Caraway Research Articles

Climate change necessitates a change in the cultivation date of caraway ( Carum carvi L.)

By 2050, global crop demand is projected to rise by 60–110%. Crop yields have also been impacted by climate change in some nations, and these impacts are likely to continue. To prevent the influence of climate change on crop output, it is critical to adjust planting times in weather-related open fields to meet food security concerns. Present study was carried out at Experimental Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt, during two successive seasons, 2019 and 2020. It was aimed to study the effect of different sowing times (1st and 15th October, 1st and 15th November), and plant spacings (25, 20, and 15 cm) on growth, fruit yield, and oil production of caraway ( Carum carvi L.) plants. The results showed that sowing caraway plants on 15th October with plant spacing of 25 cm gave the highest dry weight (72.6 g∙plant –1), fresh weight (266.15 g∙plant –1), seed yield (37.43 g∙plant –1), and oil yield (0.659 cm3∙plant –1). The maximum umbels (50.83 number per plant) and essential oil (1.78%) were also recorded in the plants receiving same treatment. On the other hand, plants sown at 15th November with spacing of 15 cm exhibited the minimum values of recorded traits. While the highest value of plant height gave with sowing caraway plants on 15th October with plant spacing of 15 cm (135.35 cm). In conclusion, the plants sowed on October 15th with a maximum plant spacing of 25 cm had the highest values of the evaluated morphological, biochemical, and yield attributes of caraway.

Bioactivity of two plant products against Tribolium castaneum infesting wheat grains and their impact on some biological parameters in Japanese quail

Several experiments were carried out in the current study to assess the efficacy of Caraway seed (Carum carvi) and petitgrain lemon (Citrus aurantium) plants against the stored product insect Tri­bolium casteneum. To measure some factors, various plant preparations (powder, oil, extract, and new formulation) with concentrations of 5-10-15- and 20% oils and extracts and 5-10-20- and 40% powder and their formulations were used (biological effect, insect mortality rate). Furthermore, to assess the negative effects of tested materials on certain biochemical parameters of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). There have been no significant effects of oral treatment on creatinine level while significant effect were noticed on total protein, total anti-oxidants and Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels in quail. In every treatments for quail, caraway was more effective than petitgrain lemon on some biological parameters. The determination of some biological parameters revealed that treatment after two weeks was affected in comparison to treatment four weeks later. The findings suggest that the tested plant products could be used to protect wheat grains from T. castaneum adults in Egyptian storage facilities.

Use of Medicinal Plants with Galactogenic Effect, as a Food Supplement, in Order to Increase Milk Production, in Dairy Animals: A Review

Raising animals at the household level occupies an important place in the rural economy, providing families with a relatively constant income and a source of food. The demand for organic products of animal origin, the prohibition or limitation use of medicinal substances for various treatments and and the search for alternatives to feed additives, are the key factors that determine the pursuit for natural solutions to increase milk production. Herbal spices can influence the way animals are fed and ultimately have the beneficial effect of stimulating the level of secretory tissue of the mammary gland, which would result in an improvement in milk production. The paper aims to contribute to the review of various studies on galactogenic plants with effect on milk production. The study considered the follow-up of research published in the last few years. Galactogenic plants have triggered a special interest because of their availability, low cost and no toxic residues left in milk. Phyto-pharmacological research on medicinal plants can contribute to the discovery of some new ways of using galactogenic plants in the diet of dairy animals. Following the bibliographic study carried out in the paper, it was established that there are several milk-producing species that can be fed galactogenic effect plants (cows, goats, sheep, buffaloes) and there are a series of medicinal plants more common in making feed mixtures in order to stimulate the growth of milk production (Asparagus racemosus, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Cuminum cyminum, Carum carvi, Nigella sativa). Researches about natural alternatives to increase milk production in dairy animals is still limited. It is necessary to carry out further studies about plants with a galactogenic effect on the physiology of milk production in livestock species.

The application of the full factorial design and Response Surface Methodology in optimization conditions for essential oils extraction from Lavandula stoechas, Carum carvi and Eucalyptus camaldulensis: Effect of plants particle size on the extraction of essential oils

The study applies experimental design to optimize hydrodistillation (HD) parameters in essential oils (EOs) extraction from the aerial parts of three different plants: Lavandula stoechas, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Carum carvi. Three parameters have been examined: the particle size (Ps) the distillate flow (Q) and the volume of EOs vapor in the Clevenger (Vvap).The ratio of plant mass to the water volume has been kept constant as well as the extraction time. The full factorial design (FFD) gives a first-order model with an R2 > 0.99 for both plants Lavandula stoechas and Carum carvi. According to the Box–Behnken design (BBD) , the EOs yield of Eucalyptus camaldulensis seems to depend on the Vapor volume of the EOs, distillate flow and the particle size and, on the interaction between the Vapor volume and the distillate flow. A second order model obtained by the BBD application on the Eucalyptus camaldulensis plant. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) reveals that the model was significant, as evidenced from R2 of 0.991 and the model F-value of 196, 42. Finally, it seems that for plants whose secretory sites are superficial glandular trichomes, such as Lavandula stoechas leaves (Lamiaceae), or secretory canals, such as Carum carvi seeds (Apiaceae), the particle size has no effect on the extraction yield. On the contrary, the particle size is a limiting parameter in the case of endogenous secretory pockets of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae).

Alleviation of postharvest chilling injury in sweet pepper using Salicylic acid foliar spraying incorporated with caraway oil coating under cold storage.

The decrease in the postharvest quality of sweet peppers in terms of the physiological disorders resulting from cold storage (<7–10°C) results in the significant economic losses. The ability of pre-harvest foliar spraying of Salicylic acid (SA) (1.5 and 3 mM) and the postharvest caraway (Carum carvi) oil coating (0.3% and 0.6%) on chilling injury (CI) and the quality of stored sweet pepper at 4 ± 2°C for 60 d followed by an additional 2 d at 20°C were investigated. The antifungal activity of caraway oil (0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.6%) on Botrytis cinerea mycelia in in vitro showed that the maximum percentage of inhibition was equal to 95% in the medium with 0.6% of this oil. The CI of sweet pepper was significantly reduced by increasing SA, and caraway oil concentrations compared to the control, especially the lowest CI (14.36%), were obtained at 3 mM SA and 0.6% caraway oil treatment. The results showed a significant delay in the changes of weight loss (79.43%), firmness (30%), pH (6%), total soluble solids (TSS) (17%), titratable acidity (TA) (32%), and color surface characteristics and capsaicin content (5%) compared to control fruits at 3 mM SA and 0.6% caraway oil concentrations. Results indicated that the decrease in CI was related to a decrease in electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, total phenolic production, decay incidence, and an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and peroxidase (POD). Thus, the incorporation of SA (3 mM) and caraway oil (0.6%) to reduce the CI of stored sweet pepper at low temperature can be considered a practical solution to improve the quality and marketability of this product.

The effect of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Nigella sativa, Carum carvi, Taraxacum officinale, and royal jelly on the survival of HDF cell line under H2O2-induced oxidative stress compared to metformin

Background and aims: Highly active oxygen causes DNA or protein damage. This study aimed to determine the effect of the extract of three medicinal plants, royal jelly, and metformin on the survival of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells under oxidative stress induced by H2 O2 . Methods: Hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared from Nigella sativa, Carum carvi seeds, and Taraxacum officinale flower. The growth curve of HDF cells was plotted in Dulbecco’s modified eagle medium (DMEM). The cells were exposed to H2 O2 stress and treated with different concentrations of the extracts, royal jelly, and metformin. The cells viability was then calorimetrically analyzed during different times in 69-well plates. Results: The exponential growth phase of HDF cells was observed during 24–72-hour growth. High cell survivals were seen during 72 hours of exposure to 25 mg/mL royal jelly (99.13±3.22%), 15 mg/mL C. carvi extracts and N. sativa (97.87±3.25% and 96.22±5.47%, respectively), 10 mg/mL royal jelly (96.14±4.72%), 16 mg/mL metformin (91.23±5.34%), and 8 mg/mL T. officinale (86.31±7.44%), respectively. These results were significantly higher than the results of 48 and 24 hours of exposure to 15 mg/mL N. sativa (P=0.013), 15 mg/mL C. carvi (P=0.019), and 16 mg/mL metformin (P=0.027). Moreover, royal jelly (25 mg/mL) significantly indicated greater effect on the cell survival compared with the highest concentrations of the extracts and metformin at different exposure times (P=0.016-0.032). Conclusion: Royal jelly, N. sativa, and T. officinale extracts revealed remarkable effects on the stressed HDF cells; therefore, they can be proposed for treatment of wounds and burns after clinical analysis.

Association of food habit with the COVID-19 severity and hospitalization: A cross-sectional study among the recovered individuals in Bangladesh.

Background: It was assumed that dietary habits might influence the status of COVID-19 patients. Aim: We aimed at the identification of association of dietary habits with the COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Methods: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study (n = 1025). We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to correlate the association between self-reported dietary patterns and COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Results: Dietary habits (black tea, milked tea, pickles, black caraway seeds, honey, fish, fruits, vegetables, garlic, onion and turmeric) were identified with lower risk of COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Interestingly, the consumption frequency (one-, two- or three-times/day) of rice - the staple food in Bangladesh - was not associated with COVID-19 severity and hospitalization for comorbid patients. In contrast, a moderate rice-eating habit (two times/day) was strongly associated with the lower risk of severity and hospitalization for non-comorbid patients. However, for both comorbid and non-comorbid patients, consumption of black tea, milked tea, pickles and honey were associated with a lower likelihood of severity and hospitalization. Overall, a high consumption (three-times/day) of fish, fruits and vegetables, a moderate consumption of garlic, onion and turmeric spices and a daily intake of black/milked tea, and honey were associated with reduced risk of COVID-19 severity and hospitalization. Conclusions: To reduce the severity of COVID-19, a habitual practice of intaking black tea, milked tea, black caraway seeds and honey along with dietary habit (rice, fish and vegetables) and with a moderate consumption of ginger, garlic, onion, mixed aromatic spices (cinnamon + cardamom + cloves) and turmeric might be suggested.

Review of medicinal plant associated with antihyper-lipidermia

Hyperlipidemia is a common disease around the world which has affected both developed and developing countries, in this disease blood level of lipids is elevated more than normal range. Elevated lipids levels (cholesterol, fats, and triglyceride) predispose the patient to various serious and sometimes lethal complications such as cardiovascular disease, cerebral strokes, hepatic and renal dysfunction. This review emphasizes on some plants (extracts) having anti-cholesterol actions, including; Glycyrrhiza glabra,Legenaria siceraria,Medicago sativa,Curcuma longa,Syzygium cerasoideum, Leptopus Cordifolius Decne, Piper longum, Moringa oleifera, Zingiber officinale, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Carum carvi, Carica papaya, Gloriosa superba, Ficus religiosa, Eleucine coracana, Lycium europaeum and Hibiscus sabdariffa for anti-hyperlipidemic potential. increase in the levels of these lipoproteins like, triglycerides (TG), Total cholesterol (TC), Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)includes some mechanisms of actions of these medicinal plants observed in triton-x, cholesterol, high fat diet, Poloxamer-407, Dexamethasone and alloxan-induced in-vivo and in-vitro models. Additionally, this review gives proof to the fact that these medicinal plants can be used for the management and prophylaxis of hyperlipidermia, thus reducing complications associated with hyperlipidermia.

ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF SELECTED ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST RHIZOPUS STOLONIFER

Nowadays, it is very important to find out the protection of plant products as an alternative to synthetic fungicides. The promising alternative is the use of the essential oils (EOs). The aim of our research was to evaluate the antifungal effect of angelica (Angelica archangelica L.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller.), camphore (Cinnamonum camphorum Nees &amp; Eberm), litsea (Litsea deccanensis L.), cumin (Carum carvi L.), dill (Anethum graveolens L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), mint (citrate) (Mentha citrata L.), mint (piperita) (Mentha piperita L.), laurel (Laurus nobilis L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum L.) EOs against three isolates of the genus Rhizopus obtained from moldy plants source the chemical composition of selected EOs was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC – MS) and by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC – FID). The antifungal activity of EOs against the growth of Rhizopus spp. was investigated by gas diffusion method (625 μL/L of air). The mycelium growth inhibition was measured on the 2nd, 4th, and 7th days of cultivation. Six EOs: litsea, mint (citrata), mint (piperita), cumin, thyme and cinnamon completely inhibited the growth of all tested fungi. For these EOs the minimum inhibitory doses were determined. According to probit analyses, the most effective tested EO was thyme and the least effective was cumin. Our results indicated that EOs are effective in the vapor phase and had a potential antifungal activity against Rhizopus stolonifer strains. So, they could be utilized in novel biological fungicide development.

Supercritical CO2 extraction of caraway (Carum carvi L.) seed: Optimization and parametric interaction studies using design of experiments

The essential oil of caraway seed finds its important application in pharmaceutical industries due to its antioxidant, antibacterial, fungicidal, and insecticidal activity. The present study investigates the supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) extraction of essential oil from caraway seeds. The SC-CO2 extraction process parameters were optimized, and the properties of extracted essential oil were characterized. Experiments were designed using the design of experiments methods to investigate the effects of operating pressure, temperature, and CO2 flow rate on the essential oil yield. A sequential approach in designing of experiments was applied. The optimization results show that higher pressure plays a vital role in deciding the oil yield. The maximum yield (3.62%) for caraway seed oil was obtained at 350 bar pressure, 35°C temperature, and 14 g/min solvent flow rate. The FT-IR and qualitative GC-MS analysis of extracted oil (based on % area) resulted that caraway seeds are a good source of Octadec-9-enoic acid (39.05%) and (R)-Carvone (11.08%).

The vase life and quality of cut Gerbera jamesonii cv. 'Rosalin' flowers are affected by natural essential oils (in normal and nano forms) and nano-silver particles

Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii, Asteraceae), is a perennial important commercial cut-flower crop. A major problem of gerbera cut flowers is short vase life mostly due to neck bending amongst other factors. This study aimed to screen the effects of the essential oils of thyme, clove and caraway in addition to nano-silver particles on vase life and on some parameters of gerbera cv. ‘Rosalin’ cut flowers. A factorial experiment was carried out with essential oils as first factor (in normal form at 25 and 50 mg/L) and Nano-silver as second factor (at 5 and 10 mg/L) in addition of distilled water as control. The measured traits were: vase solution uptake, relative fresh weight, flower vase life, neck bending, enzyme activity of polyphenol oxidase and catalase, anthocyanin pigment and phenols. Results indicated that essential oils have significantly affected vase life and vase solution uptake positively and reduced neck bending. The most effective treatments were caraway and clove oils in normal form at 50 mg/L and 25 mg/L, respectively. Similarly, a significant increase was observed on catalase. Whereas, nano-silver particles had an insignificant effect on neck bending. Still, a significant effect was detected on vase life and solution uptake.

CARUM CARVI – ASPECIES OF FOOD INTEREST WITH ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES. A SHORT REVIEW

This paper is a short review of the Carum carvi L as a species of food interest, with many nutritional and functional benefits but also as a plant rich in bioactive compounds with antibacterial and antifungal action. For screening the cumin nutritional value and antimicrobial activity, we used different Databases and research papers.The nutritional richness in organic compounds (especially carbohydrates), vitamins (dominated by vitamin C, folates, niacin, vitamin E) and minerals (especially calcium, phosphorus) are the basis for the use of this plant as a spice in the food industry and in various culinary preparations. Carum carvi L seeds have a high oil content and over 30 chemicals. The most important components are considered carvone and limonene. Caraway oil is a promising antimicrobial agent against pathogenic, phytopathogene and fungal bacterial species, including species which produce mycotoxins and aflatoxins. Cumin is of interest in traditional medicine andalso for food preservatin.

Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Effects of Essential Oil of Black Caraway (Nigella sativa L.) Seeds against Drug-Resistant Clinically Pathogenic Microorganisms.

Nigella sativa (NS) is a plant that has long been utilized in traditional medicine as a treatment for certain diseases. The aim of this work was to valorize the essential oil (EO) of this species by phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial and antioxidant evaluation. EO was extracted by hydrodistillation from the seeds of Nigella sativa (EO-NS). Phytochemical content of EO-NS was evaluated by use of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Antioxidant ability was in vitro determined by use of three assays: 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) relative to two synthetic antioxidants: BHT and quercetin. Antimicrobial effect was evaluated against four clinically important bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 6633; Escherichia coli, K12; Bacillus subtilis, DSM 6333; and Proteus mirabilis, ATCC 29906) and against four fungal strains (Candida albicans, ATCC 10231; Aspergillus niger, MTCC 282; Aspergillus flavus, MTCC 9606; and Fusarium oxysporum, MTCC 9913). Fifteen constituents that accounted for the majority of the mass of the EO-NS were identified and quantified by use of GC-MSMS. The main component was O-cymene (37.82%), followed by carvacrol (17.68%), α-pinene (10.09%), trans-sabinene hydrate (9.90%), and 4-terpineol (7.15%). EO-NS exhibited significant antioxidant activity with IC50, EC50, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of 0.017 ± 0.0002, 0.1196 ± 0.012, and 114.059 ± 0.97 mg EAA/g, respectively. Additionally, EO-NS exhibited promising antibacterial activity on all strains under investigation, especially on E. coli K12 resulting in inhibition diameter of 38.67 ± 0.58 mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.34 ± 0.00 μg/mL. Also, EO-NS had significant antifungal efficacy, with a percentage of inhibition of 67.45 ± 2.31% and MIC of 2.69 ± 0.00 μg/mL against F. oxysporum, MTCC 9913 and with a diameter of inhibition 42 ± 0.00 mm and MIC of 0.67 ± 0.00 μg/mL against C. albicans. To minimize development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, EO-NS can be utilized as a natural, alternative to synthetic antibiotics and antioxidants to treat free radicals implicated in microbial infection-related inflammatory reactions.

Umbelliferous Fruits - A Brief Review on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Action

Umbelliferous fruits are usually cremocarps either entire or separated into mericarps. These types of fruits are produced by the plants which belongs to Apiaceae family of the flowering plants. Some of the examples of plants producing umbelliferous fruits are Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Caraway (Carum carvi), Anise (Pimpinella anisum), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cuminum (Cuminum cyminum), and Celery (Apium graveolens). This review is written to shed light on detailed study of chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of Umbelliferous fruits. This review will be beneficial to the scientist, manufacturer and consumers in order to explore the potential health benefits of Umbelliferous fruits. Keywords: Umbelliferous fruits, Cremocarps, Apiaceae family.

Inhibitory activity of tea compositions and their constituent ingredients on SARS‐COV‐2 replication in vitro

Aim. In vitro analysis of the inhibitory activity of aqueous extracts of ready‐made tea compositions and their constituent ingredients on SARSCOV‐ 2 replication.Material and Methods. The laboratory strain SARS‐CoV‐ 2/human/RUS/Nsk‐FRCFTM‐1/2020 was passivated on Vero cell culture. For the preparation of water extracts six types of experimental tea compositions (not containing flavorings) based on black and green tea or flowers of hibiscus as well as individual ingredients were used. Antiviral (inhibitory) activity of plant raw materials was studied in vitro according to the classical scheme of neutralization (inactivation) of the virus.Results. When compared with the main control sample of an aqueous extract of chaga (Inonotus obliquus) with a 50% effective concentration equal to 13.72±2.99 μg/ml against 103 TCPD50/ml of SARS‐CoV‐2, superior activity was found for extracts of the spice Syzygium aromaticum L. and black tea from Nepal. Approximately equal inhibitory activity was detected for extracts of tea compositions based on black tea with the addition of the grass Thymus altaicus and the spice S. aromaticum L. or with the addition of seeds of Carum carvi L. and the root of Angelica archangelica L. In addition, such activity was detected for extracts of tea compositions based on green tea from China with the addition of leaves of Mentha piperita L. and flowers of Lavandula angustifolia MILL. or with the addition of the peel of Citrus sinensis L. and seeds of Pimpinella anisum L. Extracts from individual plant raw materials used to make tea compositions were black teas from India, Argentina, Vietnam and Sri Lanka, leaves of M. piperita L. and flowers of L. angustifolia MILL. Cetraria islandica lichen, green tea and berries of Oxycoccus also showed antiviral activity.Conclusion. The results obtained suggest that tea compositions based on black and green tea with the addition of various plant raw materials in the form of a regular drink can be useful to people with COVID‐19 infection.

Efficacy of Carum carvi essential oil against the parasitic varroa mite and its impact on honeybee Apis mellifera L.

Efficacy of Carum carvi essential oil against the parasitic varroa mite and its impact on honeybee Apis mellifera L.

Anti-ulcer effects of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), and caraway (Carum carvi L.) essential oils on peptic ulcer and ulcerative colitis models in rats

Introduction: Essential oils are considered a potential alternative to synthetic drugs in the management of diseases such as peptic ulcer (PU) and ulcerative colitis (UC). This study is concerned with comparing the therapeutic effects of Cuminum cyminum L, Carum carvi L, and Thymus vulgaris L. essential oils on PU and UC models induced by ethanol. Methods: Rats were divided into 10 groups; control groups were treated with saline and experimental groups with 500 mg/kg body weight of C. cyminum, C. carvi, or T. vulgaris essential oil. Curative effects were determined by measuring tissue oxidative markers, such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), as well as the inflammatory marker prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), stomach pepsin (PEP), and colon alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Biochemical and histological examinations were done on stomach and colon tissues. Results: The current study proved the anti-ulcer effects of C. cyminum, C. carvi, and T. vulgaris essential oils. They improved the oxidative and inflammatory markers in both stomach and colon tissues and modulated stomach PEP and colon ALP activities. T. vulgaris essential oil modulated GSH and MDA levels resulting in a significant elevation in GSH levels by 120.43% and 99.46% and a significant reduction in MDA levels by 20.05% and 24.1% in PU and UC models, respectively. C. carvi essential oil was the most effective in restoring PGE2 by 71.51% compared to UC group. Results were confirmed by the morphological and histopathological changes. Conclusion: C. cyminum, C. carvi, or T. vulgaris essential oils might be used in the management of acute PU and UC.

Attraction or Repelling Effects of Commercial Plant Essential Oils on the Synanthropic Cheiracanthium mildei (Araneae: Cheiracanthiidae).

The northern yellow sac spider Cheiracanthium mildei L. Koch, is expanding its range to Central Europe, especially to synanthropic habitats. The spiders become unwanted companions because of the unreasonable fear - arachnophobia, and estetic reason - silk retreats in corners, capturing dust. The most commonly used substances against spiders are pesticides, which are, however, toxic. In our work we tested the attraction or repellence of 15 essential oils (EO) from plants representing eight families to C. mildei. Our research has shown a significant repellent effect of EO from three plants, namely Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. et L. M. Perry (Myrtales: Myrtaceae), Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. (Poales: Bromeliaceae) and Musa sp. (L.) (Zingiberales: Musaceae). In contrast, some EOs appeared to have an attraction effect, particularly Carum carvi L. (Apiales: Apiaceae). Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Zingiberales: Zingiberaceae) reduced the tendency of spiders to construct the silken retreat. S. aromaticum, A. sativus, Musa sp. and Z. officinale have the potential to be used as natural repellents against spiders.

Inducing the growth and flowering of caraway (Carum carvi L.) plant

Inducing the growth and flowering of caraway (Carum carvi L.) plant

Caraway (Carum carvi L.) in fast-growing and slow-growing broiler chickens’ diets and its effect on performance, digestive tract morphology and blood biochemical profile

The aim of this study was to evaluate the addition of caraway (1%) in fast-growing and slow-growing broiler chickens’ diet and its effect on performance parameters, blood biochemical profile, and relative organ sizes and ileum morphology in slow-growing broilers. Two separated experiments were performed. On the first day of age, the broilers were divided into 2 equal groups (Control and Caraway) with 6 replicates per treatment in both experiments. Experiment I: The total of 276 male fast-growing Ross 308 broiler chickens were used. The trial lasted from the first day to 35th day of chickens’ age. Experiment II: The total of 216 male slow-growing (Hubbard JA 57) broilers were used. The trial lasted from the first to 50th day of chickens’ age. Mean liveweight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, blood biochemical parameters, and relative organ sizes were not significantly different in these trials. The group of slow-growing broilers supplemented with 1% of caraway in the diet showed longer villi and deeper crypt in the ileum after 50 d of life. Based on our results, it can be stated that the proportion of 1% caraway in fast-growing and slow-growing broiler chickens’ diet did not influence performance parameters, blood biochemical profile and relative organ sizes. In case of the experiment with the slow-growing broilers supplemented with caraway, a significant difference in the height of the villi and the depth of the crypts was found. Caraway can be included in the broiler chickens’ diets without negative effects, but further study of the effect on the intestinal morphology is necessary.