Caraway Extracts Research Articles

Effects of Caraway and (S)-(+)-carvone Extract on the Expression of Genes Coding Key Glycolytic Enzymes in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder causing dysfunctional regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and contributing to multiple serious health challenges worldwide. Aims: This research explores the effect of caraway hydroalcoholic extract and (S)-(+)-carvone on the transcription of genes coding for key glycolytic enzymes in the liver of the diabetic rat treated with streptozotocin (STZ). Methods: In this experimental study, diabetes was established in four groups of rats by injecting 45 mg/kg of STZ intraperitoneally. Further normal rats that were not injected formed the control group. Over four weeks, the effects of caraway hydroalcoholic extract (150 and 250 mg/kg) and carvone (100 mg/kg) were evaluated using PCR and histopathological evaluation, specifically in the form of effects on the transcription process of genes coding key glycolytic enzymes in the liver of the diabetic rats. Results: Over the four-week assessment period, rats’ food intake, and therefore blood glucose levels, were decreased through the daily oral administration of carvone and caraway extract (150 mg/kg) when compared to those administered with further STZ. The expression of key glycolytic enzymes, including glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, and phosphofructokinase 1 in the liver of diabetic rats was restored to near-normal levels by carvone and caraway extract, especially at the 150 mg/kg dose. Histopathological evaluation of diabetic rat liver demonstrated that administration of caraway extract and carvone decreased the STZ-induced damage to liver tissue. Conclusion: 150 mg/kg of caraway extract strongly regulates glycolysis by regulating the gene expression of key glycolytic enzymes in diabetic rats.

Biochemical and Physiological Responses of Cucumis sativus L. to Application of Potential Bioinsecticides—Aqueous Carum carvi L. Seed Distillation By-Product Based Extracts

The extensive application of synthetic insecticides and herbicides over the past 50 years has led to a number of problems, including negative effects on non-target organisms and the evolution of pesticide-resistant pests. As an alternative means of pest control, plant-based biopesticides have emerged. While developing a new bioinsecticide, allelopathy on both target pests and target crops must be evaluated. We evaluated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), total phenolic content (TPC), total sugars and antiradical activity (ARA), as well as 18 photosynthetic apparatus characterizing functional parameters as stress signaling response to aqueous caraway seed distillation by-product-based extracts. VOCs were detected by headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS). The caraway extract application decreased “green leaf volatile” C4, C5 and C6 alcohol content in the cucumber leaves. Total phenolic content (TPC), total sugars and antiradical activity (ARA) using high-throughput 96-well plate spectrophotometric methods were tested in dried leaves. No significant changes in these parameters were detected in cucumber leaves after the application of extracts. The caraway extract application did not cause changes in the functioning of the photosynthesis apparatus. Aqueous caraway seed distillation by-product-based extracts can be considered non-phytotoxic to cucumber plants; however, they modify the VOC emissions even ten days after treatment.

Caraway extract alleviates atopic dermatitis by regulating oxidative stress, suppressing Th2 cells, and upregulating Th1 cells in mice

Objective: To explore the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of caraway on atopic dermatitis (AD) in mice. Methods: AD was induced in two stages, including sensitization and challenge with the application of 2,4 dinitrochlorobenzene 2% and 0.2%, respectively. Clinical symptoms and histological analysis of the skin were assessed. The effects of caraway on oxidant/antioxidant parameters as well as Th1- and Th2-related cytokines were also evaluated. Results: Caraway reduced the severity of dermatitis in AD-induced mice, as evidenced by significant inhibition of Th2-related cytokines (IL-4 and IL-13) and increased Th1-related cytokine (IFN-γ). Additionally, treatment with caraway significantly increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and decreased the malondialdehyde level in the serum of AD mice. Furthermore, caraway inhibited the differentiation of Th2 cells while favoring Th1 cell differentiation in the spleen via regulating their master transcription factors GATA3 and T-bet. Conclusions: Caraway could improve AD autoimmune responses and could be considered a potential candidate to treat AD disease.

Effect of edible coating of Basil seed mucilage with different levels of black Caraway extract on quality and shelf life of lactic cheese

Effect of edible coating of Basil seed mucilage with different levels of black Caraway extract on quality and shelf life of lactic cheese

Antimicrobial Effects of Plant Extracts against Clostridium perfringens with Respect to Food-Relevant Influencing Factors

The application of plant extracts (PEs) could be a promising option to satisfy consumers' demand for natural additives to inhibit growth of variable pathogenic bacteria. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a standardized microdilution method to examine the antimicrobial effects of 10 hydrophilic PEs against two strains of Clostridium perfringens facing various food-relevant influencing factors. Because of the high opacity of PEs, resazurin was used as an indicator for bacterial growth instead of pellet formation. The highest value of the MIC of the replications of each PE was defined as effective plant extract concentration (EPC), whereas the next concentration beneath the lowest MIC was defined as the ineffective plant extract concentration (IEPC). The EPCs of seven PEs, allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, coriander, ginger, and mace, were between 0.625 and 10 g/kg, whereas extracts of caraway, nutmeg, and thyme showed no antimicrobial activity up to the maximum concentration tested (10 g/kg) against C. perfringens in vitro. Two intrinsic factors, sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium nitrite (NaNO2), displayed either synergistic or additive effects or no interaction with most PEs. By combination with PEs at their IEPC (0.08 to 1.25 g/kg), MIC of NaCl and NaNO2 decreased from between 25 and 50 g/kg to between 6 and 25 g/kg and from more than 200 mg/kg to between 0.2 and 100 mg/kg, respectively. In contrast, lipid (sunflower oil) at a low concentration inhibited the antimicrobial effects of all tested PEs. For extrinsic factors, only allspice, ginger, and coriander could maintain their antimicrobial effects after being heated to 78°C for 30 min. The synergistic effect between PEs and pH values (5.0 and 5.5) was also found for all PEs. The established screening method with resazurin and defining EPC and IEPC values allows the verification of antimicrobial effects of PEs under various food-relevant influencing factors in a fast and reproducible way.

Phytochemical characterization of Caraway (Carum carvi) seed extract and its use as a potent medicinal agent

Carum carvi (Caraway) is a member of Apiaceae family which originated in Asia. Due to its economic importance, it is widely cultivated. Caraway is the only annual species, commonly present in arable land, moist meadows and on low lands to mountains. Caraway has different applications in pharmaceutical and food industries. Phytochemical screening of different medicinal plants is helpful in identifying new sources of industrially and therapeutically important compounds. In this study, Caraway obtained from forest surrounding the village Goherman, Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh (India) was used. Seed extract of caraway extracted in methanol (MSE) and distilled water (WSE) was used for phytochemical analysis to determine the constituents of caraway seeds. Further, caraway seeds extract was checked for antibacterial activity [Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Salmonella typhimurium (NCTC 74), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228)], antioxidant activity and acid neutralizing activity. After analysing the results, it can be said that caraway seeds possess many medicinal properties and it can be used in enhancing human health.

The effects of broccoli and caraway extracts on serum oxidative markers, testicular structure and function, and sperm quality before and after sperm cryopreservation

Despite studies on the effects of medicinal plants on reproductive performance, the effect of extracts broccoli and caraway on serum and testicular oxidative biomarkers, testicular structure and function and sperm quality before and after cryopreservation has not been studied. Sixty-three male mice were divided into nine controlled and treated groups as follow: control, broccoli (200 mg/kg), broccoli (300 mg/kg), caraway (200 mg/kg), caraway (300 mg/kg), broccoli -caraway (200 mg/kg), broccoli (300 mg/kg)-caraway (200 mg/kg), broccoli (200 mg/kg)-caraway (300 mg/kg), broccoli-caraway (300 mg/kg). After 42 days of treatment, the animals were sacrificed and blood sample and testicular tissue were collected for biochemical and histological measurements. Sperm quality was also measured before and after cryopreservation. The results showed that the diameter and number of spermatogonium, primary spermatocytes, spermatids and sperm count were significantly increased by broccoli (300 mg/kg), while level of them were significantly decreased by caraway (300 mg/kg) compared to other groups (p < 0.01). Sperm viability and motility after thawing significantly improved by broccoli (300 mg/kg) compared to control. Testosterone levels significantly increased by broccoli (300 mg/kg) compared to control and caraway (300 mg/kg). The serum and testicular SOD and CAT activity significantly increased by broccoli (300 mg/kg) compared to other groups (p < 0.05). MDA and DNA fragmentation levels significantly increased by caraway (200 and 300 mg/kg) compared to others (p < 0.01). It can be concluded that broccoli extract in a dose-dependent manner than caraway extract could improve serum and testes oxidative biomarkers, testicular structure and function, and sperm quality before and after cryopreservation.

The effects of thylakoid-rich spinach extract and aqueous extract of caraway (Carum carvi L.) in letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome rats

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the oral administration of thylakoid-rich spinach extract and the caraway aqueous extract in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome rats.MethodsSixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups of 12 animals each. Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was administered orally for a period of 28 days to induce PCOS. Sham and PCOS control rats received 1 mL/day of distilled water, and the three groups of PCOS rats were given 150 mg/kg of metformin, 3 g/kg of caraway, and thylakoid at a dose of 6 mg chlorophyll/gr food intake/day by oral gavage for 8 weeks. Finally, blood samples were collected and the right ovary of rats was removed, weighed, and fixed in 4% buffered formalin to determine the biochemical and stereological parameters.ResultsCompared to the PCOS control group, consuming metformin, thylakoid, and caraway extracts significantly improved the fasting blood sugar (FBS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), luteinizing hormone (LH), insulin resistance, and body weight, increased the volume of the corpus luteum, and reduced the number of atretic follicles after 8 weeks (푃< 0.05). Although caraway treatment caused a significant increase in the HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol) level (P < 0.001), no significant change was observed in terms of HDL-C in the thylakoid and metformin groups compared to the PCOS control group.ConclusionOur data showed that the consumption of thylakoid and caraway extracts for 8 weeks may have beneficial effects on the biochemical and stereological factors in PCOS-induced rats.

Studying the Toxicity of Hydroalcoholic Caraway Seeds Extract in Female Rats

Caraway seeds are widely used as spice for flavoring and seasoning foods, like bread and salads, because of their pungent and anise like flavor and aroma. Carum carvi was utilized in folk medicine for the management of many diseases. It is useful in hypothyroidism,&#x0D; &#x0D; liver and gall bladder problems, common cold, fever, bronchitis, diarrhea, and eczema. It also relives GIT spasms, fullness feelings and relieves baby's flatulent colic. The extracts of caraway have diverse compounds, including carvone and limonene, linalool, γ-terpinene and α-pinene. One or combination of these compounds may participate in the pharmacologic effects of caraway. Aim of this study was to assess toxicity of caraway extract on female rats. Carium carvi extract submitted to chemical analysis (Phytochemical screening and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis). Acute toxicity study has been performed using 24 female rats divided randomly in 4 groups (n=6 for each group) that received different doses of hydroalcoholic seed extract of caraway 1000, 3000 and ,5000 mg/kg for 14 days. On day 15, the rats were euthanized and whole blood collected to examine complete blood picture. The liver, kidney and the heart have been harvested for histopathologic study and relative organ weight changes. Caraway extract considered relatively safe on blood profile and immune system within the studied doses, as it shown a non-significant change on complete blood counts (CBCs) in a dose-dependent manner (Hb and RBCs increased slightly, while WBCs and PLTs decreased slightly) and without any change in body weight and relative weight percentage of different organs. As conclusion, hydroalcoholic extract of caraway seeds was relatively safe in rats at a dose up to 5000 mg/kg

Studying the Toxicity of Hydroalcoholic Caraway Seeds Extract in Female Rats

Caraway seeds are widely used as spice for flavoring and seasoning foods, like bread and salads, because of their pungent and anise like flavor and aroma. Carum carvi was utilized in folk medicine for the management of many diseases. It is useful in hypothyroidism, liver and gall bladder problems, common cold, fever, bronchitis, diarrhea, and eczema. It also relives GIT spasms, fullness feelings and relieves baby's flatulent colic. The extracts of caraway have diverse compounds, including carvone and limonene, linalool, γ-terpinene and α-pinene. One or combination of these compounds may participate in the pharmacologic effects of caraway. Aim of this study was to assess toxicity of caraway extract on female rats. Carium carvi extract submitted to chemical analysis (Phytochemical screening and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis). Acute toxicity study has been performed using 24 female rats divided randomly in 4 groups (n=6 for each group) that received different doses of hydroalcoholic seed extract of caraway 1000, 3000 and ,5000 mg/kg for 14 days. On day 15, the rats were euthanized and whole blood collected to examine complete blood picture. The liver, kidney and the heart have been harvested for histopathologic study and relative organ weight changes. Caraway extract considered relatively safe on blood profile and immune system within the studied doses, as it shown a non-significant change on complete blood counts (CBCs) in a dose-dependent manner (Hb and RBCs increased slightly, while WBCs and PLTs decreased slightly) and without any change in body weight and relative weight percentage of different organs. As conclusion, hydroalcoholic extract of caraway seeds was relatively safe in rats at a dose up to 5000 mg/kg

New allergens from spices in the Apiaceae family: anise Pimpinella anisum L. and caraway Carum carvi L.

Spices are gaining popularity in individual consumption, food industry, and medicine. While the incidence of allergies is constantly rising, those caused by consumption of herbs and spices are relatively rare. The allergic potential of spices added to many dishes and products is dangerous, as consumers may ingest them unknowingly. At particular risk are persons allergic to both birch and mugwort pollen because of cross-reactivity to proteins similar to birch allergen, Bet v 1 and profilins, who often exhibit a clinical condition termed “mugwort-celery-spice syndrome”.The aim of our research was to analyze the extracts of anise and caraway for the presence of major pan-allergens, such as Bet v 1 analogues and profilins. Secondly, we analyzed the prevalence of reactions towards these pan-allergens among patients sensitive to spices. Finally, we tried to identify some of the previously unidentified allergenic proteins in these spices.In order to identify Bet v 1 analogues and profilins in anise and caraway, we conducted immunoblotting of the proteins extracted from the spices with anti-Bet v 1 and anti-profilin antibodies.The identification of new allergens was performed by initial selection of proteins through immunoblotting with sera of patients sensitive to spices. The proteins were subsequently characterized with LC-MS/MS.The presence of Bet v 1 analogues and profilins in anise was confirmed and a new allergen, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, was identified. Moreover, new caraway allergens were found, including Bet v 1 analogue, profilin, and elongation factor α.

Effects of encapsulated black caraway extract and sesame oil on kolompeh quality

In this study, the physicochemical and sensory properties of kolompeh containing black caraway and sesame oil were investigated. Black caraway extract (BCE), encapsulated black caraway extract (EBCE), and black caraway powder (BCP) were added to kolompeh and compared to the sample without black caraway (FBC). All products contained sesame oil and were compared to control (without sesame oil). Among the samples, kolompeh with encapsulated extract demonstrated a higher oxidative stability (24.37 h), with a high IC50 of black caraway extract (124.1 μg·mL–1). In addition, the emulsion exhibited size distribution between 3.20 and 8.51 μm, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the well encapsulated extract. Gas chromatography identified oleic and linoleic acids as the main fatty acids in kolompeh with the black caraway encapsulated extract. Although, there were no significant differences in the colour parameters (L*, a* and b*) of the samples, kolompeh with EBCE had the highest score given by panelists. The control had a higher (2466 g) hardness compared to kolompeh containing EBCE (1688 g) at the end of storage. Therefore, the encapsulated extract of black caraway not only had no an adverse effect on the properties of kolompeh but also improved its quality.

The effect of aqueous extract of caraway seed (&lt;i&gt;Carum carvi&lt;/i&gt;) on cholecystokinin hormone in male rat

Introduction : Today, obesity is considered as one of the problems of human society. Obesity is the underlying cause of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia and hormone disruption. In addition to physiological problems, obesity leads to impaired psychosocial dimensions and reduced quality of life. Cholecystokinin is an anti-appetite peptidpe that plays a key role in the regulation of energy balance. Given the antioxidant and anti-appetite effects of caraway, the objective of this study is to investigate the impact of aqueous extract of caraway seed ( carum carvi ) on cholecystokinin hormone in male rat. Method : In this experimental study, 32 adult female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 including control, yardstick, and experiment recipient of caraway (at concentrations of 60 and 90 mg/kg).Caraway was administered to the animals by gavage. In the fifty-seventh days after the start of the experiment, the animals were weighed, blood samples were taken from heart, and serum levels of cholecystokinin hormone and lipid parameters were measured. The results were analyzed using statistical ANOVA test and Duncan's test at significance level of p≤0.05. Results : The mean concentration of cholecystokinin hormone in the group receiving caraway at concentrations of 60 and 90 mg/kg showed significant increase compared to the control group. The average concentration of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL concentrations in the groups receiving caraway of 60 and 90 mg/kg showed a significant decrease compared to the control group. The average concentration of HDL in the group receiving caraway with a concentration of 60 and 90 mg/kg showed no significant difference with the control group. Conclusion : caraway due to the antioxidant effects leads to increased cholecystokinin hormone secretion and reduced triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL in the rats. Caraway is a medicinal plant used in Iranian traditional medicine as a treatment for overweight and obesity. Black cumin (caraway) is perennial herb of umbelliferae family with the scientific name carum carvi or Bunium persicus boiss (6). The results of purification and studying combinations of caraway show that the aqueous phase of this product has 19 monoterpenoids and a variety of its compounds: aromatic, flavonoids, and nucleoside glucoside. The main components of this essential oil extracted from caraway seeds, which are among the monoterpenes, have anti-inflammatory properties, and oral administration of them reduces the effects of intestinal inflammation in rats (7). This plant in traditional medicine has uses in antifouling of muscles, carminative, appetizer, mucus, increasing milk secretion, and in food industry is used as a flavoring (8). Antifungal (9), antimicrobial (10), antispasmodic (11), analgesic and anti-inflammatory (12) and the anticonvulsant (13) effects of compounds in caraway extract have been approved. It is reported that aqueous extract of caraway lowers blood lipids level (14) and weight loss effects in normal and diabetic rats have been demonstrated (15). Due to the effect of this plant on weight loss and that no study on the impact of caraway on cholecystokinin hormone, which as noted is called satiety peptide, this study will be conducted aimed at studying the impact of caraway on cholecystokinin hormone. keywords : aqueous extract; cholecystokinin hormone; caraway seed (carum carvi).

Effect of some high consumption spices on hemoglobin glycation.

Formation of glycation products is major factor responsible in complications of diabetes. Worldwide trend is toward the use of natural additives in reducing the complications of diseases. Therefore, there is a growing interest in natural antiglycation found in plants. Herbs and spices are one of the most important targets to search for natural antiglycation from the point of view of safety. This study investigated the ability of some of the spices to inhibit glycation process in a hemoglobin/glucose model system and compared their potency with each other. For this subject the best concentration and time to incubate glucose with hemoglobin was investigated. Then the glycosylation degree of hemoglobin in the presence of extracts by the three concentrations 0.25, 0.5 and 1 μg/ml was measured colorimetrically at 520 nm. Results represent that some of extracts such as wild caraway, turmeric, cardamom and black pepper have inhibitory effects on hemoglobin glycation. But some of the extracts such as anise and saffron have not only inhibitory effects but also aggravated this event and have proglycation properties. In accordance with the results obtained we can conclude that wild caraway, turmeric, cardamom and black pepper especially wild caraway extracts are potent antiglycation agents, which can be of great value in the preventive glycation-associated complications in diabetes.

Potent Chemopreventive/Antioxidant Activity Detected in Common Spices of the Apiaceae Family

Spices are used worldwide, particularly in the Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and considered protective against degenerative diseases, including cancer. Here, we report the efficacy of aqueous and non-aqueous extracts of 11 Apiaceae spices for free radical-scavenging activity and to inhibit cytochrome P450s in two separate reactions involving: 1) 4-hydroxy-17ß-estradiol (4E2), DNA, and CuCl2 and 2) 17ß-estradiol, rat liver microsomes, cofactors, DNA and CuCl2. Oxidative DNA adducts resulting from redox cycling of 4E2 were analyzed by 32P-postlabeling. Aqueous (5 mg/ml) and non-aqueous extracts (6 mg/ml) substantially inhibited (83–98%) formation of DNA adducts in the microsomal reaction. However, in nonmicrosomal reaction, only aqueous extracts showed the inhibitory activity (83–96%). Adduct inhibition was also observed at five-fold lower concentrations of aqueous extracts of cumin (60%) and caraway (90%), and 10-fold lower concentrations of carrot seeds (76%) and ajowan (90%). These results suggests the presence of 2 groups of phytochemicals: polar compounds that have free radical-scavenging activity and lipophilic compounds that selectively inhibit P450 activity associated with estrogen metabolism. Because most of these Apiaceae spices are used widely with no known toxicity, the phytochemicals from the Apiaceae spices used in foods may be potentially protective against estrogen-mediated breast cancer.

The Effects of Black Cumin, Black Caraway Extracts and Their Combination on Shelf Life Extension of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) during Refrigerated Storage

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of Nigella sativa L. (Cu) and Bunium persicum Boiss (Ca) extracts on the shelf life of silver carp, which is stored at 4 ± 1C for 15 days. In order to evaluate the quality of fish samples, some tests such as microbiological total viable count (TVC) and psychrotrophic count, chemical peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and total volatile base nitrogen and sensory characteristics were analyzed over a period of 15 days. The results indicated that the lipid oxidation and spoilage of the samples have been delayed in three treatments of the extracts significantly (P &lt; 0.05) in comparison with the control. Also, the psychotropic bacteria and TVC remained lower than the proposed acceptable limit (7 log10 colony‐forming unit/g). According to the sensory analysis results, the treatment of Cu extract had high quality and enhanced the beneficial effects on sensory characteristics. Results show that the B. persicum Boiss and N. sativa L. extracts have significant effect on extension of the shelf life of fresh silver carp up to 6–9 days at refrigerated storage condition.Practical ApplicationsThe consumers tend to eat fresh fishes rather than processed or frozen ones, while the shelf life of refrigerated fish, as a highly perishable food, is normally short. The main reason for the deterioration of fish is chemical and bacteriological activities that lead to loss of quality and subsequent spoilage. So, using different methods in order to extend the shelf life of fish is an important issue. Black caraway and black cumin are consumed widely as spices and traditional flavorings in food. These spices, regarding to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, can be used in order to extend the shelf life and freshness quality of fishes during refrigerated storage. Results show that the Bunium persicum Boiss and Nigella sativa L. extracts have significant effect on the extension of shelf life of fresh silver carp up to 6–9 days at refrigerated storage condition.

Effect of caraway, basil, and oregano extracts and their binary mixtures on fungi in growth medium and on shredded cabbage

In this study the effect of individual and binary mixtures of caraway, oregano and basil extracts on the growth of Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus wentii, Eurotium herbariorum, Penicillium aurantiogriseum and Fusarium verticillioides isolated from food was investigated. Caraway extract at a concentration of 0.70 mL/100 mL and basil extract at a concentration of 1.5 mL/100 mL were fungicidal (MFC) to C. cladosporioides, A. wentii, E. herbariorum and F. verticillioides, and inhibitory (MIC) to P. aurantiogriseum. Oregano extract at a concentration of 2.5 mL/100 mL showed minimal fungicidal effects (MFC) on the growth of C. cladosporioides, A. wentii, E. herbariorum and P. aurantiogriseum and partially inhibited the growth of F. verticillioides. Binary mixtures of extracts showed stronger inhibitory effects on the tested fungi in comparison to the individual extracts. Some of the tested mixtures exhibited synergistic effect on the inhibition of C. cladosporioides, A. wentii, E. herbariorum, and F. verticillioides growth with the FICindex of 0.70–0.97.The addition of binary mixtures of caraway and basil in the shredded cabbage inoculated with C. cladosporioides and P. aurantiogriseum reduced the initial fungal contamination.

Short-Term Caraway Extract Administration Improves Cardiovascular Disease Risk Markers in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats: A Dose-Response Study

ABSTRACTObjective: This study examined the effects of caraway plant on blood levels of glucose, lipid profile, and C-reactive protein in diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: group 1: nondiabetic control rats, group 2: diabetic rats, group 3, and 4 (caraway treated diabetic groups): each rat was treated with caraway at doses of 1 g/kg in group 3 and 2 g/kg in group 4. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg streptozotocin. Caraway was administered as aqueous extract orally once a day for 3 weeks. Finally, blood samples were collected and fasting blood glucose, serum lipid profile, and C-reactive protein levels were determined. Data were analyzed statistically by one-way Analysis of Variance and considered to be significant when p < .05. Results: Diabetic rats receiving 1 and 2 g/kg caraway extracts had significantly lower total cholesterol (p = .036 and p = .010, respectively), low-density lipoprotein (p = .001 and p = .002, respectively), non-HDL-C (p = .003 and p = .007, respectively), LDL-C to HDL-C ratio (p = .002) and atherogenic index (p = .001) than that of diabetic control rats. Moreover, there were significant changes in fasting blood glucose in diabetic groups treated with 1 and 2 g/kg caraway extracts (p = .001 and p = .027, respectively) compared with the diabetic control. However, caraway did not have any significant effect on C-reactive protein level in diabetic rats. Conclusion: This study suggests that caraway can exhibit blood glucose and lipid lowering activities in diabetes, without any effect on C-reactive protein level.

The Effects of Cuminum cyminum L. and Carum carvi L. Seed Extracts on Human Erythrocyte Hemolysis

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) and caraway (Carum carvi L.) are aromatic plants within the Apiaceae family. They have a variety of purposes and demonstrate antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Methanolic and acetonic seed extracts of both plants were able to neutralize free radicals and carried antioxidant properties. Both seed extracts were able to protect erythrocytes from hemolysis. The methanolic cumin extract showed a higher percentage of protection than both extracts of caraway. Seed extracts of cumin showed slightly higher neutralization ability than caraway seed extracts (57.0 and 52.4% vs. 44.7 and 39.5%, respectively). Antioxidant properties of both seed plants may be useful in pharmacologic preparations.

Antiobesity Effect of Caraway Extract on Overweight and Obese Women: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Caraway (Carum carvi L.), a potent medicinal plant, is traditionally used for treating obesity. This study investigates the weight-lowering effects of caraway extract (CE) on physically active, overweight and obese women through a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Seventy overweight and obese, healthy, aerobic-trained, adult females were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 35 per group). Participants received either 30 mL/day of CE or placebo without changing their diet or physical activity. Subjects were examined at baseline and after 90 days for changes in body composition, anthropometric indices, and clinical and paraclinical variables. The treatment group, compared with placebo, showed a significant reduction of weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and waist-to-hip ratio. No changes were observed in lipid profile, urine-specific gravity, and blood pressure of subjects. The results suggest that a dietary CE with no restriction in food intake, when combined with exercise, is of value in the management of obesity in women wishing to lower their weight, BMI, body fat percentage, and body size, with no clinical side effects. In conclusion, results of this study suggest a possible phytotherapeutic approach for caraway extract in the management of obesity. This trial is registered with NCT01833377.