Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) attenuates azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats.

Herbal medicine is one of the most common fields explored for combating colon cancers, and Pimpinella anisum L. seeds (PAS) have been utilized widely as medicinal agents because of their increased essential oil (trans-anethole) contents. In this essence, our study investigates the toxic effect and chemoprotective potentials of PAS against azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer in rats. The toxicity trial for PAS conducted by clustering fifteen rats into three groups (five rats each): A, normal control had 10% Tween 20; B, ingested with 2 g/kg PAS; and C, supplemented with 4 g/kg PAS. The in vivo cancer trial was performed by using 30 rats (Sprague-Dawley) that were randomly adapted in five steel cages (six rats each): group A, normal controls received two subcutaneous injections of normal saline 0.09% and ingested orally 10% Tween 20; groups B-E, rats received two injections of 15 mg/kg of azoxymethane (AOM) subcutaneously in 2 weeks and treated orally with 10% Tween 20 (group B) or intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil (35 mg/kg) (group C), or orally given 200 mg/kg PAS (group D) and 400 mg/kg PAS (group E) for 8 weeks. After the scarification of rats, the colon tissues were dissected for gross and histopathological evaluations. The acute toxicity trial showed the absence of any toxic signs in rats even after 14 days of ingesting 4 g/kg of PAS. The chemoprotective experiment revealed significant inhibitory potentials (65.93%) of PAS (400 mg/kg) against aberrant crypto foci incidence that could be correlated with its positive modulation of the immunohistochemically proteins represented by a significant up-regulation of the Bax protein and a decrease of the Bcl-2 protein expressions in colon tissues. Furthermore, PAS-treated rats had notably lower oxidative stress in colon tissues evidenced by decreased MDA levels and increased antiradical defense enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx). The outcomes suggest 400 mg/kg PAS as a viable additive for the development of potential pharmaceuticals against colorectal cancer.

Unveiling the bioactive potential of Pimpinella anisum L. leaf extracts: Chromatographic profiling, antimicrobial efficiency, and cytotoxicity analysis.

In various countries, Pimpinella has been used to cure several diseases for centuries. Therefore, we focus on one of its potent species in this research. The aim of this experimental study was to document the various extracts derived from Pimpinella anisum that can effectively eradicate oral pathogens. In addition, the presence of antioxidants, antimicrobials, and cytotoxicity was determined using chromatographic testing methods. The alkaloid range was from 22.34 ± 043 mg/g, and the saponin range was from 15.1 ± 1.07 mg/g. HPLC analysis showed that the samples contained eight identified phenolic compounds. The antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract exhibited the highest inhibition region against Streptococcus iniae (43 ± 0.6 mm) and the lowest inhibition region against Staphylococcus haemolyticus (19 ± 0.2 mm) in 200 mg/mL of leaf ethanolic extracts. The antifungal activity revealed that ethanol showed the maximum inhibition zone against Aspergillus luchuensis (42.5 ± 0.19 mm) and the minimum inhibition zone against Aspergillus kawachii (15 ± 0.13 mm) in 200 mg/mL. The current study suggested that, after the isolation of individual components, P. anisum be investigated for assessing biological activity. The mixture and various combinations of these compounds may indicate a truly potent agent that is novel in its ability to combat a wide range of bacteria and oral pathogens.

Chemical profiling and quantitative analysis on the aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum fruit by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Anise fruit (Aniseed) has been used for many years as a traditional medicine in various countries throughout the world; however, the chemical material basis of Aniseed water extract (AWE) has not been examined in detail, limiting our understanding of its pharmacological mechanism and methods for practical quality control. A high-efficiency and high-sensitivity LC-triple time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis method using data processing method combined with product ion and neutral loss filtering for systematic screening and identification of the constituents of AWE was established. A quantitative method was established by using LC-MS/MS with multiple reaction monitoring for 10 min to determine the concentration of 17 representative constituents. A total of 89 compounds were discovered in AWE, of which 31 were confirmed by the reference standards, while 24 were found in Aniseed for the first time. The qualification analysis results showed that chlorogenic acids and luteolin derivatives were the major compounds. The linearity, sensitivity, precision, stability, repeatability, and accuracy of the method were verified, which demonstrated that the method could meet the requirements for quantification. This work contributes to a better understanding of the chemical material basis of Aniseed and assists in the development of effective analytical methods for natural medicines.

The effect of Pimpinella Anisum herbal tea on human milk volume and weight gain in the preterm infant: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Human milk supports pre-term infants to thrive. Yet human milk production can be inhibited when infants are born prematurely. Pimpinella Anisum has been evidenced to increase milk production and infant weight gain in previous animal studies. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Pimpinella Anisum herbal tea on human milk volume and preterm infant weight in human populations for the first time. METHODS: Human milk supports pre-term infants to thrive. Yet human milk production can be inhibited when infants are born prematurely. Pimpinella Anisum has been evidenced to increase milk production and infant weight gain in previous animal studies. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Pimpinella Anisum herbal tea on human milk volume and preterm infant weight in human populations for the first time. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in terms of milk volume in the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh days between the three groups of intervention, placebo, and control (p < 0.05). On the first day, the mean volume of pumped milk in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.008). On the second day, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. On the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh days, the mean volume of pumped milk in the intervention group was significantly higher than the placebo and control groups (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of preterm infant weight on days 0, 3 and 7 between the three groups. CONCLUSION: The use of Pimpinella Anisum or 'Anise' tea can increase the volume of human milk and since no specific side effects have been reported in its use, it may be incorporated easily, cheaply, and effectively in practice where appropriate to the benefit of preterm infant nutrition worldwide.

A comparison of the performance of conventional and eco-friendly extraction methods in the evaluation of total phenolics, antioxidant activity, and chemical composition of anise.

In this work, the essential oil of Pimpinella anisum seeds was obtained by six different extraction methods. In the chemical composition analysis, 4, 6, 4, 1, 20, and 8 compounds were detected in the extracts obtained by Soxhlet, Ultrasonic-assisted (UAE), hydrodistillation using Clevenger apparatus (HDC), subcritical water extraction (SWE), supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (ScCO2) using three solvents (methanol (ScCO2-Met), ethanol (ScCO2-Et), and hexane (ScCO2-H)) and supercritical 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (ScR134a) methods, respectively. Also, the performances of the applied methods were compared by analysing the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of the extracts. Anethole was the main component of all extracts obtained by SWE (94.5%) and Soxhlet (94.5%) methods, respectively. Also, TPC values were the highest (508.5 mg GAE/100 g kb) in ScR134a extract and the lowest (27.77 mg GAE/100 g kb) in HDC extracts. The antioxidant capacity was found to be the highest in ScCO2-H (IC50 = 1.58 mg/mL) and the lowest in Soxhlet extracts (IC50 = 0.07 mg/mL). The results showed the great effectiveness of eco-friendly extraction SWE, ScCO2-Et, and ScR134a methods.

In vitro antibacterial effect of Pimpinella anisum essential oil on Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus casei, Actinomyces naeslundii, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

INTRODUCTION: Pimpinellaanisum is a medicinal plant with antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-oxidative properties. Limited studies have assessed the antibacterial properties of Pimpinellaanisum on oral and dental pathogens.

Pimpinella anisum Essential Oil Nanoemulsion Toxicity against Tribolium castaneum? Shedding Light on Its Interactions with Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase by Molecular Docking.

The insecticidal activity is the result of a series of complex interactions between toxic substances as ligands and insect's enzymes as targets. Actually, synthetic insecticides used in pest control programs are harmful to the environment and may affect non-target organisms; thus, the use of natural products as pest control agents can be very attractive. In the present work, the toxic effect of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oil (EO) and its nanoemulsion (NE) against the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, has been evaluated. To assess the EO mode of action, the impact of sub-lethal concentrations of aniseed EO and NE was evaluated on enzymatic and macromolecular parameters of the beetles, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein, total lipids and glucose. Finally, a molecular docking study was conducted to predict the mode of action of the major EO and NE components namely E-anethole, Limonene, alpha-himalachalene, trans-Verbenol and Linalool at binding site of the enzymes AST and ALT. Herein, the binding location of the main compounds in both proteins are discussed suggesting the possible interactions between the considered enzymes and ligands. The obtained results open new horizons to understand the evolution and response of insect-plant compounds interactions and their effect predicted at the molecular levels and side effects of both animal and human.

Could Anise decrease the intensity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms in comparison to placebo? A double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Background Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) has a high prevalence among women of reproductive ages but despite its high prevalence, it has no determined and absolute treatment, so far. So, the aim of the present study was to compare the effect Pimpinella Anisum (Anise) with placebo on the intensity of the symptoms of PMS. Methods The present study was a randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial. College students who were suffering from PMS and had the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly assigned into two groups of intervention (Anise) and control (placebo). Participants in the intervention group, received 110 mg capsules of Anise three times day (a total dose of 330 mg per day); the control group received similar capsules with the same dosing that contained starch. Consumption of the capsules was started 7 days before the start of the menstruation and continued until 3 days after, which was a total of 10 days during two consecutive menstruation cycles. The intensity of the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome was measured using Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST). To compare the intensity of the symptoms between the two study groups, generalized estimating equation statistical method was used. Results Eventually, sixty-seven 18-35 year old college students who were suffering from premenstrual syndrome were enrolled in the study. Comparing the mean score of the intensity of the syndrome between the two groups after the first and the second menstruation cycles showed a decrease in the intervention group to 13.9 (p-value<0.001; 95% CI: 16.5,-11.4) and 9.8 (p-value<0.001; 95% CI: 12.4,-7.3), respectively. Conclusion Results of the study showed that, in general, Anise was effective in decreasing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in comparison to placebo.

Wound healing activity of Pimpinella anisum methanolic extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the wound healing potential of Pimpinella anisum on cutaneous wounds in diabetic rats. METHOD: Full-thickness excisional wounds were made on the back of male, Sprague-Dawley rats with diabetes. The rats were randomly allocated into four treatment groups: 1ml basal cream; tetracycline (3%); Pimpinella anisum 10% for 14 days; and a control group. At days seven, 14 and 21 post-injury, five animals of each group were euthanised, and wounds were assessed through gross, histopathological and oxidant/antioxidant evaluations. Additionally, the dry matter and hydroxyproline contents of the skin samples were measured. RESULTS: A total of 60 rats were used in the study. A significant decrease in the wound size was observed in treated animals with Pimpinella anisum compared with other groups during the experiment. Additionally, treatment with Pimpinella anisum decreased the number of lymphocytes and improved the number of fibroblasts at the earlier stages and increased a number of fibrocytes at the later stages of wound healing. Other parameters such as re-epithelialisation, tissue alignment, greater maturity of collagen fibres and large capillary-sized blood vessels revealed significant changes when compared with the control. Pimpinella anisum significantly reverted oxidative changes of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase induced by diabetic wounds (p<0.05). Furthermore, it significantly increased the dry matter and hydroxyproline contents at various stages of wound healing (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that application of Pimpinella anisum extract promotes wound healing activity in diabetic rats. The wound-healing property of Pimpinella anisum can be attributed to the phytoconstituents present in the plant.

Preclinical investigation of the cardiovascular actions induced by aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum L. seeds in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE: Pimpinella anisum is used in traditional medicine because of its pharmacological properties which include cardiovascular action. However, no scientific information supports this use. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the effects of Pimpinella on arterial blood pressure (BP) and its pharmacological mechanism of action. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pimpinella seeds were extracted with water, concentrated and freeze-dried yielding the aqueous extract (AE). A non-invasive BP assessment method was used (via the caudal artery) on Wistar, Wistar Kyoto, SHRs and rats that were submitted to high intake of dietary salt. Direct BP and heart rate were evaluated in Wistar rats in the absence or presence of atropine, L-NAME and angiotensin II. Spontaneous diuresis and the effect of AE on depolarized portal vein of Wistar rats was also examined. RESULTS: The data revealed that AE reduced BP in all groups evaluated and its effects were not due to diuretic, sympatholytic or parasympathomimetic actions. Additionally, it was shown that AE does not act as an angiotensin receptor blocker and does not induce hypotension by reducing vascular resistance induced by oxide nitric. In the depolarized portal vein, AE inhibited calcium influx, which indicates that AE acts as calcium channel blocker. CONCLUSION: This study validates the cardiovascular actions of Pimpinella and characterizes the hypotensive effects of Pimpinella that are related to the blockade of calcium channels.

Pimpinella anisum essential oil nanoemulsions against Tribolium castaneum-insecticidal activity and mode of action.

The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is an economically important pest of stored products. As possible alternative to conventional insecticides for its management, plant essential oils have gained interest owing to their effectiveness and eco-friendly features. However, they also show some drawbacks, such as low stability, poor water solubility and diffusion, and limited persistence in the environment. A good strategy to overcome these disadvantages is represented by green nanotechnologies. Herein, we developed a nanoemulsion based on the essential oil from Pimpinella anisum L. (Apiaceae) containing 81.2% of (E)-anethole and evaluated its toxicity on T. castaneum adults and F1 progeny, as well as its morphological and histological impact. The aniseed oil nanoemulsion was characterized by the formation of a semi-solid interphase between oil and water; mean drop size was 198.9 nm, PDI was 0.303, zeta potential was - 25.4 ± 4.47 mV, and conductivity was 0.029 mS/cm. The nanoemulsion showed toxicity on T. castaneum (LC50 = 9.3% v/v), with a significant impact on its progeny. Morphological and histological damages triggered by feeding and exposure to the aniseed nanoemulsion were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy. Overall, our findings showed that the development of nanoemulsions allows to improve the stability of P. anisum essential oil enhancing its efficacy against stored grain pests and contributing to reduce the use of harmful synthetic insecticides.

Plant extracts with potential to control of two-spotted spider mite / Extratos vegetais com potencial de uso no controle do ácaro rajado

Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) is a species of great economic importance to Brazil. In its control, the main option is the use of synthetic miticides, which, if used indiscriminately, can contaminate the environment, farmers and consumers. In the search for control alternatives, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of plant extracts and essential oils on females of this pest. For this, T. urticae females, reared in laboratory, were sprayed in Potter tower. Fourteen plants were tested in the form of aqueous extracts (AE), hydroethanolic extracts (HE) or essential oils (EO). The experimental plot consisted of a Petri dish with a Canavalia ensiformis L. leaf disk containing five T. urticae females, using ten plates per treatment. Mortality evaluations were performed 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours after spraying, recording the number of dead females on the disc and the number of dead females on the moistened cotton. We considered that females found on cotton were repelled by treatments. Matricaria chamomilla L. HE and Pimpinella anisum L. AE have acaricidal effect for females, providing above 83% of mortality, after 120 hours. Origanum vulgare L. HE causes at least 75% mortality after 24 hours. Also 120 hours after spraying, P. anisum HE and O. vulgare AE cause repellency of females above 16%, and A. absinthium HE exceeds 22% for this parameter. The results stimulate further researches to determine the optimum dose and evaluation of additional effects on the fertility of surviving females.(AU)

Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) é uma espécie de grande importância econômica para o Brasil. Em seu controle, a principal opção são os acaricidas sintéticos, que, se usados de forma indiscriminada, podem contaminar ambiente, produtores e consumidores. Na busca de alternativas de controle, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de extratos vegetais e óleos essenciais sobre fêmeas dessa praga. Para isso, fêmeas de T. ­urticae criadas em laboratório foram pulverizadas em torre de Potter. Foram testadas 14 espécies vegetais, na forma de extratos aquosos (EA), hidroetanólicos (EH) ou óleos essenciais (OE). A parcela experimental consistiu de uma placa de Petri com um disco de folha de feijão-de-porco (Canavalia ­ensiformis L.) contendo cinco fêmeas de T. urticae, sendo utilizadas dez placas por tratamento. As avaliações de mortalidade foram realizadas 24, 48, 72, 96 e 120 horas após a pulverização, registrando-se o número de fêmeas mortas no disco e no algodão umedecido. Considerou-se que fêmeas encontradas no algodão foram repelidas pelos tratamentos. Matricaria chamomilla L. na forma de extrato hidroetanólico e Pimpinella anisum L. na forma de extrato aquoso possuem efeito acaricida para fêmeas proporcionando acima de 83% de mortalidade, após 120 horas da pulverização. Origanum ­vulgare L. EH causa no mínimo 75% de mortalidade após 24 horas. Também após 120 horas, P. anisum EH e O. vulgare EA causam repelência de fêmeas acima de 16% e A. absinthium EH ultrapassa 22% para esse parâmetro. Os resultados estimulam a realização de pesquisas futuras para determinação da dose ótima e avaliação de efeitos adicionais sobre a fertilidade das fêmeas sobreviventes.(AU)

Pimpinella anisum L. fruit: Chemical composition and effect on rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a group of chronic liver disorders caused by irregular accumulation of fat in liver tissue. The current study aimed to evaluate chemical composition and the effect of fruit extract and essential oil of Pimpinella anisum in experimental model of NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty rats were randomly divided into ten groups, six in each group. NAFLD was induced in rats using choline-deficient diet for 90 days, followed by 30 days of treatment with 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day of hydroethanolic extract (AE) as well as 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg/day of essential oil (AO). Blood samples were collected in the final day, and lipid profile, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as biomarkers of oxidative damage including myeloperoxidase, lipid peroxidation, total thiol molecules, and ferric-reducing ability of plasma were measured. Liver tissue sections of the sacrificed rats were also assessed histologically. RESULTS: AE and AO significantly reversed increase in the plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerol and decrease in high-density lipoprotein level in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Serum levels of AST and ALT were also significantly modified by treatment with AE and AO (P < 0.05). Biomarkers of oxidative stress were modulated by administration of AE and AO (P < 0.05). Histological assessments also confirmed the effectiveness of treatments by reduced macrovesicular steatohepatitis. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that P. anisum fruit extract and essential oil have beneficial effects in the treatment of NAFLD. Further studies are necessary to confirm safety and efficacy of this medicinal plant in clinical setting.

Quantification of biologically active O-prenylated and unprenylated phenylpropanoids in dill (Anethum graveolens), anise (Pimpinella anisum), and wild celery (Angelica archangelica).

An analytical strategy based on different extraction methodologies and HPLC with spectrophotometric (UV-vis) detection has been developed to investigate the presence of and to quantitate biologically active selected unprenylated and O-prenylated phenylpropanoids, namely umbelliferone, 4'-geranyloxyferulic acid, 7-isopentenyloxycoumarin, auraptene, and umbelliprenin in dill (Anethum graveolens L.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), and wild celery (Angelica archangelica L.). Absolute ethanol or 7:3 water/ethanol mixtures were seen to be the most powerful extraction solvents to perform "classic" maceration or ultrasound-assisted one in terms of yields in secondary metabolites. For anethum and anise, umbelliprenine was found to be the most abundant prenyloxy secondary metabolite, while in wild celery 4'-geranyloxyferulic acid recorded the highest concentration. Our experimental approach demonstrated to be efficient for the simultaneous identification and quantitation of the above mentioned prenyloxyphenylpropanoids in the title plant species, that is reported herein for the first time in the literature.

Pimpinella anisum L. ethanolic extract ameliorates the gentamicin- induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

AIM: Gentamicin (GM) is one of the commonest causes of drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Moreover, oxidative stress plays an important role in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The current study aimed to explore the antioxidant and protective effects of Pimpinella anisum (P. anisum) on the alleviation of GM-induced damage. METHODS: Forty male wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, sham that was administrated normal saline orally and intraperitoneally (i.p.), GM that received 100 mg/kg bw/day i.p., GM and ethanolic extract of P. anisum that was administrated at an oral dose of 300 mg/kg bw/day for 8 days. Creatinine, Na+ , K+ and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were measured. The levels of ferric-reducing-antioxidant-power (FRAP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to evaluate the oxidative stress induced by GM. Kidney tissues were stained to determine the degree of tissue damage. RESULTS: The plasma levels of creatinine, BUN, MDA and the absolute excretion of sodium and potassium were increased in the GM group, while FRAP level was reduced compared to the sham group. In addition, congestion of renal Vessels and tubular cell necrosis was observed. We found that 300 mg/kg bw/day P. anisum significantly reduced the plasma concentrations of renal function markers in the group receiving GM (P < 0.05). Additionally, gentamicin-induced tubule damage was improved by P. anisum. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the potential therapeutic impact of P. anisum to attenuate GM-induced nephrotoxicity. Therefore, the simultaneous use of ethanolic extract of P. anisum during GM administration is recommended to reduce its nephrotoxicity effects.

Phytochemical Profile and Evaluation of the Biological Activities of Essential Oils Derived from the Greek Aromatic Plant Species Ocimum basilicum, Mentha spicata, Pimpinella anisum and Fortunella margarita.

Natural products, known for their medicinal properties since antiquity, are continuously being studied for their biological properties. In the present study, we analyzed the composition of the volatile preparations of essential oils of the Greek plants Ocimum basilicum (sweet basil), Mentha spicata (spearmint), Pimpinella anisum (anise) and Fortunella margarita (kumquat). GC/MS analyses revealed that the major components in the essential oil fractions, were carvone (85.4%) in spearmint, methyl chavicol (74.9%) in sweet basil, trans-anethole (88.1%) in anise, and limonene (93.8%) in kumquat. We further explored their biological potential by studying their antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiproliferative activities. Only the essential oils from spearmint and sweet basil demonstrated cytotoxicity against common foodborne bacteria, while all preparations were active against the fungi Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger. Antioxidant evaluation by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity assays revealed a variable degree of antioxidant potency. Finally, their antiproliferative potential was tested against a panel of human cancer cell lines and evaluated by using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. All essential oil preparations exhibited a variable degree of antiproliferative activity, depending on the cancer model used, with the most potent one being sweet basil against an in vitro model of human colon carcinoma.

Evaluation of a novel natural drop for treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps: a single blind randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the effectiveness of a Pimpinella anisum-based herbal medicine for treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) without polyps in comparison to fluticasone nasal spray, in a single-blinded randomized trial. METHODS: Patients with CRS without nasal polyps were randomly assigned into 2 treatment groups: individuals in the first group (n = 26) received 2 drops of a P. anisum-based herbal medicine (Sinupim) in each nostril every 12 hours, while those in the second group (n = 22) received 2 puffs of fluticasone nasal spray in each nostril every 12 hours. Both groups used their designated treatments for 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated by the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) at the start of the trial and after the completion of their treatment. RESULTS: Although both treatments were effective in reducing patients' symptoms, there were significantly better results in the Sinupim group based on the SNOT-22 evaluation. Mean changes in computed tomography (CT) scan scoring in Sinupim and fluticasone groups before and after treatment were 2.22 ± 2.94 and 0.76 ± 1.39, respectively, which was significant within both groups (p < 0.05). Postnasal drip and nasal obstruction were more significantly improved in the Sinupim group. CONCLUSION: A P. anisum-based herbal medicine may be an effective treatment for sinusitis without polyps. However, its wide acceptance needs further investigation.

The Protective Role of Anise Oil in Oxidative Stress and Genotoxicity Produced in Favism.

The metabolic disease favism is an acute hemolytic anemia. Anise oil was obtained from Pimpinella anisum L. seeds (family Apiaceae). The objective of this study was to establish the protective effect of anise oil in favism disorders. Forty-eight male albino rats were divided into six groups: group 1 orally administrated 1 mL distilled water, group 2 orally received 300 mg/kg anise oil, and group 3 orally administrated 100 mg/kg anethole over a seven-day period, group 4 favism-induced rats, group 5 orally administrated 300 mg/kg anise oil and group 6 orally administrated 100 mg/kg anethole once a day over a seven-day period prior to favism induction. The result obtained revealed that oral administration of either anise oil or anethole into normal rats over a seven-day period did not induce any change. Following favism induction, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red and white blood cell counts, serum glucose, blood glutathione, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, total protein, globulin, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases levels were significantly decreased, while serum alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin showed significant increase. Pretreatment with either anise oil or anethole into favism-induced rats prevented these changes. Favism also induced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and prior treatment of anise oil maintained liver DNA content. These results were supported by histopathological evaluation. In conclusion, anise oil pretreatment into favism-induced rats decreased the favism disorders, and this effect was related to the anethole ingredient of the oil.

Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products - Part 3: Mentha × piperita - Solanum dulcamara.

This review focuses on contact dermatitis as an adverse effect of a selection of topically used herbal medicinal products for which the European Medicines Agency has completed an evaluation up to the end of November 2013 and for which a Community herbal monograph - now (since 2015)(†) called a European Union herbal monograph - has been produced. Part 3: Mentha × piperita L.-Solanum dulcamara L.

Effects of the aqueous extract of Pimpinella anisum L. seeds on exploratory activity and emotional behavior in rats using the open field and elevated plus maze tests.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Pimpinella anisum L. is considered one of the first plants used for medicinal purposes. Pharmacological actions of the plant on the central nervous system have been proven but previous analyses have focused on anticonvulsant and neuroprotective actions. In traditional medicine worldwide, the use of Pimpinella is commonly recommended as a tranquilizer, although no scientific information supporting this use is available. Therefore, it was decided to investigate the central actions of the plant to observe behavioral responses, with an emphasis on the emotional component. AIM OF STUDY: To investigate the effects of the aqueous extract of Pimpinella seeds on exploratory activity and emotional behavior in rats using the open field and elevated plus maze tests. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seeds of Pimpinella were extracted with distilled water, concentrated and freeze-dried yielding the aqueous extract(AE). Rats were divided into four groups: control(water 5 mL/kg, p.o.) and AE 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg, p.o. Individual observations were performed in an open field and the parameters locomotor activity, rearing, grooming and defecation were recorded. In elevated plus maze test, rats were divided into four groups: control(water 5 mL/kg, p.o.) and AE 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg, p.o. The parameters arm entries, total time spent in open and closed arms; and total number of arrivals at the end of an open or closed arm were recorded for each rat. RESULTS: Among the parameters assessed with the open field test, only rearing was reduced in the AE 0.5 g/kg group. When AE 1.0 g/kg was administered, only the initiation of exploratory activity was delayed, without impairing the animals' general activity. The highest dose of AE (2.0 g/kg) induced a reduction in the animals' habituation during the open field test within the same session, as evidenced by the maintenance of high levels of peripheral locomotion and rearing throughout the test. On the elevated plus maze test, no alterations were observed in the responses of the animals relative to controls for all doses tested. CONCLUSION: These results failed to support anxiety-related central action of the aqueous extract of Pimpinella seeds, invalidating popular beliefs regarding a tranquilizing effect. However, a habituation-related central action of the extract was demonstrated, suggesting action of bioactive compounds on central learning-related areas. The characterization of effects that may interfere with cognitive processes reinforces caution regarding indiscriminate consumption of the plant, especially in individuals with deficits, such as Alzheimer's Disease patients.