Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds accelerates wound healing in rats: Possible molecular mechanisms.

Wound healing is a complex, intricate, and dynamic process that requires effective therapeutic management. The current study evaluates the wound healing potentials of methanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum L. seeds (CCS) in rats. Sprague Dawley (24) rats were distributed into four cages, wounds produced on the back of the neck, and received two daily topical treatments for 14 days: A, rats received normal saline; B, wounded rats treated with intrasite gel; C and D, rats received 0.2 mL of 250 and 500 mg/kg of CCS, respectively. After that, wound area and closure percentage were evaluated, and wound tissues were dissected for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. Acute toxicity trials of methanolic extract of CCS showed the absence of any physiological changes or mortality in rats. CCS application caused a significant reduction in wound size and a statistically elevated percentage of wound contraction than those of vehicle rats. CCS treatment caused significant up-regulation of collagen fiber, fibroblasts, and fewer inflammatory cells (inflammation) in granulation tissues. TGF-ß1 (angiogenetic factor) was significantly more expressed in CCS-treated rats in comparison to normal saline-treated rats; therefore, more fibroblasts transformed into myofibroblasts (angiogenesis). CCS-treated rats showed remarkable antioxidant potentials (higher SOD and CAT enzymes) and decreased MDA (lipid peroxidation) levels in their wound tissue homogenates. Hydroxyproline amino acid (collagen) was significantly up-regulated by CCS treatment, which is commonly related to faster wound closure area. The outcomes suggest CCS as a viable new source of pharmaceuticals for wound treatment.

Detailed Phytochemical Composition, Cyto-/Hepatotoxicity, and Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory Profile of Moroccan Spices: A Study on Coriander, Caraway, and Mystical Cumin.

Coriander, caraway, and mystical cumin are famous for their aromatic properties and widely used in Moroccan cuisine. The nutritional/phytochemical composition of their seeds (used for food flavoring and preservation) were compared. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and hepatotoxic effects were also explored. The fat content was similar among the samples (13%), with monounsaturated fatty acids being predominant. The coriander and mystical cumin seeds were extremely rich in C18:1n9c (81 and 85%, respectively) while, in the caraway, C18:1n12 (25%) was found together with C18:1n9c (32%). The caraway seeds also presented a higher proportion of C18:2n6c (34%) than the other seeds (13 and 8%, correspondingly). γ-Tocotrienol was the major vitamin E form in all the samples. The caraway seeds contained double the amount of protein (~18%) compared to the other seeds (~8%) but, qualitatively, the amino acid profiles among all seeds were similar. The seeds were also rich in dietary fiber (40-53%); however, differences were found in their fiber profiles. Caraway showed the highest antioxidant profile and anti-inflammatory activity and an LC-DAD-ESI/MSn analysis revealed great differences in the phenolic profiles of the samples. Cytotoxicity (NCI-H460, AGS, MCF-7, and CaCo2) and hepatotoxicity (RAW 264.7) were not observed. In sum, besides their flavoring/preservation properties, these seeds are also relevant source of bioactive compounds with health-promoting activities.

Increasing the efficiency of cumin essential oil extraction using cold plasma pretreatments.

BACKGROUND: Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants, and its essential oil (EO) varies between 2.5% to 5% depending on differences in climate. The extraction method plays a significant role in the market price of EOs. In this study, the effect of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) pretreatments (using air and argon (Ar) gases) for different times on the EO yield and on the quality, color, surface morphology, and wettability of cumin seeds were studied. RESULTS: The scanning electron microscope analysis results revealed that the formation of fissures and cracks caused by ACP pretreatments was directly related to increasing the efficiency of EO extraction. Comparing the two gas treatments, the highest total color changes ΔE were related to the Ar and the lowest to the air treatment, and the highest amount of browning index was related to the Ar ACP pretreatment. In general, the ACP pretreatments improved the extraction efficiency compared with the control, so that the highest increase was observed in the Ar ACP pretreatment at the rate of 44%. Ar ACP pretreatments were observed to have a higher extraction efficiency than air ACP did. In the Ar ACP-treated samples, cumin aldehyde, as the most important component of EO, was increased compared with the control (47.9-56.4%). CONCLUSION: The data obtained in this study showed that ACP pretreatment of cumin seeds could increase EO extraction efficacy. Thus, ACP could be a promising technique to enhance the cumin seed EO extraction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Activity of cumin essential oil to control fascioliasis: Efficacy and changes in the tegument of Fasciola hepatica.

Fasciola hepatica, the liver trematode, infects ruminants and causes economic loss. Because parasites are developing resistance to commercial drugs, the negative effects of parasitism are increasing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) essential oil against F. hepatica eggs and adults. The eggs were incubated with eight concentrations of the essential oil (0.031125-4.15 mg/mL), and viable eggs were counted after 14 days and classified as embryonated or non-embryonated. Adult flukes were incubated in Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium to ensure their viability and then incubated in essential oil. They were observed for 24 h after treatment. The adults were assessed with the two lowest effective oil concentrations used in the ovicidal test. Three controls were used for both tests: nitroxynil, a negative control, and Tween®80. After incubation in oil, the adult specimens were processed for histological analysis and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. In addition, the oil was tested for cytotoxicity using Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells to assess any possible effect on them. The oil was effective in ovicidal and adulticidal inhibition of the trematode, with statistically significant results. All concentrations assessed in the ovicidal test were 100% effective. The adult test was effective within 15 h and inactivated all the specimens at the highest concentration evaluated (0.06225 mg/mL). Histological analysis showed that cumin essential oil resulted in marked areas of vacuolization. The spines showed no structural changes but were surrounded by microvesicles. These findings indicated that cumin oil could be a potential compound in the control of fasciolosis.

Effects of dietary supplementation of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil on expression of genes related to antioxidant, apoptosis, detoxification, and heat shock mechanism in heat-stressed broiler chickens.

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of cumin essential oil (CEO) supplementation on levels of certain gene expression related to antioxidant, apoptotic, detoxific, and heat shock mechanisms in the breast meat and ileum of heat-stressed broilers. The study was conducted on a 2 × 6 factorial design (heat stress + feed additive) on 600 day-old male broiler chicks for a period of 42 days. From day 7 to 42, although broilers in heat stress groups (HT) were exposed to constant chronic heat stress (36 °C), others were housed at thermoneutral ambient temperature (TN). The chicks in both conditions were fed with 6 experimental diets: C0 (basal diet with no additive), ANTIB (basal diet + 100 mg/kg chloramphenicol), VITE (basal diet + 50 IU α-tocopherol), C2 (basal diet + 200 mg/kg CEO), C4 (basal diet + 400 mg/kg CEO), C6 (basal diet+ 600 mg/kg CEO). The results showed that heat stress upregulated (except for Bcl-2) the genes related to antioxidant, apoptosis, detoxification, and heat shock mechanism. However, cumin essential oil increased the dose-dependently positive effect on certain genes in tissues of the heat-stressed broilers and downregulated (except for Bcl-2) these genes.

Cuminum cyminum Ameliorates Urotoxic Effects of Cyclophosphamide by Modulating Antioxidant, Inflammatory Cytokines, and Urinary Bladder Overactivity: In vivo and in Silico Investigations.

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that lacks effective treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of aqueous ethanol extract of Cuminum cyminum (AEECC) on oxidative stress, inflammation and overactivity of urinary bladder induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). Female Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg, i. p. 1st , 4th , and 7th days). To investigate the urothelial damage, the bladder weight, nociception behavior, and Evans blue dye extravasation method was used. The antioxidants CAT, GPX and NO were measured. ELISA determined the IL-6 and TNF-α levels. The spasmolytic effect of AEECC was investigated on isolated bladder strips and its mechanisms were determined. The enhanced nociception behavior, bladder weight, vascular permeability, edema, hemorrhage, nitric oxide, IL-6 and TNF-α levels by CYP administration were significantly reduced by AEECC (250 and 500 mg/kg). A significant increase in serum antioxidant system such as CAT and GPx was also observed in AEECC-treated rats. The AEECC (3 mg/ml) significantly reduced urinary bladder tone in the strips pre-contracted with carbachol in both control and CYP-treated rats. This relaxation was demolished by atropine, nifedipine, glibenclamide, and indomethacin but not with propranolol. The plant extract showed the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. These results suggest that Cuminum cyminum offers uroprotective activity and can ameliorate CYP-induced bladder toxicity by modulating antioxidant parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and bladder smooth muscle overactivity. The in silico binding interactions of antioxidant 2I3Y and anti-inflammatory protein 1TNF with various ligands from Cuminum cyminum seeds revealed potential bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, providing valuable insights for drug development and nutraceutical research.

Effective adsorption of diclofenac sodium from aqueous solution using cationic surfactant modified Cuminum cyminum agri-waste: kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic studies.

The occurrence of pharmaceutical pollutants in aqueous media has increased where significant research is being conducted to eliminate these toxic compounds. In the present study, Tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) modified Cuminum cyminum agri-waste (CCW) was prepared to investigate the removal of diclofenac sodium (DCF) from aqueous solution in the batch process for the first time. Physical and chemical characterizations of as-prepared adsorbent were conducted using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption-desorption, and point of zero charge analysis. Besides, the effect of the main parameters that affect the adsorption process, i.e., adsorbent dosage (0.25-6 g/L), contact time (0-300 min), initial DCF concentration (10-500 mg/L), and pH of the solution, were investigated. Furthermore, the resulted data were analyzed using various kinetic and isotherm models. The Pseudo-second-order model with R2 = 0.9981 showed the highest agreement with kinetic behavior. Also, the maximum adsorption capacity of DCF is 93.65 mg/g, according to the Langmuir isotherm. In acidic media, the adsorption capacity reached the highest value (44.69 mg/g). As a result, this study revealed that the agri-waste material could be modified and, as a low-cost adsorbent, have promising adsorption potential to remove pharmaceutical contaminants from the aqueous solution.

In this study, an innovative agricultural waste, Cuminum cyminum, has been used as low-cost material and modified with Tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide cationic surfactant to remove diclofenac sodium (DCF) from aqueous solution in the batch process for the first time. TTAB-modified CCW exhibited an excellent adsorption capacity of 93.65 mg/g. Kinetic and equilibrium investigations were conducted with various models in detail.

Natural sanitizer potential of Cuminum cyminum and applicable approach for calculation of Kováts retention index of its compounds.

The demand for natural agents instead of chemicals in terms of food and health safety is increasing day by day. This study aimed to investigate the potential of the methanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) in the fight against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)and Candida (C. albicans). The chemical composition of the methanolic extract of C. cyminum was analyzed using GS-MS. Also, Kováts retention indices were calculated for the detected compounds using an applicable formula. The most basic substance was cuminic aldehyde (27.86%) and p-(Dimethoxymethyl)-isopropylbenze (18.32%). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extract was 0.1 g/mL for S. aureus and C. albicans while it was > 0.1 for E. coli. Although the methanol extract of C. cyminum acts against all three microorganisms, the most lasting effect was on S. aureus, indicating that it can be recommended as a strong antibacterial disinfectant for S. aureus.

The role of cur ole of curcumin against paclitax cumin against paclitaxel-induced o el-induced oxidativ xidative stress and DNA damage in testes of adult male rats.

BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel is a widely used drug for the treatment of cancer, but it possesses toxic effects on male reproductive system. Administering paclitaxel with an antioxidant has become a strategy for preventing the side effects of paclitaxel. Although curcumin is an antioxidant, data concerning the effect of curcumin on paclitaxel-induced testis tissue are lacking. The present study was established to examine the protective impact of curcumin against testicular damage induced by paclitaxel. METHODS: In the study, 40 Wistar albino male rats were used and randomly divided into 4 groups (n:10). The control group received only saline solution; the curcumin group received curcumin throughout the experiment; the paclitaxel group received a total of four doses of paclitaxel on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of the experiment; curcumin + paclitaxel group received curcumin throughout the experiment and a total of four doses of paclitaxel on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 of the experiment. At the end of the experiment, the rats were decapitated under xylazine and ketamine anesthesia and their testicles were removed. The sections obtained from the testicles were stained with Hematoxylin & Eosin and histopathological damage was evaluated. The TUNEL method was applied to determine apoptotic cells. Testosterone levels were measured in the blood serum. The Johnsen testicular biopsy score (JTBS) was used to evaluate testicular tubules. DNA damage was evaluated in sperm samples taken from the ductus epididymis using the comet assay technique. RESULTS: Testicular tissue was severely damaged in the paclitaxel group. In the curcumin + paclitaxel group, it was determined that the administration of curcumin with paclitaxel reduced the histological damage in the testicular tissue. Moreover, according to the JTBS, the value was significantly higher in the testicular tubules (p < 0.05). Testosterone levels were higher in curcumin + paclitaxel group than in paclitaxel group. DNA damage also decreased significantly in curcumin + paclitaxel group when compared to paclitaxel group (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The results showed that curcumin may be protective against damage caused by paclitaxel in the testicles of rats.

Efficacy of Cuminum Cyminum supplementation on lipid profile and anthropometric parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of Cuminum Cyminum (CC) supplementation on lipid profile and selected anthropometric parameters. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were systematically searched until May 2021. The random-effect model was used to study the effect sizes. The sources of heterogeneity were assessed using subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Publication bias was studied by funnel plots. The GRADE approach was used to assess the overall quality of the evidence.The data from our eight included studies have indicated that CC supplementation can lower body mass index (BMI) (WMD = -0.88 kg/m2 ; 95%CI: -1.58, -0.18; p = .023) and total cholesterol (TC) (WMD = -3.96 mg/dl; 95%CI: -6.51, -1.04; p=.008). Also, after adjusting for publication bias, CC was shown to be effective in improving waist circumference (WC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) levels. Although, the current evidence has not shown that CC supplementation can affect low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), our subgroup analysis has indicated that CC supplementation with supplementation length of more than 8 weeks is associated with beneficial effects on LDL-C.While CC might be a suitable choice in managing BMI and TC, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm its efficacy in the clinical setting.

Spectroscopic and Molecular Docking Investigation on the Interaction of Cumin Components with Plasma Protein: Assessment of the Comparative Interactions of Aldehyde and Alcohol with Human Serum Albumin.

The interaction of the important plasma protein, human serum albumin (HSA), with two monoterpenes found in cumin oil, i.e., cuminaldehyde (4-isopropylbenzaldehyde) and cuminol (4-isopropylbenzyl alcohol), was studied in this paper. Both experimental and computational methods were utilized to understand the mechanism of binding. The UV absorption profile of HSA changes in the presence of both cuminaldehyde and cuminol, due to the interaction between HSA with both monoterpenes. The intrinsic fluorescence intensity of HSA was also quenched on the sequential addition of both ligands, due to change in the microenvironment of the fluorophore present in the former. Quenching of HSA by cuminaldehyde was much higher in comparison to that in the presence of cuminol. Fluorescence quenching data were analyzed using modified Stern-Volmer and Lineweaver-Burk methods, which suggested that the binding mechanism was of a static type for both ligands. In both cases, the binding was favored by the domination of hydrophobic as well as hydrogen bonding/Van der Waals forces. Both ligands partially unfolded the secondary structure of HSA, although the effect of cuminaldehyde was more pronounced, as compared to cuminol. The preferred binding site of cuminaldehyde and cuminol inside HSA was also the same; namely, drug binding site 1, located in subdomain IIA. The study showed that cuminaldehyde binds strongly with albumin as compared to its alcohol counterpart, which is due to the more hydrophobic nature of the former.

Spices Volatilomic Fingerprinting-A Comprehensive Approach to Explore Its Authentication and Bioactive Properties.

Volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) present in different spices can provide distinct analytical biosignatures related to organoleptic properties and health benefits. This study aimed to establish the volatilomic fingerprint of six of the most consumed spices all over the world (saffron (Crocus sativus L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), black pepper, (Piper nigrum L.), sweet paprika (Capsicum annuum L.), and curry (a mix of different herbs and spices)). Based on headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, this is a powerful strategy to explore and establish the spice's volatile pattern and unravel the potential health benefits related to the most important VOMs identified in each spice. This comprehensive knowledge will help in the definition of their authenticity, while simultaneously protecting against potential frauds and adulterations. A total of 162 VOMs were identified. Semi-quantitative assessments revealed that terpenoids and sesquiterpenoids amounted to the major volatile class in the investigated spices, except for cinnamon, where carbonyl compounds are the major group. Most of the studied spices comprised key characteristics of aroma and health bioactive compounds, e.g., dihydrojuneol in saffron, cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon, cuminaldehyde in cumin and curry, and caryophyllene in black pepper. The principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) successfully discriminated the investigated spices, being α-cubebene, 3-methyl butanal, ß-patchoulene and ß-selinene, the most important VOMs (highest VIP's) that contributed to its discrimination. Moreover, some VOMs have a high influence on the spice's bioactive potential, helping to prevent certain diseases including cancer, inflammatory-related diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Umbelliferose Isolated from Cuminum cyminum L. Seeds Inhibits Antigen-Induced Degranulation in Rat Basophilic Leukemia RBL-2H3 Cells.

Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) is an annual plant of the Umbelliferae family native to Egypt. We previously showed that the aqueous extract of cumin seeds suppresses degranulation by downregulating the activation of antigen-induced intracellular signaling molecules in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. However, the active substances in the extract have not yet been identified. Accordingly, herein, we aimed to ascertain the water-soluble substances present in cumin seeds that inhibit degranulation, which led to the identification of umbelliferose, a characteristic trisaccharide present in plants of the Umbelliferae family. Our study is the first to reveal the degranulation-suppressing activity of umbelliferose, and quantification studies suggest that cumin seed powder contains 1.6% umbelliferose. Raffinose, an isomer of umbelliferose, was also found to significantly suppress antigen-induced degranulation, but less so than umbelliferose. Both umbelliferose and raffinose contain sucrose subunits in their structures, with galactose moieties bound at different sites. These differences in structure suggest that the binding of galactose to the sucrose subunit at the α1-2 bond contributes to its strong degranulation-inhibiting properties.

Modeling and Optimization of the Isolation of Blackcurrant and Black Cumin Seeds Oils Using Supercritical Fluid Extraction.

Supercritical fluid extraction is a powerful analytical tool and it is willingly used by researchers for the isolation of various components from different matrices. In our study, the carbon dioxide in the supercritical state was used for the extraction of oils from blackcurrant and black cumin seeds. To determine the optimal conditions for the process (temperature, pressure and time), the method of statistical experiment planning and the Box-Behnken design was applied and the yield of the oils and the content of fatty acids (FAs) were taken into consideration. It has been found that an increase in pressure causes an increase in extraction yield (W), and an increase in temperature, both at constant pressure and time, does not significantly change the yield value. Optimal yield values were obtained for both materials under almost similar extraction parameters: 306 bar/ 43 min/ 50 °C (blackcurrant) and 282 bar/ 40 min/ 50 °C (black cumin). The influence of the above parameters (T, p, t) on the content of FAs in the extracts has a slightly different trend. The use of supercritical carbon dioxide for the extraction of blackcurrant and black cumin seeds allowed for high process yield and high-quality, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids oils which can be used as a substrate or final product for industry.

Seeds as Potential Sources of Phenolic Compounds and Minerals for the Indian Population.

Seeds are major sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds for human beings. In this work, the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of 155 Indian seeds (belonging to 49 families) are reported. Moisture and ash were measured with reference protocols from AOAC; total polyphenols and flavonoids were measured with spectrophotometric methods after extraction with organic solvents, and mineral elements were determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry. Total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and mineral contents (Al, Ba, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, P, Rb, S, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) were found to vary in the ranges 182−5000, 110−4465 and 687−7904 mg/100 g (DW), respectively. Noticeably, polyphenol contents higher than 2750 mg/100 g were observed in 18 seeds. In addition, mineral contents >5000 mg/100 g were detected in the seeds from Cuminum cyminum, Foeniculum vulgare, Commiphora wightii, Parkia javanica, Putranjiva roxburghii, Santalum album and Strychnos potatorum. Botanical and taxonomical variations in the proximate characteristics of the examined seeds are also discussed.

Development, validation and evaluation of matrix effect of a QuEChERS-based multiresidue method with low temperature dispersive clean-up for analysis of 104 pesticides in cumin (Cuminum cyminum) by LC-MS/MS.

BACKGROUND: Until now, there is no method available for analysis of pesticide residues in complex matrices like spices. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and validate a QuEChERS-based method for the estimation of 104 pesticides in cumin seed. RESULTS: Samples were spiked for 109 pesticides at concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg-1 . Of these 104 pesticides were recovered. At 0.1, 0.5 and 0.1 mg kg-1 , recoveries ranged from 71% to 108% when compared with matrix matched standards. Seventeen pesticides showed higher or lower recoveries than acceptable range (70-120%) when quantified using solvent standards showing significant matrix effect (ME) (≥ ±20%) even after 20× dilution. However, for the other pesticides ME was significantly eliminated on dilution. The recovery percentage improved for all pesticides on quantitation with matrix matched standards when compared with solvent standards. For pesticides with lower European Union (EU) maximum residue limits (MRLs), an experiment at lower spiking concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 mg kg-1 with lower dilutions (8×) reveals that almost all pesticides with lower EU MRLs (0.02 and 0.05 mg kg-1 ) showed recoveries in the range 74-124% and relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 20%. CONCLUSION: Theoretical limit of quantitation (LOQ) is proposed which ranged from 0.01 to 0.18 mg kg-1 for matrix matched standards. An LOQ of 0.01 mg kg-1 was easily achieved for the pesticides with lower EU MRLs with lower dilutions (8×) with exception of fipronil for which this can be achieved without dilution provided matrix matched standards are used. The method can be extended to other spices. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Inactivation of Salmonella enterica and Enterococcus faecium NRRL B2354 on cumin seeds using gaseous ethylene oxide.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of processing parameters (relative humidity (RH), temperature, and exposure time) on the ethylene oxide (EtO) microbial inactivation of Salmonella spp. and to evaluate Enterococcus faecium NRRL B2354 as a suitable surrogate for Salmonella inactivation on cumin seeds. Five grams of cumin seeds inoculated with either Salmonella or E. faecium were treated with EtO at different temperatures (46, 53, and 60 °C) and RH (30, 40, and 50%) levels for different exposure time to investigate the effects of process parameters on the microbial inactivation. The Weibull model fit the survival data of both bacteria with a shape parameter p < 1, which showed a tailing effect with concave shape indicating that the sensitive cells were inactivated first, and the sturdy ones survived at low RH treatment conditions. In general, the log reductions of both bacteria on cumin seeds increased with the increasing RH and temperature for EtO treatment. RH is a critical factor for successful EtO inactivation treatment. RH must be higher than 40% to implement a successful and efficient EtO decontamination of cumin seeds. E. faecium consistently showed lower log reductions than those of Salmonella under all EtO treatment conditions investigated in this study, demonstrating that E. faecium is a suitable surrogate for Salmonella. Twenty minutes of EtO treatment at 50% RH achieved ~5 log reductions of both bacteria at all three temperatures. A response surface model was developed to predict the log reductions of both bacteria under different treatment conditions and the contour plots representing log reductions were created. Inactivation is positively correlated to temperature and RH. Therefore, a higher temperature is required to achieve the desired log reduction at lower RH and vice versa. The developed response surface model is a valuable tool for the spice industry in identifying the possible combinations of EtO process parameters (temperature, RH, and exposure time) required to achieve a desired microbial reduction of Salmonella for ensuring microbial food safety of spices.

The effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) supplementation on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effect of cumin supplementation on markers of glycemic control in adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted up from inception to November 2020 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane electronic databases. Studies that compared the effect of cumin with placebo on fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in adults were considered eligible. Weighted mean difference (WMD) (with 95% confidence intervals) for endpoints were calculated using the random-effects model. Finally, a total of eight RCT studies involving 552 participants were included in the review. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that cumin supplementation did not significantly alter serum FBS (WMD: -17.77 mg/dl; 95% CI: -36.42 to 0.87, p = .06), insulin (WMD: -0.49 Hedges' g; 95% CI: -1.19 to 0.21, p =.16) levels and HOMA-IR (WMD: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.10, p = 0.48) index. These results do not support the use of cumin supplementation for improving glycemic markers in adults. However, further high-quality trials are still needed to confirm these results.

A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice Cuminum cyminum L.

Cuminum cyminum L. is a versatile spice belonging to family Apiaceae. Though the plant has pan-tropical distribution but it is indigenous to Egypt, the Mediterranean, and South Asian countries. It exhibits numerous culinary, traditional, and pharmacological attributes. Its traditional uses also validate its immense pharmacological potential. Cuminum cyminum is the hub of numerous bioactives such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and so forth. Cuminaldehyde is the major bioactive, rendered to most of its pharmacological as well as clinical significance. The present study comprised of current knowledge on its taxonomy, nutritional, traditional, phytochemistry, pharmacology (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, antidiabetic, wound healing, anticancer, etc.), toxicology, and clinical attributes. Besides, the mechanism of action is also well explained. The present study provides a rationale for further bioprospection of this wonder plant. Future studies are needed to fill the research gaps, particularly on relevant phytocompound isolation, their pre-clinical and clinical characterization, evaluation, and structure-activity relationship. Moreover, well-designed and highly appropriate clinical and placebo trials are still needed to demonstrate the trustworthy role of cumin on human health.

Chemical Constituents of the Essential oil from Cuminum cyminum L. and Its Antifungal Activity against Panax notoginseng Pathogens.

Cuminum cyminum L. (Cumin) is a flavoring agent that is commonly used worldwide, and is rich in essential oil. Essential oils (Eos) have been intensively investigated in regard to their potential for disease control in plants, which is provided a chance for the blossom of green pesticides. The chemical components of Cumin essential oil (CEO) were revealed by GC/MS, such as cuminaldehyde (44.53 %), p-cymene (12.14 %), (-)-ß-pinene (10.47 %) and γ-terpinene (8.40 %), and found they can inhibit the growth of P. notoginseng-associated pathogenic fungi in vitro and the inhibitory effect of cuminaldehyde was similar to that of hymexazol. SEM and TEM images demonstrated that cuminaldehyde and CEO increased cell permeability and disrupted membrane integrity. The expression of disease-related genes of Fusarium oxysporum showed that CEO induced the expression of most genes, which disrupted biosynthesis, metabolism and signaling pathways. These studies verified the potential of CEO as a plant fungicide that is environmentally friendly and provided ideas for developing new products for controlling root diseases that affect P. notoginseng.