Investigating foliar application of bulk and nanoparticles titanium dioxide on fennel productivity to mitigate the negative effects of saline irrigation water.

BACKGROUND: Fennel essential oils are fragrance compounds used in food and pharmaceutical sectors. One of the major impediments to expansion of fennel farming in Egypt's reclamation areas is saline water. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) or TiO2 nano particles (TiO2NP) can be utilized to boost the yield of aromatic plants cultivated under saline irrigation water. Saline water, particularly which contains sodium chloride can harm fennel plant; consequently, it was predicted that fennel production would fail in Egypt's reclaimed area, where the primary source of irrigation is groundwater consisting sodium chloride. This study sought to help fennel respond to sodium chloride by applying Ti forms to their leaves in order to reduce the detrimental effects of sodium chloride on them for expanding their production in the newly reclamation areas as a natural source of essential oil. Ti forms were applied as foliar application at 0, 0.1, 0.2 TiO2, 0.1 TiO2NP, and 0.2 TiO2NP, mM under irrigation with fresh water (0.4 dS m-1), or saline water (51.3 mM or 4.7 dS m-1). RESULTS: Plants exposed to 0.1 mM TiO2NP under fresh water resulted in the maximum values of morphological characters, estragole, oxygenated monoterpenes and photosynthetic pigments; while those subjected to 0.1 mM TiO2NP under saline water gave the greatest values of essential oil, proline, antioxidant enzymes and phenols. The greatest amounts of soluble sugars were recorded with 0.2 mM TiO2NP irrigated with saline water. Plants subjected to 0 mM TiO2 under saline water produced the greatest values of flavonoids, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde. CONCLUSION: To mitigate the negative effects of salty irrigation water on fennel plant production, TiO2NP application is suggested as a potential strategy.

Evaluation of direct and transgenerational influences of salinity on germination and early seedling growth in an edible halophyte, Crithmum maritimum.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Crithmum maritimum is a wild, edible halophyte with large potential as a cash crop for salinized soils. However, the tolerance during seed germination appears to be highly site-specific and contradictory, whereas little is known on salinity tolerance during early seedling growth. This study was aimed at characterizing variation in the responses of germination and early seedling growth in diverse C. maritimum populations along the Iberian Southwest coast. Specifically, we sought to distinguish between direct salinity effects and those influenced by the salinity of maternal environments. METHODS: Physicochemical properties, including salinity of maternal environments, were assessed across diverse habitats. A total of 3480 seeds from 58 mother plants were utilized. Seeds were subjected to germination assays under various salinity treatments (0-500 mM NaCl), with subsequent monitoring of germination parameters. Non-germinated seeds were tested for recovery germination, and viability was assessed using the tetrazolium test. Of germinated seeds, 1160 seedlings were monitored for survival and early growth metrics. General Linear Models were employed to analyze the effects of salinity and maternal environmental influence on germination and early growth. KEY RESULTS: Despite reduced and delayed germination under salinity, seeds showed remarkable tolerance up to 150 mM, surpassing prior reports, with consistent viability up to 500 mM, indicating substantial salinity-induced dormancy. Seedling growth was more sensitive to continued treatment; no plants survived above 150 mM. The salinity experienced by maternal plants had only a marginal effect on germination but significantly contributed to reduce seedling biomass production, both above and below ground. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the significance of maternal salinity on early growth in C. maritimum, emphasizing the species' resilience to salt stress during germination and recovery. These insights are crucial for optimizing cultivation techniques and informing research on other halophytes in saline environments.

Exploring fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Composition, functional properties, potential health benefits, and safety.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill), a member of the Apiaceae family (Umbelliferaceae), is a hardy and perennial herb, with grooved stems, intermittent leaves, petiole with sheath, usually bisexual flower and yellow umbrella. Although fennel is a typical aromatic plant generally considered native to the Mediterranean shores, it has become widespread in many regions of the world and has long been used as a medicinal and culinary herb. The aim of this review is to collect recent information from the literature on the chemical composition, functional properties and toxicology of fennel. Collected data show the efficacy of this plant in various in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, bronchodilatory, and memory enhancing activities. It has also been shown to be effective on infantile colic, dysmenorrhea, polycystic ovarian syndrome and milk production. This review also aims to identify gaps in the literature that require to be filled by future research.

Genome-Wide Characterization of Fennel (Anethum foeniculum) MiRNome and Identification of its Potential Targets in Homo sapiens and Arabidopsis thaliana: An Inter and Intra-species Computational Scrutiny.

MicroRNAs could be promising biomarkers for various diseases, and small RNA drugs have already been FDA approved for clinical use. This area of research is rapidly expanding and has significant potential for the future. Fennel (Anethum foeniculum) is a highly esteemed spice plant with economic and medicinal benefits, making it an invaluable asset in the pharmaceutical industry. To characterize the fennel miRNAs and their Arabidopsis thaliana and Homo sapience targets with functional enrichment analysis and human disease association. A homology-based computational approach characterized the MiRnome of the Anethum foeniculum genome and assessed its impact on Arabidopsis thaliana and Homo sapience transcriptomes. In addition, functional enrichment analysis was evaluated for both species' targets. Moreover, PPI network analysis, hub gene identification, and MD simulation analysis of the top hub node with fennel miRNA were incorporated. We have identified 100 miRNAs of fennel and their target genes, which include 2536 genes in Homo sapiens and 1314 genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Functional enrichment analysis reveals 56 Arabidopsis thaliana targets of fennel miRNAs showed involvement in metabolic pathways. Highly enriched human KEGG pathways were associated with several diseases, especially cancer. The protein-protein interaction network of human targets determined the top ten nodes; from them, seven hub nodes, namely MAPK1, PIK3R1, STAT3, EGFR, KRAS, CDC42, and SMAD4, have shown their involvement in the pancreatic cancer pathway. Based on the Blast algorithm, 21 fennel miRNAs are homologs to 16 human miRNAs were predicted; from them, the CSPP1 target was a common target for afo-miR11117a-3p and has-miR-6880-5p homologs miRNAs. Our results are the first to report the 100 fennel miRNAs, and predictions for their endogenous and human target genes provide a basis for further understanding of Anethum foeniculum miRNAs and the biological processes and diseases with which they are associated.

A real-world evaluation of an herbal treatment for infantile colic reported by 1218 parents in Israel.

PURPOSE: Infantile colic (IC) or fussing and crying behavior of unknown cause, affects up to 20% of the infant population and is one of the major reasons for parents to seek medical advice. Therapeutic options are limited and the key component for IC management is parental support. Fennel-based herbal treatments were shown to significantly reduce crying time. The current study was designed to evaluate the parent perception of effectiveness of a fennel-based commercially-available herbal treatment for IC (BabyCalm, Hisunit Ltd., Israel) using a retrospective online survey. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a real-world observational, case-control retrospective study. Parents of babies with IC symptoms, who either used the herbal product for their baby or did not use any product were invited to participate in an online survey during August-December 2019. The primary outcome was the perceived level of treatment success and symptom improvement. RESULTS: 1218 parents of IC babies (48% females, 90% up to 3 months of age, 58% exclusively breast-fed) responded to the survey of whom 771 used the treatment. Significantly fewer IC-related symptoms were reported by parents who used the product compared to those that did not. Parents perceived the treatment as successful in 65% of the cases, reporting meaningful improvements within 30 min for 69%-79% of the symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of parents perceived the herbal treatment as effective in rapid symptom reduction suggesting that this may provide a satisfactory solution for IC in the community.

Characteristics of Phenolic Compounds in Peucedanum japonicum According to Various Stem and Seed Colors.

Total polyphenol and total flavonoid assays were performed to characterize the relationships between the color of Peucedanum japonicum (PJ) seed coat and stem and the content of phytochemical compounds. The samples were divided into two groups based on their stem and seed coat color, with each group containing 23 samples. The stem color group was subdivided into green, light red, and red, whereas the seed coat color group was divided into light brown, brown, and dark brown. In the stem color group, the light red stems exhibited the highest content of phytochemical compounds, with levels over 10% higher than those of the stems of the other colors. Moreover, among the top ten samples with the highest total polyphenol content, eight samples were light red, and the light red group also exhibited the highest total flavonoid content among the examined color groups. In terms of the seed coat color, the plants grown from dark brown seeds exhibited the highest contents of both total polyphenols and total flavonoids. In conclusion, PJ plants with dark brown seeds and light red stems contained the highest levels of phytochemical compounds. Collectively, our findings provide a valuable basis for future seed selection of PJ for pharmaceutical purposes.

Effect of supplementation of fennel seed powder on intake, growth performance, gut health and economics in goats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fennel seed powder (FSP) at varying levels on intake, growth, gut health, body condition, body measurements and economics in post weaned male goats. For this experiment a total of 30 post weaned male kids of Barbari goats with statistically similar body weight (P = 0.575) and age (3-4 months) were randomly distributed in three comparable groups each having 10 kids. Three groups viz. control (no supplementation), T1 (0.5% of DM in diet) and T2 (1.0% of DM in diet) were formed and the study continued up to 5 months. Statistical analysis of results showed significant effect of FSP supplementation on intake, growth, body condition, and gut health and body measurements in goats of treatment groups. Significantly highest body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) (P < 0.001) was reported in T2 group, followed by T1 than control group goats. Further, feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE%) and body condition score of treatment groups (T1 and T2) was improved significantly (P < 0.001) than control group goats. However, FCR and FCE% in T1 and T2 differed non- significantly (P > 0.05). Analysis of fecal samples indicated significantly higher (P < 0.001) fecal dry matter (FDM%), fecal consistency score (FS) in T1 and T2 group than control group whereas parasitic fecal egg count per gram (EPG) was significantly lower in T1 and T2 group than control group. However, EPG in T1 and T2 differed non- significantly (P > 0.05). Body measures differed significantly (P < 0.05) among groups. Economic evaluation of FSP supplemented showed that T1 and T2 group fetched INR 462 and 501 per goat on selling over control group (1USD = 82.54 INR). It can be concluded from this study that supplementation of FSP @ 1.0% of DM in diet may economically improve intake, growth, gut health, body condition, body measurements and economics in post weaned male Barbari goats.

Effects of Heat Treatments on Various Characteristics of Ready-to-Eat Zucchini Purees Enriched with Anise or Fennel.

Galactagogue herbs, also known as natural lactation adjuvants, are frequently used to stimulate breast milk production. Due to their antioxidant activity and phenolic content, anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) were chosen to increase the added value of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) purees. At the same time, this work aimed to determine the influence of heat treatment on various characteristics of the final product. The phytochemical content, color parameters, and rheological and textural parameters of zucchini purees enriched with herbal aqueous extracts were determined after processing and after one week of storage (4 °C). In the case of antioxidant activity, samples registered a variation between 6.62 ± 1.71 and 38.32 ± 3.85 µM Trolox/g DW for the samples processed by steam convection. The total difference color parameter (ΔE) increased seven times after one week of storage compared to samples at T0. Fennel and anise aqueous extracts helped improve the rheological behavior of zucchini samples both by steam and hot air convection. This study may serve as a springboard for future investigations and clinical trials into the scientific validity and safety of ready-to-eat foods with special destinations.

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) for Biologically Active Green Tea and Fennel Natural Oils Delivery: Larvicidal and Adulticidal Activities against Culex pipiens.

(1) Background: The control of mosquitoes with essential oils is a growing demand. (2) Methods: This study evaluated the novel larvicidal and adulticidal activity of fennel and green tea oils and their nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) against Culex pipiens (C. pipiens) in the laboratory, field conditions and evaluated their effect against non-target organisms. SLN type II nanoformulations were synthesized and characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential and transmission electron microscope. (3) Results: The synthesized NLCs showed spherical shaped, homogenous, narrow, and monomodal particle size distribution. The mortality percent (MO%) post-treatment (PT) with 2000 ppm for 24 h with fennel oil and NLC fennel (NLC-F) reached 85% (LC50 = 643.81 ppm) and 100% (LC50 = 251.71), whereas MO% for green tea oil and NLC green tea (NLC-GT) were 80% (LC50 = 746.52 ppm) and 100% (LC50 = 278.63 ppm), respectively. Field trial data showed that the larval reduction percent of fennel oil and NLC-F reached 89.8% and 97.4%, 24 h PT and the reduction percent of green tea oil and NLC-GT reached 89% and 93%, 24 h PT with persistence reached 8 and 7 days, for NLC-F and NLC-GT, respectively. The adulticidal effects showed that NLC-F and NLC-GT (100% mortality) were more effective than fennel and green tea oils (90.0% and 83.33%), with 24 h PT, respectively. Moreover, their reduction of adult density after spraying with LC95 X2 for 15 min, with fennel oil, NLC-F, and green tea oil, NLC-GT were 83.6%, 100%, 79.1%, and 100%, respectively, with persistence (>50%) lasting for three days. The predation rate of the mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis, and the bug, Sphaerodema urinator, was not affected in both oil and its NLC, while the predation rate of the beetle, Cybister tripunctatus increased (66% and 68.3%) by green tea oil and NLC-GT, respectively. (4) Conclusions: NLCs nanoformulation encapsulated essential oils was prepared successfully with unique properties of size, morphology, and stability. In vitro larvicidal and adulticidal effects against C. pipiens supported with field evaluations have been performed using essential oils and their nanoformulations. The biological evaluation of nanoformulations manifested potential results toward both larvicidal and adulticidal compared to the essential oils themselves, especially NLC encapsulated fennel oil which had promising larvicidal and adulticidal activity.

Development and characterization of genic SSR-FDM for stem gall disease resistance in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and its cross species transferability.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is well known vegetable and spice crop grown globally for its leaves and seeds. Stem gall (Protomyces macrosporus L.) is a fungal disease affecting its quality and yield. However, no information is available on SSR markers linked to disease resistance in coriander. Hence, development of co-dominant genetic markers is prerequisite for disease investigations in coriander. In-house stem gall resistance and susceptible cultivars transcriptome data were utilized. Totally, 59,933 and 56,861 transcripts were examined, 9141 and 8346 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) were identified and the most abundant type was the tri, followed by di, tetra, penta and hexa nucleotide repeats. A total of ten selected SSR-Functional Domain Markers (FDM) were developed based on functional annotation terms associated with pathogen response and validated among ten coriander cultivars and their transferability was examined in five fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) cultivars. Nine primer pairs resulted from amplified bands. Marker ACorSGD-1 shown monomorphic bands among coriander genotypes except Acr-1 showed heterologouse and multiple bands in fennel cultivars. Markers ACorSGD-4, 5, 7 and 9 shown presence in resistant cultivars and absence of bands among susceptible cultivars of coriander and thus, considered to be the candidate markers for disease screening. Marker ACorSGD-6 shown monomorphic bands among coriander. Markers ACorSGD-1, 2, 3, and 5 shown transferability among fennel cultivars. A total of 136 alleles in coriander and fennel were produced. Using UPGMA clustering method a dendrogram was generated and cultivars were grouped into two separate clusters with coriander and fennel. Identified and developed SSR-FDM markers are useful for linkage mapping for disease resistant in coriander.

Chemical Analyses and Antimicrobial Activity of Nine Kinds of Unifloral Chinese Honeys Compared to Manuka Honey (12+ and 20+).

Honey has good antimicrobial properties and can be used for medical treatment. The antimicrobial properties of unifloral honey varieties are different. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of nine kinds of Chinese monofloral honeys. In addition, headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) technology was used to detect their volatile components. The relevant results are as follows: 1. The agar diffusion test showed that the diameter of inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus of Fennel honey (21.50 ± 0.41 mm), Agastache honey (20.74 ± 0.37 mm), and Pomegranate honey (18.16 ± 0.11 mm) was larger than that of Manuka 12+ honey (14.27 ± 0.10 mm) and Manuka 20+ honey (16.52 ± 0.12 mm). The antimicrobial activity of Chinese honey depends on hydrogen peroxide. 2. The total antioxidant capacity of Fennel honey, Agastache honey, and Pomegranate honey was higher than that of other Chinese honeys. There was a significant positive correlation between the total antioxidant capacity and the total phenol content of Chinese honey (r = 0.958). The correlation coefficient between the chroma value of Chinese honey and the total antioxidant and the diameter of inhibition zone was 0.940 and 0.746, respectively. The analyzed dark honeys had better antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. 3. There were significant differences in volatile components among Fennel honey, Agastache honey, Pomegranate honey, and Manuka honey. Hexanal-D and Heptanol were the characteristic components of Fennel honey and Pomegranate honey, respectively. Ethyl 2-methylbutyrate and 3-methylpentanoic acids were the unique compounds of Agastache honey. The flavor fingerprints of the honey samples from different plants can be successfully built using HS-GC-IMS and principal component analysis (PCA) based on their volatile compounds. Fennel honey, Agastache honey, and Pomegranate honey are Chinese honey varieties with excellent antimicrobial properties, and have the potential to be developed into medical grade honey.

Exploitation of Vitis vinifera, Foeniculum vulgare, Cannabis sativa and Punica granatum By-Product Seeds as Dermo-Cosmetic Agents.

In the current study, by-product seed pastes (VSPs) from Vitis vinifera, Foeniculum vulgare, Cannabis sativa and Punica granatum, generated during the oil production process, were investigated for their potential exploitation as dermo-cosmetic agent. The extraction pipeline of all the raw materials was developed with emphasis on green methodologies and employed on laboratory scale based on industry-adopted techniques. Two different protocols were applied, Supercritical Fluid Extraction (SFE) and Ultrasound Assisted Extraction (UAE); the by-product pastes were defatted with supercritical CO2 and n-Hexane, respectively. Then, two SFE extracts (CO2 with 10% and 20% of ethanol as co-solvent) and two UAE extracts (with ethanol and ethanol/water 1:1 v/v) were obtained from each raw material. The providing yield range was between 2.6 to 76.3 mg/g raw material. The extracts were analyzed with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Diode Array Detector (HPLC-DAD) and Liquid Chromatography coupled with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer (LC-HRMS), and the major compounds, were identified. All the extracts were evaluated for their antioxidant and inhibition activity against collagenase, elastase and tyrosinase enzymes. Grapevine by-product extracts found rich in proanthocyanidins and presented the higher inhibition activity. A holistic green experimental methodology is proposed for the obtainment of extracts from significant medicinal plants by-products that provides us with promising results concerning dermo-cosmetic properties, especially for grape seeds extracts.

The inhibitory influence of toluene on mare ovarian granulosa cells can be prevented by fennel.

The influence of environmental contaminant toluene and of plant fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) on reproduction are reported, but the mechanisms of their action and the protective effect of fennel on contaminant influence remain to be elucidated. In this study, we hypothesized that toluene and fennel directly affects basic ovarian cell functions, and that fennel can be used as an appropriate natural protective agent against the potential adverse effects of toluene. This study aimed to examine the action of toluene (20 µg/mL) and fennel extract (0, 1, 10, 100 µg/mL), and assess their combination on viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and hormone release by cultured healthy mare ovarian granulosa cells. Viability, proliferation (percentage of PCNA-positive cells), apoptosis and release of progesterone, oxytocin and prostaglandin F were evaluated by using Trypan blue exclusion tests, immunocytochemistry and enzyme immunoassays, respectively. Toluene, when given alone, inhibited viability, proliferation, apoptosis, progesterone, prostaglandin F and IGF-I. However, it did not affect oxytocin release. Moreover, Fennel, when given alone, inhibited viability, progesterone, and prostaglandin F release, as well as stimulating proliferation and oxytocin release. In addition, Fennel did not affect apoptosis. When given in combination with toluene, fennel was able to suppress, and even invert, the effects of toluene on viability, proliferation, apoptosis, prostaglandin F, and IGF-I. However, it did not alter its effect on progesterone release. Moreover, fennel induced the inhibitory effect of toluene on oxytocin output. The findings of our study suggest direct adverse effects of toluene on the basic ovarian functions of mares. Lastly, we also observed the direct influence of fennel on these functions, as well as its ability to be a natural protector against the action of toluene on the ovarian functions of mares.

Use of Sea Fennel as a Natural Ingredient of Edible Films for Extending the Shelf Life of Fresh Fish Burgers.

The growing interest from consumers toward healthy and nutritious products and their benefits for health has increased the consumption of whole and processed fish. One of the main problems of fish is the short shelf life, especially when it is processed as in the case of burgers. The use of edible coating is an interesting strategy to extend the quality and safety of the product, reducing the need for artificial preservatives. This study evaluated the use of chitosan-based edible film formulated with sea fennel plant and sea fennel extracts. The analyses showed than the use of edible film extended the shelf life of fish burgers regardless of the incorporation of sea fennel mainly associated to the gas barrier properties and selective permeability of the film applied to the fish surface. The incorporation of sea fennel in the films did not produce any antimicrobial enhancement, although sea fennel (mostly extract) produced a better pH and enhanced the antioxidant properties and lipid oxidation of fish burgers. However, sensory analyses showed than fish burgers coated with sea fennel film plant had better acceptability than those with sea fennel extracts, probably due to the better odour and colour of the whole plant during storage. The study showed that the use of sea fennel plant at 12.5% extended the shelf life of fish burgers using a safe and clean label strategy.

Synergistic effect of fennel essential oil and hydrogen peroxide on bacterial biofilm.

INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcal biofilm formation significantly challenges wound management. The causes of difficult-to-treat wounds are not only methicillin-resistant staphylococci, but also methicillin-sensitive strains with different patterns of resistance. Bacterial biofilm significantly limits the access and activity of antimicrobials used in dermatological infections. AIM: To evaluate the synergistic effect of fennel essential oil (FEO) and H2O2 on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) reference strains. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined for FEO and H2O2 against S. aureus reference strains by the broth microdilution method. The combined effects of the FEO and H2O2 were calculated and expressed in terms of a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) using the checkerboard method. The FEO composition was analyzed by the GC-MS method. The data were analysed by one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Decreased MIC values for FEO combined with H2O2 were observed in comparison to FEO itself. The combinations of FEO and H2O2 determined synergistic effects on all S. aureus reference strains. Subinhibitory concentration of FEO alone and in combination with 0.5 MIC of H2O2 significantly decreased the production of biofilm biomass in S. aureus strains and reduced the metabolic activity of attached cells. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of fennel essential oil containing nearly 80% trans-anethole and H2O2 represents a potential for further basic and applied research on wound management.

Does fennel extract ameliorate oxidative stress frozen-thawed ram sperm?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of ram semen after cryopreservation with different levels of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) extract (0 (F0), 5 (F5), 10 (F10) and 15 (F15) mg/L) and sperm concentrations (200 (C200) and 400 (C400) × 106 sperm/mL) in a soy lecithin (SL)-based extender. Twenty ejaculates were collected from four ghezel rams and diluted with eight sperm concentrations/fennel combinations: F0C200, F5C200, F10C200, F15C200, F0C400, F5C400, F10C400 and F15C400. Sperm motility, abnormality, plasma membrane, viability, mitochondrial activity, lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial activity and apoptotic changes were evaluated after freeze-thawing process. It was observed that F10C400 significantly improved total and progressive motility, VSL, membrane integrity of post-thawed ram sperm. MDA level was lower in F5C200 and F10C400 compared to other treatments. The higher percentage of live sperm and the lower percentage of apoptotic sperm were obtained in F10C200 compared to F0C200, F5C200 F15C400, F0C400, F5C400 and F15C400. Extender F10C200 resulted in the highest mitochondria activity compared to the rest of the extenders except F10C400. We conclude that a combination of 10 mg/mL fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) extract and sperm concentration of 200 × 106 sperm/mL can improve the ram semen quality cryopreserved in a soybean lecithin based extender.

Antioxidant Defenses in Wild Growing Halophyte Crithmum maritimum from Inland and Coastline Populations.

Traditional Mediterranean diet includes the halophyte Crithmum maritimum L. (Apiaceae) which can be found in the coastline of the Balearic Islands but also inland. Both areas differed in the environmental conditions, mainly in salinity which can affect the oxidative status of this species. The aim was to evaluate the antioxidant enzyme activities, polyphenols and the lipid peroxidation in leaves of wild C. maritimum growing in a natural coastal area influenced by marine salinity and an inland area without marine influence. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase as well as polyphenol and reduced glutathione content were significantly higher in the samples from coastline population, whereas no significant differences were found in glutathione reductase activity and in malondialdehyde levels. The production of H2 O2 was also significantly higher in the population from coastline. In conclusion, C. maritimum adapt their antioxidant defense machinery to the different salinity conditions, avoiding the instauration of oxidative stress.

Valorization of the Green Waste from Two Varieties of Fennel and Carrot Cultivated in Tunisia by Identification of the Phytochemical Profile and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activities of Their Essentials Oils.

The purpose of this study was to identify the chemical composition and the antibacterial activity of the essential oils (EOs) extracted from the green tops of Daucus carota L. subsp. sativus (Hoffm.) Arcang. plants producing yellow roots (DcsYR) and those producing orange roots (DcsOR) and from two varieties of Foeniculum vulgare subsp. vulgare cultivated in Tunisia. Analyses revealed that the EOs from the two D. carota varieties were rich in constituents belonging to sesquiterpenes. Phenylpropanoids and non-terpene derivatives were the most abundant classes of compounds in the EOs from the two varieties of F. vulgare, of which compositions were predominated by (E)-anethole and p-acetonylanisole. All the tested EOs were significantly more effective against Gram-negative bacteria, and that obtained from var. azoricum was more active against the yeast Candida albicans than the reference drug. The EOs obtained from these by-products showed indeed interesting potential to be promoted as natural antimicrobials in food preservation systems, as well as the possibility to be used in flavor industries.

Furocoumarin Content of Fennel-Below the Safety Threshold.

Furocoumarins are known for their phototoxic and potential carcinogenic effects. These types of compounds have previously been reported from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), a widely used medicinal plant and spice; however, no reliable quantitative data are available on the occurrence of these compounds in fennel fruits. For the first time, we report a comprehensive analysis of fennel fruit samples of different origins, representing a wide range of accessions for their furocoumarin content. Psoralene, 5-methoxypsoralene (bergapten), and imperatorin contents of 33 fennel samples were analyzed using a sensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method. When applied at the highest therapeutic dose described in the monograph issued by the European Medicines Agency, the furocoumarin content of the fruits ranged up to 1.22 µg/d, which is below the most restrictive recommendations. Based on our findings, fennel consumption can be considered as safe, at least based on its low furocoumarin content.

The comparison of fennel infusion plus dry cupping versus metformin in management of oligomenorrhoea in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised clinical trial.

Oligomenorrhoea treatment with hormone therapy and Metformin is not usually well tolerated and is associated with a broad range of side effects. In Persian medicine, the management of oligomenorrhoea can be done with fennel and dry cupping. A clinical trial was conducted on 61 patients with oligomenorrhoea. The patients randomly received treatment for 6 months in two groups: fennel infusion plus dry cupping (Group A); versus treatment with Metformin (Group B). On the days between the two periods, the patients' BMI, pain levels and side effects were assessed. Thirty-one patients (mean age: 26.68) in Group A, and 30 patients (mean age: 28.90) in Group B were enrolled. The mean numbers of days between the two periods after 3 and 6 months in Group A was, respectively, 32.59 and 30.69, versus 40.66 and 431.22 in Group B. The mean pain severity dropped significantly in Group A. Fennel seed infusion plus a dry cupping uses a safe and effective therapeutic intervention in the management of oligomenorrhoea. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women. Some common clinical manifestations of this syndrome include menstrual disorders such as oligomenorrhoea and amenorrhoea. The recommended therapeutic interventions include oral intervention, as well as metformin, which are associated with an increased risk of vascular thromboembolism, digestive complications such as nausea, and dizziness, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, the use of complementary medicine in controlling and treating PCOS is considered a valuable intervention in conventional medicine. In Persian traditional medicine, medicinal fennel (with the scientific name of Foeniculum Vulgare Mill) is commonly used in this regard. The practice of dry cupping during the monthly period that ends with ovulation is also recommended. What do the results of this study add? The present study concludes that fennel seed infusion plus a dry cupping therapy is effective and safe in reducing the days between two menstrual periods and manages oligomenorrhoea. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? A clinical study is suggested for assessing the effect of fennel seed infusion plus dry cupping on oligomenorrhoea, with a large sample size and a longer follow up time.