Search

This research aims to develop a novel approach, employing cold plasma technology for preparing nanoparticles of silver oxide by Anethum graveolens (dill) leaf extract as a natural reducing agent. This investigation evaluated the properties of antibacterial and antibiofilm-prepared nanoparticles. Initially, dill leaf extract was prepared to stabilize and reduce the size of silver oxide nanoparticles. Improved synthesis and optimal conditions for nanoparticle formation were achieved through the application of cold plasma technology. The results obtained showed that the prepared silver oxide nanoparticles have strong antibacterial properties and that they have antibacterial activity against a different group of bacteria that cause diseases such as Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results also showed the effectiveness of nanoparticles in preventing the formation of bacterial biofilms, as the highest rate of inhibition was for gram-positive bacteria S. aureus. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of plant extracts and cold plasma technology when combined in producing nanoparticles with improved properties, which may push toward the employment of these materials in developing innovative and sustainable solutions in various scientific and applied fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal endophytes are known to produce bioactive chemicals and secondary metabolites that are often identical to those produced by their host plants. The main objective of the current study was to isolate and identify endophytic fungi associated with the medicinal plant Anethum graveolens, and to investigate their potential antibacterial and anticancer properties. The ethyl acetate extracts from the isolated endophytic fungi, as well as the host plant A. graveolens, were subjected to bioactivity assays to evaluate their antibacterial and anticancer potential against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. The endophytic fungi isolated and identified from the A. graveolens samples included Diaporthe, Auxarthron, Arthrinium, Aspergillus, Microsporum, Dothiorella, Trichophyton, Lophiostoma, Penicillium, and Trichoderma species. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay revealed that the A. graveolens extract exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, with an MIC value of 4 µg/ml, followed by the Trichoderma sp. (5 µg/ml) and Penicillium sp. (6 µg/ml) extracts. Additionally, the crude extracts of Trichoderma sp., Penicillium sp., and Fusarium sp. demonstrated high anticancer activity against HepG2 cells, with inhibition rates ranging from 89 to 92% at a concentration of 50 µg/ml. Interestingly, the A. graveolens extract showed the most potent anticancer activity, with a 95% inhibition rate against HepG2 cells at the same concentration. These findings highlight the significant potential of endophytic fungi associated with A. graveolens, as a source of bioactive compounds with promising antibacterial and anticancer properties. The results reinforce the hypothesis that medicinal plants and their endophytic fungi can serve as an attractive alternative for the development of novel therapeutic agents, potentially offering a more sustainable and less harmful approach to disease management compared to traditional chemical-based methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment the development of the various chromosomal interchanges in Sowa (Anethum graveolens L.) was accomplished with the help of Gamma irradiations. The pollen mother cells of Anethum graveolens were observed to be perfectly normal in untreated plants and displayed a regular formation of eleven bivalents at diakinesis, followed by normal separation (11:11) at anaphase I. Cytological manifestation of chromosome configurations at diakinesis and metaphase-I exhibited translocation heterozygotes by the formation of either ring or chain of chromosomes in PMCs of Sowa, particularly at higher doses of Gamma irradiation (200 Gy). The translocation lines showed discernible prevalence of rings (56.58%) over chains (43.42%). In chromosomal configuration, PMCs of Irradiated plants, shows the presence of minimum one or more quadrivalent and bivalents, besides this, some PMCs showed other configurations such as trivalents, pentavalents, hexavalent, and octavalent along with variable number of univalents. At diakinesis, stage of PMCs, 2III + 1IX + 2IV + 1II + 1I configuration was observed in maximum (12.88%) followed by 6II + 1IV + 1V + 1I (12.37%) and 1VII + 1V + 2IV + 2I (11.85%). The configuration 1X + 2IV + 2II showed the lowest (5.15%) frequency. However, a variety of anomalies such as unequal separation (34.93%), laggards (21.91%) and bridges (12.32%) were also recorded. Pollen fertility was reduced (41.21 ± 0.19%) in translocation lines as comparison to control plant (98.59 ± 0.25%). Translocation heterozygotes might be used as an initial foundation for developing aneuploids with novel gene combinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anethum graveolens is an aromatic plant traditionally used as an antispasmodic and carminative. The objective of this study is to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils and extracts obtained from seeds gathered in Errachidia, southern Morocco. Additionally, the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of these oils and extracts will be evaluated. GC-MS analysis of the EO isolated by hydrodistillation revealed that its main compounds were E-anethole (38.13%), estragole (29.32%), fenchone (17.21%), and α-pinene (7.37%). The phenolic components were extracted using the methods of decoction and Soxhlet. The assay of the phenolic compounds showed that A. graveolens seeds contained considerable amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, with variable levels depending on the extract analyzed. HPLC/UV-ESI-MS analyses performed on the decoction revealed a structural diversity of the molecules present in this extract, the most important of which were umbelliferone (12.35%), 3-hydroxyflavone (11.23%), rosmanol (8.95%), biotin (8.36%), emmotin H (4.91%), and coumarin (4.21%). The antioxidant activity, as determined by three techniques (DPPH•, FRAP, and CAT), demonstrated that the essential oils (EOs) and extracts had a potent capacity to counteract detrimental free radicals, control the generation of reactive oxygen species, and mitigate oxidative damages. The antimicrobial activity of the Eos and extracts was carried out in a liquid medium against five strains (E. cloacae, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis) and four candidiasis (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis) and Aspergillus niger. The results showed the effectiveness of the EOs compared to the aqueous, ethanolic, and decoction extracts against most of the microorganisms tested. In addition, the ethanolic extract showed antifungal activity that was distinguished from that of the other extracts. The antimicrobial efficacy of the essential oils under study can primarily be attributed to the synergistic interactions among its three principal constituents (E-anethole, estragole, and fenchone). Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results reveal significant interactions and stability between the selected bioactive compounds and different target proteins involved in antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Compounds like 3-hydroxyflavone, emmotin H, trans-caftaric acid, methyl rosmarinate, 1-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucose, and kaempferol exhibited better binding energies with the explored proteins, indicating their potential as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Finally, our findings emphasize the significance of A. graveolens seeds as a promising reservoir of advantageous health compounds that can serve as organic substitutes for the presently employed synthetic preservatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal endophytes are known to produce bioactive chemicals and secondary metabolites that are often identical to those produced by their host plants. The main objective of the current study was to isolate and identify endophytic fungi associated with the medicinal plant Anethum graveolens, and to investigate their potential antibacterial and anticancer properties. The ethyl acetate extracts from the isolated endophytic fungi, as well as the host plant A. graveolens, were subjected to bioactivity assays to evaluate their antibacterial and anticancer potential against multi-drug resistant bacterial strains and the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2. The endophytic fungi isolated and identified from the A. graveolens samples included Diaporthe, Auxarthron, Arthrinium, Aspergillus, Microsporum, Dothiorella, Trichophyton, Lophiostoma, Penicillium, and Trichoderma species. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay revealed that the A. graveolens extract exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity, with an MIC value of 4 μg/ml, followed by the Trichoderma sp. (5 μg/ml) and Penicillium sp. (6 μg/ml) extracts. Additionally, the crude extracts of Trichoderma sp., Penicillium sp., and Fusarium sp. demonstrated high anticancer activity against HepG2 cells, with inhibition rates ranging from 89 to 92% at a concentration of 50 μg/ml. Interestingly, the A. graveolens extract showed the most potent anticancer activity, with a 95% inhibition rate against HepG2 cells at the same concentration. These findings highlight the significant potential of endophytic fungi associated with A. graveolens, as a source of bioactive compounds with promising antibacterial and anticancer properties. The results reinforce the hypothesis that medicinal plants and their endophytic fungi can serve as an attractive alternative for the development of novel therapeutic agents, potentially offering a more sustainable and less harmful approach to disease management compared to traditional chemical-based methods.

Background: Anxiety as an important psychological disorder that has affected many people and has made them to spend a lot of money for its treatment. Objectives: This study aims to assess the anxiolytic effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Anethum Graveolens L. seed (AGS) combined with the antagonist of estrogen receptor in female rats with anxiety. Materials & Methods: In this study, 66 female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups as follow as: Negative control (10 ml/kg saline), positive control (0.6 mg/kg diazepam), five groups of AGS extract (0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg) and tamoxifen+AGS extract (10 mg/kg). Anxiety indicators were measured by the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Results: The percentage of time spent open arms (%OAT) and percentage open arms entry (%OAE) significantly increased after using 10 mg/Kg dose of AGS extract compared to control group. Tamoxifen could significantly reduce this increase caused by AGS extract on anxiety indices. Conclusion: Considering the anxiolytic effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of AGS and the reduction of this effect by the antagonist of estrogen receptor (tamoxifen), it can be concluded that the extract’s anxiolytic effect may be due to interaction with estrogen receptor.

Ethnobotanical studies have reported that dill (Anethum graveolens) exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant effects and shows suppressive properties on some cancer types. In this study, we aimed to determine the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of dill against human ovarian cancer cell lines. After different concentrations of dill extract were applied on human ovarian cancer cell line (A2780), the effects of the extract on cell viability were determined by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Subsequently, the genotoxic effects of cytotoxic doses on wild-type DNA were determined by single-cell gel electrophoresis (Comet). Dill doses of 600 µg/mL and above significantly decreased cell viability compared to the control group (p<0.05). The cytotoxic effect was more pronounced at increasing doses. As a result of Comet analysis, it was determined that no significant change in DNA damage occurred in A2780 cells after the treatments. These results suggest that dill reduces cell viability through different mechanisms without causing DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a real gynecological problem among women of reproductive age from 15 to 49. A recent analysis showed that 75% of women will have an occurrence at least once per year, while 5% are observed to have recurrent vaginal mycosis—these patients may become unwell four or more times a year. This pathology is caused in 85–90% of cases by fungi of the Candida albicans species. It represents an intractable medical problem for female patients due to pain and pruritus. Due to the observation of an increasing number of strains resistant to standard preparations and an increase in the recurrence of this pathology when using local or oral preferential therapy, such as fluconazole, an analysis was launched to develop alternative methods of treating VVC using herbs such as dill, turmeric, and berberine. An in-depth analysis of databases that include scientific articles from recent years made it possible to draw satisfactory conclusions supporting the validity of herbal therapy for the pathology in question. Although phytotherapy has not yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it appears to be a promising therapeutic solution for strains that are resistant to existing treatments. There is research currently undergoing aimed at comparing classical pharmacotherapy and herbal therapy in the treatment of vaginal candidiasis for the purpose of increasing medical competence and knowledge for the care of the health and long-term comfort of gynecological patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anxiety as an important psychological disorder that has affected many people and has made them to spend a lot of money for its treatment. Objectives: This study aims to assess the anxiolytic effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Anethum Graveolens L. seed (AGS) combined with the antagonist of estrogen receptor in female rats with anxiety. Materials & Methods: In this study, 66 female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups as follow as: Negative control (10 ml/kg saline), positive control (0.6 mg/kg diazepam), five groups of AGS extract (0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg) and tamoxifen+AGS extract (10 mg/kg). Anxiety indicators were measured by the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Results: The percentage of time spent open arms (%OAT) and percentage open arms entry (%OAE) significantly increased after using 10 mg/Kg dose of AGS extract compared to control group. Tamoxifen could significantly reduce this increase caused by AGS extract on anxiety indices. Conclusion: Considering the anxiolytic effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of AGS and the reduction of this effect by the antagonist of estrogen receptor (tamoxifen), it can be concluded that the extract's anxiolytic effect may be due to interaction with estrogen receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) from inflorescences (EO-i), stems (EO-s) and leaves (EO-l) of Anethum graveolens are analyzed by GC and GC-MS. The main components are α-phellandrene (51.44%) and p-cymene (22.65%) in the EO-i, p-cymene (50.75%) and α-phellandrene (35.73%) in EO-s and p-cymene (40.01%) and α-phellandrene (36.38%) in EO-l. The phytotoxic activity was tested against germination and growth of aerial parts and roots of dicotyledones (Sinapis arvensis and Trifolium campestre) and monocotyledone (Lolium multiflorum) weeds. The EOs proved to be particularly active against S. arvensis and T. campestre, causing total inhibition of germination and growth at the highest doses (2.0 and 1.5 μL/mL) with IC50 values included between 0.3 and 1.6 mg/mL. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activity was tested against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram negative (Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) pathogenic bacterial strains. EOs presented MICs lower than those of Tetracycline (20-24 mg/mL) against most bacterial strains (from 4 to 6 mg/mL). EOs were found to be active in inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation with IC50 values between 1.47 and 3.85 mg/mL. The activity against bacterial metabolism occurred for EO-i and EO-s against A. baumannii and E. coli with IC50 between 0.99 and 5.39 mg/mL. This investigation provides data about the chemical variation among different parts of A. graveolens and encourages the use of its EOs as natural phytotoxic and antibacterial agents in agriculture, food and pharmaceutical sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the in vitro anti-obesity potential of Anethum graveolens L. (Family Apiaceae) dill seed cake (DSC). DSC contained dietary fibers, proteins, lignans, and phenolic compounds. Food rich in dietary fiber is vital in lowering dyslipidemia, complications of metabolic disorders, and obesity. DSC was obtained after oil extraction of the dill seed. Physicochemical characterization and lignan profiling were performed by HPLC. An In vitro study assessed the degree of hydrolysis, α- amylase, α-glucosidases, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity. The DSC has high dietary fiber, moderate protein, and less than ten percent moisture, ash, and fat content with low foreign matter. HPLC chromatogram of DSC showed the presence of lignin-like carvone, perillyl alcohol, perillaldehyde, and cineole. The IC50 value for α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity was 60.18 ± 2.21, 456.42 ± 5.32, and 54.13 ± 2.25 µg/ml, respectively. DSC can ameliorate obesity and associated metabolic complications by inhibiting intestinal carbohydrate and fat metabolism and absorption. Study findings provide a basis for developing dill seed as a nutraceutical supplement for obesity management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Oxidative stress and inflammatory response play an important role in the development of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of dill seed on liver damage induced by LPS. Materials and Methods: In this study, 32 rats weighing between 200 and 250 g were divided into four groups: control, control treated with dill hydroalcoholic extract, rats with liver damage، and rats with liver damage treated with dill hydroalcoholic extract. Dill hydroalcoholic extract was administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg. LPS was used to induce liver damage. Activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-α) were measured. The differences between groups were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Results: The levels of ALT, AST, ALP, TNF-α and MDA significantly increased and activities of SOD and catalase significantly decreased in the LPS group compared to those in the control group. Treatment with hydroalcoholic extract of dill significantly decreased ALT, AST, ALP, TNF-α and MDA and significantly increased SOD activity compared to those in the LPS group. Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of dill showed a protective effect against liver dysfunction caused by LPS which is due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Anethum graveolens is an aromatic plant traditionally used as an antispasmodic and carminative. The objective of this study is to analyze the chemical composition of the essential oils and extracts obtained from seeds gathered in Errachidia, southern Morocco. Additionally, the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of these oils and extracts will be evaluated. GC-MS analysis of the EO isolated by hydrodistillation revealed that its main compounds were E-anethole (38.13%), estragole (29.32%), fenchone (17.21%), and α-pinene (7.37%). The phenolic components were extracted using the methods of decoction and Soxhlet. The assay of the phenolic compounds showed that A. graveolens seeds contained considerable amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, with variable levels depending on the extract analyzed. HPLC/UV-ESI-MS analyses performed on the decoction revealed a structural diversity of the molecules present in this extract, the most important of which were umbelliferone (12.35%), 3-hydroxyflavone (11.23%), rosmanol (8.95%), biotin (8.36%), emmotin H (4.91%), and coumarin (4.21%). The antioxidant activity, as determined by three techniques (DPPH•, FRAP, and CAT), demonstrated that the essential oils (EOs) and extracts had a potent capacity to counteract detrimental free radicals, control the generation of reactive oxygen species, and mitigate oxidative damages. The antimicrobial activity of the Eos and extracts was carried out in a liquid medium against five strains (E. cloacae, K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. epidermidis) and four candidiasis (C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis) and Aspergillus niger. The results showed the effectiveness of the EOs compared to the aqueous, ethanolic, and decoction extracts against most of the microorganisms tested. In addition, the ethanolic extract showed antifungal activity that was distinguished from that of the other extracts. The antimicrobial efficacy of the essential oils under study can primarily be attributed to the synergistic interactions among its three principal constituents (E-anethole, estragole, and fenchone). Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results reveal significant interactions and stability between the selected bioactive compounds and different target proteins involved in antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Compounds like 3-hydroxyflavone, emmotin H, trans-caftaric acid, methyl rosmarinate, 1-caffeoyl-beta-D-glucose, and kaempferol exhibited better binding energies with the explored proteins, indicating their potential as antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Finally, our findings emphasize the significance of A. graveolens seeds as a promising reservoir of advantageous health compounds that can serve as organic substitutes for the presently employed synthetic preservatives.

Momordica charantia, Nigella sativa, and Anethum graveolens are established medicinal plants possessing noted anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties. However, the molecular mechanisms underscoring their inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and HMG-CoA reductase remain unexplored. This study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of various NS, MC, and AG blends in modulating the enzymatic activity of pancreatic lipase, HMG-CoA reductase, and a-glucosidase, utilizing an integrative approach combining in vitro assessments and molecular modeling techniques. A factorial design matrix generated eight distinct concentration combinations of NS, MC, and AG, subsequently subjected to in vitro enzyme inhibition assays. Molecular docking analyses using AutoDock Vina, molecular dynamics simulations, MMPBSA calculations, and principal component analysis, were executed with Gromacs to discern the interaction dynamics between the compounds and target enzymes. A formulation comprising NS:MC:AG at a 215:50:35 μg/mL ratio yielded significant inhibition of pancreatic lipase (IC50: 74.26 ± 4.27 μg/mL). Moreover, a concentration combination of 215:80:35 μg/mL effectively inhibited both α-glucosidase (IC50: 66.09 ± 3.98 μg/mL) and HMGCR (IC50: 129.03 μg/mL). Notably, MC-derived compounds exhibited superior binding affinity towards all three enzymes, compared to their reference molecules, with diosgenin, Momordicoside I, and diosgenin displaying binding affinities of −11.0, −8.8, and −7.9 kcal/mol with active site residues of pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and HMGCR, respectively. Further, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations revealed the formation and stabilization of non-bonded interactions between the compounds and the enzymes’ active site residues. Through a synergistic application of in vitro and molecular modeling methodologies, this study substantiated the potent inhibitory activity of the NS:MC:AG blend (at a ratio of 215:80:35 μg/mL) and specific MC compounds against pancreatic lipase, α-glucosidase, and HMGCR. These findings provide invaluable insights into the molecular underpinnings of these medicinal plants' anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects and may guide future therapeutic development.

Copyright of African Journal of Biological Sciences is the property of African Journal of Biological Sciences 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.)

Introduction: There are several factors that affect the quality and quantity of active ingredients and essential oil (EO) content, including pre and postharvest practices such as drying conditions. One of the most important factors in drying is temperature and then selective drying temperature (DT). In general, DT has a direct effect on the aromatic properties of Anethum graveolens. Methods: On this basis, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different DTs on the aroma profile of A. graveolens ecotypes. Results and discussion: The results showed that different DTs, ecotypes, and their interaction significantly affect EO content and composition. The highest EO yield was obtained from the Parsabad ecotype (1.86%) followed by the Ardabil ecotype (1.4%), both at 40° C. More than 60 EO compounds were identified, mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, highlighting α-Phellandrene, Germacrene D, and Dill apiole as major components in all treatments. Besides α-Phellandrene, the major EO compounds at shad drying (ShD) were β-Phellandrene and p-Cymene, while plant parts dried at 40° C showed l-Limonene and Limonene as the main constituents, and Dill apiole was detected in greater amounts in the samples dried at 60°C. To determine the appropriate DT, simple and factorial based-ANOVA together multivariate analysis demonstrated significant differences in the compounds produced under different DTs. The results indicated that more EO compounds, mainly monoterpenes, were extracted at ShD than other DTs. On the other hand, the content and composition of sesquiterpenes increased significantly when DT was increased to 60°C. From the genetic backgrounds point of view, the Parsabad ecotype (with 12 similar compounds) and Esfahan ecotype (with 10 similar compounds) were the most suitable ecotypes under all DTs in terms of EO compounds. Accordingly, the present study would help various industries to optimize specific DT(s) to obtain special EO compound(s) from different A. graveolens ecotypes based on commercial requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar-based nanocomposites (BNCs) with a high level of sodium sorption capacity may improve salinity tolerance and seedling establishment of dill. Thus, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of solid biochar (30 g solid biochar kg−1 soil) and biochar-based nanocomposites of iron (BNC-FeO) and zinc (BNC-ZnO) in individual (30 g BNC kg−1 soil) and a combined form (15 g BNC-FeO + 15 g BNC-ZnO kg−1 soil) on dill seedling growth in different levels of salt stress (non-saline, 6 and 12 dSm−1). Salinity caused a decrease in emergence percentage and emergence rate of seedlings. Increasing salinity of soil up to 12 dSm−1 decreased the biomass of dill seedlings by about 77%. Application of biochar and particularly BNCs increased the content of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, reducing and non-reducing sugars, total sugars, invertase and sucrose synthase activities, leaf water content, gibberellic acid, and indole-3-acetic acid in dill plants, leading to an improvement in seedling growth (shoot length, root length, and dry weight) under saline conditions. Sodium content was noticeably decreased by BNC treatments (9–21%), which reduced mean emergence rate and stress phytohormones such as abscisic acid (31–43%), jasmonic acid (21–42%), and salicylic acid (16–23%). Therefore, BNCs especially in combined form can potentially improve emergence and growth of dill seedlings under salt stress, through reducing sodium content and endogenous stress hormones, and enhancing sugars and growth promoting hormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) essential oil is wide spread in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Dill is a member of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. It has the following biological activities: antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic, antihypercholesterolemic, antispasmodic, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory. Aqueous extract of dill seed has reported effects on sex hormones and infertility potential. Moreover, boiled dill seed has an impact on reducing labor duration in giving birth. Implantation and placentation are necessary for a healthy pregnancy in the early stages. Angiogenesis is responsible for these essential processes. This study aimed to investigate dill seed oil’s cytotoxic and antiangiogenic effects on rat adipose tissue endothelial cells (RATECs). Dill seed oil showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity on RATECs. It disrupted endothelial tube formation and depolymerized F-actin stress fibers. According to this study, depolymerization of F-actin stress fiber by dill seed oil could inhibit angiogenesis by suppressing endothelial cell proliferation, tube formation and motility. In other words, dill seed oil can be a new anti-angiogenic agent and a novel contraceptive.

IntroductionThere are several factors that affect the quality and quantity of active ingredients and essential oil (EO) content, including pre and postharvest practices such as drying conditions. One of the most important factors in drying is temperature and then selective drying temperature (DT). In general, DT has a direct effect on the aromatic properties of Anethum graveolens.MethodsOn this basis, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different DTs on the aroma profile of A. graveolens ecotypes.Results and discussionThe results showed that different DTs, ecotypes, and their interaction significantly affect EO content and composition. The highest EO yield was obtained from the Parsabad ecotype (1.86%) followed by the Ardabil ecotype (1.4%), both at 40° C. More than 60 EO compounds were identified, mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, highlighting α-Phellandrene, Germacrene D, and Dill apiole as major components in all treatments. Besides α-Phellandrene, the major EO compounds at shad drying (ShD) were β-Phellandrene and p-Cymene, while plant parts dried at 40° C showed l-Limonene and Limonene as the main constituents, and Dill apiole was detected in greater amounts in the samples dried at 60 °C. To determine the appropriate DT, simple and factorial based-ANOVA together multivariate analysis demonstrated significant differences in the compounds produced under different DTs. The results indicated that more EO compounds, mainly monoterpenes, were extracted at ShD than other DTs. On the other hand, the content and composition of sesquiterpenes increased significantly when DT was increased to 60 °C. From the genetic backgrounds point of view, the Parsabad ecotype (with 12 similar compounds) and Esfahan ecotype (with 10 similar compounds) were the most suitable ecotypes under all DTs in terms of EO compounds. Accordingly, the present study would help various industries to optimize specific DT(s) to obtain special EO compound(s) from different A. graveolens ecotypes based on commercial requirements.

Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) is an aromatic herb widely used in the food industry, with several commercial cultivars available with different qualitative characteristics. Commercial cultivars are usually preferred over landraces due to their higher yield and also the lack of improved landraces than can be commercialized. In Greece, however, traditional dill landraces are cultivated by local communities. Many are conserved in the Greek Gene Bank and the aim here was to investigate and compare the morphological, genetic, and chemical biodiversity of twenty-two Greek landraces and nine modern/commercial cultivars. Multivariate analysis of the morphological descriptors, molecular markers, and essential oil and polyphenol composition revealed that the Greek landraces were clearly distinguished compared with modern cultivars at the level of phenological, molecular and chemical traits. Landraces were typically taller, with larger umbels, denser foliage, and larger leaves. Plant height, density of foliage, density of feathering as well as aroma characteristics were desirable traits observed for some landraces, such as T538/06 and GRC-1348/04, which were similar or superior to those of some commercial cultivars. Polymorphic loci for inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and start codon targeted (SCoT) molecular markers were 76.47% and 72.41% for landraces, and 68.24% and 43.10% for the modern cultivars, respectively. Genetic divergence was shown, but not complete isolation, indicating that some gene flow may have occurred between landraces and cultivars. The major constituent in all dill leaf essential oils was a-phellandrene (54.42–70.25%). Landraces had a higher a-phellandrene and dill ether content than cultivars. Two dill landraces were rich in chlorogenic acid, the main polyphenolic compound determined. The study highlighted for the first-time Greek landraces with desirable characteristics regarding quality, yield, and harvest time suitable for breeding programs to develop new dill cultivars with superior features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The phenylpropene volatiles dillapiole and apiole impart one of the characteristic aromas of dill (Anethum graveolens) weeds. However, very few studies have been conducted to investigate the chemical composition of volatile compounds from different developmental stages and plant parts of A. graveolens. In this study, we examined the distribution of volatile phenylpropenes, including dillapiole, in dill plants at various developmental stages. We observed that young dill seedlings accumulate high levels of dillapiole and apiole, whereas a negligible proportion was found in the flowering plants and dry seeds. Based on transcriptomics and co‐expression approaches with phenylpropene biosynthesis genes, we identified dill cDNA encoding S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine‐dependent O‐methyltransferase 1 (AgOMT1), an enzyme that can convert 6‐ and 2‐hydroxymyristicin to dillapiole and apiole, respectively, via the methylation of the ortho‐hydroxy group. The AgOMT1 protein shows an apparent Km value of 3.5 μm for 6‐hydroxymyristicin and is 75% identical to the anise (Pimpinella anisum) O‐methyltransferase (PaAIMT1) that can convert isoeugenol to methylisoeugenol via methylation of the hydroxy group at the para‐position of the benzene ring. AgOMT1 showed a preference for 6‐hydroxymyristicin, whereas PaAIMT1 displayed a large preference for isoeugenol. In vitro mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that substituting only a few residues can substantially affect the substrate specificity of these enzymes. Other plants belonging to the Apiaceae family contained homologous O‐methyltransferase (OMT) proteins highly similar to AgOMT1, converting 6‐hydroxymyristicin to dillapiole. Our results indicate that apiaceous phenylpropene OMTs with ortho‐methylating activity evolved independently of phenylpropene OMTs of other plants and the enzymatic function of AgOMT1 and PaAIMT1 diverged recently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we reported the feasibility to exploit the low cost, and renewable biomass Anethum graveolens (AG) as adsorbent to remove Rhodamine B (RhB) dye from aqueous solutions. The capacity of A. graveolens to absorb the dye was investigated by using batch adsorption procedure with examination of different operational factors such as pH (2–10), stirring speed (100–400 ppm), adsorbent concentration (0.5–5 mg L−1) and the initial dye concentration (10–50 mg L−1). The RhB removal efficiency increased from ~ 63 to 95%, depending on the operating conditions; the optimal conditions are 300 rpm for stirring speed, 6 and 7 for pH, 3 g L−1 for biomass dosage and 10 mg L−1 for dye's concentration. In order to estimate the equilibrium parameters, the experimental data were analyzed using the nonlinear forms of different kinetic models (pseudo-first order kinetic model, pseudo-second order kinetic model, Elovich and intra-particle diffusion models), also different isotherm models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinine and Temkin models) were studied. The results indicated that the RhB sorption follows the pseudo second order model; under the optimum conditions, the maximum biosorption capacity (qmax) of AG was (52–56 mg g−1). Langmuir and Freundlich model could fit the data better than Dubinin–Radushkevich and Temkin models. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDX), X-ray fluorescence, attenuated total reflectance and X-ray diffraction analyses have been used to evaluate the morphological changes and the mechanisms of dye interaction with biomass. The chemical modification of functional groups of biomass institute the major contribution of hydroxyl groups for effective dye decolorization through complexation and electrostatic interactions due to the interactions of dye molecules of RhB with the functional groups, of adsorbent such as OH, COOH, CN, and CH groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature survey has reported that Anethum graveolens extract is inescapably linked with fertility. Recent studies showed that the aqueous extract of Anethum graveolens extract has an adverse effect on male fertility by affecting serum testosterone level, sperm concentration as well as sperm motility. However, its evidence has not been established. The present paper tries to determine the level of evidence for the effect of dill (Anethum graveolens) on male fertility. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Academic Search Complete, SPORT Discus, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to retrieve the literature used for this review. Keywords utilized across the database search were dill, Anethum graveolens, mice, male fertility, randomized control trial, and experimental. The search was limited to studies in animals; published in the English language. Meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effect of Anethum graveolens (dill) extract administration on male fertility. The overall methodological quality of evidence was assessed using the Pedro scale. Out of 25 studies, four trials met the inclusion criteria for this review. All the studies were included in the meta-analysis. Of these, four studies were included for the analysis of sperm concentration, three studies for sperm motility, and two studies for serum testosterone hormone levels. The meta-analysis results suggested there were no significant differences between male fertility and other interventions in the effects of inducing male infertility. The number of studies regarding the current topic is scarce. The overall quality of evidence was very low. Therefore, it is difficult to conclude whether the aqueous extract of dill seed has or has no adverse effect on male fertility. Considering our meta-analysis, we recommended that there is a need for further investigation to provide adequate evidence for the effect of dill (Anethum graveolens) on male fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diseases caused by various drug-resistant strains in plants are increasing in many countries of the world, so many efforts have been made to find new compounds as a suitable alternative to chemical drugs and pesticides. In this study, the antimicrobial effect of essential oils and ethanolic extracts of 10 medicinal plants were investigated on Rathayibacter tritici and Xanthomonas translucens. Alcoholic extracts of medicinal plants were extracted using a rotary apparatus. Two standard bacteria R. tritici and X. translucens were prepared from Persian Type Culture Collection. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum inhibitory concentration of essential oils and ethanolic extracts of plants used at a concentration of 50 mg/ ml were determined by dilution in liquid medium on pathogens. Based on the results, the lowest inhibitory concentration of thyme essential oil was 6.25 ppm, which was inhibited by R. tritici, and the lowest concentration of Hypericum perforatum essential oil against X. translucens was 6.25 ppm. The lowest concentrations of essential oils of yew and fennel were 6.25 ppm, which were inhibited by both bacteria. Rubia tinctorum leaf essential oil in a concentration of 6.25 only inhibited R. tritici bacteria. The antibacterial properties of the essential oils of the studied plants were higher than the extract. Essential oils of yew and oleander were the most effective against R. tritici and X. translucens, followed by thyme and rosemary against R. tritici and herring flower against X. translucens . Although the clinical use of ethanolic extracts and essential oils of the studied plants seems valuable due to side effects, but for the clinical use of essential oils and extracts, more research should be done on the mechanism of action of effective compounds of these plants on microbial agents.

Slow wound healing and wound infections are significant challenges for burn patients. Biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using plant extracts offers a rapid, facile, and safe method for producing biocompatible NPs. In this study, Anethum graveolens seed (AGS) extract served as a masking and reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AGS@AgNPs). Initially, the parameters influencing AGS@AgNPs synthesis, including silver nitrate concentration, reaction time, temperature, and pH, were optimized. Subsequently, AGS@AgNPs structural and biological characteristics were evaluated. Observation of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of the AGS@AgNPs at approximately 420 nm, accompanied by a color change of the suspension to dark brown, confirmed AGS@AgNPs synthesis. Analysis via X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the production of pure, homogeneous, spherical, and stable silver NPs with sizes ranging from 20 to 40 nm using Anethum graveolens extract. Antibacterial assays revealed significant activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Antioxidant assessments demonstrated that AGS@AgNPs at a concentration of 250 μg/ml exhibited 92% inhibition of DPPH free radicals and in FRAP test, A. graveolens seed extract and AGS@AgNPs reduced Fe3+ ions to Fe2+ by 48.7% and 73.1%, respectively. Investigation of anticancer properties against the lung cancer cell line (A-549) revealed an IC 50 value of 242 μg/ml. The results of the flow cytometry test and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay demonstrated the death of cancer cells. Moreover, wound healing assays demonstrated a significant acceleration in burn wound closure rates in rats on days 3, 7, and 14 following treatments with AGS@AgNPs. Overall, these findings highlight the favorable biological activities of AGS@AgNPs, suggesting their potential utility in nanomedicine applications. • Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Anethum graveolens seed extracts (AGS@AgNPs). • The influence of silver nitrate concentration, reaction time, temperature, and pH, were optimized during AGS@AgNPs synthesis. • AGS@AgNPs revealed significant activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. • AGS@AgNPs showed high anticancer and antioxidant activity. • AGS@AgNPs increased wound closure speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Along with industrial development and the increasing social complexity of societies, anxiety is one of the most prevalent psychological disorders. Medicinal plants are considered as an enrichment source of ingredients with biological activity. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of Anethum Graveolens seed (AGS) and the possible involvement of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-ergic system in the AGS effect. Materials & Methods: In the present experimental study, 64 female Wistar rats were divided into eight groups and received various concentrations of hydroalcoholic extract of AGS. To measure the level of anxiety, an elevated plus maze was used in a way that the animal’s head turned to an open arm. Prior to the injections of AGS extract, the GABA receptor antagonist was used. The results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance using IBM SPSS v. 16. Results: Dose-response experiments showed that the AGS extract significantly decreased the anxiety indices compared to the control group (P

Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) is an aromatic herb widely used in the food industry, with several commercial cultivars available with different qualitative characteristics. Commercial cultivars are usually preferred over landraces due to their higher yield and also the lack of improved landraces than can be commercialized. In Greece, however, traditional dill landraces are cultivated by local communities. Many are conserved in the Greek Gene Bank and the aim here was to investigate and compare the morphological, genetic, and chemical biodiversity of twenty-two Greek landraces and nine modern/commercial cultivars. Multivariate analysis of the morphological descriptors, molecular markers, and essential oil and polyphenol composition revealed that the Greek landraces were clearly distinguished compared with modern cultivars at the level of phenological, molecular and chemical traits. Landraces were typically taller, with larger umbels, denser foliage, and larger leaves. Plant height, density of foliage, density of feathering as well as aroma characteristics were desirable traits observed for some landraces, such as T538/06 and GRC-1348/04, which were similar or superior to those of some commercial cultivars. Polymorphic loci for inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and start codon targeted (SCoT) molecular markers were 76.47% and 72.41% for landraces, and 68.24% and 43.10% for the modern cultivars, respectively. Genetic divergence was shown, but not complete isolation, indicating that some gene flow may have occurred between landraces and cultivars. The major constituent in all dill leaf essential oils was α-phellandrene (54.42–70.25%). Landraces had a higher α-phellandrene and dill ether content than cultivars. Two dill landraces were rich in chlorogenic acid, the main polyphenolic compound determined. The study highlighted for the first-time Greek landraces with desirable characteristics regarding quality, yield, and harvest time suitable for breeding programs to develop new dill cultivars with superior features.

There is an increased interest in the potential health benefits of nutraceutical therapies, such as Anethum graveolens (dill). Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of Anethum graveolens supplementation on lipid profiles and glycemic indices in adults. A systematic search was performed for literature published through November 2020 via PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Embase to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of oral supplementation with A. graveolens on lipid profile and measures of glycemic control in adults. The random-effects model was applied to establish the weighted mean difference (WMD) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CI). Seven RCTs with a total number of 330 subjects were included in the final analysis. Pooled results indicated that A. graveolens supplementation significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) concentration (WMD: −15.64 mg/dL; 95% CI: −24.55 to −6.73; P = 0.001), serum insulin (WMD: −2.28 μU/ml; 95% CI: −3.62 to −0.93; P = 0.001), and HOMA-IR (WMD: −1.06; 95% CI: −1.91 to −0.20; P = 0.01). However, there was no significant effect on serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and fasting blood glucose (FBS). Subgroup analysis suggested that using A. graveolens in higher doses and long-term duration had beneficial effects on lipid profiles. Dose-response analysis also showed a significant reduction in FBS at doses of 1500 mg/d. The present meta-analysis indicated that Anethum graveolens could exert favorable effects on insulin resistance and serum LDL. Further research is necessary to confirm our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the three leading causes of maternal mortality. Herbal medicine is one of the well-known methods of treatment in the world., Objective: This study was conducted to determine and compare the effect of dates, grape seed and dill seed extracts on the PPH rate in women in the fourth stage of labor., Methods: Two hundred eligible multiparous women visiting the maternity ward in Hamadan for normal delivery participated in this double-blind parallel-group clinical trial. They were randomly divided into four 50-member groups of experiment (3 groups) and control (1 group). The data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. In the experimental groups, in addition to routine care and oxytocin administration, the mothers received a capsule containing 15 mg of dill seeds extract or 20 mg of grape seed extract or 5 g of dates extract immediately after the delivery, and then their hemorrhage rates were measured one and two hours after delivery. The control group received routine care, oxytocin, and placebo. Data were analyzed in SPSS 21., Results: The hemorrhage changes in the placebo group were much less than the intervention groups at 1 and 2 hours after delivery, and the four groups had a significant difference in terms of hemorrhage in both hours (p <0.001). The overall difference between the dates extract group and the placebo and grape seed groups was also statistically significant (p <0.05)., Conclusion: All three extracts of dates, grape seed and dill seeds, especially dates, can be effective in PPH reduction., Clinical Trial Registration Number: IRCT20120215009014N300., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Relevance. Dill is a popular food and medicinal crop (Anethum graveolens L.) of the Celery family (Apiaceae). Seeds of dill are included in the 14th edition of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation. However, this crop is characterized by a relatively low yield, which reduces the efficiency of its production. The use of environmentally friendly growth-regulating compounds can significantly increase the yield and improve its quality. As a growth-regulating, foliar treatment with a solution of the amino acid glycine was tested. The amino acid glycine is environmentally friendly and does not pose a danger to humans and animals. The aim of the work was to increase the productivity of garden dill using foliar treatments with glycine amino acid.Materials and methods. Dill varieties Gribovsky and Symphony were chosen as objects to study the effect of the foliar treatments with glycine. Sowing of seeds was carried out at an early date, which for the conditions of the Lipetsk region corresponds to the first decade of April, with a SZT-3.6 seeder with 15 cm row spacing. The seeding rate was 15 kg/ha, the seeding depth was 1-2 cm. were Treatment with glycine solution was achieved in plants rosette phase. The concentration of glycine was 25, 50 and 100 mg / l. The control plants were sprayed with distilled water. The crop was cut during the period of brown seeds on the central umbrella. The content of essential oil was determined by the 14th edition of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation (method 1). The content of the main components was determined by gas chromatography.Results. As a result of the research, a positive effect of foliar treatments with glycine on both yield and the content of essential oil in the raw material of dill varieties Gribovsky and Symphony was revealed. As a result of treatments, regardless of concentration, the seeds yield and the yield of essential oil per unit area increased. The increase in the mass of 1000 pieces of fruits was not unambiguous. Based on the results obtained, the effective concentration of amino acid glycine is determined not only by the characteristics of the variety, but also by weather conditions, when, depending on the conditions during the processing period and prior to harvesting, different aspects of the drug's action appear. According to the results of observations for 2 years and an assessment by the sum of the indicators, the optimal concentration of glycine in most cases was 100 mg / l, at the same time, for the Symphony variety for two years, two-foliar treatment with low concentrations of glycine (10 mg / l rosette + 10 mg / l budding).

Anethum graveolens commonly known as dill plant is a very important shrub which is widely acknowledged in traditional and modern medicine for its capacity to treat colic pain and flatulence. The purpose of this work is the study of the chemical composition and the evaluation of antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activities of A. graveolens essential oil. The samples were collected from the chellal region in Algeria and submitted to hydrodistillation. The essential oil extracted was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested by the disc diffusion method; seven bacteria and four phytopathogenic fungi were used. The evaluation of the antioxidant activity was carried out by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl scavenging method. The results of the GC and GC/MS analysis allowed the identification of 22 components with carvone(34.33%), α-phellendrene (22.03%), dill ether (18.84%), limonene (6.93%) and dill apiol (5.01%) as major components. The results of the disc difusion method show that Anethum graveolens essential oil exhibits strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and moderate antifungal activity against Fusarium graminum and Alternaria alternata. The pure essential oil showed a moderate antioxidant activity with inhibition percentages of 49.93 ± 4.58%. This study highlights the importance of chemical constituents of A. graveolens essential oil which possesses important pharmacological effects on different pathogenic strains and could be used as substitute for synthetic antimicrobial drugs in pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scarcity of irrigation water, reduction in water quality, and increased amount of land affected by salinity are problems affecting production of dill (Anethum graveolens L.). A field experiment was conducted to study effects of irrigation water quality (1.2 and 8 dS∙m−1), cultivars Esfahan and Franchi, and organic fertilizers (rice waste compost, potassium humate, and granular humate) on growth and volatile oil quantity and quality in dill. The combination of granular humate (2 kg∙ha−1) and rice waste compost (20 ton∙ha−1) had the highest dry yield (823 kg∙ha−1) when irrigated with 1.2 dS∙m−1; treatment with granular humate (2 kg∙ha−1) had the highest dry yield (625 kg) when irrigated with water at 8 dS∙m−1. Treatment with rice waste compost at 20 ton∙h−1 had the highest percent of volatile oil (0.292%), yield of volatile oil (1.762 L∙ha−1), and percent of carvone (10.64%) when irrigated with water at 1.2 dS∙m−1. The combination of granular humate (2 kg∙ha−1) and rice waste compost (20 ton∙ha−1) had the highest percent of volatile oil (0.184%) and yield of volatile oil (0.333 L∙ha−1) when irrigated with water at 8 dS∙m−1. The cultivars differed in response to salinity of the irrigation water; fertilizer combinations reduced damage due to salinity in some dill growth parameters, and quality and quantity of dill volatile oils. Use of organic fertilizers led to improve quality and quantity of dill under saline conditions and reduce dependency on synthetic fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inappropriate use of synthetic insecticides in pest management programs contribute in ozone depletion, neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity, mutagenesis and resistance. These negative outcomes have diverted attention towards the use of plant products in insect’s population management. In this study, dill (Anethum graveolens) and star anise (Ilicium verum) essential oils were isolated by hydrodistillation method using clevenger apparatus, and evaluated for repellent, toxic and oviposition inhibitory potential against maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by fumigation and contact methods. In toxicity assay by fumigation method, median lethal concentrations (LC50) recorded were 0.316 and 0.243 μlcm-3 air; 0.362 and 0.284 μlcm-3; and 0.497 and 0.418 μlcm-3 of A. graveolens and I. verum oils and pure limonene after 24 and 48h exposure to S. zeamais adults, respectively. In contact toxicity assay, LC50 were 0.219 and 0.159 μlcm-2 area; 0.269 and 0.226 μlcm-2; and 0.567 and 0.386 μlcm-2 of A. graveolens and I. verum oils and pure limonene after 24 and 48 h exposure to S. zeamais adults, respectively. Both A. graveolens and I. verum oils and limonene reduced progeny production and acetylcholinesterase activity in S. zeamais adults when fumigated with sub-lethal concentrations. The outcomes of this study will help in preparation of essential oil based formulations for stored grain insect pest management.

Abstract Background In sustainable agriculture, the use of farmyard manure (FYM) is of great interest to environmental security and is effective as a good nitrogen source for sustainable crop production. Therefore, determining the effective doses of FYM that will be an alternative to chemical fertilizers, is also important to improve soil fertility and produce healthy products. This study aimed to determine the effects of FYM and ammonium nitrate (AN) fertilizers on the biological value and essential oil content of dill (Anethum graveolens L.). Methods Different doses FYM (7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 t ha−1) and AN (30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha−1) were applied by sowing and compared to a control group (no manure). We evaluated the chemical constituents as well as the biological activities of dill herbs and seeds growing at various doses of FYM and AN fertilizers. Results The most abundant components of essential oils were found to be dill apiole (11.96 ± 0.83 and 18.65 ± 1.89%) and carvotanacetone (15.90 ± 2.34 and 21.76 ± 1.62%) in the leaves and seeds, respectively. Limonene (9.01 ± 1.11%), 4-isopropyltoluen (8.24 ± 0.89%), dill ether (9.13 ± 1.12%) and mycrene (7.44 ± 0.68%) were major essential oils components in herbs. The highest concentration of the essential oil components was determined as 12.5–15 t ha−1 in FYM and 90 AN applications. From the effective concentration (EC50) of the samples, it was seen that 60 kg ha−1 AN infusion, 120 kg ha−1 AN decoction as well as 7.5 t ha−1 FYM and 10 t ha−1 FYM essential oils had the highest DPPH, ABTS+ and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity as shown by the lowest value of EC50 compared to the control. Although the antioxidant activities of the samples were significantly lower than those of the reference antioxidant gallic acid, it was evident that they did show the antioxidative potential for hydrogen and a single electron donor activities, thus could serve as free radical scavengers, and act as reductant. In particular, the highest total phenolic content (18.36 ± 0.35 mg g−1) was found in the infusion extract after applying the 60 kg ha−1 AN fertilizer. Essential oils extracted from the seeds also exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The highest antibacterial activity against all tested microbial species was observed with the 10 t ha−1 FYM application. Conclusion The findings of the study suggest that the application of FYM has promising effects on dill leaf, seed, and herb and can be considered as a suitable substitute for chemical fertilizers when growing dill, a plant with increasing importance and demand.

Every year, millions of people worldwide get sick with gastrointestinal diseases such as heartburn. Certain herbs contribute to the alleviation of heartburn, nausea, and improvement of digestion. Moreover, these herbs do not have as many side effects as synthetic drugs. As a health problem and one of the challenging issues in medical sciences, heartburn is common in children and adults worldwide. Hence, in the present study, we tried to report medicinal plants used in cultures and traditions of different regions of Iran to treat heartburn in children and adults. In this review study, articles of Iranian ethnobotanical sources were searched with the keywords of ethnobotanics, heartburn, children, adult, medicinal plants, and Iran. Journal articles published from 2010 to 2019 in several Iranian and International databases, including ISI Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ISC, Magiran, were searched to find relevant articles and information. Anethum graveolens L., Punica granatum L., Mentha pulegium, Thymus kotschyanus Boiss. & Hohen., Achillea millefolium, Ocimum basilicum, Nigella sativa, etc., are the plants used in different parts of Iran to treat heartburn.

Diseases caused by various drug-resistant strains in plants are increasing in many countries of the world, so many efforts have been made to find new compounds as a suitable alternative to chemical drugs and pesticides. In this study, the antimicrobial effect of essential oils and ethanolic extracts of 10 medicinal plants were investigated on Rathayibacter tritici and Xanthomonas translucens. Alcoholic extracts of medicinal plants were extracted using a rotary apparatus. Two standard bacteria R. tritici and X. translucens were prepared from Persian Type Culture Collection. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum inhibitory concentration of essential oils and ethanolic extracts of plants used at a concentration of 50 mg/ ml were determined by dilution in liquid medium on pathogens. Based on the results, the lowest inhibitory concentration of thyme essential oil was 6.25 ppm, which was inhibited by R. tritici, and the lowest concentration of Hypericum perforatum essential oil against X. translucens was 6.25 ppm. The lowest concentrations of essential oils of yew and fennel were 6.25 ppm, which were inhibited by both bacteria. Rubia tinctorum leaf essential oil in a concentration of 6.25 only inhibited R. tritici bacteria. The antibacterial properties of the essential oils of the studied plants were higher than the extract. Essential oils of yew and oleander were the most effective against R. tritici and X. translucens, followed by thyme and rosemary against R. tritici and herring flower against X. translucens . Although the clinical use of ethanolic extracts and essential oils of the studied plants seems valuable due to side effects, but for the clinical use of essential oils and extracts, more research should be done on the mechanism of action of effective compounds of these plants on microbial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zingiber officinale (ginger,II), Citrullus colocynthis (CC, III) and Anethum graveolens (dill, IV) are functional medicinal plants containing beneficial compounds and some evidence exists on their anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic potential of various extracts of these plants with different polarities in experiments on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Test animals (n = 112) were randomly divided into control, diabetic, diabetic+chloroform extract, diabetic+carbon tetrachloride extract, diabetic+hydroalcoholic extract, and diabetic+aqueous extract groups. Rats were made diabetic by a single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). The plant extracts were daily administered (100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 weeks. Serum glucose and lipid levels were measured at different weeks. All extracts of ginger and dill as well as carbon tetrachloride and hydroalcoholic extracts of CC significantly reduced serum glucose level in diabetic groups. In addition, some plants extracts approppriately and significantly improved serum lipid levels including triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDLcholesterol, and LDL cholesterol in diabetic rats. According to extract polarities and components, all ginger extracts exerted hypoglycemic effect, however, hydroalcoholic extract showed the best potential to appropriately modify serum lipids in diabetic condition. In addition, hydroalcoholic extracts of C. colocynthis and A. graveolens had the best anti-diabetic potential which could be related to better extraction of bioactive components by polar or non-polar organic and aqueous solvents from these medicinal herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to quantify the effects of phosphorous (P) concentrations on the growth, development, and tissue mineral nutrient concentrations of four popular culinary herbs commonly grown in containers. Seedlings of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Italian Large Leaf’), dill (Anethum graveolens ‘Fernleaf’), parsley (Petroselinum crispum ‘Giant of Italy’), and sage (Salvia officinalis) were individually transplanted to 11.4-cm-diameter containers filled with soilless substrate comprising canadian sphagnum peatmoss and coarse perlite. Upon transplanting and throughout the experiment, seedlings were irrigated with solutions containing 0, 5, 10, 20, or 40 mg·L−1 P; all other macro- and micronutrient concentrations were the same across P concentrations. Plants were grown for 4 weeks in a greenhouse; after that time, data were collected. Relationships between height and width and P concentrations were nonlinear for all four species; height and width increased as P increased to more than 0 mg·L−1 until the species-specific maxima; after that time, no further increase occurred. The same trend was observed for the branch length of sweet basil and sage, and for internode length, leaf area, and shoot dry mass of all four species. Although visible P deficiency symptoms were observed for plants provided with 0 mg·L−1 P, there were no signs of P deficiency for plants provided with ≥5 mg·L−1 P, even though tissue P concentrations were below the recommended sufficiency ranges. As a result of this research, containerized sweet basil, dill, parsley, and sage can be provided with 5 to 10 mg·L−1 P during production to limit growth and produce plants without visible nutrient deficiency symptoms that are proportional to their containers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of lead, nickel, arsenic and cadmium heavy metals in edible vegetables Petroselinum crispum and Anethum graveolens and soil in downstream Karun River lands in 2018. The number of studied grafts in the lower reaches of the river and sampling during the period of 2 months from April to May, which 48 plant and soil samples from these fields were collected, and digestion of plant tissues using the Jackson method and Soil digestion was also performed using the EPA3050 method. The lead concentration was 628.77± 32.50 and 748.40 ± 57.45 mg/kg, respectively, in the soil under cultivation of Petroselinum crispum and Anethum graveolens. In plants, lead with 667.68±85.67 and 678.80±53.70 mg/kg in both Petroselinum crispum and Anethum graveolens plants had the highest concentrations. Cadmium, nickel and arsenic in the soil and plant were next rank. The concentration of two cadmium and lead metals in the soil under shrubs Anethum graveolens was higher than the Petroselinum crispum cultivar. The comparison of the heavy metal concentration with the global standard showed that only the soil nickel was within the WHO standard and that the other metals exceeded the standard. In the case of plants Petroselinum crispum and Anethum graveolens the levels of nickel, lead, arsenic and cadmium were not within the permitted range. Comparison between the concentration of heavy metals between soil and plant shows that the concentration of metals between soil and plant Petroselinum crispum and Anethum graveolens was not significantly different. According to the results of this study, the use of Petroselinum crispum and Anethum graveolens leads to accumulation of high amounts of metals in the human body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anethum Graveolens is a herb used extensively as an additive in chicken feed to help in enhancing the performance, immune reaction and fitness of broiler chickens. The herb consists of various volatile secondary metabolites which are bioactive compounds which helps in their daily food regime. This present work is aimed at synthesizing and characterizing Lanthanumnanoparticles (LaNps) by using Anethum Graveolens (Dill) leaf. LaNps has been synthesized by various methods and characterized by using UV-Vis spectral analysis, Fourier infra-red, X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanisms of iron-deficiency tolerance and signalling were investigated in a dill (Anethum graveolens) cultivar using metabolic and physiological approaches. When grown under direct iron (Fe) deprivation, severe chlorosis symptoms and necrosis appeared. Such manifestations led to a significant reduction of photosynthetic gas exchange parameters, pigment contents along with changeability in mineral homeostasis. Roots were the main organ affected regarding variations in the phenolic pools and their respective functionalities. Methanolic extracts from Fe deficient roots showed a remarkable increase in total phenolic content (+26%) and total flavonoid content (+21%) when compared to equivalent extracts from control plants. Likewise, they exhibited a higher total antioxidant capacity and scavenging abilities toward ABTS•+ and RO2• radicals, as well as a noteworthy ferric reducing antioxidant power with efficient anti-LOX inhibitory activity. Overall, the tolerance of dill was associated to its suitable manipulation to produce antioxidants with an orderly regulation of nutrient homeostasis, notably in deficient Fe roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High-fat high-cholesterol diet induces a phenotype similar to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in humans. In NAFLD and NASH, cholesterol and bile acid metabolisms are impaired to accumulate lipids and toxic bile acids along with cholestatic hepatic damage. Recently, the use of herbal-derived cholesterol lowering products has attracted much attention as possible therapeutic strategies for NAFLD. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of an Anethum graveolens (dill) on liver cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and liver fat accumulation in rats. Method: Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6) and received normal diet (ND) or a mixture of chow diet+2% cholesterol+0.5% cholic acid + 20% corn oil as high cholesterol/fat (HC–HF) diet (NAFLD model). Animals were also treated daily with dill tablet or dill extract (300 mg/kg). At the end of the 30 days experiments, serum and liver lipid profile and liver total antioxidant capacity were determined. Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA and protein expression levels were determined in the liver and histopathological changes in liver tissues were analyzed by microscope. Results: Lipid profiles significantly decreased in dill treated groups (p

Since synthetic chemotherapeutic drugs produce a certain degree of drug resistance and due to their common side effects, such as damage to hematopoietic cells and hair loss, it is necessary to use herbal medicine as a substrate to develop new anticancer drugs. The ingredients of three essential oils (EO) were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Their anticancer activities have been investigated on four human breast cancer cell lines, including MCF-7, MDA-MB-175, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468. In addition, their antioxidant activity was evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The three plants were investigated for identifications of the ingredients of their EOs, and major ingredients were identified in each plant as alpha-phellandrene (26.75 %) in Anethum graveolens L., limonene (61.83 %) in Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, and zingiberene (30.28 %) in Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Among the EOs, C. limon was significantly more effective than others; its half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) on MCF-7 was obtained at 201 µg.mL-1. Furthermore, Z. officinale EO showed a higher antioxidant activities in comparison to the two other EOs. Considering the antioxidant and anticancer effects of the EOs, they could be further investigated as a possible complementary medicine in cancer.

The work presents the results of the study of the antioxidant activity of fruits (clapper seeds) of aromatic plants, (Apiaceae, Lindl.): dill (Anethum graveolens L.) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). The plant materials for determining the total content of antioxidants were collected during an ecological-geographical experiment at the Gunib and Tsudakhar experimental bases of the Mountain Botanical Garden of the Dagestan Scientific Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, at altitudes of 1100 and 1730 meters above sea level, simulating the conditions of mountain-valley and upper mountain climate zones, respectively. Determination of the total content of antioxidants in aqueous solutions was performed by the amperometric method on “Tsvet Yauza 01 -AA” instrument. Studies have shown the variability of accumulation of antioxidants, depending on the type, variety, height above sea level of the place of growth of the sample. In terms of the total content of antioxidants, the effect of the cultivation area substantially exceeded the inter-variety differences. In the studied species, intervarietal differences appeared more clearly in A. graveolens, which correlated with the latitude of the range and the ecological amplitude of growth of these species in natural habitats. The obtained data on the study of antioxidant activity in some aromatic medicinal plants allow to evaluate their biological value, to recommend more distinguished samples for cultivation. Plant materials with a high accumulation of antioxidants that can neutralize the harmful effects of oxidative stress can be used as a source of natural polyphenols, natural antioxidants in food. This methodical approach, demonstrated in the work, can serve as a methodological basis for studying the “genotype x environment” interaction and express assessment of varieties, clones, populations, and other units of accounting for the stability and sustainability of the parameters studied, including the content of antioxidants.

Hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging capacity of aqueous dill (Anethum graveolens L.) shoot (ADSh) extract was assessed using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. ADSh extract (at concentrations of 0.5 and 10 mg/ml) exerted high (OH) radical scavenging power. ADSh extract was further fractionated on Diaion HP‐20 column to yield five fractions. EPR spin‐trapping assay revealed fraction 4 (eluted with 75% aq. MeOH) to possess (•OH) radical scavenging capacity over a concentration range (0.01–10 mg/ml), whereas fraction 2 (eluted with 25% aq. MeOH) appeared to be pro‐oxidant at concentration 0.01 mg/ml. UPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS metabolite profiling of ADSh extract revealed 87 metabolites, of which 64 compounds were identified in fraction 4, the most active fraction. Furthermore, ADSh extract demonstrated a hepatoprotective effect against acetaminophen (APAP)‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Pretreatment of rats with ADSh extract (200 mg/kg b.wt) markedly attenuated the increased in the serum hepatic enzyme levels. It also increased free glutathione level and total antioxidant capacity in the serum of treated rats. [Correction added on May 3, 2021, after first online publication: "rates" has been changed to "rats" in the previous sentence.] Additionally, levels of (TNF‐α and IL‐1β) were back to almost normal levels compared to the control group. The above findings suggest that ADSh extract has a protective effect against APAP‐induced liver damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anethum graveolens L. (dill), a member of Umbelliferae family, is an important essential oil‐bearing herb native to the Mediterranean and West Asia. It is well documented for its medicinal and traditional uses. The chemical composition of dill seed essential oil showed the presence of numerous volatile compounds with carvone, limonene, α‐phellandrene, β‐phellandrene and p‐cymene being the major ones in almost all its aerial parts. Thus, the main focus of this updated review is to highlight the biological importance of dill essential oil and its major constituents (carvone and limonene) reported till date. Although the number of reviews has been published on its chemical composition and medicinal uses, its role in the field of agriculture to develop commercial formulations is still needed to be explored. In brief, the information presented in this review will be useful in creating interest in the use of dill essential oil and its major constituents for the development of commercial plant‐based pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In sustainable agriculture, the use of farmyard manure (FYM) is of great interest to environmental security and is effective as a good nitrogen source for sustainable crop production. Therefore, determining the effective doses of FYM that will be an alternative to chemical fertilizers, is also important to improve soil fertility and produce healthy products. This study aimed to determine the effects of FYM and ammonium nitrate (AN) fertilizers on the biological value and essential oil content of dill (Anethum graveolens L.). Methods: Different doses FYM (7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 t ha−1) and AN (30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha−1) were applied by sowing and compared to a control group (no manure). We evaluated the chemical constituents as well as the biological activities of dill herbs and seeds growing at various doses of FYM and AN fertilizers. Results: The most abundant components of essential oils were found to be dill apiole (11.96 ± 0.83 and 18.65 ± 1.89%) and carvotanacetone (15.90 ± 2.34 and 21.76 ± 1.62%) in the leaves and seeds, respectively. Limonene (9.01 ± 1.11%), 4-isopropyltoluen (8.24 ± 0.89%), dill ether (9.13 ± 1.12%) and mycrene (7.44 ± 0.68%) were major essential oils components in herbs. The highest concentration of the essential oil components was determined as 12.5–15 t ha−1 in FYM and 90 AN applications. From the effective concentration (EC50) of the samples, it was seen that 60 kg ha−1 AN infusion, 120 kg ha−1 AN decoction as well as 7.5 t ha−1 FYM and 10 t ha−1 FYM essential oils had the highest DPPH, ABTS+ and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity as shown by the lowest value of EC50 compared to the control. Although the antioxidant activities of the samples were significantly lower than those of the reference antioxidant gallic acid, it was evident that they did show the antioxidative potential for hydrogen and a single electron donor activities, thus could serve as free radical scavengers, and act as reductant. In particular, the highest total phenolic content (18.36 ± 0.35 mg g−1) was found in the infusion extract after applying the 60 kg ha−1 AN fertilizer. Essential oils extracted from the seeds also exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The highest antibacterial activity against all tested microbial species was observed with the 10 t ha−1 FYM application. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that the application of FYM has promising effects on dill leaf, seed, and herb and can be considered as a suitable substitute for chemical fertilizers when growing dill, a plant with increasing importance and demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel water-soluble polysaccharide named AGP1 was successfully isolated from seeds of Anethum graveolens by hot water extraction and further purified by DEAE-Sepharose chromatography. AGP1 has a relative molecular weight of 2.1 104 Da determined by Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The AGP1 characterization was investigated by chemical and instrumental analysis including gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Results showed that AGP1 was mainly composed of glucose, galactose, mannose and arabinose in a molar percent of 54.3, 23.8, 14.7 and 7.2, respectively. The thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used and showed that AGP1 has good thermal stability until 275 °C. Moreover, the purified polysaccharide demonstrated an appreciable in vitro antioxidant potential. The addition of the AGP1, particularly at 0.3% (w/w), in turkey sausages instead of ascorbic acid, as preservative, reduced the lipid peroxidation, preserved the pH and color and improved the bacterial stability during cold storage at 4 °C for 12 days. Overall, the results showed that the AGP1 deserves to be developed as functional and bioactive components for the food and nutraceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]