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Nanoformulations of essential oils (EOs) improve stability of the active ingredient, and thereby its biological activity and persistence. Because compatibility of EOs with natural enemies is not explored sufficiently, we evaluated the impact of nanoformulations of EOs (aniseed, lemon) or pure products (farnesol) on different activities of the generalist predator Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae). In dual choice bioassay, chrysopid larvae were significantly attracted to aniseed-treated pepper disks and deterred by farnesol. Larval activities (resting, walking, and preying) on treated leaves infested with Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were compared. There were no differences among nanoemulsions, nor aphid consumption varied. We studied the toxicity of nanoformulations to larvae and evaluated their development after contact with treated leaf disks, ingestion of treated artificial diet, and both routes of exposure (application of biopesticides on aphid-infested plants). This is the first evidence of the compatibility of EO nanoformulations with C. carnea by single route of exposure. Whether any effect appeared, it was sublethal. Compounds significantly reduced aphid consumption after 6 h on double route exposure, but this negative short-term effect disappeared as time progressed. Our results showed the optimal biopesticide to apply depends on which biological feature of the natural enemy we targeted. The key element to introduce these nanoemulsions is to match their persistence period on the crop with the release of the appropriate biological stage of C. carnea. This reinforces the fact that the main activities of C. carnea can be substantially maintained in joint application with nanoemulsions of EOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of climate conditions on the quality of essential oils extracted from Apiaceae fruits, specifically coriander (Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum), aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), and annual caraway (Carum carvi var. annuum) grown at three distinct locations in Serbia over three consecutive years. Field experiments were conducted, and essential oils were extracted using a Clevenger-type apparatus followed by gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis for compound identification. Weather conditions during the vegetation periods were recorded, and statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis, were performed to assess the volatile compound compositions. Results indicate significant correlations among various compounds within each fruit type, with distinct patterns observed across different years. PCA further elucidates the influence of both year and sampling location on the chemical profiles of essential oils. Cluster analysis reveals clustering primarily based on the year of cultivation rather than geographical location, emphasizing the dominant role of weather conditions in shaping essential oil compositions. This study highlights the intricate relationship between climate conditions and the quality of essential oils in Apiaceae fruits, providing valuable insights for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing essential oil production. In general, climate conditions strongly influence the coriander, anise, and annual caraway cultivation, and also essential oil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Traditional treatment protocols for piglets suffering from iron deficiency anaemia are currently lacking from both cost, labour and welfare perspectives. Dietary iron supplements during the suckling phase are problematic due to variable habituation to creep feed consumption. Maternal flavour conditioning may resolve this variability. This study evaluated the role of anise flavoured, iron supplemented creep, with or without maternal anise conditioning on the iron status and growth performance of piglets. Anise flavoured, iron supplemented creep achieved comparable haemoglobin and body weight status to groups receiving an iron injection. These findings merit further evaluation of iron-fortified creep feed as a supplementary strategy for piglets. Iron injections are vital but imperfect against iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This experiment explored the effects on piglets of maternal flavour conditioning and the voluntary intake of anise flavoured, iron-supplemented creep feed compared with iron injections. The experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: ±maternal exposure to dietary anise flavour and ±intramuscular injections of piglets. Twenty-three sows and their litters (242 piglets) were randomly allocated to one of four treatments (n = 5 or 6 per treatment): no flavour plus no injection (NF + NI); no flavour plus iron injection (NF + I); flavour plus no injection (F + NI); and flavour plus iron injection (F + I). All piglets could access anise flavoured, iron-supplemented creep feed (organic and inorganic forms) from D2 of birth. Sow feed intake and milk anethole concentration, piglet body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG), creep feed disappearance, piglet behavioural time budgets, and piglet blood glucose and haemoglobin concentrations were determined. Over the four-week study, the only significant differences found were that iron-injected piglets had reduced blood glucose (p = 0.036) on D14 and that maternal flavour provision increased the frequency of piglet creep feed interaction (p = 0.023) and decreased the frequency of suckling events (p = 0.009). In summary, maternal flavour conditioning reduced piglet creep feed neophobia without influencing consumption. The supplementation of creep feed with iron and anise flavour to piglets under the conditions of this trial was effective in preventing IDA, regardless of exposure to maternal flavouring conditioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms are prevalent amongst patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and may be associated with an increased risk of disease severity. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L.) powder as an add-on therapy to standard care for treating gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by adults with an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: The study was a randomized parallel-group double-blinded placebocontrolled add-on therapy trial. Adults with an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection who did not require hospitalization and reported at least one gastrointestinal symptom in the preceding 48 h were assigned to either the aniseed or placebo group in a 1:4 ratio. All 225 participants (45 in the aniseed group and 180 in the placebo group) were instructed to use 25 g of powdered aniseed or placebo twice daily for 2 weeks. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients who experienced an improvement of at least one point in the symptom score after adjusting for age group, gender, and time. Backwards stepwise logistic regression was applied to calculate the risk ratios. The clinical symptoms and adverse events were assessed at the beginning, 1 week later, and at the end of the trial (week two). Results: Participants in the aniseed group were significantly more likely to report symptom improvement for abdominal pain [adjusted risk ratio (RR):0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46--0.72], anorexia (RR:0.62; 95% CI: 0.47--0.82), and diarrhea (RR:0.19; 95% CI: 0.12--0.30), but not nausea/vomiting (RR:0.87; 95% CI: 0.71--1.08) or bloating (RR:0.87; 95% CI: 0.72--1.05). Two participants in the aniseed group and three participants in the placebo group reported mild to moderate adverse events. Conclusion: This study showed that 2 weeks of aniseed powder containing transanethole (87%--94%) may help improve abdominal pain, anorexia, and diarrhea in COVID-19 patients. The findings align with the known biological, multitargeted activity of P. anisum and trans-anethole, which includes inhibiting SARS-CoV- 2 along with other anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-dysbiosis properties. Multicenter trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact of climate conditions on the quality of essential oils extracted from Apiaceae fruits, specifically coriander (Coriandrum sativum var. microcarpum), aniseed (Pimpinella anisum), and annual caraway (Carum carvi var. annuum) grown at three distinct locations in Serbia over three consecutive years. Field experiments were conducted, and essential oils were extracted using a Clevenger-type apparatus followed by gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric analysis for compound identification. Weather conditions during the vegetation periods were recorded, and statistical analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis, were performed to assess the volatile compound compositions. Results indicate significant correlations among various compounds within each fruit type, with distinct patterns observed across different years. PCA further elucidates the influence of both year and sampling location on the chemical profiles of essential oils. Cluster analysis reveals clustering primarily based on the year of cultivation rather than geographical location, emphasizing the dominant role of weather conditions in shaping essential oil compositions. This study highlights the intricate relationship between climate conditions and the quality of essential oils in Apiaceae fruits, providing valuable insights for optimizing cultivation practices and enhancing essential oil production. In general, climate conditions strongly influence the coriander, anise, and annual caraway cultivation, and also essential oil quality.

Background: Gastrointestinal symptoms are prevalent amongst patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and may be associated with an increased risk of disease severity. This trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L.) powder as an add-on therapy to standard care for treating gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by adults with an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods: The study was a randomized parallel-group double-blinded placebo-controlled add-on therapy trial. Adults with an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection who did not require hospitalization and reported at least one gastrointestinal symptom in the preceding 48 h were assigned to either the aniseed or placebo group in a 1:4 ratio. All 225 participants (45 in the aniseed group and 180 in the placebo group) were instructed to use 25 g of powdered aniseed or placebo twice daily for 2 weeks. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients who experienced an improvement of at least one point in the symptom score after adjusting for age group, gender, and time. Backwards stepwise logistic regression was applied to calculate the risk ratios. The clinical symptoms and adverse events were assessed at the beginning, 1 week later, and at the end of the trial (week two).Results: Participants in the aniseed group were significantly more likely to report symptom improvement for abdominal pain [adjusted risk ratio (RR):0.55; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.46–0.72], anorexia (RR:0.62; 95% CI: 0.47–0.82), and diarrhea (RR:0.19; 95% CI: 0.12–0.30), but not nausea/vomiting (RR:0.87; 95% CI: 0.71–1.08) or bloating (RR:0.87; 95% CI: 0.72–1.05). Two participants in the aniseed group and three participants in the placebo group reported mild to moderate adverse events.Conclusion: This study showed that 2 weeks of aniseed powder containing trans-anethole (87%–94%) may help improve abdominal pain, anorexia, and diarrhea in COVID-19 patients. The findings align with the known biological, multitargeted activity of P. anisum and trans-anethole, which includes inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 along with other anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-dysbiosis properties. Multicenter trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up are warranted to confirm these findings.Clinical Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20120506009651N3).

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

Essential oils (EOs) are complex aromatic compounds with a broad range of biological activities. Those with a history of antimicrobial action were evaluated in this study as a nutritional source for pathogenic Candida. Clinical isolates of Candida spp. were cultivated on two types of media with six types of EOs (aniseed, purple nutsedge, harmal, camphor, black seed, and linseed). One medium contained only glucose (GM) and the second contained only peptone (PM). Many EOs in GM encouraged the growth of several Candida isolates. The EOs in PM showed low support to many isolates. Isolate 2 of C. albicans was the most effective strain to use with nearly every EO tested in the two media. In conclusion, EOs can be used as a source of carbon and nitrogen depending on the type of EO and fungal species. In an environment with less nutrients, EO may be recommended as a nutrient source for fungi rather than for its known antifungal activity.

Copyright of Journal of Molecular Science is the property of Journal of Molecular Science Editorial Office 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.)

Essential oils (EOs) are complex aromatic compounds with a broad range of biological activities. Those with a history of antimicrobial action were evaluated in this study as a nutritional source for pathogenic Candida. Clinical isolates of Candida spp. were cultivated on two types of media with six types of EOs (aniseed, purple nutsedge, harmal, camphor, black seed, and linseed). One medium contained only glucose (GM) and the second contained only peptone (PM). Many EOs in GM encouraged the growth of several Candida isolates. The EOs in PM showed low support to many isolates. Isolate 2 of C. albicans was the most effective strain to use with nearly every EO tested in the two media. In conclusion, EOs can be used as a source of carbon and nitrogen depending on the type of EO and fungal species. In an environment with less nutrients, EO may be recommended as a nutrient source for fungi rather than for its known antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural Parameters and Essential Oil Content Composition Prediction of Aniseed, Based on Growing Year, Locality and Fertilization Type - An Artificial Neural Network Approach Keywords: aniseed; essential oil; growing year; locality; fertilization; artificial neural network EN aniseed essential oil growing year locality fertilization artificial neural network 1722 16 11/17/22 20221101 NES 221101 1. [Extracted from the article]

This work aimed to study the anti-ulcer activity of the combination of the natural product; aqueous anise suspension (Aniseed) with the standard drug misoprostol, against gastric ulcer induced by a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID); indomethacin, in addition to the possible related anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Single oral pretreatment of Aniseed and its combination with misoprostol were given 30 min. before indomethacin induced acute gastric ulceration. The experiment ended four hours later and rat stomachs were tested for the presence of ulcers, then lipid peroxidation, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were assessed: gastric malondialdehyde (MDA), gastric superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and plasma catalase activity, gastric prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. All pretreatments significantly reversed the indomethacin induced increase in ulcer scores, the highest was aniseed combination, followed by misoprostol, then aniseed. Indomethacin produced a significant decrease in gastric SOD activity and PGE2 level, while produced a significant rise in plasma catalase activity and serum CRP level. All pretreatments produced a significant decrease in plasma catalase activity. Pretreatment with the standard drug; misoprostol reversed all the indomethacin induced changes in the biochemical markers. However, misoprostol had no effect on serum CRP level, even after it is combined with aniseed. All pretreatments produced a significant increase in gastric PGE2 level, except for the combination group. The combination was superior to other treatments in its ulcer healing effect, and only ameliorated gastric SOD activity, compared to indomethacin. We concluded that, aniseed combination with misoprostol has a remarkable ulcer healing effect and almost produced a complete protection from gastric ulcers induced by indomethacin, in addition to some additive anti-oxidant effect to misoprostol. Therefore, it is recommended to take anise, while receiving a treatment with misoprostol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This work evaluates the antimicrobial activity of the fractionated aqueous extract obtained from the aerial parts of aniseed. Fifteen fractions were collected by column chromatography using ethanol and water as mobile phases. All fractions were tested as potential antimicrobial agents against three common food‐spoilage microorganisms: a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), a mold (Aspergillus awamori) and a bacterium (Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus). Fraction 2 exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity in both types of susceptibility test, and therefore, it was further studied for the identification of bioactive compounds. GC‐MS analysis of Fraction 2 revealed the presence of threo‐Anethole glycol. Based on laboratory‐scale experiments, a process flowsheet for potential industrial‐scale application is proposed combined with a techno‐economic feasibility report. Fraction 2 with the detected compound threo‐Anethole glycol showed promising results encouraging the attempts for industrial‐scale application of antimicrobial compounds produced from aniseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pimpinella anisum (common names aniseed or anise) is an aromatic medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family, of which one of its main indications is the treatment of female disorders. Hypothesis/Purpose: The aim of review was to collect the previous reports on potency of aniseed in management of female disorders. Methods: We searched in electronic resources, books, thesis, and etc. up to April 2020 by using the following keywords: ''aniseed'', ''female'' and ''anethole''. Results: The results of 56 articles showed its effectiveness in treatment of postpartum after pain, menstrual pain, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, hot flash, lactation and depression. The first characteristic of aniseed that helps its effectiveness in treatment of female disorders is its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The estrogenic, antispasmodic and its inhibitory effects on prolactin secretion are the other mechanisms of actions. There is no clinical study for anti-cancer effects of aniseed, but apoptosis can occur in human breast cancer cells in its presence. Conclusion: Aniseed essential oil and ethanol extract are responsible for its efficacy, and the results of clinical and animal studies are limited to its combination with other plant materials, or on special female disorders, so, larger clinical studies are required for evaluating the efficacy of anise essential oil or its ethanol extract on different female disorders.

Besides the lack of studies regarding applying elevated CO2 (eCO2) as a strategy to improve the chemical composition of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) seeds, studies on its interaction with seed developmental stages and origin are very limited. The seed yield, chemical composition, and biological activity of 6 aniseed accessions (Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, and Morocco) were investigated during three developmental stages (immature, premature, and mature) under control and elevated CO2 conditions. Mature seeds from all aniseed accessions had significantly higher (p < 0.05) dry weight (DW) percentages than premature and immature seeds. The highest DW percentages were recorded in Egypt and Morocco accessions. Seed maturation increased nutrients and antioxidant metabolites in most eCO2-treated accessions. In contrast, essential oils were decreased by seed maturation, while eCO2 reversed this effect. Essential oil-related precursors (e.g., phenylalanine) and enzyme activities (3-Deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS) and O–methyltransferase) decreased with seed maturity. However, high CO2 reduced this impact and further induced the other essential oil-related precursors (shikimic and cinnamic acids). Consequently, eCO2 provoked changes in the antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities of aniseeds, particularly at mature stages. Overall, eCO2 application, as an efficient way to improve aniseed growth, essential oil metabolism, and chemical composition, was affected by seed maturation and origin. Future studies of eCO2-treated aniseeds as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical product are suggested.

In a pot experiment, essential oil composition, extract polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of Pimpinella anisum L. seeds (aniseed) treated with 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) (0.1 and 0.2% w/v) were investigated. In all living organisms, the compound 5-ALA is natural and has various effects on plants physiology. 5-ALA has attracted increasing attention as a plant growth regulator (PGR) owing to its nontoxicity to humans, crops and animals. The essential oil constituents in the aniseed are significantly changed by 5-ALA foliar application. Sesquiterpenes, particularly β-bisabolene, (447.51 and 424.39 g kg−1) were nominated as the predominant fundamental class of essential oil components under 5-ALA treatments. Also, after foliar application of 5-ALA at the level of 0.2% w/v, polyphenolic contents as well as the antioxidant activity of aniseeds extract increased. The highest level of chlorogenic acid (0.47 mg g−1) as the main phenolic compound was obtained from the 5-ALA (0.2%) treated aniseeds. In conclusion, the results demonstrated the potential and positive efficacies of 5-ALA to improve the pharmaceutical properties and oil composition of aniseeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pimpinella anisum known for its various medicinal properties is also a natural antioxidant and a free radical scavenger with no documented evidence as a nephroprotective agent. Objective: To evaluate the nephroprotective activity of aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum seeds in a rodent model of gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats of either sex, weighing 150-200 g was divided into 5 groups; normal saline, gentamicin 80mg/kg, intraperitoneally for 8 days, aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum seeds at 1, 2, and 4g/kg, per oral for 8 days, the test extract administered 3 days prior and concurrently with gentamicin for 5 days. Blood urea, serum creatinine, uric acid and blood urea nitrogen analyses and microscopic examination of kidney were performed. Results: Gentamicin treatment caused nephrotoxicity as evidenced by marked elevation in serum urea, serum uric acid, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (107.5±16.92mg/dl, 0.8±0.09 mg/dl, 3.05±0.29 mg/dl, 47.8±9.07 mg/dl) respectively when compared to the saline treated groups. Co-administration of Pimpinella anisum extract with gentamicin decreased the rise in these parameters in a dose dependent manner. Histopathological analysis revealed epithelial loss with intense granular degeneration in gentamicin treated rats, whereas aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum mitigated the severity of gentamicin-induced renal damage. Conclusion: To conclude, our data suggest that aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum exhibits renoprotective effect in gentamicin induced renal damage and further studies on its mechanism of action are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Al-Anbar Journal of Veterinary 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 chemical components of both Syrian aniseed and fennel seeds collected from Idlib and Aleppo regions were identified using GC/MS spectrometry. Thirty-four component fractions representing an average of 98.5% of anise seed extract were characterized. The major average components were (E)-Anethole, Estragole, Limonene, Fenchone, Linalool, para-Anisaldehyde, (Z)-Anethole, and methyl chavicol. Also, thirty-one component fractions representing an average of 99.46% of fennel seed extract were identified. The major components were α-Pinene, α-Phellandrene, Fenchone, Methyl chavicol, Estragole, (Z)-Anethole, Limonene, 1,8-Cineole, Anisole-p-allyl, E,E-Farnesene, Estragole, (E)-Anethole, Anisaldehyde, and Carvacrol. The extract of aniseed was characterized by higher amounts of trans-anethole (52.2%) than fennel extract (38.3%). The integral antioxidant capacity (IAC) of two different extracts from both aniseed and fennel seeds have been determined using photochemiluminescence assay (PCL). The sum of antioxidant capacity (IAC) of hydrophilic and hydrophobic components in both aniseed and fennel seeds was determined, as a total equivalent per gram of dry material (nmolTE/gDM) at 166.69 ± 0.42 and 363.28 ± 1.11 nmol for hydrophilic and hydrophobic components, respectively. Eight major phenolic compounds known as possible antioxidant sources with their concentrations have been identified in both aniseed and fennel seeds by HPLC and GC-MS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Agona caused by aniseed-containing herbal tea occurred from October 2002 through July 2003 among infants in Germany. Consumers should adhere strictly to brewing instructions, although in exceptional cases this precaution may not be protective, particularly when preparing tea for vulnerable age groups.

Aniseed (Illicium verum) is a woody spice tree that has been grown in China for a long time. Anthracnose is an important disease of aniseed, which can cause severe leaf drop. In Sep. 2020, severe anthracnose was observed in Shanglin (23°35'5"N, 108°19'51"E), Nanning, Guangxi in China, and the incidence was 85%. The symptoms at the early stage were small, round and watery, then became larger and gradually turned brown. The acervuli would appear at the later stage, and contain many conidia. Leaves with disease were randomly sampled from 10 plants, and were cut into small rectangular pieces of 0.5×1 cm, and disinfected with 75% alcohol 1 min, with 0.1% HgCl2 3 min. After washing with sterile water 3 times, they were placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium and incubated at 25°C for 5 days. The average colony growth rate was 11.85 mm/d in 7 days. The colony was white or light gray in the initial stage, with dense aerial mycelium, and the central mycelium of the colony was dark grey in the later stage. Conidia were colorless, single spore, smooth, cylindrical, both ends obtuse, with an average size of 14.95 ± 0.97 μm × 5.46 ± 0.44 μm (n = 100). The conidial appressorium was oval or club-shaped, brown, margin intact, with an average size of 7.83 ± 1.21 μm × 5.82 ± 0.58μm (n = 50). Three strains GXNN02, GXNN03 and GXNN05 were selected for further study. Primer pairs T1/βt2b, ACT512/ACT783, GDF/GDR, CHS1-79F / CHS1-354R and ITS1/ITS4 (Weir et al. 2012) were used to amplify tubulin (TUB), actin (ACT), 3-phosphate glyceraldehyde dehydrogenase (GAPDH), chitinase (CHS1) and the internal transcribed spacers of rDNA (ITS) respectively. BLASTn searches showed that the TUB (ON619861-63 ), ACT (ON619852-54), GAPDH (ON619855-57), CHS1 (ON619858-60) and ITS (ON573028-30) sequences had the highest similarity to Colletotrichum siamense with up to 99% (699/702, 676/679, 699/702) identity for TUB (JX010404.1); 99% (281/282, 253/254, 249/250) identity for ACT (JX009518.1); 99% (275/277, 275/277, 239/241) identity for GAPDH (JX009924.1); 99% (296/299, 296/299, 259/262) identity for CHS1 (JX009865.1); up to 99% (527/530, 485/487, 527/530) identity for ITS (JX010171.1) of ex-type ICMP 18578. A ML tree was constructed by combining 5 sequenced loci, and three isolates clustered in the C. siamense clade with 94% bootstrap support. Therefore, combined with the morphological characteristics, the pathogens were identified as C. siamense. In a pathogenicity test, these three isolates were tested on 9 healthy aniseed seedlings with at least 10 leaves, and 3 seedlings as control. The leaves were surface disinfected with 75% alcohol, and then wiped with sterilized water three times. Holes were made near the edge of the leaves and were sprayed with conidial solution (6×106 spores/mL) in test groups, and use sterilized water as control. Then the leaves were sealed inside a plastic bag for 48 h to retain moisture. Brown spot and black acervuli, similar to the symptoms in the field, were observed on the leaves in test groups within 10-15 days. No symptoms were observed on the negative control leaves. The pathogens were reisolated from the treated infected leaves and were identified as C. siamense, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. The pathogenicity test was confirmed by repeating in triplicate. The isolation frequency of C. siamense in our samples was 82.50%. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. siamense in China. Further research on the occurrence of the disease will help prevent the spread of the disease.

Inhibition effect of some spices on some pathogen bacteria selected within the processed cheese was determined in this study. While thyme, mint, aniseed, dill and garlic powder were added as 1% and 3% by weight into the processed cheese, 1 ml (106 - 107 kob/ml) of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) was inoculated through injector as pathogen microorganism lyophilized bacteria culture and opened hole was closed through paraffin in order to prevent the contamination. Samples were stored at + 4 °C warehouse conditions for 90 days and microbiological change was determined within the sample by performing the microbiological analyzes in the various periods. As a result of performed analyzes at the end of 90 days period, it was determined that the most effective spice kinds on S. aureus bacteria was mint (3%) and dill plant; and all spices used were effective on E.coli bacteria. It was determined that thyme and mint (at the rate of 3%) plants reduced the bacteria in the processed cheese from 106 kob/g to <3 at the end of three months and provided the best result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Chile 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.)

Functional foods are a new category of products that promise consumers improvements in targeted physiological functions. Aniseed, ginger and lemon peel powders which are known to have some antimicrobial effects, have been added to the chocolate mix prior to conching. The amount of additive was determined by an experimental design in response surface methodology. After optimization of additive, dark chocolate mass was conched with these additives. The effect of these additives on the moisture, color, melting properties, and total polyphenol content of dark chocolate was investigated. Variation in the moisture and color was observed to be highest in the cinnamonchocolate. Total polyphenol content of dark chocolate (with no additive), aniseed, ginger, cinnamon and lemon chocolate were measured to be 283.3, 284.8, 284.6, 287.6 and 283.2 mg GAE/L while their melting points were 25.26, 24.71, 25.81 24.58 and 24.57 respectively. As seen, ginger, cinnamon and aniseed powders increased the total polyphenol content while they decreased the melting properties of dark chocolate after conching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the optimum seed amount and inter-row spacing in aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L.) cultivation. The study was conducted at the research field of Faculty of Agriculture at Harran University for two seasons (2001 and 2002). The treatments consisted of two row spacing (15 and 30 cm) and four seed amounts (10, 20, 30 and 40 kg ha-1). The following results were obtained from both years: seed yield varied between 958.0 and 1470.0 kg ha-1, essential oil yield varied between 27.5 and 46.4 l ha-1, 1000-seed weight varied between 3.2 and 3.9 g, seed number per umbel varied between 124.8 and 203.6, number of branch per plant varied between 4.3 and 8.2, and number of umbels per plant varied between 5.1 and 12.2. The highest seed yield was obtained from interaction of 15 cm row spacing and 20 kg ha-1 seed amount applications. Overall applications were found to be ineffective on (E)-anethole rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas is the property of Universidad de Santiago de Chile 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.)

Recently the agrochemical industry is developing eco-friendly approaches based on the fabrication of biopesticides using substances, including biomass-borne products, with limited impact on human health and environment. One of these is the use of vegetable proteins, such as the corn-derived zein, as a safe nanocarrier loaded with bioactive compounds. Zein-based nanoparticles have been successfully applied to enhance the antimicrobial, antioxidant, repellent and insecticidal properties of hydrophobic substances such as essential oils (EOs). Herein, we developed two EO-loaded zein nanocapsules (NC) for mosquito larvicidal purposes. As active ingredients, we selected two Apiaceae essential oils (EO) with well documented insecticidal activities, i.e. Pimpinella anisum and Trachyspermum ammi , containing (E)-anethole and thymol as main constituents, respectively. The EO-based zein NC were prepared by self-assembly without using organic solvents, characterized for particle size by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and for stability over time and throughout stress conditions. EO-loaded zein NC showed high acute toxicity on Culex quinquefasciatus 3rd instar larvae. Sublethal toxicity following 1–5 h to the LC 90 was noted in terms of larval and pupal mortality, emerged adult rate, and sex ratio. The NC ecotoxicological safety was demonstrated, showing limited non-target effects on aquatic (Daphnia magna) and terrestrial (Eisenia fetida) invertebrates, as also on vertebrate cells (human keratinocytes). Overall, the P. anisum and T. ammi EO-loaded zein NC may represent effective and eco-friendly formulations to be considered in mosquito control programs, pending field evaluation of their epidemiological impact. [Display omitted] • P. anisum and T. ammi essential oils (EO) were formulated in zein nanocapsules (NC). • Both zein NC showed valuable larvicidal activity on Culex quinquefasciatus. • Non-target effects on Daphnia magna and Eisenia fetida were limited. • Moderate and dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on human keratinocytes were detected. • EO-loaded zein NC have a potential for the development of new nanobiopesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Seeds of anise (Pimpinella anisum) were exposed to doses of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20kGy in a 60Co package irradiator. Irradiated and unirradiated samples were stored at room temperature. Microbial populations on seeds, total and inorganic soluble solids in water extract and sensory properties of the latter were evaluated after 0, 6 and 12 months of storage. Results indicated that gamma irradiation reduced the aerobic plate counts of aniseed. Immediately after irradiation, the total soluble solids in an extract of irradiated seeds were greater than those of unirradiated ones. The total soluble solids in an extract of irradiated and un-irradiated seeds increased after 6 and 12 months of storage. There were no significant differences (p >0.05) in inorganic soluble solids between the water extract of irradiated and unirradiated aniseeds. Sensory evaluation indicated that gamma irradiation improved sensory characteristics of aniseed water extract tested immediately after irradiation; however, after 12 months of storage, no significant differences (p >0.05) were found in color, taste or flavor between extract of irradiated and unirradiated seeds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, interest in plant-derived food additives has grown, mainly because synthetic antioxidants suffer from several drawbacks. Furthermore, plant extracts have been shown to possess health-promoting properties. In the present study, hydrodistilled extracts from basil, laurel, parsley, juniper, aniseed, fennel, cumin, cardamom, and ginger were assessed for their total phenol content, and antioxidant (iron(III) reduction, inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation, iron(II) chelation, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging and inhibition of hydroxyl radical-mediated 2-deoxy-d-ribose degradation, site and nonsite-specific) activities. The extracts from basil and laurel possessed the highest antioxidant activities except for iron chelation. Although parsley showed the best performance in the iron chelation assay, it was less effective at retarding the oxidation of linoleic acid. In the linoleic acid peroxidation assay, 1g of the basil and laurel extracts were as effective as 177 and 212mg of trolox, respectively. Thus, both extracts are promising alternatives to synthetic substances as food ingredients with antioxidant activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: This case study examines a variety of aromatherapy treatments offered to twenty-five patients suffering from the symptom of nausea in a hospice and palliative care program, using a synergistic blend of Pimpinella anisum (aniseed), Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce (sweet fennel), Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile) and Mentha x piperita (peppermint). Outcomes were measured using the Bieri scale, a visual-numeric analogue. A majority of patients who used the aromatherapy treatments reported relief. However, all patients in this study were also using a variety of other treatments for their symptoms. While it is therefore impossible to establish a clear scientific link between the aromatherapy treatments and the nausea relief, this case study suggests that the oils used in this aromatherapy treatment were successful complements to the relief of this symptom. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) has been used as a traditional aromatic herb in many drinks and baked foods because of the presence of volatile oils in its fruits commonly known as seeds. Hot water extracts of the seeds have been used also in folk medicine for their diuretic and laxative effect, expectorant and anti-spasmodic action, and their ability to ease intestinal colic and flatulence. The aim of this work was to study the effect of aniseed oil on transport processes through intestinal and renal epithelia and determine its mechanism of action. The essential oils were extracted from the seeds by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography. Aniseed oil enhanced significantly glucose absorption from the rat jejunum and increased the Na+-K+ ATPase activity in a jejunal homogenate in a dose dependent manner. The oil, however, exerted no effect on water absorption from the colon and did not alter the activity of the colonic Na+-K+ ATPase. When added to drinking water, it reduced the volume of urine produced in the rat and increased the activity of the renal Na+-K+ ATPase even at extremely low concentrations. It was concluded that aniseed oil increases glucose absorption by increasing the activity of the Na+-K+ ATPase and consequently the sodium gradient needed for the sugar transport. Its anti-diuretic effect is also mediated through a similar mechanism in the kidney whereby a stimulation of the Na+-K+ pump increases tubular sodium reabsorption and osmotic water movement. The colonic Na+-K+ ATPase was however, resistant to the oil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Simple Summary: This study was conducted to investigate whether the positive impact of elevated CO2 (eCO2) on the chemical composition of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L.) seeds is dependent on seed developmental stages and origin. To this end, we investigated the biochemical changes in eCO2-treated aniseed accessions from Tunisia, Syria, Turkey, Morocco, Yemen, and Egypt during three developmental stages (immature, premature, and mature). The highest dry weight percentages and seed yields were recorded for the Egypt and Morocco accessions. eCO2 has inducing properties on the nutritive and biological values of aniseeds, yet its effectiveness is related to seed maturity and provenances. For instance, seed maturation increased the nutrients and antioxidant metabolites in most eCO2-treated accessions. Conversely, essential oil metabolism was decreased by seed maturation but this effect was significantly reduced by the use of eCO2. The enhanced accumulation of bioactive compounds in eCO2-treated seeds was accompanied by improved health benefits. In this regard, eCO2 induces the antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities of aniseeds, particularly at mature stages. Thus, the present study confirms that there are significant interactions between eCO2 exposure, aniseed maturity, and origin on the chemical composition and pharmaceutical properties of aniseed. Besides the lack of studies regarding applying elevated CO2 (eCO2) as a strategy to improve the chemical composition of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) seeds, studies on its interaction with seed developmental stages and origin are very limited. The seed yield, chemical composition, and biological activity of 6 aniseed accessions (Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, and Morocco) were investigated during three developmental stages (immature, premature, and mature) under control and elevated CO2 conditions. Mature seeds from all aniseed accessions had significantly higher (p < 0.05) dry weight (DW) percentages than premature and immature seeds. The highest DW percentages were recorded in Egypt and Morocco accessions. Seed maturation increased nutrients and antioxidant metabolites in most eCO2-treated accessions. In contrast, essential oils were decreased by seed maturation, while eCO2 reversed this effect. Essential oil-related precursors (e.g., phenylalanine) and enzyme activities (3-Deoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS) and O–methyltransferase) decreased with seed maturity. However, high CO2 reduced this impact and further induced the other essential oil-related precursors (shikimic and cinnamic acids). Consequently, eCO2 provoked changes in the antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic activities of aniseeds, particularly at mature stages. Overall, eCO2 application, as an efficient way to improve aniseed growth, essential oil metabolism, and chemical composition, was affected by seed maturation and origin. Future studies of eCO2-treated aniseeds as a nutraceutical and pharmaceutical product are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporation of by-products from the cold pressing industry into food products can solve existing problems related to food sustainability. In this study, cold-pressed aniseed flour (CAF) was extracted, its composition determined and evaluated for inclusion in muffin formulation for partial replacement of flour. The effects of CAF on muffin physicochemical, microstructural and sensory properties were characterized. The moisture, protein and ash content of muffins increased with addition of CAF, but water activity and the carbohydrate content decreased. When wheat flour was partially replaced with CAF, the L* (lightness) and b* (yellowness) values of the crumbs decreased, but the a* (redness) value increased, with increasing amount of CAF. Also, the hardness and chewiness of muffins increased, but the springiness and cohesiveness decreased. The height of muffins diminished, but porosity increased with an increasing level of CAF. Sensory parameters (appearance, texture and mouth feel) of muffins with low levels of CAF (3 and 6%) were similar to those of the control muffins. Aromatic taste and odor intensities were perceived the most in muffins with a 15-% level of CAF. The increment of CAF in muffins provided improved nutritional properties, so we can conclude that CAF could be utilized as sustainable food ingredients. • Aniseed cold pressed by-product (CAF) is rich in protein, ash and dietary fiber. • CAF replaced by wheat flour in muffins at up to 15 g/100g. • Higher content of proteins and ash and lowered carbohydrate were properties of muffins with CAF. • The addition of CAF to muffin declined lightness, yellowness, height but increased pore density. • The aromatic sensory characteristic was revealed when the muffins fortified with CAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intoxications in pediatric age represent a frequent cause of visit to the hospital emergency unit. Herb-made products can be toxic for the infant. The neurotoxic properties of the star anise (Illicium verum) have been widely described, although it is a classic product used to treat the infantile colic. Hepatic failure due to the consumption of anise herb elaborated infusions is presented as an exceptional finding in our environment. A case of a 4-month-old infant with hypertransaminasemia, severe coagulopathy, non ketotic hypoglycemia, moderated metabolic acidosis and neurologic symptoms such as seizures and nistagmus is described. After discarding infectious, metabolic and autoimmune etiology and through a meticulous anamnesis, the family referred having administered in the last two months a daily star anise and green anise (Pimpinella anisum) infusion to the patient. It is important to emphasize the serious risk of administering homemade herb infusions to infants.