Fennel Essential Oil Research Articles

Biofilm Inhibition Activity of Fennel Honey, Fennel Essential Oil and Their Combination

The eradication of bacterial biofilms remains a persistent challenge in medicine, particularly because an increasing number of biofilms exhibit resistance to conventional antibiotics. This underscores the importance of searching for novel compounds that present antibacterial and biofilm inhibition activity. Various types of honey and essential oil were proven to be effective against a number of biofilm-forming bacterial strains. The current study demonstrated the effectiveness of the relatively unexplored fennel honey (FH), fennel essential oil (FEO), and their combination against biofilm-forming bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, with a series of in vitro experiments. The authenticity of FH and FEO was checked with light microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined using the microdilution method, and antibiofilm activity was assessed with crystal violet assay. Structural changes in bacterial cells and biofilms, induced by the treatments, were monitored with scanning electron microscopy. FEO and FH inhibited the biofilm formation of each bacterial strain, with FEO being more effective compared to FH. Their combination was the most effective, with inhibitory rates ranging between 87 and 92%, depending on the bacterial strain. The most sensitive bacterium was E. coli, while P. aeruginosa was the most resistant. These results provide justification for the combined use of honey and essential oil to suppress bacterial biofilms and can serve as a starting point to develop an effective surface disinfectant with natural ingredients.

Different Plant Parts Induce Variances in the Production of Fennel Essential Oil

Different Plant Parts Induce Variances in the Production of Fennel Essential Oil

Protective effect of essential oil of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis and oxidative stress in rat

BackgroundWild fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) is a very common plant used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases. In recent years, scientific research proved its biological properties. However, the protective effect of fennel against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (BLM-IPF) is not yet study. PurposeFennel essential oil (FEO) composition was characterized and its protective effect was assessed. MethodsGC–MS was employed to determine the chemical composition of fennel essential oil. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using TAC, DPPH, RAP and ABTS assays. After inducing fibrosis by bleomycin, several biological assays were used to evaluate the protective effect [proteins content, malondialdehyde MD, thiol group, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)]. ResultsFEO was rich in estragole (77.55 %), fenchone (9.23 %), and limonene (9.23 %), and phenolic compounds and showed a significant antioxidant potential. The effects on BLM-IPF were revealed by disruption and alteration of oxidative stress biomarkers in lung, liver and kidney. Treatment of rats with FEO improved abnormal fluctuations in protein and thiol levels, decreased oxidative stress in terms of MDA and also restored the response of the antioxidant system, measured in terms of SOD and CAT, in lung, liver and kidney. The biological activity was recorded in a dose response manner. The potential of FEO in limiting the progress of the histopathologic effects of BLM-IPF was confirmed by microscopic histological observations, with a reduction of the fibrosis score and the inflammatory index in the FEO treated lung tissue. ConclusionThese results, proved that FEO could attenuate BLM-induced PF, thus suggesting that the latter could serve as a potential therapeutic approach for PF.

Optimizing professional oral hygiene tactics with various methods and tools: impact on microcirculation in periodontal tissues

Relevance. While professional oral hygiene (POH) is widely implemented in dental practice, there is a notable lack of comprehensive research on its effects on periodontal tissues. This underscores the need to investigate the impact of various air-polishing systems (APS) on periodontal tissues in specific clinical contexts. Choosing the appropriate active ingredient in mouth rinses for antiseptic treatment during the final stage of professional oral hygiene is critical for dental practitioners, as the active ingredient directly affects microcirculation in periodontal tissues.Materials and methods. A standard dental examination was conducted on 200 patients aged 18 to 25 years. Patients were divided into groups based on the active component of the APS: calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, a mixture of calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, trehalose, or glycine. In the second stage of the study, antiseptic treatment was performed according to the active ingredient in the mouth rinse, using one of the following antiseptics: chlorhexidine (0.20%) with hyaluronic acid; a combination of clove and fennel essential oils, bromelain enzyme, and bifidobacterium lysate; or essential oil-based rinses containing thymol, eucalyptol, menthol, and methyl salicylate. The control group used distilled water. Microcirculation dynamics in the periodontal tissues were monitored throughout the study using ultrasound Doppler flowmetry.Results. An increase in microcirculation parameters in periodontal tissues was observed following professional oral hygiene using various APS components, both with and without ultrasonic treatment. The application of mouth rinses as the final step in antiseptic oral care contributed to the restoration of microcirculation in periodontal tissues within 1 hour of use.Conclusion. The study identified the most effective protocol for mouth rinse application, tailored to the active component of the air-polishing system.

Inhibitory Effect of Fennel Fruit Essential Oil and Its Main Component Anethole of Corrosion on Steel Plates in 1 M HCL

Corrosion worldwide causes large losses of metal, which is why various ways are being sought to slow it down. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of fennel fruit essential oil (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) and its main component anethole. The inhibitory effect of three different concentrations of the fennel essential oil and anethole (1.0 mL/L, 1.5 mL/L, and 2.5 mL/L) in a solution of 1 M HCl at 298 K for 6 h on a sheet of low-carbon steel was investigated. The inhibitory effect was established using gravimetric methods evaluating weight loss, corrosion rate, and inhibition efficiency, as well as electrochemical methods. In gravimetric studies, the inhibition effect of the inhibitors fennel essential oil and isolate anethole at a concentration of 2.0 mL/L was 70.85% and 45.86%, respectively. The anodic polarization curve data at 298 K demonstrate that the anethole and fennel essential oil adsorption on the metal surface creates a barrier that hinders hydrogen ions’ access and prevents them from being reduced on the steel surface’s cathode sites. Fennel essential oil acting as a mixed type-inhibitor can replace synthetic organic substances and could become an alternative to be used as environmental corrosion inhibitors.

Essential Oil Content, Composition and Free Radical Scavenging Activity from Different Plant Parts of Wild Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum L.) in Montenegro.

This study was conducted to determine the sea fennel essential oil (SFEO) yield, composition, and antioxidant activity of leaves, stem, inflorescences, and umbels from seeds of wild sea fennel (SF) (Crithmum maritimum L.) from the Montenegro coast. The chemical composition of isolated essential oil was determined by GC/MS and GC/FID analyses. The antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay. The maximum SFEO yield was found in umbels with seeds (4.77 mL/100 g p.m.). The leaves contained less EO (0.52 mL/100 g p.m.) than immature inflorescence (0.83 mL/100 g p.m.) The minimum EO content was found in the stem (0.08%). Twenty components were isolated from SFEO leaves, twenty-four from inflorescence, thirty-four components from the stem, and twenty-one components from umbels with seeds. Limonene (62.4-72.0%), γ-terpinene (9.5-14.0%), α-pinene (1.4-5.8%), and sabinene (1-6.5%) were found to be the main components of the SFEO from monoterpene hydrocarbons as dominant grouped components (86% to 98.1%). SF plant parts showed differences in chemical profiles, especially in specific and low-represented ingredients. (E)-anethole (4.4%), fenchone (0.5%), and trans-carveol (0.2%) were present only in umbel with seeds, while the β-longipipene (0.5%), (E)-caryophyllene (0.5%), and (2E)-decenal (0.2%) were found only in the stems. The degree of DPPH radical neutralization increased with incubation time. The SFEO isolated from the stems showed stronger antioxidant activity during the incubation times of 20 and 40 min (EC50 value of 5.30 mg/mL and 5.04 mg/mL, respectively) in comparison to the SFEO isolated from the other plant parts. The lowest antioxidant activity was obtained with the SFEO leaves (155.25 mg/mL and 58.30 mg/mL, respectively). This study indicates that SFEO possesses significant antioxidant activities and is animportant component in the food and pharmaceutical industries. It is important to preserve the existing gene pool and biodiversity with rational use SF for the extraction of high-quality essential oils.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effect of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Essential Oil on Opportunistic Microflora: Growth and Enzymatic Activity Indicators

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an edible spice with edible value and is cultivated in both tropical and temperate regions. It is a traditional spice with important economic value and extensive medical application value. The purpose of the research: Antibacterial tests were conducted on four types of opportunistic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract to determine their biochemical indicators. Fennel oil was used as raw material in this study. The object of study were opportunistic microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus. The study groups were fennel essential oil produced by Botanika LLC, Russian Federation (FEN-B) and IP Saules Sapnis, Republic of Belarus (FEN-SS). Collection microorganisms of the same species were used as a control. Research results have shown that fennel essential oil (Foeniculum vulgare) inhibits the growth of opportunistic microflora. E. coli, B. cereus and P. mirabilis exhibited proteolytic and amylolytic activities. In S. aureus cultured cells, amylolytic enzymes were not present.

Preparation and characterization of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare miller) essential oil/hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and its application for chilled pork preservation

Fennel essential oil (FEO) a natural spice that has versatile biological activities. However, the direct use of FEO is limited due to its water insolubility and poor stability. Chilled pork is prone to spoilage during storage. To solve these problems, this study aimed to prepare an inclusion complex (IC) of FEO with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin via co-precipitation and apply it to the preservation of chilled pork. Results indicated that the optimal parameters were encapsulating temperature 37 °C, wall–core ratio 14:1 g/mL, stirring speed 600 r/min, and encapsulating time 240 min, obtaining an encapsulation efficiency of 83.75%. The results of scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance demonstrated the successful preparation of IC. The release of FEO from IC was controllable through adjusting the different temperatures and relative humidities. Furthermore, IC effectively delayed the spoilage of chilled pork and extended its shelf life by 6 days at 4 °C.

Role of TRPA1 in the pharmacological effect triggered by the topical application of trans-anethole in mice.

This study investigated the pharmacological effects of topical trans-anethole, a natural compound found in anise, star anise, and fennel essential oils, and its relationship with the transient receptor potential of ankyrin 1 (TRPA1). The effects of topical anethole were assessed by eye wiping, nociceptive behaviour, and ear oedema in mice. Histological evaluations were performed on the ears of the animals topically treated with anethole. Anethole caused less eye irritation than capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist) and allyl isothiocyanate (a TRPA1 agonist). Anethole (250 and 500 nmol/20 µL/paw) promoted neurogenic nociception in the paw (20.89 ± 3.53s and 47.56 ± 8.46s, respectively) compared with the vehicle (0.88 ± 0.38s). HC030031 (56.1 nmol/20 µL/paw), a TRPA1 antagonist, abolished this nociceptive response. Anethole (4, 10, and 20 µmol/20 µL/ear) induced ear oedema (30.25 ± 4.78μm, 78.00 ± 3.74μm, and 127.50 ± 27.19μm, respectively) compared with the vehicle (5.00 ± 0.5μm). HC030031 (56.1 nmol/20 µL/ear) inhibited the oedema induced by anethole (10 µmol/20 µL/ear). Ears pre-treated with anethole or allyl isothiocyanate on the first day and re-exposed to these compounds on the third day showed a reduction in oedema (68.16 ± 6.04% and 38.81 ± 8.98.9%, respectively). Cross-desensitisation between anethole and allyl isothiocyanate was observed. Histological analysis confirmed the beneficial effects of anethol. As repeated topical applications of anethole induce the desensitisation of TRPA1, we suggest its clinical application as a topical formulation for treating skin diseases or managing pain associated with this receptor. Anethole may also have advantages over capsaicin and allyl isothiocyanate because of its low pungency and pleasant aroma.

Essential oils from fennel plants as valuable chemical products: gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, FTIR, quantum mechanical investigation, and antifungal activity

AbstractIn the present study, the biomass produced by fennel plants (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) was converted to yield bioactive chemicals, and the hydrodistillation method was used to extract the essential oils (EOs) from both the leaves and the umbels. The antifungal activity of the EOs was tested using bioassay against the development of Fusarium oxysporum MW854649 and Alternaria solani MT279570. Molecular spectroscopic detection techniques were used to evaluate the EO products using gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (GC–MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). GC–MS equipped with single quadruple analyzers have been used to measure the electron ionization (EI) mass spectra of the primary constituents of fennel EOs at 70 eV. The main chemical compounds in the EO from leaves were anethole, estragole, D-limonene, trans-β-ocimene, and fenchone, with percentages of 37.94, 35.56, 17.46, 1.53, and 1.49%, respectively. The abundant compounds in the EO from umbels were estragole, anethole, D-limonene, fenchone, and γ-terpinene, with percentages of 51.18, 25.08, 12.22, 6.57, and 2.86%, respectively. EI mass spectral fragmentation of the major compounds D-limonene, estragole, anethole, and fenchone has been investigated. Umbels and leaf EOs at 5000 mg/L displayed the strongest suppression of fungal growth against A. solani, with values of 87.78% and 79.63%, respectively, compared to the positive control (94.44%). The EOs from umbels and leaves at 5000 mg/L showed the highest inhibition of fungal growth against F. oxysprium as compared to the positive control (94.44%), with values of 77.77% and 72.96%, respectively. All of the important ions—including a few distinctive fragment ions—have comprehensive fragmentation pathways defined. Based on EI, the main routes of fragmentation for the primary compounds have been identified. The existence of alkenes, aliphatic alcohols, ethers, carboxylic acids, ester compounds, alkanes, hydrogen-bonded alcohols, and phenols was demonstrated by the FTIR analysis of fennel EOs. On the other hand, the reactive behavior of the studied molecules has been investigated using two quantum mechanics method: the modified neglect of diatomic overlap (MNDO), a semi-empirical method, and the density functional theory (DFT)/B3LYP hybrid density functional method with the 6-311G (d, p) basis set in the ground state for gas phase. The optimum geometries have been obtained through the execution of computations and electrostatic potential. The obtained analytical and calculated results were then used to understand the activity of the studied EOs in further medical applications.

Enhancing the nitric oxide inhibitory activity using a combination of plant essential oils and mixture design approach

The synergistic effects of essential oils (EOs) from three aromatic plant species, Foeniculum vulgare subsp. piperitum (C.Presl) Bég. (FV), Origanum heracleoticum L. (OH) and Lavandula austroapennina N.G.Passal., Tundis & Upson. (LA), were evaluated for their inhibitory properties on nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We utilized a Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology to optimize a formulation by combining three Essential Oils (EOs), while simultaneously taking into account two response variables, maximization of NO inhibition with minimum cytotoxicity. The optimal blend of components was predicted, and the statistical outcome's efficacy was experimentally verified. The combination corresponding to 87.7 % FV, 12.3 % LA and 0.0 % OH showed high inhibitory effect (76.3 %) with negligible cytotoxicity (4.5 %). This research provides new information on the interactions among fennel, oregano and lavender essential oils and shows how they can synergistically inhibit in vitro LPS-induced NO production.

Development of an emulsion composition with fennel and caraway essential oils for use in the combined therapy of ulcerative colitis

The aim of the study is to develop the composition of an emulsion containing essential oils of Fennel and Caraway seeds for use in the symptomatic complex therapy of ulcerative colitis with the aim of eliminating functional intestinal disorders. Materials and methods. The objects of the study were samples of emulsions containing active pharmaceutical ingredients (essential oils of Fennel and Caraway), purified water, oils (refined sunflower oil, refined olive oil, refined sesame oil), emulsifiers (polyethylene glycol 40 hydrogenated castor oil, polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol 100 stearate, acacia gum, guar gum, xanthan gum, soya lecithin), viscosity regulator - apple pectin and flavouring agents (food additives with cherry and tarragon flavour). Organoleptic properties, stability, rheological parameters, pH, particle size determination by microscopy, and a taste test were carried out with model emulsion samples. Research to establish the optimal technological parameters was carried out in parallel. Results. The main parameters of the technological process have been established, which allow to obtain an emulsion with evenly distributed particles: 15 minutes at maximum speed. The concentration of emulsifiers at which the emulsions are stable was selected. It was found that the samples containing polyethylene glycol 100 stearate, gums, and soy lecithin have satisfactory organoleptic properties. The sample with soy lecithin emulsifier differs from the others in its ability to form microemulsions, but it has low viscosity. To improve the rheological properties, apple pectin was added to the emulsion. The taste test showed that among vegetable oils, refined sesame oil has a more neutral taste, and the flavouring additive "Tarkhun" balances the taste better. The release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from the emulsion base was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography. Conclusions. A microemulsion with essential oils based on refined sesame oil, soy lecithin, with the addition of viscosity and flavour correctors was developed. The obtained emulsion has satisfactory organoleptic properties and conforms to the requirements for emulsion quality indicators

Encapsulation of Fennel Essential Oil in Calcium Alginate Microbeads via Electrostatic Extrusion

Fennel essential oil (EO) is well known for its biological activities and wide potential for use in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, where the main challenge is to achieve higher stability of EO. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of electrostatic extrusion for encapsulation of fennel EO by examining the effects of alginate (1%, 1.5%, and 2%) and whey protein (0%, 0.75%, and 1.5%) concentrations and drying methods on the encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, bead characteristics, and swelling behavior of the produced fennel EO microbeads. Results revealed that electrostatic extrusion proved to be effective for encapsulating fennel EO, with whey protein addition enhancing the examined characteristics of the obtained microbeads. Freeze-drying exhibited superior performance compared to air-drying. Optimal encapsulation efficiency (51.95%) and loading capacity (78.28%) were achieved by using 1.5% alginate and 0.75% whey protein, followed by freeze-drying. GC-MS analysis revealed no differences in the qualitative aspect of the encapsulated and initial EO, with the encapsulated EO retaining 58.95% of volatile compounds. This study highlighted the potential of electrostatic extrusion using alginate and whey protein as a promising technique for fennel EO encapsulation while also emphasizing the need for further exploration into varied carrier materials and process parameters to optimize the encapsulation process and enhance product quality.

Efficacy of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and anise (Pimpinella anisum) essential oils as anaesthesics in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L. 1758)

In this study, the anaesthetic effects of fennel and anise essential oils were investigated on common carp. Fish (10 ± 0.45 g) were exposed to nine concentrations of essential oils (5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg L−1). Additionally, the histopathological effects on the fish tissues including gill, skin and hepatopancreas and physiological effects on some blood parameters (Na+, K+, Ca+2, Cl−, total plasma protein and glucose) of essential oils were investigated in carp. At the end of the experiment, fennel oil showed an anaesthetic effect at a concentration of 500 mg L−1 in carp (anaesthesia induction and recovery times were 308 and 472 s, respectively). Anise essential oil showed deep anaesthesia at a concentration of 100 mg L−1, but anaesthesia induction time was found to be very long (20 min). In addition, anise oil at concentrations above 100 mg L−1 caused 10% mortality in fish. Blood parameters except glucose level in both essential oils were unchanged during deep anaesthesia in carp. However, plasma glucose levels were found lower in fish anaesthetized with anise oil than control and fennel groups (P < 0.05). At the histopathological examination, no pathological findings were observed in any organ of fish in the fennel group. However, severe hyperemia and inflammatory cell infiltrations in gills, erosive lesions in the skin and slight inflammatory reactions in the skin were observed in the anise group. The present study demonstrated that fennel essential oil at 500 mg L−1 concentration can be used as an effective and safe anaesthetic in common carp, but anise essential oil is not suitable.

Comparative study on the different edible coatings loaded with fennel essential oil/β-cyclodextrin microcapsules for blueberry preservation

ABSTRACT Fennel essential oil was encapsulated in β-cyclodextrin to prepare microcapsules (β-CD-FEO). Single-factor experiments and model fitting were used to optimise the microcapsules. When the optimal core/wall material ratio was 10:0.6, encapsulation time set as 90 min, and encapsulation temperature controlled at 60°C, an optimal encapsulation efficiency of 77.05 ± 0.14% can be obtained. Using β-CD-FEO blended with low acyl gellan gum (LA-GG) as main constituents, three-component coating solutions containing sodium alginate (SA), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), and konjac glucomannan (KGM) were investigated to evaluate their effect on the preservation of blueberries. Compared with the noncoated sample, coated blueberries showed excellent storage properties, especially KGM/LA-GG/β-CDs-FEO group had the highest sensory evaluation score under 25°C for 8 days. Therefore, KGM/LA-GG/β-CDs-FEO has potential application value in maintaining the quality of blueberries.

The substantiation of the composition and technology of obtaining a microemulsion in laboratory conditions for pediatric use

Aim. To substantiate the composition and parameters of the technological process of obtaining a microemulsion with the essential oil of common fennel fruit for pediatric use. Materials and methods. The study objects were experimental samples of an emulsion with fennel essential oil (active pharmaceutical ingredient), acacia, xanthan and guar gums, soy lecithin, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-100 stearate, glycerin monostearate, polysorbate-80 (emulsifiers) and purified water. Information-search, information-analytical, organoleptic, physicochemical, rheological and pharmacotechnological research methods were used. The rheological parameters were determined on a “Reotest-2” rotary viscometer (Germany) with coaxial cylinders, pH was measured potentiometrically on a pH‒150 MI pH-meter (Khimtest Ukraine+), thermal stability was determined in a SP50 drying cabinet. The microscopic studies of experimental emulsion samples were carried out using a Granum microscope with a Toupcam UCMOS video camera. The statistical processing of the data obtained was performed using Microsoft Excel 2007 spreadsheets. Results and discussion. The composition and technology of obtaining a microemulsion with the essential oil of fennel fruit in the conditions of a pharmacy for pediatric use were experimentally substantiated. The technological process consisted of the following stages: preparatory work, weighing of ingredients, mixing of ingredients, packaging, and registration of the drug for dispensing. The drug was manufactured in aseptic conditions. Standardization of the drug obtained was carried out: description, thermal and colloidal stability, pH value, viscosity, uniformity of the mass of doses extracted from multi-dose containers, mass of the contents of the container. The presence of anethole and terpenoids was proven by TLC method. Conclusions. At the current level of development of the pharmaceutical industry, the improvement of providing consumers with high-quality medicines is implemented by choosing the optimal dosage form, the composition of excipients, rational technology, and the use of modern equipment.

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

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

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Encapsulated Fennel Essential Oil under the Influence of Spray-Drying Conditions

In this study, fennel essential oil (EO) was spray-dried, varying the wall material type (two-component blends of maltodextrin (MD), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and gum arabic (GA)), the wall material ratio (1:1, 1:3 and 3:1) and the drying temperature (120, 160 and 200 °C). A total of 27 powders were analyzed for their moisture content, solubility, hygroscopicity, bulk density and particle size, while powder recovery and oil retention were determined in terms of encapsulation efficiency. The morphology and chemical composition of the powder obtained under optimal conditions were additionally analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that all of the powders had generally good properties, exhibiting a low moisture content, high powder recovery and high oil retention. A 1:3 MD:GA mixture and a drying temperature of 200 °C were found to be optimal for the spray-drying of fennel EO, producing a powder with a low moisture content (3.25%) and high solubility (56.10%), while achieving a high powder recovery (72.66%) and oil retention (72.11%). The chemical profiles of the initial and encapsulated fennel EO showed quantitative differences without qualitative changes, with an average 24.2% decrease in the volatiles in the encapsulated EO. Finally, spray-drying proved to be a successful tool for the stabilization of fennel EO, at the same time expanding the possibilities for its further use.

Influence of Genotype on Antioxidant Activity and Phenolic Profile of Fennel Bulbs

Currently, fennel bulb is becoming a highly demanded and consumed vegetable due to its licorice flavor and health benefits. Although the chemical composition of fennel essential oil has been extensively studied, the nonvolatile bioactive compounds of fennel bulbs have drawn less attention. Here, the phenolic profile and the antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, chelating ability of ferrous ions, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation were analyzed using four different fennel hybrid genotypes and three different extraction solvents (methanol, aqueous-methanol, and hot water). Antioxidant activity results revealed significant variation amongst fennel varieties (&gt;3-fold difference for DPPH and reducing power and &gt;2.7-fold for the inhibition of lipid peroxidation), with methanolic extracts exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity. Total phenol content peaked in the aqueous-methanol extracts, exhibiting a 2-fold difference across fennel genotypes. HPLC–PDA/MS analyses identified high levels of caffeic acid derivatives in hot water extracts, particularly in the commercial genotype. The therapeutic benefits associated with these compounds make it reasonable to use detailed phytochemical screening in fennel breeding programs to obtain varieties with new functionalities and thus higher added value.

Comparative evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of fennel essential oil obtained by conventional and supercritical fluid extraction

Comparative evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of fennel essential oil obtained by conventional and supercritical fluid extraction