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Trachyspermum is an economically important genus widely distributed in the Old World. A modern monographic survey is absent, so the number of species and their affinities are treated in the regiona...

Objectives Trachyspermum khasianum H. Wolff is a rare medicinal plant characteristically used by the traditional healers in traditional medicine for the treatment of throat-pain, toothache, and stomach ache. The study was designed to determine the anthelmintic and analgesic properties of the aerial parts of Trachyspermum khasianum H. Wolff (Family Apiaceae). The aqueous and ethanol extract of T. khasianum H. Wolff was prepared and subjected for evaluation to determine the possible therapeutic effects. Methods Anthelmintic activities of the extracts were determined by observing the time taken to paralyze and the time taken for the death of earthworms (Eisenia foetida) as compared to the standard drug-Albendazole (20 mg/ml) and control. Analgesic potential of the extracts was evaluated using Eddy's hot plate method to understand the analgesic activity in rats (Wistar rats) at 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight doses and compared with the standard reference (Diclofenac sodium 10 mg/kg of animals). Results The extracts showed a significant dose-dependent anthelmintic effect at the different concentrations (10, 20, and 40) mg/ml, compared to that of the standard drug (20 mg/ml). Also, the results suggested that the plant extracts possess significantly analgesic activity in rats. Conclusion The studies indicate that Trachyspermum khasianum shows anthelmintic and potent analgesic activities. Further research should be carried out to identify the specific phytoconstituents responsible for both analgesic and anthelmintic activities and its possible mechanism of action.

Background: Microbial resistance to antibiotics and their adverse effects related to these antibiotics are a matter of global public health in the 21th century. The emergence of drug-resistant strains, has gained the interest of the scientists to discover new antimicrobial agents from the essential oil of medicinal plants. Methods: Anti-mycobacterial effects of Trachyspermum copticum and Pelargonium graveolens essential oils were determined against multi-drug resistant clinical strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium kansasii, Mycobacterium fortuitum and standard strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv by a Broth micro-dilution method. Pelargonium graveolens plant named Narmada was discovered by Kulkarni R.N et al. (Patent ID, USPP12425P2) and a formulation comprising thymol obtained from Trachyspermum is useful in the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections (Patent ID, US6824795B2). The chemical composition of hydro-distilled essential oils was determined by GC and GC-MS. Results: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for T. copticum essential oil against tested isolates were ranged from 19.5 µg/mL to 78 µg/mL. The least minimum inhibitory concentration of P. graveolens extract against M. Kansasii and MDR-TB was 78 µg/ml. Conclusion: The results of the present research introduced T. copticum and P. graveolens essential oils as a remarkable natural anti-mycobacterial agent, but more pharmacological studies are required to evaluate their efficacy in animal models.

The present study aims at investigating the impacts of the extract of Trachyspermum leaves on the mild steel corrosion in 0.1M hydrochloric acid (HCl), while highlighting its inhibitory mechanisms. The effects of mild steel corrosion in solutions of HCl were examined using the gravimetric and galvanostatic polarization techniques, along with EIS analyses. According to the results, the maximum inhibitory effectiveness corresponding to the minimum corrosion rate could be observed at the highest desirable level of inhibitor concentration equal to 100 ppm, while the corrosion rate decreases with an increase in the extract concentration. The absorption examinations indicated the best description of the metal surface interaction by Langmuir isotherm, while obtaining the best exposure time for the Trachyspermum leaves extract adsorption into the surface of the metal in different concentration. Based on the results of polarization, the inhibitors can play the role of a mixed inhibitor, also confirmed by the computational data.

Elevation of intracellular glucose levels results in formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) through nonenzymatic glycosylation in intra- and intercellular proteins, whereby the proteins lose their natural function. Reactive oxygen species are involved in the glycosylation process of proteins. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity and inhibitory effect of organic fractions of Trachyspermum copticum against the formation of AGE compounds in a diabetic model under experimental conditions. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of crude extract and different fractions were measured by folin–ciocalteu and ammonium chloride, while their antioxidant activity was measured by scavenging DPPH radicals. The diabetic model was developed by glycation of bovine serum albumen under experimental conditions, and the extent of AGE formation was measured based on fluorescence absorption at excitation and emission wavelengths of 335 and 385 nm, respectively. Protein carbonyl oxidation (PCO) and thiol groups’ oxidation as markers of oxidative damage to proteins were also measured. Our results indicate that the ethyl acetate fraction of Trachyspermum copticum at different concentrations (10–500 μg/ml) has the high antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the fraction had the maximum inhibitory effect on formation of AGE compounds and reduction of protein oxidative degradation through reducing PCO formation and enhancing thiol groups. Accordingly, we can conclude that the ethyl acetate fraction has anti-glycation effects under in vitro conditions, which might be due to its high polyphenolic content and antioxidant properties.

The Trachyspermum copticum essential oil (TCEO) has been incorporated into niosomes (NIO-TCEO). The chemical composition of the TCEO has been evaluated using Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and the antioxidant activity of the TCEO has been characterized by radical scavenging capacity (RSC). The niosomes have been characterized with respect to their size, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, and cell toxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). The interaction of the TCEO with niosomes has been studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Our study has shown an excellent antioxidant activity of the essential oil with IC50 of 18.32 ± 3.6 μg/ml. The size of the niosomes has been around 151.06 ± 5.3 nm and the TCEO entrapment efficiency has been 87.41 ± 5.97%. Our results have demonstrated that niosomes loaded with TCEO have a potential application for cancer therapy.

Today, bacterial cellulose has received a great deal of attention for its medical applications due to its unique structural properties such as high porosity, good fluid uptake, good strength, and biocompatibility. This study aimed to fabricate and study bacterial cellulose/graphitic carbon nitride/nettles/trachyspermum nanocomposite by immersion and PVA/BC/g-C3 N4 /nettles/trachyspermum nanofiber by electrospinning method as a wound dressing. The g-C3 N4 and g-C3 N4 solution were synthesized and then were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, Zeta Potential, and scanning electronic microscope analyzes. Also, the antibacterial properties of the synthesized materials were proved by gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria using the minimum inhibitory concentration method. Besides, the toxicity, migration, and cell proliferation results of the synthesized materials on NIH 3T3 fibroblasts were evaluated using MTT and scratch assays and showed that the BC/PVA/g-C3 N4 /nettles/trachyspermum composite not only had no toxic effect on cells but also contributed to cell survival, cell migration, and proliferation has done. To evaluate the mechanical properties, a tensile strength test was performed on PVA/BC/g-C3 N4 /nettles/trachyspermum nanofibers, and the results showed good strength of the nanocomposite. In addition, in vivo assay, the produced nanofibers were used to evaluate wound healing, and the results showed that these nanofibers were able to accelerate the wound healing process so that after 14 days, the wound healing percentage showed 95%. Therefore, this study shows that PVA/BC/g-C3 N4 /nettles/trachyspermum nanofibers effectively inhibit bacterial growth and accelerate wound healing.

Extract of de-oiled seeds of Trachyspermum ammi was purified using macroporous resins and the performance of three resins were evaluated to enrich major phytochemical component. A HPLC method has been developed to separate major phytochemical constituents in the crude (CTAE) and partially purified extracts (PTAE). Macroporous resin assisted enrichment and purification suggested XAD-16 as the most efficient (yield 29.8%) followed by XAD-7HP and Diaion HP-20. Concentrated PTAE was subjected to multiple preparative-TLC to afford three compounds, namely, rosmarinic acid-3-O-glucopyranoside (TA-1), kaempferol-(coumaroyl-glucosyl)-rhamnoside (TA-2) and quercetin-3-O-galactoside (TA-3). The structure of these compounds was elucidated from their corresponding spectroscopic characterizations in FT-IR, HR-MS, and partially by 1 H NMR. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined. Antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging, CUPRAC assays indicated the highest antioxidant potential of CTAE. Among the compounds, TA-1 exhibited the highest scavenging activity in ABTS (IC50 33.41 µg/ml) and DPPH (IC50 69.23 µg/ml), however, relatively lower than CTAE. In vitro anti-candidal activity against virulent strains of Candida spp. revealed C. albicans 4718 as the most susceptible (23.9 µg/ml) to PTAE. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Seeds of Trachyspermum ammi has been extensively investigated for volatile aromatic components of the essential oil. However, the de-oiled seeds have rarely been exploited for potential bioactive phenolics. The present investigation envisaged possible utilization of the de-oiled Trachyspermum seeds for its phenolic constituents, which could be used as natural antioxidant with additional benefits of anticandidal properties. Indeed, macroporous resin assisted enrichment and purification of extracts of T. ammi seeds generate valuable reference compounds, rosmarinic acid-3-O-glucopyranoside, kaempferol-(coumaroyl glucosyl)-rhamnoside, and quercetin-3-O-galactoside.

Hypothesis is that dietary ajwain (Trachyspermum copticum L.), a phytogenic feed additive, could improve the performance of broiler chickens. On a total of 200 Ross 308 male broilers, during the 42-d growing period (starter: day 1–14; grower: day 15–28 and finisher: day 29–42), varying levels of ajwain alcoholic extract (0, 150, 350 and 450 ppm) were added to the drinking water. A control treatment containing the Virginiamycin antibiotic was also studied. Within each treatment and period, the performances were evaluated and the Economic index calculated. On day 42, two birds per pen were killed and the carcase and organ weights determined. On day 42, on two birds per pen, blood samples were collected on the farm to study the serum parameters. On birds, vaccinated against sheep red blood cells at 14 and 35 days, blood samples were collected at 21 and 42 days of age to determine total Ig, IgG and IgM antibodies and, at day 42, the spleen and bursa of Fabricius were weighed. The microflora on the caecum content was counted. Ajwain extract significantly (p

A newTalaromycesspecies,T.amyrossmaniae, isolated from decaying fruit and litter ofTerminalia bellerica, is described and illustrated. On the natural substrate, the new species produces determinate synnemata, with a well-defined, vivid orange red to orange red cylindrical stipe, and a greyish green capitulum. Conidiophores are typically biverticillate, or sometimes have subterminal branches, with acerose phialides that produce globose to subglobose, smooth to slightly roughened conidia. Multigene phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), and partial sequences of β-tubulin (BenA), calmodulin (CaM), and DNA directed RNA polymerase second large subunit (RPB2) genes, along with morphological characterization, revealed that these isolates are distinct and form a unique lineage of Talaromyces in section Trachyspermi, closely allied toT.aerius,T.albobiverticillius,T.heiheensis,T.erythromellis, andT.solicola. The new speciesT.amyrossmaniaeis the first species in section Trachyspermi with determinate synnemata.

Recent epidemics of box (boxwood) blight caused by the fungus Calonectria pseudonaviculata in Hyrcanian forests led to the search for eco-friendly fungicides. Essential oils (EOs) of medicinal plants undoubtedly have been highlighted as a new therapeutic approach. In this study, EOs from Cuminum cyminum, Lavandula angustifolia, Thymus daenensis, Trachyspermum copticum and Hyssopus officinalis were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against C. pseudonaviculata Cy-08 in vitro. Quantitative and qualitative composition variations of the EOs were also analysed by GC–MS. Based on the high inhibitory efficacy and low related EC50, MFC and MIC values, T. copticum, L. angustifolia and Th. daenensis EOs can be mentioned as those providing extraordinary efficacy against Cy-08, respectively. Major chemical components of T. copticum, L. angustifolia and Th. daenensis EOs were thymol, linalyl acetate and thymol, respectively. Thymol and linalyl acetate may be the most effective compounds against C. pseud...

Niosomes and liposomes are one of the most widely used novel drug delivery systems. These carriers are tiny vesicles composed primarily of phospholipid molecules with an active surface. The essential oil of Trachyspermum copticum (Ajwain spice, also called caraway seeds or carrom seeds or Ajowan or Bishop’s Weed) is an effective antimicrobial agent against a wide range of bacteria. However, its use in the form of a solution is limited due to hazardous side effects. When the niosomal or liposomal form is used, the drug retains its properties against bacteria. The chemical and physical properties of liposome and niosome (size, lipid composition and lipid dose) play important roles in determining the drug retention. In this study, the effect of changes in drug/lipid ratio and lipid composition (phospholipid/cholesterol ratio) on feed efficiency of Ajwain essential oil was investigated. The carriers were manufactured using the thin film method and converted to 100 nm nanoniosomes and nanoliposomes by ultrasonic bath. Eventually, nanocapsules were produced by various concentrations of drug and lipid. After analysis of the results, an optimal formulation containing span 60/cholesterol/soy phosphatidylcholine/1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino(poly(ethylene glycol))] was chosen for producing nanocapsules with 85% loading efficiency. The minimum inhibitory concentration 90% (MIC90) of the Ajwain essential oil was 0.05 and 0.08 µg/mL for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The MTT test showed that its toxicity for human skin fibroblasts is very low, quite similar to the control group. The intracellular transfection was also good.

Herbal medicinal plants are commonly intended for the cure and prevention of countless diseases for the reason that of low price, more effectiveness and no side effects. The medicinal plants consist of several types of phytochemical constituents as alkaloids, saponin, flavonoids, phenols, tannins and carbohydrates that are used for various human ailments. Such types of constituents not only have biochemical compounds but also have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal activity and intended for the treatment of diabetes, kidney, liver and stomach ailments. The use of herbal natural plants is more economic and reliable for these types of diseases. These medicinal plants have been second-hand for different human disorders with no side effects of reoccurrence.

Ajwain, Trachyspermum (T.) ammi, is a coumarin-rich, highly nutritive, and medicinally important herb, however, there is not enough data on the efficiency of laser irradiation in inducing such properties. Herein, the effect of seed treatment with laser irradiations [helium-neon (He-Ne, 632 nm, 5 mW) and helium-cadmium (He-Cd, 460 nm, 16.2 mW)] at 500 mJ energy for 5 min on the biomass, photosynthesis, and the metabolism of coumarins, essential oil, and their precursor metabolites in two varieties of ajwain sprouts i.e., Desi and Chakwal was investigated for the first time. Laser irradiation increased sprout biomass accumulation by improving photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and respiration. Additionally, laser treatment enhanced the metabolism of coumarins and essential oil, which was explained by the increased availability of their precursors (phenylalanine, cinnamic acid, and shikimic acid). There were also increases in the activity of the key enzymes involved in the biogenesis of phenylpropanoid and coumarins, i.e., 3-Deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate synthase (DAHPS), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase (4CL), and p-coumarate 3-hydroxylase (C3H). Furthermore, laser treatment induced the accumulation of total and individual phenolics and flavonoids. Consequently, laser treatment significantly improved the antibacterial properties of ajwain sprouts against four foodborne pathogens included Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella spp. Ajwain variety-specific responses to laser light treatment confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA) showed that Desi variety was more responsive. The efficiency of He-Ne was greater than He-Cd laser, which suggests He-Ne laser treatment as a promising approach to boost the production of valuable pigments, coumarins, and essential oils in ajwain sprouts.

The effect of explant sources and plant growth regulators on callus induction and plantlet regeneration of Trachyspermum copticum were explored. Different explants including hypocotyl, cotyledonary node and leaf were cultured on MS supplemented with different combinations and concentrations of plant growth regulators including 2,4‐D (0.2‐3 0.5 mg/l), NAA (2 mg/l), BAP (1‐3 mg/l), Kn (0.5 mg/l) and IAA (0.8 mg/l). The best response for callus induction (100%) as well as quality was observed from cotyldonary node segments cultured on MS supplemented with 2, 4‐D at 1 mg/l in combination with Kn at 0.5 mg/l. Calli derived from various explants were subcultured on shoot induction media with different compositions and concentrations of medium. MS without any plant growth regulator promoted the highest frequency of shoot regeneration (100%) and also mean number of developed shoots per explants (3.8) showed the same result. Regenerated shoots were then rooted on three‐fourth strength MS with 75% efficiency after 30 days.Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 27(1): 13-20, 2017 (June)

Plant species rich in human health relevant bioactives are excellent targets to develop non-food nutraceuticals, which can complement the use of pharmaceutical drugs to combat global epidemic of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). Developing strategies to explore and evaluate the efficacy of plant sources towards prevention of hyperglycemia and hypertension linked to type 2 diabetes would serve as the basis for innovation towards designing non-food nutraceuticals for wider applications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen and evaluate seed extracts of select species from the family Apiaceae targeting therapeutic and non-food nutraceutical uses towards the management of hyperglycemia-linked to type 2 diabetes. Aqueous (hot water) and ethanol extracts (12%) of seeds from 6 targeted species of Apiaceae family were screened and evaluated for total soluble phenolic content, phenolic acids profile, total antioxidant activity, α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities using rapid in vitro assay models. In both aqueous and ethanol extracts, high total soluble phenolic content was observed in ajowan (Trachyspermum amni) and in dill (Anethum graveolens). High and positive correlations between total soluble phenolic content and total antioxidant activity (r = 0.73) was also observed in ethanolic extracts of targeted species. Overall, low α-amylase and moderate α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was found in all targeted species; however these anti-hyperglycemic properties varied significantly between species and extraction types. The results of this in vitro study indicates that water and ethanol soluble phenolic bioactive fractions of these select seeds of Apiaceae family has type 2 diabetes relevant antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic functions and can be targeted for designing non-food nutraceuticals.

The effect of the application of nano-silicon (SiO2; 1.5 and 3 mM) on components of essential oils of Trachyspermum copticum was evaluated. Essential oils extracted by hydrodistillation from Iranian T. copticum was characterized by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Three new compounds, (1) 2, 5-Dihydroxy-4-methoxy-phenanthrene 2-O-b-Dglucopyranoside; (2) 4-Methoxy-2,5,7,9S tetrahydroxy-9,10-dihydrophenanthrene; and (3) trans-Ethyl cinnamate along with 12 known were isolated from the Eos T. copticum. The essential oil was also subjected to antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The new compounds were particularly active against Bacillus cereus and Candida albicans, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration value. Three new compounds exhibited a higher activity in each antioxidant system with a special attention for β-carotene bleaching test, lipid peroxidation inhibition...

Bixa orellana L. seeds possess a resinous lipid (6.3 %), which has a pungent and spicy odour. The seed is known for its medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic activity and as a cure for tonsilitis. Trachyspermum copticum L. seed is a well known digestive aid and relief from colic pain. T. copticum possesses essential oil rich in thymol (>50 %) and lipid (15.6 %). The present study was aimed to quantify lipid classes of these two species by silicic acid chromatography and analyze their fatty acid composition by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). It was observed that the seed lipids are rich in neutral lipids with 98.1 and 95.2 % and lower quantities of glycolipids of 1.5 and 3.8 % and phospholipids of 0.36 and 1.0 % in B. orellana and T. copticum, respectively. The fatty acid composition of B. orellana seed lipid showed major quantities of palmitic (26.9 %), linoleic (26.1 %), oleic (17.5 %), linolenic (15.1 %), stearic acid (10.8 %) and small quantities of eicosanoic acid (3.6 %). In T. copticum seed lipids, petroselinic acid (68.3 %) and linoleic acid (25.3 %) together constituted 93 % of the total lipid. The results revealed that the lipids after recovery of the essential components namely, bixin and volatile oil from B. orellana and T. copticum, respectively can be further explored for industrial applications.

To evaluate the effects of Lippia citriodora, Trachyspermum copticum, and Dracocepalum polychaetum on healing of gastric ulcer induced by ethanol, 25 male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups (five rats in each group). After 24-h starvation, all animals received oral ethanol (1 mL/200 g body weight). Three groups received 2 mL (100 mg/kg/day) of L. citriodora (LC group), D. polychaetum (DP group), and T. copticum (TC group) aqueous extracts; one group (RA) received ranitidine (200 mg/kg/day); and one group (control) received 2 mL distilled water saline by gastric gavage for four consecutive days. On the fourth day, macroscopic evaluation of gastric mucosa revealed significantly higher healing rate in DP and TC groups than in control group (p = 0.048 and p = 0.044, respectively). The ulcer severity in LC and TC groups was also significantly less than in control group (p = 0.018 and p = 0.005, respectively). The lower gastric ulcer score in DP group in comparison with control group was also marginally significant (p = 0.08). Histopathologic evaluation showed sloughing of gastric mucosa and various sizes of erosions and ulcers besides hyperemia, hemorrhage, and infiltration of inflammatory cells in control group. The highest curative effect was observed in TC group, in which the gastric mucosa obtained almost normal thickness and there were only a few superficial erosions. In LC and DP groups, hyperemia and hemorrhage decreased markedly and only a few gastric ulcers were present in some rats. Administration of ranitidine reduced the gastric damages compared to the control group; however, less effectiveness was evident in comparison with the plant extract treated groups. The aqueous extracts of L. citriodora, D. polychaetum, and T. copticum showed healing activity, and their administration as herbal tea can be recommended as an easy and available method for treatment of gastric ulcers.

In the present study, the gastroprotective effects of Lippia citriodora, Trachyspermum copticum, and Dracocepalum polychaetum on gastric ulcer induced by ethanol were investigated. Twenty-five male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into five groups (five rats in each group). Three groups received 100 mg/kg/day (2 ml) of L. citriodora (LC group), D. polychaetum (DP group), and T. copticum (TC group) aqueous extracts, one group (RA) received ranitidine (200 mg/kg/day), and one group (control) received 2 ml distilled water saline by gastric gavage for four consecutive days. On the 4th day, 1 h after gavage and after 24-h starvation, all animals received oral ethanol (1 ml/200 g body weight). One hour after ethanol administration, macroscopic evaluation of gastric mucosa revealed less gastric ulcer severity in LC, DP, and TC groups than in the control group (p = 0.032, p = 0.008, and p = 0.016, respectively), and the ulcer severity in LC group was also significantly less than in RA group (p = 0.05). Histopathologic evaluation showed sharp and well-defined gastric ulcers in control group, which reached to the submucosal layers in some cases. The stomachs in ranitidine group revealed moderate mucosal damages in comparison to the control group. The gastric mucosa revealed different degrees of erosions and ulceration in plant extract-treated groups, and degeneration and necrosis were observed only in the superficial layers of the epithelium in most cases. LC group had the lowest gastric damages in comparison with other treated groups. Aqueous extracts of L. citriodora, D. polychaetum, and T. copticum have gastroprotective effect and may reduce the occurrence and the severity of gastric ulcers in people at risk of gastric ulcers.

Objective To find a natural plant essential oil (EO) with excellent antimicrobial effects on food-borne bacteria and to explore the mechanism of its antimicrobial function against Escherichia coli ( E. coli ). Methods The antimicrobial activity of seven EOs against Gram-negative E. coli ATCC 8739 and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 was investigated using agar disk diffusion method, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of each EO was determined using the broth dilution method. The chemical composition of the Trachyspermum copticum ( T. copticum ) EO was analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In order to explore the mechanism of the antimicrobial action, 1 MIC and 2 MIC of T. copticum EO was added to a suspension of E. coli , the growth curve and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of E. coli , and the release of cell constituents and protein and potassium ions from the bacterial cell were measured. Results The T. copticum EO had the best antimicrobial activity against the test bacteria, and 10 compounds accounting for 94.57% of the total oil were identified, with the major components being thymol (46.22%), p -cymene (19.03%), and γ-terpinene (22.41%). The addition of 1 MIC that T. copticum EO significantly inhibited the growth of E. coli and increased the release of cell constituents and protein and potassium ions from the bacterial cells. Scanning electron micrographs showed that T. copticum EO caused most of the E. coli cell membranes to collapse and rupture, leading to cell death. Conclusions These results indicate that T. copticum EO is a good natural antimicrobial agent for food-borne pathogens.

Phenolic substances derived from herbs and spices are potent antioxidants and exhibits anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities in living systems. [1] These extracts may have the potential to modulate the genotoxic activity caused by harmful radiations and chemicals to which the human population is incessantly exposed to. The study of the modulation of genotoxic activity by some commonly used Indian spices will therefore be meaningful and interesting. As a first step to this, a number of such spices have been employed to study their potential role in the modulation of genotoxic activity induced by a harmful radiation viz. UVC, using Salmonella typhimurium as a model test system. The umu-gene expression assay as devised by Oda et al[2] in Salmonella typhimurium TA 1535/pSK1002 cells have been widely used and accepted as a short term bacterial assay system for the screening of genotoxic agents. In the above noted strain a umuC’-lacZ fusion gene is carried in a multi copy plasmid, thus improving the sensitivity of the system for the detection of umu gene expression (the gene that is believed to be responsible for induced mutagenesis). Measurement of the amount of β-galactosidase produced in these cells under different conditions would therefore reflect the extent of umu gene induction under those conditions. The present study aims at investigating on the modulation of DNA damage in TA 1535/pSK1002 cells induced by a fixed dose of UVC (which produces a significant amount of DNA damage) with varying doses of crude extracts of four commonly used Indian spices viz. Ajwain (Trachyspermum copticum), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Clove (Syzyquim aromaticum), and Allspice (Pimenta dioica). A study of the survival of the cells ABSTRACT: Introduction: A wide variety of substances derived from herbs and spices have been shown to possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic and anticarcinogenic activities. The study of the modulation of genotoxicity by the extracts of some such spices would thus be meaningful and interesting. Objective: Aqueous extracts of four extensively used spices viz. Trachyspermum copticum (Ajwain), Piper nigrum (Black pepper), Syzyquim aromaticum (Clove) and Pimenta dioica (Allspice) have been employed to study the modulation of genotoxicity, if any, induced by a potent DNA damaging agent viz. ultraviolet radiation (UV C), in Salmonella typhimurium cells. Methods: Induction of umu-gene was assayed in Salmonella typhimurium cells in presence or absence of varying amounts of the spice extract after a fixed dose of UV C exposure. The percentage survival of the Salmonella typhimurium cells exposed to UV C was computed by the study of the colony forming units on LB-Agar plates. Results: All the aqueous extracts of Ajwain, Black Pepper, Clove and Allspice was found to impart radioprotection to Salmonella typhimurium cells against UV C induced DNA damage in a dose–dependent manner. Clove has been found to impart a very high degree of radioprotection as compared to the other spice extracts and also at a much lower concentration. This has been reflected by both the assay methods mentioned above. Conclusions: Our results indicate that aqueous extracts of all four spices studied, impart radioprotection against UV induced DNA damage in Salmonella typhimurium cells in a dose-dependant manner. All the spice extracts mentioned above, excepting clove, presumably due to its antibacterial activity, were found to support the growth of the Salmonella typhimurium cells. This may be indicative that the extracts are imparting protection by effectively reducing the UV dose upon absorption of a part of UVC by the constituents of the spice extracts excepting clove.

Plant species used in traditional dairy processing were studied in three districts (Bosset, Ada, and Gimbichu) in Eastern Shoa, Ethiopia, from October 2007 to March 2008. A total of 300 smallholders were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires, and three focus group discussions were conducted, followed by plants specimen collection and identification. A total of 36 plant species, falling under 24 plant families, were identified. Nearly half of the identified plant species had more than one use types. Eleven plant species were/are used for washing (scrubbing) dairy utensils, ten plant species for smoking dairy utensils, 12 plant species in butter making, 15 plant species in ghee making, and five plant species for packaging (wrapping) butter and cheese. The plant species that had the highest overall citations from each use category were Ocimum hardiense, Olea europaea subspecies africana, Trachyspermum copticum, Curcuma longa, and Croton macrostachyus. The plant species used in the three study districts, representing different agro ecologies, showed some similarities, but levels of uses differed significantly (P < 0.05). Higher informant citations might indicate their better efficacy, however need to be further investigated to determine their effects on milk and milk product quality and to make sure that they are innocuous to human and animal health. Finally, as the present study tried to document natural products used in traditional dairy processing, it could be considered as part of the global efforts aimed at promoting organic food production.

Microwave-assisted rapid extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out by using carom seed (Trachyspermum copticum) extract as the reducing agent. The reaction mixture containing AgNO3 and carom seed extract when exposed to microwave irradiation resulted in reducing silver ions to bio-functionalized silver nanoparticles of size 6- 50 nm. The AgNP were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy (UV-vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Themogravimetric analysis (TGA) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are used to understand the possible mechanism of biosynthesis. In this study, we have also investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of bio-functionalized AgNP. The antibacterial activity is investigated by measuring the zone of inhibition and antioxidant study is done using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) method.

In this study, the somatic chromosome of 14 taxa of Korean Galium L. were investigated. Among them were a few taxa for which the somatic chromosome number was determined for the first time. The somatic chromosome numbers of Korean Galium L. were 2n = 22, 24, 44, 48, 66, 72, 77, 88 and so basic chromosome numbers were x = 11 or 12. Those taxa having the basic chromosome number x = 11 showed polyploidy, including diploid, tetraploid, heptaploid, and octoploid. Tetraploid and hexaploid can be observed in those taxa with the basic number x = 12. The eleven taxa reported 11 for the first time are G. spurium var. echinospermon (Wallr.) Hayek (2n = 44), G. gracilens (A. Gray) Makino (2n = 22), G. pogonanthum Franch. & Sav. (2n = 22, 44), G. trachyspermum A. Gray (2n = 22, 44), G. japonicum (Maxim.) Makino & Nakai (2n = 77), G. trifloriforme Kom. (2n = 44), G. dahuricum Turcz. var. dahuricum (2n = 48, 72), G. dahuricum var. tokyoense (Makino) Cufod. (2n = 22), G. kinuta Nakai & Hara (2n=66), G. verum var. trachycarpum for. nikkoense (Nakai) Ohwi (2n = 44), G. verum var. asiaticum for. pusillum (Nakai) M. Park (2n = 44). The taxa with the same chromosome numbers as previously reported ones were G. boreale L. (2n=22) and G. verum var. asiaticum Nakai for. asiaticum (2n = 44). The chromosome number of G. trifidum L. (2n = 22) was different from the previous report. Two infraspecific taxa of G. dahuricum showed differences in their basic chromosome numbers (x = 11 for G. dahuricum Turcz. var. dahuricum and x = 12 for var. tokyoense (Makino) Cufod. The somatic chromosome number for G. dahuricum Turcz. var. dahuricum was found to be 2n = 48 (tetraploid) or 72 (hexaploid), while that of G. dahuricum var. tokyoense (Makino) Cufod. was found to be 2n = 22 (diploid). Therefore, basic chromosome numbers for members of the genus Galium can be used as valuable characters in delimiting infrageneric sections and investigating interspecific relationships.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic metabolite produced by Aspergillus species on food and agricultural commodities. Natural products may regulate the cellular effects of aflatoxins and evidence suggests that aromatic organic compounds of spices can control the production of aflatoxins. With a view to controlling aflatoxin production, the essential oils from Rosmarinus officinalis and Trachyspermum copticum L. were obtained by hydrodistillation. Antifungal activities of the oils were studied with special reference to the inhibition of Aspergillus parasiticus growth and aflatoxin production. Minimal inhibitory (MIC) and minimal fungicidal (MFC) concentrations of the oils were determined. T. copticum L. oil showed a stronger inhibitory effect than R. officinalis on the growth of A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin production was inhibited at 450 ppm of both oils with that of R. officinalis being stronger inhibitor. The oils were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The major components of R. officinalis and T. copticum L. oils were Piperitone (23.65%), alpha-pinene (14.94%), Limonene (14.89%), 1,8-Cineole (7.43%) and Thymol (37.2%), P-Cymene (32.3%), gamma-Terpinene (27.3%) respectively. It is concluded that the essential oils could be safely used as preservative materials on some kinds of foods to protect them from toxigenic fungal infections.

A field investigation of Kedarnatha sanctuarii P.K.Mukh. & Constance in its locus classicus and subsequent carpological analysis show the identity of the species and Trachydium garhwalicum H.Wolff, described from the same region of Tehri Garhwal (Uttaranchal, India). As this species differs in some essential characters from Trachydium, Trachyspermum, Chamaesium, Chamaesciadium, Schulzia, the genus Kedarnatha must be retained, and IndoschulziaPimenov & Kljuykov is to be considered as its latter synonym. A new nomenclatural combination, K. garhwalica (H.Wolff) Pimenov & Kljuykov comb. nov. have been proposed to name the type species. Cortia oreomyrrhiformisFarille & Malla and Trachydium hamelianumFarille & Malla are transferred to Kedarnatha [K. oreomyrrhiformis (Farille & Malla) Pimenov & Kljuykov comb. nov. and K. hameliana (Farille & Malla) Pimenov & Kljuykov comb. nov.]. Two new additional species, K. meifoliaPimenov & Kljuykov sp. nova from India and K. vaginataPimenov & Kljuykov sp. nova from Burma, are described. As a result, the genus contains five species, distributed from Himachal Pradesh (India) to Burma. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) Eine Neufassung von KedarnathaP.K.Mukh. & Constance (Umbelliferae) Eine Feldstudie an Kedarnatha sanctuarii P.K.Mukh. & Constance am locus classicus und die anschliesende karpologische Analyse erbrachten die Identitat dieser Art mit TrachydiumgarhwalicumH.Wolff, das ebenfalls aus der Region Tehri Garhwal (Uttaranchal, Indien) beschrieben wurde. Da diese Art sich in einigen wesentlichen Merkmalen von Trachydium, Trachyspermum, Chamaesium, Chamaesciadium und Schulzia unterscheidet, muss die Gattung Kedarantha beibehalten werden. Die Gattung IndoschulziaPimenov & Kljuykov ist somit ein spateres Synonym. Die neue nomenklatorische Kombination, K. garhwalica(H.Wolff) Pimenov & Kljuykov comb. nov. wird als Typusart vorgeschlagen. Cortia oreomyrrhiformisFarille & Malla und Trachydium hamelianumFarille & Malla werden in die Gattung Kedarnatha uberfuhrt [K. oreomyrrhiformis (Farille & Malla) Pimenov & Kljuykov comb. nov. und K. hameliana(Farille & Malla) Pimenov & Kljuykov comb. nov.]. Zwei weitere Arten werden neu beschrieben: K. meifoliaPimenov & Kljuykov sp. nova aus Indien und K. vaginataPimenov & Kljuykov sp. nova aus Burma. Damit umfasst die Gattung funf Arten, die von Himachal Pradesh (Indien) bis Burma verbreitet sind.

Background: Development of biodegradable and biocompatible films based on the protein polymer with strong antibacterial activities is gradually obtained extensive concern in the world. Objectives: In this study, improvement of chitosan film properties incorporated with Trachyspermum ammiessential oil as a potential antioxidant/antibacterial wound dressing was investigated. Materials and Methods: Gelatin films were prepared from gelatin solutions (10% w/v) containing Trachyspermum ammiessential oil TAM (2, 4, 6 and 8% w/w), glycerol (25% w/w) as plasticizer, and glutaraldehyde (2% w/w) as cross-linker. The mechanical, water solubility, water swelling, water vapor permeability, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the films were measured according to the American Society for Testing and Materials. Results: Gelatin films exhibited good tensile strength and elongation at break, water solubility, swelling, and water vapor permeability. Incorporation of TAM into the gelatin films caused a significant decrease in tensile strength and swelling, and a significant increase in elongation at break, water solubility, water vapor permeability and whiteness of the films. Gelatin films exhibited low antioxidant activity while gelatin films incorporated with TAM exhibited excellent antioxidant properties. The films incorporated with TAM also exhibited excellent antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the gelatin/TA films could be used as a very attractive alternative to traditional materials for different biomedical applications.

Summary Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Trachyspermum copticum (T. copticum) essential oil and propolis alcoholic extract on growth and transcription of Mep3 gene of Microsporum canis ( M. canis ) strains. Methods The antifungal activity was assayed by broth macrodilution method. Fungal isolates were grown in soy peptone liquid medium and treated with T. copticum oil and propolis extract. Total RNAs of M. canis were subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Specific primers of Actin and Mep3 genes were used. Results The results revealed that MIC values of T. copticum oil against M. canis strains were ranged from 0.2–30.5 μg/mL, with 42.3% of the strains inhibited at 0.9 μg/mL. In addition, MIC values of propolis extract against M. canis strains were ranged from 0.2–488.2 μg/mL, with 34.6% of the strains inhibited at 0.9 μg/mL. RT-PCR analysis of Mep3 and Actin expression showed DNA fragments of 661 and 690 bp amplified in all isolates before treatments with T. copticum essential oil and propolis extract. Both T. copticum and propolis completely inhibited the expression of Mep3 gene. Conclusion We reported for the first time that T. copticum and propolis inhibits the expression of Mep3 gene in M. canis strains in relation to a remarkable inhibition in protease production by the fungus.

Summary Objective To assess anti-Candida zeylanoides activity of the essential oils (EOs) of five Iranian medicinal plants and to determine the different components of the EOs. Methods Anti-C. zeylanoides effects of the EOs and reference drugs were determined by disc diffusion method. The EOs from Trachyspermum copticum, Zataria multiflora, Nigella sativa, Ziziphora clinopodiodes and Heracleum persicum were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). Results The mean values of inhibition zones were found to be more than 60 mm for T. copticum, 56.7 mm for Z. multiflora, 40.8 mm for N. sativa, 33.7 mm for Z. clinopodiodes and 18.7 mm for H. persicum. In GC/MS analysis, thymol (63.4%), carvacrol (61%), trans anthol (39%), pulegone (37%) and hexyl butyrate (30.2%) were found to be the major components of T. copticum, Z. multiflora, N. sativa, Z. clinopodiodes and H. persicum, respectively. Conclusion The EOs showed strong anti-C. zeylanoides activities, which strengthen the potential use of these substances for the treatment of candidiasis.

Bunium aromaticum Linnaeus, Mantissa Plantarum Altera: 218. 1771. "Habitat in Creta. Syria." RCN: 1953. Lectotype (Watson in Jarvis & al. in Taxon 55: 208. 2006): Herb. Burser VIII: 43 (UPS). Current name: Trachyspermum copticum (L.) Link (Apiaceae)., Published as part of Jarvis, Charlie, 2007, Chapter 7: Linnaean Plant Names and their Types (part B), pp. 343-369 in Order out of Chaos. Linnaean Plant Types and their Types, London :Linnaean Society of London in association with the Natural History Museum on page 365, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.291971

Sison ammi Linnaeus, Species Plantarum 1: 252. 1753. "Habitat in Apulia, Aegypto." RCN: 2033. Lectotype (Jansen, Spices, Condiments Med. Pl. Ethiopia: 114. 1981): Herb. Linn. No. 356.5 (LINN). Current name: Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Sprague (Apiaceae). Note: Sprague (in J. Bot. 60: 212. 1922) noted type material in both LINN and BM, but did not distinguish between the collections (which are not part of a single gathering so Art. 9.15 does not apply)., Published as part of Jarvis, Charlie, 2007, Chapter 7: Linnaean Plant Names and their Types (part S), pp. 806-877 in Order out of Chaos. Linnaean Plant Types and their Types, London :Linnaean Society of London in association with the Natural History Museum on page 854, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.291971

Extracts of leaves and seeds of 15 angiospermic taxa were tested in vitro against the mycelial growth of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. Amongst them the essential oil of seeds of Trachyspermum ammi L. (Sprauge) exhibited absolute toxicity against the test fungus. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Trachyspermum ammi seed oil was 200 ppm, which exhibited a fungistatic nature, but not phytotoxic properties, when tested at 100, 200 and 300 ppm on seed germination of the French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The oil exhibited a broad fungitoxic spectrum, inhibiting the mycelial growth of a number of fungi at 100, 200 and 300 ppm. The oil was thermostable and more efficacious than some synthetic fungicides, viz., Benlate, Ceresan, copper oxychloride, Dithan M-45 and Thiovit. Thymol was also isolated as a fungitoxic factor and it exhibited toxicity against the test fungus at 300 ppm. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Based on collected information about traditional use of plants, anti-bacillus activity of methanol extracts of 180 plant species belonging to 72 families were investigated by in vitro bioassays using agar diffusion-method against standard strains of Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus and B. pumilis at 20 mg/ml. Seventy eight species (43.3%) belonging to 42 families (58.3%) showed antibacillus activities. The activity was highest against B. cereus, followed by B. subtilis , and B. pumilis respectively. Apiaceae (9), Compositae (8) and Labiatae (7) had the highest number of active plant species respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts were determined using two fold serial dilutions. The plants most active against all test Bacilli were Myrtus communis L, Dianthus caryophyllus, Trachyspermum copticum Link, Cinnamomum zeylanicum BL, Rheum ribes L, Ephedra intermedia Schrenk. ex C.A.Mey, Terminalia chebula (Gaertner) Retz, Rhus coriaria L and Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Key words: Antibacterial activity, Iranian Medicinal Plants, Bacillus subtilis, B. cereus, B. pumilis Nig. J. Nat. Prod. and Med. Vol.8 2004: 34-39

Background. Helicobacter pylori is the major worldwide cause of bacterial gastrointestinal infections in adults and children. Antibiotic therapy and a combination of two or three drugs have been widely used to eradicate these infections. However, development of drug resistance in bacteria calls for new sources of drugs, and plants seem to be a logical source of new antibacterial compounds. Methods. The anti-H. pylori activities of six native Iranian plants (Glycyrrhiza aspera, Juglans regia, Ligustrum vulgare, Thymus kotschyanus, Trachyspermum copticum and Xanthium brasilicum) and seven antibiotics were determined against 70 clinical isolates from children using the disk susceptibility assay. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were also measured for the biologically active extracts. One extract with the best anti-H. pylori activity was fractionated by silica gel and thin layer chromatography and the active compounds were identified by hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) spectroscopy. Results. All plant extracts showed anti-H. pylori activity by the disk sensitivity method, but the most active extracts were those from X. brasilicum and T. copticum. In fact, the anti-H. pylori activities of the two extracts were superior to the disk antibiotic susceptibility profile. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were within the range of 31.25–250 µg/ml. Fractionation and chemical identification of the extract from X. brasilicum showed the presence of two substances, a flavonoid and a xanthanolide. Conclusion. Due to the rise in antibiotic resistance, new sources of anti-H. pylori drugs are needed. The use of medicinal plants and/or their chemical components may have potential benefit in eradicating such problems.