Dill Extract Research Articles

Favorable effects of Anethum graveolens on liver oxidative stress and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rat models

BackgroundHigh-fat high-cholesterol diet induces a phenotype similar to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in humans. In NAFLD and NASH, cholesterol and bile acid metabolisms are impaired to accumulate lipids and toxic bile acids along with cholestatic hepatic damage. Recently, the use of herbal-derived cholesterol lowering products has attracted much attention as possible therapeutic strategies for NAFLD. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of an Anethum graveolens (dill) on liver cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and liver fat accumulation in rats. MethodThirty-six rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6) and received normal diet (ND) or a mixture of chow diet+2% cholesterol+0.5% cholic acid + 20% corn oil as high cholesterol/fat (HC–HF) diet (NAFLD model). Animals were also treated daily with dill tablet or dill extract (300 mg/kg). At the end of the 30 days experiments, serum and liver lipid profile and liver total antioxidant capacity were determined. Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA and protein expression levels were determined in the liver and histopathological changes in liver tissues were analyzed by microscope. ResultsLipid profiles significantly decreased in dill treated groups (p < 0.05). Liver total antioxidant capacity significantly (p < 0.05) increased and MDA levels markedly (p < 0.05) reduced both in dill tablet and dill extract treated groups (p < 0.05). Both types of treatments caused significant increases in liver cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase gene expression (p < 0.05). Histopathological examinations showed that treatment with dill normalized the hypercholesterolemia-induced changes in liver histology. ConclusionAdministration of dill significantly reduced liver fat, oxidative stress and increased cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase enzyme at the both mRNA and protein levels. Dill extract was found more effective than its commercially available tablet.

Anethum graveolens Prevents Liver and Kidney Injury, Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Mice Exposed to Nicotine Perinatally

Perinatal exposure to nicotine imbalances the redox status in newborns. This study investigated the effect of Anethum graveolens (dill) extract on oxidative stress and tissue injury in the liver and kidney of mice newborns exposed to nicotine perinatally. Pregnant mice received nicotine (0.25 mg/kg) on gestational day 12 to day 5 after birth and/or A. graveolens extract on gestational day 1 to day 15 after birth. Newborn mice exposed to nicotine showed multiple histopathological alterations in the kidney and liver, including inflammatory cell infiltration and degenerative changes. Nicotine exposure increased hepatic and renal reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (p &lt; 0.001), and decreased antioxidant defenses (p &lt; 0.001). A. graveolens supplementation significantly prevented liver and kidney injury, suppressed ROS generation (p &lt; 0.001), lipid peroxidation (p &lt; 0.001) and inflammatory response (p &lt; 0.001), and enhanced antioxidant defenses. In addition, A. graveolens upregulated hepatic and renal Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNA and increased HO-1 activity in normal and nicotine-exposed mice. In conclusion, A. graveolens protects against perinatal nicotine-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and tissue injury in the liver and kidney of newborn mice. A. graveolens upregulated hepatic and renal Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and enhanced antioxidant defenses in mice.

Antiparasitic activity of aqueous extract of Anethum graveolens against Entamoeba histolytica: In vitro and in vivo study

Amebic liver abscess is one of the most dangerous extraintestinal amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica. The most dangerous problem in it is that until now there are no effective drugs for it. This study evaluated the antiamoebic activity of dill extract as a promising agent for hepatoprotection against liver abscess. In vitro studies involved serial dilutions of the extract at final concentrations of 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 50, 25, and 12.5 mg/ml, Metronidazole (200 mg/ml) was applied as a positive control. In vivo studies in which mice were given orally 1 ml from dill extraction (12.5 mg/ml) once a day for two weeks. In vitro study, all concentrations caused 100% mortality after 72 h compared with the metronidazole (-ve control) which caused approximately 89% mortality. In vivo observed that after the sixth day there aren't any cysts & trophozoites in the faces of the group given dill extract; in addition, values of ALT, AST, ALP, ALB, T.P, cholesterol, triglyceride, liver tissue MDA, SOD, and CAT returned nearly to the healthy group. Also, liver content of NF-κB and IL-1β was reduced in the dill extract-treated group. These results show for the first time that dill extract can be used as an antiamoebic effect in the liver, suggesting that its daily use could help greatly decrease the incidence of this type of infection.

Chronic treatment with dill extract preserves elastic lamellae integrity and induces elastic fibers neosynthesis in the abdominal aorta of adult and aged male and female mice

Elastic fibers are extracellular matrix components made of elastin (90%) and microfibrils (10%). Elastin is synthesized primarily in early life and confers to the large elastic arteries the property of elasticity, allowing storage of energy and stroke volume during the systole, then release of energy and blood volume during the diastole. This phenomenon helps to decrease the load on the heart. With aging, elastin is progressively degraded, leading to arterial stiffening and dysfunction. In a previous study we showed that chronic administration of Dill Extract at 5% or 10% v/v administered in drink water could be considered as an anti-aging product for the cardiovascular system but with different pathways. If 5% and 10% DE treatment increased tropoelastin and LOXL1 expressions in the aorta and induced the neo-synthesis of elastic fibers in the aortic wall of DE-treated aged mice and both had a reversal effect on aged related cardiac hypertrophy, surprisingly, blood pressure was decreased only with 5% DE and has no effect on mechanics properties of ascending aorta contrary to 10% DE. So, we decided to investigate further the effect of 5% DE. In this study, we explored the effects on elastin production (Elisa and histology) and large artery elasticity (pressure arteriography) in aged and adult mice of both genders. In opposite of the previous study, we investigate the effect of DE on the abdominal aorta which has different developmental origins, which could explain the different reaction to DE doses. We showed that chronic treatment with dill extract reduced the age-related cardiac hypertrophy only in male mice and re-induced elastic fibers formation, even in aged animals. Moreover, dill extract-treated mice exhibited increased arterial distensibility, especially in female mice. Our results suggest that dill extract presents an interesting potential for arterial function improvement in an anti-aging perspective, even when treating aged animals.

Physicochemical characteristics and antioxidant capacity of set yogurt fortified with dill (Anethume graveolens) extract

In the present study, dill extract was used in yogurt in order to increase its consumption acceptability and promote its functional properties. Milk fortified with 0, 5 and 10% (wt /vol) dill extract and its pH, acidity, total phenolic compounds, DPPH inhibitory percentage, viscosity, syneresis, water holding capacity, color and sensory properties were evaluated after 1, 7, 14 and 21 days of production. Investigation of the results showed that with the increase of the extract amount, inhibition percentage and total phenolic compounds increased, significantly (P < 0.01). The effect of storage time was also significant on the indexes, in a way that antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds increased in all treatments until 7 days and then it decreased. Also, the effect of treatment type was significant on some physicochemical characteristics (such as pH, acidity, viscosity, syneresis and water holding capability) of the fortified yogurt (P < 0.01). The results of the color evaluation indicated that the addition of dill extract reduced the red spectrum (a*) and lightness (L*) and increased the yellow spectrum (b*). In sensory evaluation, the highest score was given to the yogurt with 5% of dill extract.

Effects of different plant extracts at various dietary levels on growth performance, carcass traits, blood serum parameters, immune response and ileal microflora of Ross broiler chickens

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different plant extracts (common nettle, coriander, dill and thyme) at various dietary levels (0, 150, 300 and 450 mg/L) on growth performance, carcass traits, blood serum parameters, immune response and ileal microflora of 650 male Ross chickens (13 treatment groups; five replicates/treatment group; 10 birds/replicate) in a 42-day trial. Plant extracts were added to drinking water. Supplementation, except for coriander, increased feed intake (p < .05). Thyme extracts at 300 mg/L improved both weight gain and feed efficiency (p < .05). Thyme or dill (300 mg/L) improved carcass and drumsticks yields (p < .05). Pre-slaughtered body weight was increased by supplementation with plant extracts at 300 mg/L (p < .05). Plant extracts positively affected blood serum parameters decreasing concentrations (p < .05) of total protein, albumin, urea and total cholesterol. Dill extract increased IgG against sheep red blood cells at d 28 (p < .05) and d 42 (IgG; tendency p= .0698), whereas coriander extract (450 mg/L) raised immune response against avian influence within 42 d from vaccination (p < .05). Plant extracts reduced coliforms (except dill at 300 mg/L level; p < .05) and aerobic bacteria (except dill; p < .05). Negative gram bacteria were increased by thyme and dill treatments at 150 mg/L (p < .05) whereas lactobacilli bacteria were raised by thyme at 150 mg/L level (p < .05). In conclusion, supplementation with thyme at 300 mg/L level had the greatest benefits on the evaluated parameters. HIGHLIGHTS Thyme supplementation at 300 mg/L level could improve broiler chicken growth performance, carcass traits and blood serum parameters. Thyme supplementation at 150 mg/L could positively affect ileal microbiota increasing lactobacilli bacteria and reducing coliforms. However, no relevant effects of the thyme treatment were observed on broiler chicken immune responses.

Comparative study on different incorporation of olive oil and dill extract in fresh cheese

In the present study, a comparative analysis was undertaken on the possibilities of using olive oil in fresh spreadable cheese either emulsified or encapsulated. The changes in titratable acidity, active acidity and total Lactococcus count were recorded continuously throughout the storage period. At the end of the storage period, Lactococcus count in the samples with encapsulated oil were found to be slightly higher (7.7 and 7.8 log CFU.g-1 respectively) in comparison with the control sample (7.5 log CFU.g-1 ). A significantly higher content (P &lt; 0.05) of unsaturated fatty acids (56.88 g per 100 g fatty acids) and a lower peroxide value of extracted fat (0.35 meqO2.kg-1 ) were found in the fresh spreadable cheese samples with 4% (w/w) encapsulated olive oil and extract of dill used as antioxidant in an amount of 0.003% (v/v). The addition of antioxidant (dill extract) further reduced oxidation process and enhanced cheese functionality. The sensory profile of the fresh cheeses, containing encapsulated oil, was better compared to the sensory profile of the products prepared with directly added olive oil (with or without added antioxidant).

Chemical composition, oxidative stability and antiproliferative activity of &lt;em&gt;Anethum graveolens&lt;/em&gt; (dill) seed hexane extract

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, chemical composition, and anti­proliferative activity of the hexane extract of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) seeds using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Two fractions, namely the lipid fraction (74%) and volatile fraction (26%), were detected. The extract content of the seeds was about 9.4% and the extract had a pleasant spicy aroma. Oleic acid (52%), cis-vaccenic acid (6.2%), linoleic acid (5.5%), and palmitic acid (3.3%) were the key fatty acids in the lipid fraction, while apiol (23%) and d-carvone (2.4%) were the major volatile components. Tocols (tocopherols and tocotrienols) were also detected in the A. Graveolens extract (155 mg/100 g) and b-tocopherol was identified as the major tocol (71%). Dill extract showed a high oxidative stability (induction time = 45.22 h). Furthermore, dill extract showed antiproliferative activity against breast cancer cell lines.

A blackberry-dill extract combination synergistically increases skin elasticity.

The loss of structural elastin due to intrinsic and extrinsic ageing results in the skin's inability to stretch and recoil (decrease in elasticity) and manifests as loss of skin firmness and sagging. While other extracellular matrix (ECM) components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid are continually synthesized and assembled through life, elastic fibres are not. Elastic fibre assembly and functionality require fibre cross-linking, induced by the lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) enzymes, which sharply decrease during ageing. To evaluate the enhanced elastogenic effect of a blackberry-dill extract combination, which was hypothesized to induce elastin fibre component synthesis, fibre cross-linking and reduce elastin fibre degradation. The blackberry and the dill extracts were tested separately and in combination to confirm single ingredient bioactivity and synergistic benefits. Human skin explants, dermal fibroblasts, elastase assays, ELISAs, quantitative real-time PCRs and spectrofluorometer measurements were used. Moreover, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study was carried out to assess skin elasticity using Cutometer and histologically from biopsies. The blackberry extract induced elastin gene expression, elastin promoter activity and inhibited elastic fibre degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 9 and 12. The dill extract induced elastin, collagen and LOXL1 gene expression, resulting in enhanced fibre cross-linking in human skin explants. Clinically, the blackberry and dill combination treatment displayed synergistic pro-elasticity activity as compared to each ingredient alone and placebo. Taken together, these results demonstrated the two multimodal plant-based extracts complemented each other in terms of bioactivity and resulted in a synergistic elastogenesis induction.

Extracts of pomegranate, persimmon, nettle, dill, kale and Sideritis specifically modulate gut microbiota and local cytokines production: in vivo study

The aim of the work was to use the in vivo model to reveal main changes in gut microbiota of immune competent mice in dynamic and find out the specificity of immunomodulation action (activity) of traditional foods ingredients - edible plants extracts on local mucosal cytokines to its oral administration.Materials and methods. In this study, seven groups of immunocompetent BALB/c mice were formed. All experimental mice had been fed orally by plants’ extracts (15mg/200 µl/mouse) for the 14th days. The extracts of edible plants - ingredients of traditional food such as kale leaves, persimmon, pomegranate, dill, Sideritis scardica, and nettle were obtained as described and orally administrated to experimental animals. For microbiological analysis of gut microbiota changes, the colon content has been investigated, the key microbial representatives were isolated by plating of its serial dilution on selected chromogenic medium, identified serologically and biochemically. The production of cytokines in different gut compartments and gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results. In experiments in mice, the ability of Kale, Dill and Sideritis extracts, when administered orally, selectively inhibit the content of E. coli, K. pneumoniae, E. faecalis, L. acidophilus in the colon of mice had been demonstrated, and increasing of B. bifidum had been observed. Nettle extract leads to an increase in E. coli, and persimmon extract - to an increase in levels of E. faecalis, Bifidobacterium and a decrease in the content of Candida spp. Pomegranate extract specifically stimulates the growth of Bifidobacterium. There are sufficient differences in produced cytokines in fragment culture and serum of mice fed with different plants extracts. TNF-a, and IL-2 increased both systemically and locally in the different gut compartments by Dill extract, Nettle and Sideritis extracts only at mucosal sites. IL-2, but also IL-10 and IL-12, IFN-g, and IL-17 but not TNF-a were stimulated in different levels by Pomegranate, Persimmon and Kale extracts: both systemically and locally.Conclusions. No harmful influence of tested plants had been observed. The most beneficial properties are inherent to Persimmon extract and slightly less detected in Pomegranate and Kale extracts. Siderites extract rather show no significant influence on all the studied indices while the Nettle and Dill extracts are acting pro-inflammatory

Dill Extract Induces Elastic Fiber Neosynthesis and Functional Improvement in the Ascending Aorta of Aged Mice with Reversal of Age-Dependent Cardiac Hypertrophy and Involvement of Lysyl Oxidase-Like-1.

Elastic fibers (90% elastin, 10% fibrillin-rich microfibrils) are synthesized only in early life and adolescence mainly by the vascular smooth muscle cells through the cross-linking of its soluble precursor, tropoelastin. Elastic fibers endow the large elastic arteries with resilience and elasticity. Normal vascular aging is associated with arterial remodeling and stiffening, especially due to the end of production and degradation of elastic fibers, leading to altered cardiovascular function. Several pharmacological treatments stimulate the production of elastin and elastic fibers. In particular, dill extract (DE) has been demonstrated to stimulate elastin production in vitro in dermal equivalent models and in skin fibroblasts to increase lysyl oxidase–like-1 (LOXL-1) gene expression, an enzyme contributing to tropoelastin crosslinking and elastin formation. Here, we have investigated the effects of a chronic treatment (three months) of aged male mice with DE (5% or 10% v/v, in drinking water) on the structure and function of the ascending aorta. DE treatment, especially at 10%, of aged mice protected pre-existing elastic lamellae, reactivated tropoelastin and LOXL-1 expressions, induced elastic fiber neo-synthesis, and decreased the stiffness of the aging aortic wall, probably explaining the reversal of the age-related cardiac hypertrophy also observed following the treatment. DE could thus be considered as an anti-aging product for the cardiovascular system.

The Effect of Extract from Dill Anethum Graveolens on the Growth Performance, Body Composition, Immune System, and Antioxidant System of Rainbow Trout

AbstractIn recent years, supplementing herbal medicines to fish diets in the aquaculture industry as a growth stimulant and immunostimulant is a common practice. In the present study, we investigated the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of dill on the growth performance and body composition of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and its inhibitory effect against Aeromonas hydrophila in vitro. We also evaluated the immune responses and antioxidant system in fish that were fed dill diets over a period of 56 d. For this purpose, 180 Rainbow Trout fingerlings (initial weight 13.30 ± 0.22 g; mean ± SD) were purchased and they were fed four experimental treatments, which included a control diet and diets that were supplemented with 1Dill (1 g/kg dill extract), 1.5Dill (1.5 g/kg dill extract), or 3Dill (3 g/kg dill extract). According to the results, the fish that were fed 1Dill (54.70 g) and 1.5Dill (53.19 g) diets had significantly higher weight gain, although the feed conversion ratio was not significantly different among groups. However, the fish that were fed the 1.5Dill (62.55%) diet had significantly higher protein contents in the body than those that were fed the 3Dill (60.09%) treatment; the fish that were fed the 3Dill (29.00%) diet had higher lipid content than those that were fed the other diets. Regarding immune and antioxidant systems, the Rainbow Trout that were fed the 1.5Dill diet had significantly higher values of lysozyme in their serum (53.33 U/mL), alternative complement pathway hemolytic activity (146.33 U/mL), superoxide dismutase (52.33 U/mg protein), and catalase activity (164.66 U/mg protein) than the others did. Dill extracts in different dosages had no inhibitory effect against A. hydrophila in vitro. In summary, it can be concluded that the 1.5Dill diet can be used as a natural stimulant of growth, immunity, and the antioxidant system in the aquaculture industry.

Anethum graveolens as a possible modulator of testicular steroidogenesis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible in vitro effects of Anethum graveolens L. (dill) extract on the steroidogenesis in testicular tissue. Specifically, we focused to determine the dominant chemical components of the dill extract followed by a subsequent assessment of its in vitro effects on the production of cholesterol, dehydroepiandrosterone, androstenedione and testosterone by rat testicular fragments. Dill extract was subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) which determined cyranosid, carvone, chlorogenic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and salicylic acid among the predominant biomolecules. For the in vitro experiments, testicular fragments from 12 sexually mature Wistar rats were incubated in the absence (control) or presence of 10, 100 or 1000 μg/mL extract for 24 h. Cholesterol levels were quantified via photometry and the hormones were evaluated by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Our data showed that the release of cholesterol and androstenedione (but not dehydroepiandrosterone and testosterone) by the testicular fragments obtained from seminiferous tubules was significantly affected by the dill extract in a dose-dependent manner. Exposure to the extract led to a significant decrease of both cholesterol as well as androstenedione (P<0.01 in case of 10 μg/mL; P<0.001 with respect to 100 and 1000 ug/mL extract). Our results suggest that the bioactive molecules present in Anethum graveolens L. could have dose-dependent impact on the secretion of selected male reproductive hormones, playing a role in the regulation of testicular steroidogenesis. Nevertheless, the exact effect of individual biomolecules on the endocrine testicular function has yet to be investigated.

Effect of 8-weeks hydroalcoholic extracts of dill supplementation along with aerobic training on lipid profile in hyperlipidemic obese men

Background: In traditional medicine, Dill has been used for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorder and also for its hypoglycemic and lipid lowering effects. So, the aim of this study was to determining effect of long-term dill extract supplementation alone and along with regular aerobic training on lipid profile in serum of men hyperlipidemic patients. Methods: 60 male patients with hyperlipidemia after completing consent forms were randomized divided into four homogeneous groups; control, aerobic training, dill extract, and aerobic training along with dill extract. Furthermore, consumption of oral dill essential oil (2 mg.kg-1.day) along with aerobic exercise training protocol for 8-weeks performed (sessions were conducted 3 times a week, each lasting 45 minutes running on the treadmill). Blood samples were taken at two phases (48 hours before and after the last training session protocol) were collected. Results: The levels of the total cholesterol and triglyceride in the experimental groups significantly decreased in compared the pre-intervention period (P<0=032). In addition, -22.75% decreasing in LDL-cholesterol and +49.76% increasing in HDL-cholesterol levels just in the aerobic exercise training along with dill extract was significant in comparison with the control group (P=0.001). Conclusion: The combination effects of regular aerobic training and dill supplementation, due to having additive effects in compared to treatment with dill supplementation and aerobic activity alone, more effective treatment methods to improve the lipid profile factors in associated with hyperlipidemia.

Comparison of antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles against several bacterial strains of medical interest

Biological routes have been extensively explored in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles due to their simplicity and low cost. Among metallic nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in medical applications because of their potent antimicrobial activity. In this work, the ability of the mycelium-free fungus extract produced by Chilean white-root Stereum hirsutum and two plant extracts (green tea and dill) were used in the synthesis of AgNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles were extensively characterized by different techniques. The antibacterial activity of the nanoparticles was demonstrated against the Gram-positive strain Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 3229 (standard CLSI); and the Gram-negative bacterial strains (standard CLSI) Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13803 and the multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa KPC 37. The values of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were obtained in the range of 1.56–25 µg mL−1. AgNPs synthesized by dill extract showed lower values of MIC and MBC, compared to other nanoparticles. The potent antibiofilm ability of AgNPs was demonstrated, including against the multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa KPC 37 strain. All synthesized nanoparticles demonstrated antibiofilm activity. AgNPs synthesized by fungus extract demonstrated superior antibiofilm activity, compared to AgNPs synthesized by green tea or dill, at low concentration (1.56 µg mL−1). To our best knowledge, this is the first report to compare the antioxidant and antibacterial effects of AgNPs synthesized by different biological entities (green tea, dill and S. hirsutum) with great importance in the combat of resistant bacteria and biofilms.

The Combined Extract of Black Sticky Rice and Dill Improves Poststroke Cognitive Impairment in Metabolic Syndrome Condition.

Despite the increase in cognitive deficit following stroke in metabolic syndrome (MetS) condition, the therapeutic strategy is still limited. Since oxidative stress and neuroinflammation play the crucial roles on the pathophysiology of aforementioned conditions, the cognitive enhancing effect of the combined extract of Oryza sativa and Anethum graveolens was considered based on their antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotective effects together with the synergistic effect concept. Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g were induced metabolic syndrome-like condition by using a high-carbohydrate high-fat diet (HCHF diet). Then, reperfusion injury following cerebral ischemia was induced by the occlusion of right middle cerebral artery and treated with the combined extract of O. sativa and A. graveolens (OA extract) at doses of 0.5, 5, and 50 mg/kg BW once daily for 21 days. Spatial memory was assessed every 7 days throughout the experimental period. At the end of the study, neuron and glial fibrillary acidic protein- (GFAP-) positive cell densities, the oxidative stress status, AChE, and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) in the hippocampus were determined. The results showed that OA extract at all doses used in this study significantly improved memory together with the reductions of MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, AChE, and density of GFAP-positive cell but increased neuron density in the hippocampus. Taken together, OA is the potential cognitive enhancer in memory impairment following stroke in MetS condition. The possible underlying mechanism may occur partly via the reductions of oxidative stress status, GFAP-positive cell density, and neuroinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 together with the suppression of AChE activity in the hippocampus. This study suggests that OA is the potential functional ingredient to improve the cognitive enhancer. However, further clinical research is required.

Dill-normalized liver lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and low-density lipoprotein receptor levels in high cholesterol fed hamsters.

BACKGROUNDHigh lipid accumulation in hepatocyte and blood vessels can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and heart diseases, respectively. These disorders are the main reasons of mortality in various countries. In this experiment, we evaluated the effect of leaf extracts of Anethum graveolens (AG), also known as Dill, and AG tablet on expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and liver lipid in hypercholesterolemic hamsters.METHODSIn this experimental study, 36 male golden hamsters were divided into 6 groups: 1) standard diet + 0.5% cholic acid + 2% cholesterol [high cholesterol diet (HCD)], 2) HCD + 100 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Dill, 3) HCD + 200 mg/kg hydroalcoholic extract of Dill, 4) HCD + 100 mg/kg Dill tablet, 5) HCD + 200 mg/kg Dill tablet, 6) chow. At the end of study (30th day), hamsters were anesthetized and blood sample and liver tissue were collected. Biochemical factors and antioxidant parameters were determined. LDLR messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) level was measured using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Histopathological change of liver was determined using light microscope.RESULTSCompared to HCD group, blood lipids (P < 0.0010) and liver enzymes (P < 0.0010) markedly reduced in AG-treated groups. The expression of LDLR did not change significantly in animals which received low dose of hydroalcoholic extract or AG tablet, but it increased in animals receiving high dose of extract or tablet (P < 0.0100). Liver antioxidant significantly increased by AG (P < 0.0010). Liver histopathological changes were normalized by AG.CONCLUSIONAG can significantly increase LDLR gene expression in HCD animals. This study showed that both AG extract and AG tablet had potential antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects in hamsters.

Effects of adding essential oils of rosemary, dill and chicory extract to diets on performance, egg quality and some blood parameters of laying hens subjected to heat stress

ABSTRACTTo determine the effects of adding essential oils of rosemary, dill and chicory extract to diets on performance, egg quality and enzyme activity of laying hens subjected to heat stress, a total of 240 laying hens were used and based on a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial, eight diets, with five replicates, including basal diet with two levels of rosemary essential oil (0, 20 ml/100 kg), two levels of dill essential oil (0, 15 ml/100 kg) and two levels of chicory extract (0, 250 ml/100 kg) were fed to the experimental birds. Dietary dill had a significant effect on egg index under heat stress condition. The birds given rosemary, dill and chicory alone exhibited lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides concentration under thermoneutral and heat stress condition compared to those fed the basal diet (P < 0.05). Synergistic effects between dietary rosemary, dill and chicory significantly increased plasma glutathione peroxidase activity compared to those that received only rosemary, dill or chicory, which has been never reported (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of single or combination of rosemary, dill and chicory can improve at least some production performance and antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase) in heat-stressed laying hens.

Contact toxicities of some plant extracts in Apiaceae family on different developmental stages of Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 (Acari: Tetranychidae)

The contact toxicities of extracts of anise ( Pimpinella anisum L.), coriander ( Coriandrum sativum L.), cumin ( Cuminum cyminum L.), dill ( Anethum graveolens ) and fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) plants, included in the Apiaceae, prepared with water on different stages of Tetranychus urticae Koch, 1836 , were studied. The study was conducted in a laboratory and insect breeding rooms between in 2015-2016. Leaf disc - spray tower method was used for the purpose of determining toxic effects of the plant extracts. The effect of plant extracts on adult and protonymphs stages of T. urticae were determined. Also, the effects of plant extracts were determined on the hatching of T. urticae eggs. Four different concentration of extracts were tested;1, 3, 6 and 12%. The experiments consisted of one control and four replicates for each concentration. Fifteen individuals were included in each repeat. Dead-live counts were made 1, 3 and 6 days after treatment to determine contact effects of the extracts. It was found that the contact effects of plant extracts on T. urticae adult and protonymphs increased with rising concentration, caused 100% death on T. urticae adults and nymphs at 12% after 6 days. Also, the greatest effect on T. urticae egg hatching was in dill extracts with mortality of over 91%. It is considered that these plant extracts may constitute an alternative acaricides for control T. urticae .

Effects of nanoencapsulated aloe vera, dill and nettle root extract as feed antibiotic substitutes in broiler chickens

Abstract. Aloe vera, nettle and dill are herbs that have been used in the poultry diet as feed additives to utilise their benefits in improving performance, immune response and health of broiler chickens. However, reactive and volatile properties of bioactive compounds in herbal extracts cause limitations on direct usage of them in the diet. The use of chitosan (CS) nanoparticles for the entrapment of active components has gained interest in the last few years due to its mucous adhesiveness, non-toxicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. This study was an effort to evaluate effects of nanoencapsulated extracts of aloe vera, dill and nettle root used in diet on performance, carcass traits and serum immunoglobulin (IgM and IgY) concentrations in broiler chickens. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by using ionotropic gelation principle. After nanogel preparation of herbal extracts, a total of 240 Ross (308) broiler chicks were divided into eight treatments, with three replicates of 10 birds. The eight dietary treatments consisted of control (no additives), antibiotic (bacitracin 500 g t−1), non-encapsulated and nanoencapsulated extracts of aloe vera, dill and nettle root. In each experimental period, non-encapsulated (free extracts) and nanoencapsulated extracts of aloe vera, dill and nettle roots were added in amounts of 0.02, 0.025 and 0.05 % to starter, grower and finisher diets, respectively. Birds in different treatments received the same diets during the experimental periods. Results revealed that increasing both non-encapsulated and nanoencapsulated herbal extracts to 0.05 % in finisher diets improved body weight gain in the time period of 28–42 days and consequently the whole time from 1 to 42 days. However, in these periods, birds fed a diet containing nanoencapsulated dill extract had a significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher body weight gain compared with the antibiotic group, while non-encapsulated dill extract treatment was intermediate. The addition of nanoencapsulated nettle extract in diet significantly (P &lt; 0.05) improved feed conversion efficiency in the 28–42-day period compared with the antibiotic group. In comparison with the antibiotic group, nanoencapsulation of dill extract could profoundly improve growth performance and can therefore be used as a substitute for antibiotics in the diet of broiler chickens.