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.

Exploring Trachyspermum ammi and Foeniculum vulgare in Hydroponic System and Compare its Chemical Constituents with Soil-Based Method: A Prospective in Agriculture.

BACKGROUND: The forthcoming problems will be of food, and soil due to environmental alteration, growing populations, pollution, and exhaustion of natural resources among other factors. Hydroponic farming has the capacity to alleviate the intimidation of these con-cerned issues in the agricultural system. Hydroponics is recommended as an alternative way to enhance product yield compared to conventional agriculture. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the different growth parameters and constituents of soil-grown and hydroponically grown Trachyspermum ammi and Foeniculum vulgare for the first time, which could be a patentable in future. METHODS: In this study, extraction was carried out by maceration method using methanol as a solvent whereas, growth parameters were performed by the leaves number, plant height, and leaf area. Chlorophyll content was also performed in both sources. Further, a comparison of chemical constituents from different sources was analyzed by GC-MS. RESULTS: The bioactive components in hydroponically grown T. ammi were found more as compared to soil-grown T. ammi. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of various compounds in the methanolic extract of plant materials. CONCLUSION: Hence, hydroponics could be an alternative in agriculture and this system is now accepted globally. This method provides diverse perspectives for farmers to harvest high-yield, better quality, and enhanced bioactive compounds.

Encapsulation of Fennel and Basil Essential Oils in ß-Cyclodextrin for Novel Biopesticide Formulation.

ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) is a good host for the encapsulation of fennel and basil essential oils (FEO and BEO, respectively) and the formation of inclusion complexes (ICs) using the co-precipitation method. According to the results of the GC/MS analysis conducted in this study, monoterpenes and monoterpenoids were the dominant chemical groups in total FEO, while in BEO, these two groups occurred along with sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids. The presence of dominant compounds from both EOs was validated using the FT-IR spectra of ICs, which indicated successful complexation. Analyses conducted using SPME/GC-MS showed the continuous emission of volatiles over 24 h from both ICs. Under SEM, particles of both ICs appeared to have a rectangular or rhomboid morphology and few aggregates. The insecticidal properties of EOs and ICs with ß-CD were tested on the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) as a model pest. The inclusion complex of ß-CD with FEO altered the developmental dynamic and body mass of the CPB. The initial increase in the proteolytic activity of CPB larvae fed with potato plants sprayed with ICs was not maintained for long, and the proteolytic efficacy of treated larvae remained in line with that of the control larvae. Future investigations will focus on manipulating the volume of EOs used and the treatment duration for optimal efficacy and potential application.

Comparison of autoclaving and γ-radiation impact on four spices aroma profiles and microbial load using HS-SPME GC-MS and chemometric tools.

Herbal spices are widely consumed as food additives owing to their distinct aroma and taste as well as a myriad of economic and health value. The aroma profile of four major spices including bay leaf, black pepper, capsicum, and fennel was tested using HS-SPME/GC-MS and in response to the most widely used spices´ processing methods including autoclaving and γ-radiation at low and high doses. Additionally, the impact of processing on microbial contamination of spices was tested using total aerobic count. GC-MS analysis led to the identification of 22 volatiles in bay leaf, 34 in black pepper, 23 in capsicum, and 24 in fennel. All the identified volatiles belonged to oxides/phenols/ethers, esters, ketones, alcohols, sesquiterpene and monoterpene hydrocarbons. Oxides/phenol/ethers were detected at high levels in all tested spices at ca. 44, 28.2, 48.8, 61.1%, in bay leaves, black pepper, capsicum, and fennel, respectively of the total blend and signifying their typical use as spices. Total oxides/phenol/ethers showed an increase in bay leaf upon exposure to γ-radiation from 44 to 47.5%, while monoterpene hydrocarbons were enriched in black pepper upon autoclaving from 11.4 in control to reach 65.9 and 82.6% for high dose and low dose of autoclaving, respectively. Cineole was detected in bay leaf at 17.9% and upon exposure to autoclaving at high dose and γ-radiation (both doses) its level increased by 29-31%. Both autoclaving and γ-radiation distinctly affected aroma profiles in examined spices. Further, volatile variations in response to processing were assessed using multivariate data analysis (MVA) revealing distinct separation between autoclaved and γ-radiated samples compared to control. Both autoclaving at 115 °C for 15 min and radiation at 10 kGy eliminated detected bioburden in all tested spices i.e., reduced the microbial counts below the detection limit (< 10 cfu/g).

Dietary encapsulated fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) essential oil supplementation improves performance, modifies the intestinal microflora, morphology, and transcriptome profile of broiler chickens.

Global antimicrobial resistance has led to a ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry farming, encouraging the use of natural phytogenic feed additives that provide similar effects to AGPs without causing resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the addition of encapsulated fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) essential oil (FEO) into the diets on the performance, intestinal microflora, morphology, and transcriptomic profiling of broiler chickens. In the study, 400 one-d-old male chicks of the Ross-308 genotype were randomly distributed into five groups, each with 16 replicates of five birds. The experiment included a control group fed on basal diets without the addition of FEO and treatment groups supplemented with 50 (FEO50), 100 (FEO100), 200 (FEO200), or 400 (FEO400) mg of encapsulated FEO/kg. Body weight and the European Production Efficiency Factor values were higher in the FEO100, FEO200, and FEO400 groups (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio significantly improved at all FEO levels (P < 0.05). FEO supplementation improved duodenum, jejunum, and ileum morphologies. It enhanced mucosal layer thickness in the duodenum and jejunum, and muscular layer thickness in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). It also increased the number of Lactobacillus spp. in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). According to the transcriptome profile obtained from the microarray analysis of samples taken from small intestine tissues, the mRNA expression levels of 261 genes in the FEO50 group (206 upregulated and 55 downregulated), 302 genes in the FEO100 group (218 upregulated and 84 downregulated), 292 genes in the FEO200 group (231 upregulated and 61 downregulated), and 348 genes in the FEO400 group (268 upregulated and 80 downregulated) changed compared to the control group. Most upregulated genes were associated with catalytic activity, binding, transcription regulators and transcription factors, anatomical structure and cellular development, and protein binding activity modulators. The downregulated genes mostly belonged to the transporter, carrier, and protein-modifying enzyme classes. Besides, the anti-inflammatory IL-10 gene (4.41-fold) increased significantly in the FEO100 group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, FEO improved the performance of broiler chickens by regulating biological processes such as performance and intestinal health, with the 100 mg FEO/kg supplementation being the most prominent.

The long-term use of low-level antibiotics in the poultry industry to promote growth, rather than for treatment, has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a significant risk to human and animal health. This concern has led to a ban on antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs) in broiler diets, resulting in an increase in metabolic diseases in broiler chickens. Phytogenic feed additives have been tested as alternatives to compensate for the loss of AGPs. One such additive, fennel seed essential oil (FEO), known for its strong antimicrobial properties, was examined in this study for its impact on broiler growth performance and the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms. The results showed that FEO enhanced feed conversion efficiency, thereby improving broiler performance. It positively affected the intestinal wall structure and function and helped establish a balanced microbiota by suppressing harmful and supporting beneficial microorganisms. Transcriptome datasets revealed that FEO modulated gene expression related to economically important traits such as performance and intestinal health. In conclusion, considering the urgent need for antibiotic-free production systems owing to escalating AMR and the growing interest in genotype-specific feeding in the postgenomic era, FEO may be a promising, natural, safe, and effective alternative to AGPs.

Fennel seeds dietary inclusion as a sustainable approach to reduce methane production and improve nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation.

Ruminants are considered a major producer of methane (CH4 ). Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the ability of dry fennel seeds to affect in vitro gas production and fermentation. Fennel seeds were included at 0% (Control), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% DM of a diet containing per kg DM: 500 g concentrate feed mixture, 400 g berseem hay, and 100 g of rice straw. The incubations lasted 48 h. Fennel seeds increased (P < 0.001) the asymptotic gas production and decreased its rate, while decreasing the production and proportion of CH4 (P < 0.05) and increased its rate. Moreover, fennel seed increased DM and neutral detergent fiber (P < 0.01) degradability, and increased total production of short-chain fatty acids, acetate, and propionate (P < 0.05). Compared to the control, fennel seeds increased (P < 0.01) metabolizable energy, partitioning factor, and microbial crude protein production. Overall, fennel seeds can be included up to 2% DM in ruminant diets as an environmentally friendly product in animal farming due to its ability to improve feed utilization, ruminal fermentation and while reducing CH4 production.

Effect of pin-to-plate atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) on microbial load and physicochemical properties in cinnamon, black pepper, and fennel.

The current study aimed to investigate the influence of pin-to-plate atmospheric cold plasma treatment (ACP) on the microbial decontamination efficacy, physical (water activity, color, texture), and bioactive (total phenolic and anti-oxidant capacity, volatile oil profile) of three major spices cinnamon, black pepper, and fennel at three different voltages (170, 200, 230 V) and exposure time (5, 10, 15 min). The surface etching and oxidative reactions of cold plasma is anticipated to cause microbial decontamination of the spices. In accordance with this, the ACP treatment significantly reduced the yeast and mold count of cinnamon, black pepper, and fennel, resulting in 1.3 Log CFU/g, 1.1 Log CFU/g, and 1.0 Log CFU/g, respectively even at the lowest treatment at 170 V-5 min. While at the highest treatment of 230 V-15 min, complete decontamination in all the samples was observed due to the plasma-induced microbial cell disruption. The water activity of samples reduced post-treatment 0.69 ± 0.02 to 0.51 ± 0.03 for cinnamon, 0.61 ± 0.03 to 0.49 ± 0.01 for pepper, and 0.60 ± 0.02 to 0.43 ± 0.02 for fennel which further reassures better microbial stability. The color and textural properties were significantly unaffected (p > 0.05) preserving the fresh-like attributes. The total phenolic content was increased for cinnamon (2.26 %), black pepper (0.11 %), and fennel (0.33 %) after plasma treatment at 230 V-15 min due to the cold plasma surface etching phenomenon. However, the essential oil composition revealed no significant variation in all three spices' control and treated samples. Thus, the study proves the potential of the atmospheric pressure cold plasma for the complete decontamination of the investigated spices (cinnamon, pepper, fennel) without remarkable changes in the volatile oil profile.

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.

Removal of Methyl Red from Aqueous Solution Using Biochar Derived from Fennel Seeds.

In this study, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds were used as a precursor to obtain carbon adsorbents through physical activation with carbon dioxide and chemical activation by impregnating the precursor with sodium carbonate. The physical activation involved the carbonization of the precursor at a temperature of 600 °C for 60 min and activation at a temperature of 800 °C for 30 min with carbon dioxide. Chemical activation included impregnation of the precursor with sodium carbonate at a mass ratio of a precursor to activator of 1:2. The mixture was activated in a nitrogen atmosphere with a flow rate at a temperature of 700 °C for 45 min. The resulting biochar samples were washed with 5% hydrochloric acid and subsequently rinsed with boiling distilled water. The biochar adsorbents were characterized using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, Boehm titration, and pH measurements of their aqueous extracts. The specific surface area of the obtained adsorbents ranged from 89 to 345 m2/g. Biochar adsorbents exhibit a predominance of acidic groups over basic groups on their surfaces. The sorption capacities of the obtained samples towards an aqueous solution of methyl red range from 26 to 135 mg/g. Based on adsorption studies, it was found that the adsorption of the dye on the obtained biochar materials follows a pseudo-second-order model. The Freundlich isotherm best describes the studied process, indicating the formation of a multilayer of adsorbate on the adsorbent surface. The efficacy of adsorption in aqueous solutions of methyl red was found to increase with the elevation of the process temperature. Moreover, thermodynamic studies have shown that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Consequently, this work provides a description of the physicochemical parameters of two biochars obtained by physical and chemical activation of a little-studied precursor-fennel seeds-and studies on their potential use as adsorbents for contaminants from the aqueous phase.

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.

Application of bio-organic amendments improves soil quality and yield of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) plants in saline calcareous soil.

The impact of bio-organic amendments on crop production is poorly understood in saline calcareous soils. The aim in the present study was to determine the effects of the application of organic manure along with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on soil quality, and morpho-physio-biochemical responses, seed yield (SY) and essential oil yield (EOY) of fennel plants (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) grown in saline calcareous soils. Eight treatments of farmyard manure (FM) or poultry manure (PM) individually or combined with Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) and/or Lactococcus lactis (Ll) were applied to saline calcareous soil in two growing seasons. Either FM or PM combined with LAB had beneficial effects on lowering ECe, pH and bulk density and increasing total porosity, organic matter, and water and nutrient retention capacities in addition to total bacterial population in the soil. Growth, nutrient uptake, SY and EOY of plants were also enhanced when fennel seeds were inoculated with Lp and/or Ll and the soil was amended with any of the organic manures under unfavorable conditions. Compared to control (no bio-organic amendments), FM + Lp + Lt or PM + Lp + Lt treatment signficantlly (P ≤ 0.05) increased plant height by 86.2 or 65.0%, total chlorophyll by 73 or 50%, proline by 35 or 45%, glutathione by 100 or 138%, SY by 625 or 463% and EOY by 300 or 335%, respectively, in fennel plants. Co-application of the naturally occurring microorganisms (i.e., LAB) and organically-derived, nutrient-rich fertilizer (i.e., FM or PM) is recommended to improve yield of fennel plants in saline calcareous soils.

Impact of Different Drying Methods on the Microbiota, Volatilome, Color, and Sensory Traits of Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) Leaves.

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a strongly aromatic herb of the Apiaceae family, whose full exploitation by the modern food industry is of growing interest. This study aimed at investigating the microbiological quality, volatile profile, and sensory traits of sea fennel spices produced using room-temperature drying, oven drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying. All the assayed methods were able to remove moisture up until water activity values below 0.6 were reached; however, except for microwave drying, none of the assayed methods were effective in reducing the loads of contaminating microorganisms. The metataxonomic analysis highlighted the presence of phytopathogens and even human pathogens, including members of the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Alternaria, and Cryptococcus. When compared to fresh leaves, dried leaves showed increased L* (lightness) and c* (chroma, saturation) values and reduced hue angle. Dried leaves were also characterized by decreased levels of terpene hydrocarbons and increased levels of aldehydes, alcohols, and esters. For the sensory test, the microwave-dried samples obtained the highest appreciation by the trained panel. Overall, the collected data indicated microwave drying as the best option for producing sea fennel spices with low microbial loads, brilliant green color, and high-quality sensory traits.

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.

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.

Bio-organic fertilizers promote yield, chemical composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of essential oil in fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds.

The aromatic fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) is cultivated worldwide due to its high nutritional and medicinal values. The aim of the current study was to determine the effect of the application of bio-organic fertilization (BOF), farmyard manure (FM) or poultry manure (PM), either individually or combined with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and/or Lactococcus lactis (LL) on the yield, chemical composition, and antioxidative and antimicrobial activities of fennel seed essential oil (FSEO). In general, PM + LP + LL and FM + LP + LL showed the best results compared to any of the applications of BOF. Among the seventeen identified FSEO components, trans-anethole (78.90 and 91.4%), fenchone (3.35 and 10.10%), limonene (2.94 and 8.62%), and estragole (0.50 and 4.29%) were highly abundant in PM + LP + LL and FM + LP + LL, respectively. In addition, PM + LP + LL and FM + LP + LL exhibited the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 8.11 and 9.01 µg mL-1, respectively, compared to L-ascorbic acid (IC50 = 35.90 µg mL-1). We also observed a significant (P > 0.05) difference in the free radical scavenging activity of FSEO in the triple treatments. The in vitro study using FSEO obtained from PM + LP + LL or FM + LP + LL showed the largest inhibition zones against all tested Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains as well as pathogenic fungi. This suggests that the triple application has suppressive effects against a wide range of foodborne bacterial and fungal pathogens. This study provides the first in-depth analysis of Egyptian fennel seeds processed utilizing BOF treatments, yielding high-quality FSEO that could be used in industrial applications.

Seaweed extract and arbuscular mycorrhiza co-application affect the growth responses and essential oil composition of Foeniculum vulgare L.

The influence of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) inoculation, seaweed extract (SWE) foliar use, and their co-applications were evaluated on the growth-associated traits, antioxidant potential, essential oil profile, and the nutrients content of fennel plants. A factorial experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with two factors and four replications in the greenhouse. The factors were: AMF inoculation (not inoculated and inoculated with 5 g kg-1) and SWE foliar application (0, 0.5, 1.5, or 3 g L-1). The highest root colonization percentage was recorded in plants treated with AMF + 3 g L-1 of SWE. The top recorded plant height, leaf number, leaf dry weight, biomass, thousand seed weight (TSW), total soluble proteins and total soluble carbohydrates content, antioxidant activity, and essential oil content belonged to AMF + 3 g L-1 of SWE. Furthermore, the co-application of AMF + SWE resulted in a considerable enhancement of the photosynthetic pigments content and, in N, P, K, Fe, Zn, and Mn contents in the shoots and roots. The GC-FID and GC-MS analysis revealed that (E)-anethole (73.28-76.18%), fenchone (5.94-8.26%), limonene (4.64-6.58%), methyl chavicol (2.91-3.18%), and (Z)-ß-ocimene (1.36-2.01%) were the principal essential oil constituents. The top (E)-anethole and fenchone contents were obtained by AMF + SWE. Altogether, the simultaneous application of AMF and SWE could be introduced as an environment-friendly strategy to reach reliable growth responses, especially in fennel plants' enriched with some precious essential oil constituents.

Characterization of potentially health-promoting constituents in sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum) cultivated in the Conero Natural Park (Marche region, Central Italy).

CONTEXT: Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L. [Apiaceae]) is an aromatic herb rich in bioactive molecules, such as polyphenols, with potential positive effects on human health. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at the characterization of sea fennel secondary metabolites, focusing on the phenolic fraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of whole sprouts, sole leaves and sole stems were subjected to accelerated solvent extraction with methanol, and the resulting extracts were analyzed by high­performance thin­layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-HRMS). RESULTS: HPTLC and HPLC analyses of sea fennel extracts showed similar chromatographic profiles among the tested samples, and the prevalence of chlorogenic acid within the phenolic fraction was verified. Ten hydroxycinnamic acids, including neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C, 11 flavonoid glycosides, e.g., rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, two triterpene saponins and two hydroxylated fatty acids, were detected and annotated via liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and high-resolution mass spectrometry. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The use of accelerated solvent extraction and LC-DAD-HRMS for the characterization of sea fennel secondary metabolites allowed the annotation of seven compounds newly detected in sea fennel, including triterpene saponins and hydroxylated fatty acids.

Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) as an Emerging Crop for the Manufacturing of Innovative Foods and Nutraceuticals.

Sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) is a perennial, strongly aromatic herb that has been used since ancient times in cuisine and folk medicine due to its renowned properties. Recently described as a "cash" crop, sea fennel is an ideal candidate for the promotion of halophyte agriculture in the Mediterranean basin due to its acknowledged adaptation to the Mediterranean climate, its resilience to risks/shocks related to climate changes, and its exploitability in food and non-food applications, which generates an alternative source of employment in rural areas. The present review provides insight into the nutritional and functional traits of this new crop as well as its exploitation in innovative food and nutraceutical applications. Various previous studies have fully demonstrated the high biological and nutritional potential of sea fennel, highlighting its high content of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids, ω-3 and ω-6 essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and essential oils. Moreover, in previous studies, this aromatic halophyte showed good potential for application in the manufacturing of high-value foods, including both fermented and unfermented preserves, sauces, powders, and spices, herbal infusions and decoctions, and even edible films, as well as nutraceuticals. Further research efforts are needed to fully disclose the potential of this halophyte in view of its full exploitation by the food and nutraceutical industries.

Evaluation of the Anti-Metastatic Effect of Foeniculum Vulgare on the Protein Expression of HSP 70 & 90 in Balb/c Mice with 4t1 Model of Breast Cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Breast cancer is one of the important factors of cancer-related deaths. Considering the drug resistance, special attention has been paid to natural compounds. This study aimed at evaluating the anti-metastatic activity of fennel in a breast cancer mouse model. METHODS: A total of 35 adult female BALB/C mice were used in this study. Breast cancer was induced by subcutaneous injection of 4T1 cells in the right lower flank. The mice received fennel extracts daily via intraperitoneal injection for two weeks. Meanwhile, tumor volume was measured every day using calipers. After two weeks, each animal was anesthetized. The protein expression of HSP 70 & 90 was measured in liver tissue and ovary. The expression of her2 was measured in tumor tissue. The activity of Glutathione peroxidase and reductase as anti-oxidant agents were measured in serum. RESULTS: Tumor size significantly decreased after nine days' treatment of the fennel. The expression of HER2 increased in the tumor tissue and decrease with different dose of fennel. Fennel treatment caused a decrease in the protein expression of HSP 70 & 90 in the liver tissues. CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, fennel has anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activities against aggressive cancers.

Humic substances from composted fennel residues control the inflammation induced by Helicobacter pylori infection in AGS cells.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a common human pathogen causing inflammation. Recent studies have suggested a sophisticated interplay between mitochondria, innate immunity and inflammatory response, thus proposing mitochondrial disfunction as the hallmark of severe inflammatory disorders. In this study, humic substances isolated from composted fennel residues (HS-FEN) were tested as potential therapeutical strategy to restore the mitochondrial physiology and control the inflammation associated with H. pylori infection. The molecular features of HS-FEN were characterized by infrared spectrometry, thermochemolysis-GC/MS, NMR spectroscopy, and high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), which revealed the presence of aromatic polyphenolic components arranged in a rather stable conformation. In vitro results showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of HS-FEN, that was found to increase the expression level of OPA-1 and SOD-2 genes and in AGS cells stimulated with H. pylori culture filtrate (Hpcf) and concomitantly decrease the expression level of Drp-1 gene and IL-12, IL-17 and G-CSF proteins. The hydrophobic features of HS, their conformational arrangement and large content of bioactive molecules may explain the beneficial effects of HS-FEN, that may potentially become an interesting source of anti-inflammatory agents capable to counteract or prevent the H. pylori-related inflammatory disorders.