ingredients were determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Activity of oils against Salmonella enteritidis (n=05) and Salmonella gallinarum (n=05) was determined by well diffusion assay. Broth microdilution assay was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations of oils. Well diffusion assay revealed that C. zeylanicum and E. globulus had better activity against salmonellae (26±7.6 mm and 16±6.8 mm, respectively) as compared to C. cyminum, A. sativum and N. sativa (8±5.9, 10±6.1, 8±4.7 mm, respectively). Minimum inhibitory concentrations of C. zeylanicum and E. globulus against Salmonella were 64.1±32.1 and 68.9±32.9 µg/mL, respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed presence of diverse phytochemicals in all essential oils. Major antimicrobial phyto-constituents of essential oils of E. globulus and C. zeylanicum were eucalyptol (82.85%) and 1R-α-Pinene (13.781%), and cinnamaldehyde (64.14%) and eugenol (8.9%), respectively. It is concluded that essential oils of C. zeylanicum and E. globulus have excellent in vitro anti-Salmonella activity. It is insinuated that these extracts may be commercialized as an alternative of antibiotics for the control of Salmonellae in poultry after detailed in vivo evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed to investigate the chemical composition and antioxidant activities the essential oils derived from the seeds of three local cumin populations that were grown in an oasis environment. The studied cumin was cultivated according to the organic farming principles in a parcel at the oasis of Oukhite, southeast of Morocco in complete randomised complete blocks with three replications. The results revealed that the organically cultivated cumin seeds had a strong, distinctive aroma due to an abundance of essential oil (3.8–5.27 %). The main components in all the studied essential oils were cuminaldehyde (30.42–33.24 %), γ-terpinen-7-al (20.54–28.36 %), α-terpinen-7-al (about 13 %), γ-terpinene (6,15–12.60 %), β-cymene (4.19–5.38 %), β-pinene (3,10–5.36 %) and p-mentha-1,4-dien-7-ol (0.71–0.99 %). The essential oil from the cumin plants that were cultivated at Taaouilite (G2) had the highest antioxidant activity, based on the DPPH scavenging ability (IC50= 3.32 mg/mL) and ferric reducing power FRAP (IC50= 17.02 mg/ mL) while cumin essential oil derived from Takacha (G1) was the least potent. These results indicate that the essential oils of oasis cultivated cumin seeds are an excellent source of natural antioxidants, that could be used for food preservation and health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ege Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Ege Universitesi, Ziraat Fakultesi 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.)

Abstract The present experiment evaluated how coronatine (COR) elicitation affects chemical and biological properties of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seed essential oil (CSEO). Following isolation of the EO, its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; also, its bioactivities in terms of antimicrobial/antifungal, cytotoxic (measured by MTT assay) and antioxidant effects (evaluated by DPPH, β-carotene bleaching (BCB) and TBARS methods) were evaluated. COR-elicitation significantly increased CSEO yield and the level of its chemical components, especially cumin aldehyde which is the main component of CSEO. Results showed that COR-elicitation significantly reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CSEO against 4 Gram-positive and 3 Gram-negative bacteria and 2 fungi. Moreover, elicitation markedly enhanced the antioxidant and in vitro cytotoxic activity of CSEO. Therefore, COR may be regarded as a useful biotic elicitor for improving EO chemical and biological properties. Highlights • GC-MS was used to analyze the control and COR groups of C. cyminum L. essential oil. • Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of EOs was evaluated. • In vitro cytotoxic activity was measured using MTT assay. • Elicitation improved the biochemical and biological characteristics of EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical and antibacterial properties of ultrasound assisted emulsions from two essential oils (Cuminum cyminum and Oliveria decumbens) at concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15% were studied. The results showed that all emulsions were stable after centrifugation. Although the samples were stable after heatcool cycles, they became unstable at the freeze-thaw cycles. Emulsion samples with concentrations of 10 and 15%, were stored at 45 ºC for 35-days were unstable and became two-phase. Measuring the turbidity of emulsion samples with a spectrophotometer showed that with increasing concentrations of dispersed phase, the emulsion turbidity increased. Both emulsions showed antibacterial activity. But the C. cyminum emulsions showed higher inhibition zones against Escherichia coli, while O. decumbens emulsions represented higher inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus. Generally, the inhibition zone diameters of both emulsions increased dose dependently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department 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.)

In this research, the effects of essential oils isolated from four ecotypes of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) Northern-Khorasan (NS), Fars (FS), Kerman (KK), and Kerman (KR) were evaluated on the 4th instar larvae of pink stem borer, Sesamia cretica Lederer. The essential oils were extracted from seeds and the chemical composition was assessed via Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Cuminaldehyde (43.599-55.939%), γ-terpinene (13.134-21.750%), m-cymene (8.349-16.935%), ß-pinene (6.320-14.130%), and α-phellandrene (2.137-4.742%) were the main components of the essential oils. Four types of blood cells: prohaemocytes, plasmatocyte, granulocyte, and oenocytoid were identified in the haemolymph of the 4th instar larvae of S. cretica. The decreasing haemocyte counts were found to be significant in the different ecotypes of C. cyminum essential oil. The utilized concentrations and specified times had significant effects on the reductions of the mentioned cell numbers. The fewest number of cells for all ecotypes was measured after 48 h. The highest decline in the total haemocyte count was related to the concentration of 8000 ppm in NS ecotype. The lowest LC50 value was observed in KR ecotype. Based on the results of the present study, the essential oils isolated from the different ecotypes of C. cyminum showed to be promising candidates for S. cretica management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) and hydrodistillation (HD) were compared. • Both processes were assessed by response surface methodology (RSM). • Optimal conditions for Both processes were achieved. • Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity produced the finest cumin essential oils. • Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity was more efficient: rapid kinetic + less energy. Abstract Recently, microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) pushed the confines of the microwave assisted extraction (MAE) further toward an innovative, quick, efficient, and eco-friendly process for plant secondary metabolites extraction. The goal of this study was to optimize the microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) process for the extraction of the essential oils (EO) from Tunisian cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds. The effects of different parameters: microwave irradiation time (8, 12, and 16 min), microwave irradiation power (150, 200, and 250 W), and moisture content (40, 50, and 60%), on the extraction yield were achieved using the response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD). In order to elucidate the efficiency of the MHG, it was compared with conventional hydrodistillation (HD) in terms of kinetic, quantity and quality of obtained EO, environmental impact, and energy consumption. Results showed that, under the optimum conditions defined by the central composite face-centered (CCF) and calculated by the analysis of variance (ANOVA) (16 min of microwave irradiation time, 203.30 W of microwave irradiation power, and 44.67% of moisture content), the yield of cumin essential oil obtained with MHG was 1.579 ± 0.05%. Meanwhile, compared with the HD process, the MHG successfully improved the EO yield (1.579 ± 0.05% versus 1.550 ± 0.07% with HD) in shorter extraction time (16 min versus 150 min with HD), less electrical consumption, lower carbon dioxide emissions (CO 2), and smaller volume of waste water. Using the GC-FID and GC–MS analysis, the MHG provided more valuable EO with high amount of oxygenated compounds compared with the HD. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) confirmed the efficiency of MHG for EO extraction. Thus, MHG appeared like rapid process, green technology, and desirable alternative protocol to enhance the quantity and the quality of the essential oil extracted from the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciola hepatica, the liver trematode, infects ruminants and causes economic loss. Because parasites are developing resistance to commercial drugs, the negative effects of parasitism are increasing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) essential oil against F. hepatica eggs and adults. The eggs were incubated with eight concentrations of the essential oil (0.031125–4.15 mg/mL), and viable eggs were counted after 14 days and classified as embryonated or non-embryonated. Adult flukes were incubated in Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium to ensure their viability and then incubated in essential oil. They were observed for 24 h after treatment. The adults were assessed with the two lowest effective oil concentrations used in the ovicidal test. Three controls were used for both tests: nitroxynil, a negative control, and Tween®80. After incubation in oil, the adult specimens were processed for histological analysis and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. In addition, the oil was tested for cytotoxicity using Madin–Darby bovine kidney cells to assess any possible effect on them. The oil was effective in ovicidal and adulticidal inhibition of the trematode, with statistically significant results. All concentrations assessed in the ovicidal test were 100% effective. The adult test was effective within 15 h and inactivated all the specimens at the highest concentration evaluated (0.06225 mg/mL). Histological analysis showed that cumin essential oil resulted in marked areas of vacuolization. The spines showed no structural changes but were surrounded by microvesicles. These findings indicated that cumin oil could be a potential compound in the control of fasciolosis. [Display omitted] • Cuminum essential oil were effective in activating eggs and Fasciola hepatica. • Essential oil causes tegumentary changes in adult trematodes. • The natural product is presented as a non-toxic form and a possible new form for new studies for the treatment of fascioliasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural preservatives such as herbal essential oils have potential ability for extending postharvest vase life of cut flowers. In this study, application effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate on vase life and postharvest quality of cut rose (Rosa hybrida cv. Angelina) flowers were investigated. A factorial experiment with three levels of each in different time after harvesting was conducted. Results showed that usage of different level of cumin essential oil and hydroxyquinoline sulfate had significant effects on rose attributes at the level of 0.05. The results showed that the interaction effect of cumin essential oil and hydroxyquinoline sulfate in measuring time was significant (P

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the effects of cumin essential oil on the silage fermentation, aerobic stability and in vitro digestibility of alfalfa silages. Methods: Alfalfa was harvested at early bloom (5th cutting) stage in October and wilted for about 3 hours. The research was carried out at three groups which were the control group where no additive control was done (CON), cumin essential oil (CMN3) with 300 mg/kg and CMN5 with 500 mg/kg cumin essential oil addition. Alfalfa was ensiled in plastic bags. The packages were stored at 8°C±2°C under laboratory conditions. All groups were sampled for physical, chemical and microbiological analysis 120th day after ensiling. At the end of the ensiling period, all silages were subjected to an aerobic stability test for 7 days. In addition, enzimatic solubility of organic matter (ESOM), metabolizable energy (ME), and relative feed value (RFV) of these silages were determined. Results: pH level decreased in the cumin groups compared to CON (p<0.05), thus inhibiting proteolytic enzymes from breaking down proteins into ammonia. In addition, it increased ESOM amount, and concordantly provided an increase of ME contents. Similarly, dry matter intake and RFV ratio increased. After opening the silage, it kept its aerobic stability for three days. Conclusion: Cumin essential oil improved fermentation, and affected chemical and microbiological characteristics of silages. Especially the addition of 300 mg/kg cumin provided cell wall fractionation through stimulating the activities of enzymes responsible. It also increased the number and activity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) through providing a development of LAB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural preservatives such as herbal essential oils have potential ability for extending postharvest vase life of cut flowers. In this study, application effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate on vase life and postharvest quality of cut rose (Rosa hybrida cv. Angelina) flowers were investigated. A factorial experiment with three levels of each in different time after harvesting was conducted. Results showed that usage of different level of cumin essential oil and hydroxyquinoline sulfate had significant effects on rose attributes at the level of 0.05. The results showed that the interaction effect of cumin essential oil and hydroxyquinoline sulfate in measuring time was significant (P<0.05) on all of parameters except for anthocyanin content in rose petals in a way that the highest amount for measured traits was obtained with treatment of 150 mg L-1 cumin essential oil and 400 mg L-1 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is one of the most important herbs known for stomach disorders. In this study, storage temperature effects on the quality of cumin essential oil were investigated. Changes in essential oils compositions were detected during storage for six months in a refrigerator (4°C), a freezer (-20°C), and at room temperature (25°C). The main constituents of the essential oil from the cumin fruits under different conditions of storage were cumin aldehyde belonging to oxygenated monoterpenes and p-cymene, and β-pinene belonging to monoterpene hydrocarbons. Results indicated that at room temperature, the proportions of compounds with lower boiling temperatures such as β-pinene (1.57-10.03%) and p-cymene (14.93- 24.9%) were decreased; however, cumin aldehyde (45.45-64.31%) increased during cumin oil storage. Furthermore, the oil compositions showed the least alterations and C. cyminum kept its primary quality when stored at low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.) is a commercial plant that used for various purposes in medicinal, cosmetic and food industries. Agro-morphological and chemical diversities of 20 accessions of Iranian cumin were evaluated. The samples were phenotypically diverse, which plant height, lateral branches number per plant, flower umbels number per plant, seeds (fruit) number per plant, 1000-seed weight and fruit yield were characteristics with the significant variation among studied accessions. The average content of fruit yield, essential oil content and essential oil yield of different cumin accessions were 400.2 kg ha −1 , 2.1% (w/w), and 8.3 kg ha −1 , respectively. In total, 23 components were identified in the essential oils, that γ-terpinene (26.53–37.81%), cumin aldehyde (9.45–20.66%), cumin alcohol (1.63–15.22%) and β-pinene (8.32–13.84%) were the major components of all samples, however, a significant variation among the accessions was observed for the quantity and quality of majority constituents. Among accessions, the Yazd accession (accession 17) showed the highest contents of essential oil, essential oil yield and cumin aldehyde. Number of flower umbels, seeds and lateral branches per plant significantly correlated with fruit yield. Cumin aldehyde showed the negative correlations with γ-terpinene and β-pinene. Morphological characters did not have significant correlations with essential oil content and its chemical components. In this study, it was obvious that the dendrogram based on morphological traits was mostly differed from the one based on phytochemical variables that showed a high potential of studied accessions for breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumin seeds were collected from agro-ecological sub-regions comprising of major cumin growing areas of Rajasthan and Gujarat state, India, to analyze chemical composition of essential oil. The study area was located between the geographical co-ordinates 21°78′ 32″N, 71°33′85″E to 26°21′ 28″ N, 74°37′61″ E. Maximum and minimum EO yield (35.9–28.4%) were obtained in cumin from AESR 2.4 and 5.1 respectively. GC–MS analysis of EO indicated the preponderance of terpenic hydrocarbons in the AESR 2.4 (53.85%) and decrease in AESR 2.1 (32.62%) while cuminaldehyde content was more (39.90%) in AESR 4.2 and less (25.84%) in 2.4. The prominent terpenic compounds included γ-terpinene, β-pinene, santolina triene, α-terpinene, α-pinene and β-thujene, the concentration of these compounds varied with AESRs. Cumic alcohol (10.33–14.40%), anethol & estragol (4.03–9.15%) were the major alcohols with cymol (2.9–4.26%) and geraniol (0.02–2.39%) in traces. Total phenolic content in the various AESRs ranged from 41.50 (AESR 5.1) to 58.61 mg GAEg −1 seeds (AESR 2.3) while the flavonoid content in the AESRs ranged between 27.14–36.03 mg QE g −1 seeds, being least in 4.2 and highest in 5.1. The study revealed that the average radical scavenging percentage of methanol seed extract does not vary with the different AESRs (94.98–99.05%), as well as EC 50 value is also same (15.31–15.38 mg BHTE) for samples from different AESRs. Cumin from the AESRs with favourable minimum and maximum temperature and rainfall showed high cuminaldehyde bearing pleasant aroma whereas the AESRs with biotic/abiotic stresses showed higher terpenic compounds with increased pungency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is an important spice commodity cultivated under large areas in arid and semiarid India. It has attained a valuable importance due to its immense aromatic, culinary and medicinal values. Due to its very selective dry and cool climate requirement, cumin is mainly being grown in western regions of India. The present study accounts for the variability observed in physical and chemical properties of cumin seed samples collected from cumin growing areas located in the 7 districts of Rajasthan and 5 districts of Gujarat classified under Agro-Ecological Sub Regions (AESR) of India. Quantity of essential oil (EO) in cumin seeds from various districts revealed that the overall EO content ranged between 28.4 to 39.1 g/kg. In Rajasthan, highest EO content was recorded in the cumin samples from Nagaur (38.5 ± 0.37), followed by Jaisalmer (37.4 ± 0.31) and was least in Ajmer (28.6 ± 0.27) whereas, in Gujarat, samples from Patan possessed highest EO content (39.1± 0.17) with least values in Amreli (28.4 ±1.08). The average flavonoid content expressed as mg QE/g seeds was highest in Nagaur (39.72), followed by Amreli (36.03) and lowest in Ajmer district (23.71), similarly the estimated phenol content (mg GAE/g seeds) was maximum in Jalore (73.61), followed by Nagaur (63.77) and least in Amreli district (41.50). The carbohydrates content and total protein content ranged between 15.86-28.88 and 19.30-21.89 per cent respectively. This study also provides basic information in understanding cumin composition and its value as a commodity for business based on interstices parameters reflecting quality assessment for regional produce harvested from India.

Background: An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled from the leaves, stems, flowers or other elements of a plant. Objective: Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) Essential Oil (CEO) was analyzed to determine oil component. Antifungal effect of CEO was determined by in vitro technique. In second stage, effect of different concentrations of CEO by PDM on postharvest life of strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) fruit, cultivar Selva, was studied. Methods: Antifungal effect of CEO was carried out with Paper Disk Method (PDM) and Solution Method (SM). In second stage Fruits were infected artificially by Botrytis cinerea spore, and then treated by different concentration of CEO. The rate of weight loss, fruit firmness, Total Soluble solids (TSS), titrable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid and color of fruits were determined at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days after the beginning of storage. The degree of infection on fruit was rated using a scale of 0 to 8, Fruit surface color was measured by Chromameter (CR 400, Minolta), TA by titration method, ascorbic acid content by iodometric method TSS content (Brix˚) by refractometer and pH by pH meter. Results: PDM was effective as antifungal. Storage life of the strawberry fruits was increased by the use of CEO significantly, by inhibition of fungal infection compared to controls. No significant fruit firmness, total soluble solids were observed in treated fruits compared to controls at all determination times. CEO treated fruit maintained higher L* at 3 and 6 day in compare with control. Titrable acidity, pH and ascorbic acid were significant in some stages. Conclusion: Results of present paper confirmed antifungal effect of CEO in both in vitro and on fruit postharvest. However, more studies are required to recommendation of CEO as a commercial and natural antifungal for increase postharvest on horticultural crops.

This experiment had been done to evaluate the effects of different levels of essential oils (EOs) of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and cumin (Cuminum cyminum) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and immune system in broiler chicks. Three hundred ninety two Ross 308 male broiler chicks in a completely randomized design were divided into 7 experimental treatments. The experimental treatments were included a corn-soybean based diet as control and groups of containing 100, 200 and 300 ppm of wormwood and cumin EOs. Results showed that cumin and wormwood EOs supplementation to the diets had no significant effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics (P>0.05) of broiler chicks. EOs infusions significantly (P<0.05) increased the relative weight of immune organ such as bursa of fabricius, However there was not significant difference between treatments in the relative weight of spleen (P>0.05). Antibody titre against sheep red blood cell (SRBC), after 7 days injection, significantly increased by addition 200 ppm wormwood EOs and 200 and 300 ppm cumin EOs (P<0.05). In 14 days after SRBC injection, except treatment containing 100 ppm, all supplemented groups increased antibody titre compared to the control group (P<0.05). The results of this experiment suggest that inclusion wormwood and cumin EOs to the diets, tended to increase growth performance and improve immune system of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.) is an industrial plant whose quality is affected by the irrigation regimes. In this study, the essential oil and total phenolic contents of seeds as well as total phenolic, anthocyanin, and flavonoid contents of leaves were determined in cumin accessions under three different (70, 150, and 200 mm) irrigation regimes during the period from 2010 to 2012 in Isfahan, Iran. While no significant differences were generally observed among the accessions with respect to the traits measured in this study, all the traits exhibited increased values in plants grown under drought stress. However, leaf flavonoid and phenolic contents exhibited greater increases under the 150 mm irrigation while more seed phenolics and essential oils as well as leaf anthocyanins were produced under the 200-mm irrigation regime. Results suggest that the 150-mm irrigation regime is best for improving the production of leaf flavonoids and phenolics while the 200-mm irrigation regime yields better results with seed phenolics and essential oils as well as leaf anthocyanins. The highest correlation ( r 2 = 0.99) was obtained between drought tolerance index and anthocyanin content, which makes it suitable for use as a criterion in the selection of the more drought tolerant genotypes of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]