Profiling the chemical properties of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and its flavonoids through comprehensive LC-MS/MS to evaluate their anti-motion sickness effect.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. is a medicinal and food homologous plant, and it has various biological activities. Yet, no research has explored its anti-motion sickness effects. Chemical properties of fennel extracts (FvE) and flavonoids (Fvf) were analyzed based on UPLC-QTRAP-MS to elucidate its potential anti-motion sickness components in the present study. The mice models of motion sickness were stimulated by biaxial rotational acceleration. Behavioral experiments such as motion sickness index and open field test and the measurement of neurotransmitters were used to evaluate the efficacy of compounds on motion sickness. Results showed that FvE contains terpenes, alkaloids, flavonoids, etc. Eight flavonoids including quercetin-3ß-D-glucoside, rutin, hyperoside, quercetin, miquelianin, trifolin, isorhamnetin and kaempferol were identified in the purified Fvf. FvE and Fvf significantly reduced the motion sickness index of mice by 53.2% and 48.9%, respectively. Fvf also significantly alleviated the anxious behavior of mice after rotational stimulation. Among the eight flavonoids, isorhamnetin had the highest oral bioavailability and moderate drug-likeness index and thus speculated to be the bioactive compound in fennel for its anti-motion sickness effect. It reduced the release of 5-HT and Ach to alleviate the motion sickness response and improve the work completing ability of mice and nervous system dysfunction after rotational stimulation. This study provided in-depth understanding of the anti-motion sickness bioactive chemical properties of fennel and its flavonoids, which will contribute to the new development and utilization of fennel.

Anethole mitigates H2 O2 -induced inflammation in HIG-82 synoviocytes by suppressing the aquaporin 1 expression and activating the protein kinase A pathway.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting approximately 1% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in women than in men. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of RA. Anethole, a prominent compound derived from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), possesses a spectrum of therapeutic properties, including anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tumor-suppressive effects. However, its specific impact on RA remains underexplored. This study sought to uncover the potential therapeutic value of anethole in treating RA by employing an H2 O2 -induced inflammation model with HIG-82 synovial cells. Our results demonstrated that exposure to H2 O2 induced the inflammation and apoptosis in these cells. Remarkably, anethole treatment effectively countered these inflammatory and apoptotic processes triggered by H2 O2 . Moreover, we identified the aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and protein kinase A (PKA) pathway as critical regulators of inflammation and apoptosis. H2 O2 stimulation led to an increase in the AQP1 expression and a decrease in p-PKA-C, contributing to cartilage degradation. Conversely, anethole not only downregulated the AQP1 expression but also activated the PKA pathway, effectively suppressing cell inflammation and apoptosis. Furthermore, anethole also inhibited the enzymes responsible for cartilage degradation. In summary, our findings highlight the potential of anethole as a therapeutic agent for mitigating H2 O2 -induced inflammation and apoptosis in synovial cells, offering promising prospects for future RA treatments.

Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of essential oils from the fruit and stems of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ssp. vulgare: Bitter fennel oil for use in all animal species and sweet fennel oil for use in dogs and cats (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of essential oils from fruit and stems of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (bitter fennel oil and sweet fennel oil), when used as sensory additives (flavourings). For long-living and reproductive animals, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) considered of low concern the use of bitter fennel oil (with a content of estragole up to 6.1%) at the proposed use level in complete feed: 0.6 mg/kg for laying hens and rabbits, 1.0 mg/kg for sows and dairy cows, 1.5 mg/kg for sheep/goats, horses and cats, 1.9 mg/kg for dogs and 7.1 mg/kg for ornamental fish. For short-living animals (animals for fattening), the Panel had no safety concern when bitter fennel oil is used at the proposed use level in complete feed of 18.2 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 24.3 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening and 25 mg/kg for piglets, pigs for fattening, veal calves, cattle for fattening, sheep/goats, horses, rabbits and salmon. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. The use of sweet fennel oil (with a content of estragole up to 5.0%) was considered of low concern at the proposed use level in complete feed of 2.3 mg/kg for dogs and 1.9 mg/kg cats. The use of bitter fennel oil in animal feed is expected to be of no concern for consumers and the environment. The additives under assessment should be considered as irritants to skin and eyes, and as dermal and respiratory sensitisers. Due to the high concentration of estragole (> 1%), fennel oils are classified as suspected of causing genetic defects and of causing cancer and should be handled accordingly. Since the fruit of F. vulgare Mill. ssp. vulgare and its preparations are recognised to flavour food, no further demonstration of efficacy was necessary.

Influence of the Essential Oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. on Sunflower Oil during the Deep-frying Process of Chinese Maye.

Sunflower oil (SFO) is faced with serious oxidation problems during the deep-frying of Chinese Maye, and the search for natural antioxidants has become a focus of scientific research due to the potential toxicity of synthetic antioxidants. In the present study, the Foeniculum vulgare Mill. essential oil (FVEO), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) were added to SFO for a 30 h deep frying experiment and the results showed that FVEO added to sunflower oil at 1 g/kg was similar to that of TBHQ-0.01 g/kg, and FVEO-1.5 g/kg would promote the oxidation of SFO. FVEO to sunflower oil also prominently restrained the decrease of the sensory properties of the fried product, Chinese Maye, including appearance, taste, flavor and overall acceptance by 24.2%, 20.2%, 46.1% and 56.0% (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05), respectively. The results indicated that FVEO could be used as a natural antioxidant to replace TBHQ in the deep-frying process of SFO, but further research is needed on the key antioxidant constituent of FVEO.

"Ferula assa-foetida L" or "Foeniculum vulgare"? Which one is more effective in the management of polycystic ovarian syndrome? A randomized, placebo controlled, triple-blinded.

Objective: There are few evaluation about the effects of Fennel and Ferula on human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The goals of this study were to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two medicinal plants of the Apiaceae family (Fennel and Ferula) in management of PCOS. Materials and Methods: The sample size was 47 participants with PCOS who were randomly divided into 3 groups. The Ferula assa-foetida L group received 100 mg of Ferula (n=14), the Foeniculum vulgare group received 46 mg of Fennel (n=15), and the placebo group received placebo twice daily for 3 months (n=14). Results: Before the intervention, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of clinical parameters, endometrial thickness, or ovarian volume. After the interventions, the number of ovarian follicles was decreased in the Ferula and Fennel groups as compared to the placebo group (p<0.05). The number of ovarian follicles in both ovaries in the Ferula and Fennel group decreased and this decrease was significant in the right side as compared to placebo group. Our findings showed significant changes in dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DEHAS) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels after the intervention (p<0.03) between the Ferula and Placebo groups. Conclusion: Since use of Ferula could make significant changes in TSH and DEHAS levels and decrease the number of right and left ovarian follicles compared to Fennel and placebo, it can be concluded that this herbal medicine is more effective than Fennel in managing PCOS.

Fennel affects porcine ovarian cell functions: The interrelationships with the environmental contaminant benzene.

The objective of this study was to examine the direct effects of the medicinal plant fennel on basic functions of ovarian cells, including proliferation, apoptosis, and release of progesterone and insulin-like growth factor I (IGFI), as well as to prevent the influence of the environmental contaminant benzene on these cells. Porcine ovarian granulosa cells were cultured with or without fennel extract alone or in combination with benzene. The expression of the proliferation marker PCNA and the apoptosis marker bax was analyzed by quantitative immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Fennel was able to promote proliferation and IGF-I release, but to suppress apoptosis and progesterone release. Benzene promoted the accumulation of both the proliferation and apoptosis markers, as well as IGF-I release, but it inhibited progesterone secretion. The presence of fennel did not prevent the effects of benzene on any of the measured parameters, while benzene prevented the effects of fennel on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and IGF-I but not progesterone output. These observations demonstrate the direct influence of fennel and benzene on basic ovarian cell functions. Furthermore, they show the inability of fennel to prevent the effects of benzene on these cells. On the other hand, the environmental contaminant benzene can block the response of ovarian cells to the medicinal plant fennel.

First Report on the Synergistic Interaction between Essential Oils against the Pinewood Nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.

Control of the pinewood nematode (PWN), the causal agent of pine wilt disease, can be achieved through the trunk injection of nematicides; however, many pesticides have been linked to environmental and human health concerns. Essential oils (EOs) are suitable alternatives due to their biodegradability and low toxicity to mammals. These complex mixtures of plant volatiles often display multiple biological activities and synergistic interactions between their compounds. The present work profiled the toxicity of eight EOs against the PWN in comparison to their 1:1 mixtures, to screen for successful synergistic interactions. Additionally, the main compounds of the most synergistic mixtures were characterized for their predicted environmental fate and toxicity to mammals in comparison to emamectin benzoate, a commercial nematicide used against PWN. The mixtures of Cymbopogon citratus with Mentha piperita and of Foeniculum vulgare with Satureja montana EOs showed the highest activities, with half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50) of 0.09 and 0.05 µL/mL, respectively. For these, complete PWN mortality was reached after only ca. 15 min or 2 h of direct contact, respectively. Their major compounds had a higher predicted affinity to air and water environmental compartments and are reported to have very low toxicity to mammals, with low acute oral and dermal toxicities. In comparison, emamectin benzoate showed lower nematicidal activity, a higher affinity to the soil and sediments environmental compartments and higher reported oral and dermal toxicity to mammals. Overall, uncovering synergistic activities in combinations of EOs from plants of different families may prove to be a source of biopesticides with optimized toxicity against PWNs.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors from an Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus niveus Fv-er401: Metabolomics, Isolation and Molecular Docking.

Alzheimer's disease poses a global health concern with unmet demand requiring creative approaches to discover new medications. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition and the anticholinesterase activity of Aspergillus niveus Fv-er401 isolated from Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae) roots. Fifty-eight metabolites were identified using UHPLC-MS/MS analysis of the crude extract. The fungal extract showed acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitory effects with IC50 53.44 ± 1.57 and 48.46 ± 0.41 µg/mL, respectively. Two known metabolites were isolated, terrequinone A and citrinin, showing moderate AChE and BuChE inhibitory activity using the Ellman's method (IC50 = 11.10 ± 0.38 µg/mL and 5.06 ± 0.15 µg/mL, respectively for AChE, and IC50 15.63 ± 1.27 µg/mL and 8.02 ± 0.08 µg/mL, respectively for BuChE). As evidenced by molecular docking, the isolated compounds and other structurally related metabolites identified by molecular networking had the required structural features for AChE and BuChE inhibition. Where varioxiranol G (-9.76 and -10.36 kcal/mol), penicitrinol B (-9.50 and -8.02 kcal/mol), dicitrinol A (-8.53 and -7.98 kcal/mol) and asterriquinone CT5 (-8.02 and -8.25 kcal/mol) showed better binding scores as AChE and BuChE inhibitors than the co-crystallized inhibitor (between -7.89 and 7.82 kcal/mol) making them promising candidates for the development of new drugs to treat Alzheimer's.

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.

Nephroprotective Effect of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seeds and Their Sprouts on CCl4-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats.

Functional and nutritional characteristics of seed sprouts and their association with oxidative stress-related disorders have recently become a focus of scientific investigations. The biological activities of fennel seeds (FS) and fennel seed sprouts (FSS) were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), total flavonols (TFF), and antioxidant activity (AOA) of FS and FSS were examined. HPLC and GC-MS analyses for FS and FSS were carried out. Consequently, the nephroprotective and antioxidative stress potential of FS and FSS extracts at 300 and 600 mg kg-1 on CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats was investigated. In this context, kidney relative weight, blood glucose level (BGL), lipid profile, kidney function (T. protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)), and oxidative stress biomarkers (GSH, CAT, MDA, and SOD) in the rat's blood as well as the histopathological alteration in kidney tissues were examined. Results indicated that the sprouting process of FS significantly improved TPC, TF, TFL, and AOA in vitro. HPLC identified nineteen compounds of phenolic acids and their derivatives in FS. Thirteen phenolic compounds in FS and FSS were identified, the highest of which was vanillic acid. Six flavonoids were also identified with a predominance of kaempferol. GC-MS indicated that the trans-anethole (1-methoxy-4-[(E)-prop-1-enyl]benzene) component was predominant in FS and FSS, significantly increasing after sprouting. In in vivo examination, administering FS and FSS extracts ameliorated the BGL, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), and their derivative levels compared to CCl4-intoxicated rats. A notable improvement in FS and FSS with 600 mg kg-1 compared to 300 mg kg-1 was observed. A dose of 600 mg FSS kg-1 reduced the TG, CHO, and LDL-C and increased HDL-C levels by 32.04, 24.62, 63.00, and 67.17% compared to G2, respectively. The atherogenic index (AI) was significantly improved with 600 mg kg-1 of FSS extracts. FS and FSS improved kidney function, reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), and restored the activity of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Both FS and FSS extracts attenuated the histopathological alteration in CCl4-treated rats. Interestingly, FSS extract presented better efficiency as a nephroprotection agent than FS extract. In conclusion, FSS can potentially restore oxidative stability and improve kidney function after acute CCl4 kidney injury better than FS. Therefore, FS and FSS extracts might be used for their promising nephroprotective potential and to help prevent diseases related to oxidative stress. Further research on their application in humans is highly recommended.

In utero and postnatal exposure to Foeniculum vulgare and Linum usitatissimum seed extracts: modifications of key enzymes involved in epigenetic regulation and estrogen receptors expression in the offspring's ovaries of NMRI mice.

BACKGROUND: Early-life exposure to exogenous estrogens such as phytoestrogens (plant-derived estrogens) could affect later health through epigenetic modifications. Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) and Linum usitatissimum (flax) are two common medicinal plants with high phytoestrogen content. Considering the developmental epigenetic programming effect of phytoestrogens, the main goal of the present study was to evaluate the perinatal exposure with life-long exposure to hydroalcoholic extracts of both plants on offspring's ovarian epigenetic changes and estrogen receptors (ESRs) expression level as signaling cascades triggers of phytoestrogens. METHODS: Pregnant mice were randomly divided into control (CTL) that received no treatment and extract-treated groups that received 500 mg/kg/day of fennel (FV) and flaxseed (FX) alone or in combination (FV + FX) during gestation and lactation. At weaning, female offspring exposed to extracts prenatally remained on the maternal-doses diets until puberty. Then, the ovaries were collected for morphometric studies and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS: A reduction in mRNA transcripts of the epigenetic modifying enzymes DNMTs and HDACs as well as estrogen receptors was observed in the FV and FX groups compared to the CTL group. Interestingly, an increase in ESRα/ESRß ratio along with HDAC2 overexpression was observed in the FV + FX group. CONCLUSION: Our findings clearly show a positive relationship between pre and postnatal exposure to fennel and flaxseed extracts, ovarian epigenetic changes, and estrogen receptors expression, which may affect the estrogen signaling pathway. However, due to the high phytoestrogen contents of these extracts, the use of these plants in humans requires more detailed investigations.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the fruit of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ssp. vulgare var. dulce (sweet fennel tincture) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the fruit of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ssp. vulgare var. dulce (sweet fennel tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 2.16%. The product contained 0.0586% polyphenols (of which 0.0052% were flavonoids), anethole (0.0006%), anisaldehyde (0.0035%) and estragole (0.0006%). The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that sweet fennel tincture is safe at the maximum proposed use levels of 200 mg/kg complete feed for horses and 50 mg/kg complete feed for all other animal species. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use in water for drinking is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount which is considered safe when consumed via feed. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of sweet fennel tincture up to the maximum proposed use levels in feed. Sweet fennel tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. When handling the additive, exposure of unprotected users to estragole cannot be excluded. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. F. vulgare is native to Europe. The use of sweet fennel tincture as a flavour in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the fruit of F. vulgare and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Targeting Y220C mutated p53 by Foeniculum vulgare-derived phytochemicals as cancer therapeutics.

CONTEXT: The mutations in the TP53 gene are the most frequent (50-60% of human cancer) genetic alterations in cancer cells, indicating the critical role of wild-type p53 in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis upon oncogenic stress. Most missense mutations are clustered in the DNA-binding core domain, disrupting DNA binding ability. However, some mutations like Y220C occur outside the DNA binding domain and are associated with p53 structure destabilization. Overall, the results of these mutations are single amino acid substitutions in p53 and the production of dysfunctional p53 protein in large amounts, consequently allowing the escape of apoptosis and rapid progression of tumor growth. Thus, therapeutic targeting of mutant p53 in tumors to restore its wild-type tumor suppression activity has immense potential for translational cancer research. Various molecules have been discovered with modern scientific techniques to reactivate mutant p53 by reverting structural changes and/or DNA binding ability. These compounds include small molecules, various peptides, and phytochemicals. TP53 protein is long thought of as a potential target; however, its translation for therapeutic purposes is still in its infancy. The study comprehensively analyzed the therapeutic potential of small phytochemicals from Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) with drug-likeness and capability to reactivate mutant p53 (Y220C) through molecular docking simulation. The docking study and the stable molecular dynamic simulations revealed juglalin (- 8.6 kcal/mol), retinol (- 9.14 kcal/mol), and 3-nitrofluoranthene (- 8.43 kcal/mol) significantly bind to the mutated site suggesting the possibility of drug designing against the Y220C mutp53. The study supports these compounds for further animal based in vivo and in vitro research to validate their efficacy. METHODS: For the purposes of drug repurposing, recently in-silico methods have presented with opportunity to rule out many compounds which have less probability to act as a drug based on their structural moiety and interaction with the target macromolecule. The study here utilizes molecular docking via Autodock 4.2.6 and molecular dynamics using Schrodinger 2021 to find potential therapeutic options which are capable to reactive the mutated TP53 protein.

Phytochemical Profile of Foeniculum vulgare Subsp. piperitum Essential Oils and Evaluation of Acaricidal Efficacy against Varroa destructor in Apis mellifera by In Vitro and Semi-Field Fumigation Tests.

Varroatosis is an important parasitic disease of Apis mellifera caused by the mite Varroa destructor (V. destructor). The parasite is able to transmit numerous pathogens to honeybees which can lead to colony collapse. In recent years, the effectiveness of authorized drug products has decreased due to increasing resistance phenomena. Therefore, the search for alternatives to commercially available drugs is mandatory. In this context, essential oils (EOs) prove to be a promising choice to be studied for their known acaricide properties. In this research work, the acaricide activity of EO vapours isolated from the epigeal part (whole plant) of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare sbps. piperitum) and its three fractions (leaves, achenes and flowers) against V. destructor was evaluated. The effectiveness of fumigation was studied using two methods. The first involved prolonged exposure of mites to oil vapour for variable times. After exposure, the five mites in each replicate were placed in a Petri dish with an Apis mellifera larva. Mortality, due to chronic toxicity phenomena, was assessed after 48 h. The second method aimed to translate the results obtained from the in vitro test into a semi-field experiment. Therefore, two-level cages were set up. In the lower compartment of the cage, a material releasing oil vapours was placed; in the upper compartment, Varroa-infested honeybees were set. The results of the first method showed that the increase in mortality was directly proportional to exposure time and concentration. The whole plant returned 68% mortality at the highest concentration (2 mg/mL) and highest exposure time (48 h control), while the leaves, achenes and flowers returned 64%, 52% and 56% mortality, respectively. In the semi-field experiment, a concentration up to 20 times higher than the one used in the in vitro study was required for the whole plant to achieve a similar mite drop of >50%. The results of the study show that in vitro tests should only be used for preliminary screening of EO activity. In vitro tests should be followed by semi-field tests, which are essential to identify the threshold of toxicity to bees and the effective dose to be used in field studies.

Phenolics and Volatile Compounds of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Seeds and Their Sprouts Prevent Oxidative DNA Damage and Ameliorates CCl4-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Rats.

Researchers recently focused on studying the nutritional and functional qualities of sprouts generated from seeds. The current study investigated the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), total flavonols (TFL), antioxidant activity (AOA), specific phenolic acids, and volatile chemicals in fennel seeds (FS) and fennel seed sprouts (FSS). The oxidative DNA damage prevention activity of selected FS and FSS extracts against DNA was examined. Consequently, the antioxidative stress potential of FS and FSS extracts at 300 and 600 mg kg-1 on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in rats weas investigated. The liver's functions and oxidative stress biomarkers in rat blood were examined. FSS exhibited rich phytochemical content such as TPC, TF, TFL, and AOA with altered phenolics and volatiles. HPLC identified nineteen compounds of phenolic acids and their derivatives in FS. Thirteen phenolics and six flavonoids were predominantly identified as Vanillic acid and Kaempferol, respectively. GC-MS analysis identified fifty and fifty-one components in FS and FSS, respectively. The predominant component was Benzene, [1-(2-propenyloxy)-3-butenyl] (trans-Anethole) (38.41%), followed by trans-Anethole (Benzene, 1-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)) (23.65%), Fenchone (11.18%), and 1,7-Octadiene, 2-methyl-6-methylene- Cyclohexene (7.17%). Interestingly, α-Pinene, Fenchone, trans-Anethole (Benzene, 1-methoxy-4-(2-propenyl)), 4-Methoxybenzaldehyde (4-Anisaldehyde), Benzeneacetic acid, α-hydroxy-4-methoxy, and Nonacosane contents were increased. While Dillapiole, 7-Octadecenoic acid, and methyl ester were newly identified and quantified in FSS. The oxidative DNA damage prevention capability of FSS and FS extracts indicated remarkable DNA protection. Administrating FS and FSS extracts at 300 and 600 mg kg-1 ameliorated AST, ALT, and ALP, as well as GSH, CAT, MDA, and SOD, in a dose-dependent manner. The most efficient treatment of FS or FSS was using a dose of 600 mg Kg-1, which recorded an improvement rate of 20.77 and 24.17, 20.36 and 24.92, and 37.49 and 37.90% for ALT, AST, and ALP, respectively. While an improvement rate of 40.08 and 37.87%, 37.17 and 46.52%, 114.56 and 154.13%, and 66.05 and 69.69% for GSH, DMA, CAT, and SOD compared to the CCl4-group, respectively. The observed protection is associated with increased phenolics and volatiles in F. vulgare. Therefore, FS and FSS are recommended as functional foods with bioactive functionality, health-promoting properties, and desired prevention capabilities that may help prevent oxidative stress-related diseases.

Indian traditional medicinal plants in ophthalmic diseases.

Objective: Traditional herbal plants have been in use since ancient times to treat ophthalmic conditions; so, the aim of this study is to evaluate some potent Indian traditional medicinal plants used in ophthalmic diseases in order to summarize their potential effect in ophthalmology along with their mechanism of action. Materials and Methods: Databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase were extensively explored. Additionally, relevant textbooks and literatures were consulted to summarize most of the considerable scientific literature for the review. Search term included ophthalmology, glaucoma, cataract, trachoma, conjunctivitis, traditional medicines, Unani drugs, and ayurvedic drugs were used. Around 80 review articles were consulted from the year 1982 to 2021. Results: The traditional medicinal plants are easily available, cost-effective and have no associated side effects in comparison to current conventional treatments. Moreover, these drugs in oppose to modern medicine, have an inherent potential to accelerate the body's own immunity to fight against any infection. A large volume of scientific studies has reported the beneficial effects of traditional drugs in ophthalmology. Conclusion: This review, therefore, describes the potential benefits and uses of some traditional medicinal plants used in ophthalmic diseases.

Effects of Combination Therapy with Bunium persicum and Foeniculum vulgare Extracts on Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background: Considering the side effects of common drugs used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), researchers have turned their attention to natural compounds, including medicinal plants. Foeniculum vulgare has estrogenic properties and has been traditionally used to treat gynecological disorders. Bunium persicum has medical aspects that have not yet been evaluated, so the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of combination therapy with these extracts on clinical symptoms of women with PCOS. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind clinical trial study, 70 women with PCOS referred to infertility clinics, were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The intervention group received B. persicum capsule 60 mg plus F. vulgare capsule 25 mg) twice daily for 4 months and the control groups received routine intervention. Before and after the intervention, levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone, progesterone, prolactin, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels, hirsutism score, and menstrual pattern were recorded and endometrial thickness and follicle count were determined by ultrasound. Data were analyzed by the SPSS21 software. Results: Treatment with B. persicum and F. vulgare extracts significantly decreased LH and DHEAS levels, hirsutism score, and significantly increased menstrual duration compared to the control group. Before the intervention, 5.7% of the intervention and control groups had the normal menstrual pattern, while after the intervention 31.4% of the intervention group and 25.7% of the control group had the normal pattern. Conclusion: Regarding the effect of these extracts combination and because they have no side-effects, which is a great advantage over chemical drugs, using of these plants recommend.

Antigiardial Activity of Foeniculum vulgare Hexane Extract and Some of Its Constituents.

Foeniculum vulgare is used for the treatment of diarrhea in Mexican traditional medicine. Hexane extract showed 94 % inhibition of Giardia duodenalis trophozoites at 300 µg/mL. Therefore, 20 constituents of hexane extract were evaluated to determine their antigiardial activity. Interestingly, six compounds showed good activity toward the parasite. These compounds were (1R,4S) (+)-Camphene (61%), (R)(-)-Carvone (66%), estragole (49%), p-anisaldehyde (67%), 1,3-benzenediol (56%), and trans, trans-2,4-undecadienal (97%). The aldehyde trans, trans-2,4-undecadienal was the most active compound with an IC50 value of 72.11 µg/mL against G. duodenalis trophozoites. This aldehyde was less toxic (IC50 588.8 µg/mL) than positive control metronidazole (IC50 83.5 µg/mL) against Vero cells. The above results could support the use of F. vulgare in Mexican traditional medicine.

Chemical and Genetic Variability of Istrian Foeniculum vulgare Wild Populations.

Wild Foeniculum vulgare populations from the region of Istria have been subjected to a genetic and chemical study. Headspace-gas chromatography analysis of volatile secondary metabolites and PCR-RFLP analysis of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region has been chosen to analyze the chemical and genetic traits of single plants, respectively. Large intrapopulation and interpopulation differences have been observed in both chemical profiles and restriction patterns of PCR products. The data from chemical and genetic analyses were pooled and used to assess allele frequencies of three putative genetic loci on individual populations. The pooled allele frequencies were used to determine interpopulation distances for phenogram reconstruction. The combined use of chemical and genetic datasets for genetic variation analysis proved to be a more comprehensive approach for such a study, compared to the use of single datasets, even using such relatively simple analytical tools.

Appraisal of biofilm forming bacteria in developing buffalo dung-based bioformulation coupled to promote yield of Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

Chemical fertilizers impart deleterious effects on crop productivity and its nutrients which is a serious concern among agriculturist. Current research focuses on the commercial preparation of an eco-friendly and cost-effective bioformulation using buffalo dung slurry and beneficial plant growth-promoting (PGP) and biofilm forming strains. 40 strains were isolated from buffalo dung showing PGP activities. Among them, 03 strains were further selected to sequence by 16S rRNA technology and identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa BUFF12, Proteus mirabilis BUFF14, Enterobacter xiangfangensis BUFF38. The strains were used for consortium preparation on the basis of increase in PGP activity. The consortium of strains increases in vitro PGP attributes at different percentage, i.e., 22% increase in IAA production, 10% increase in siderophore production, 5% increase in P- solubilization, 8% increase in K- solubilization, and 11% increase in S-oxidation. Three carrier materials, i.e., molasses of sugarcane, rice gruel, and buffalo dung slurry, were chosen to conduct the study. Among them, dung slurry proved to be an effective supportive material on the basis of their physico-chemical analysis and viability of strains for long-term storage. It maintained the population mixture of strains (9.4 × 108 cfu/ml) for 120 DAI followed by molasses (9.1 × 108 cfu/ml) and rice gruel (7.9 × 108 cfu/ml). These beneficial strains were further applied in field for crop productivity and slurry-based formulation with mixture of strains exhibited incredible plant growth after definite interval of time. Chemotactic activity proved these strains as strong root colonizers which was confirmed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). This research disseminates a successful technology to develop an eco-friendly bioformulation of buffalo dung slurry augmenting the crop growth in an eco-friendly manner leading to sustainable agriculture.