Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) remains a global health threat, with efflux pump-based mechanisms being a significant contributor to bacterial drug resistance, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative strategies such as plant-based phytochemicals. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a pathogen that heavily depends on its Resistance-Nodulation-Division (RND) efflux systems, like MexAB-OprM, as its resistance pathway against antibiotics. By inhibiting these efflux pumps, the pathogen can potentially be susceptible to the same antibiotics it was resistant to. Phytochemicals derived from medicinal plants offer a large scale of bioactive compounds with potential efflux inhibitory properties. However, the inhibitory effects and activity of bioactive compounds from Brassica nigra and Foeniculum vulgare remain largely unexplored, especially with P. aeruginosa. In this study, the crude extracts from mustard and fennel were evaluated for their ability to affect the efflux resistance in P. aeruginosa PA7 (MTCC 1688). Mustard extract demonstrated a stronger inhibitory effect and increased antibiotic susceptibility compared to Fennel extract, which was supported by intracellular accumulation and bacterial growth behaviour. GC-MS profiling helped identify key components of the extract, and molecular docking revealed that mustard-based compounds showed a higher affinity towards the MexB protein. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability of compounds from mustard and MexB interactions as potential ligands. Overall, the findings suggest that the mustard phytochemicals may be a promising natural efflux pump inhibitor capable of increasing the potency of antibiotic activity against P.aeruginosa, increasing their relevance in combating AMR.

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common skin problem that often affects adolescents and young adults, caused by the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The use of synthetic antibiotics for acne treatment can lead to resistance; therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative natural ingredients that can act as a companion or complementary therapy, such as fennel plants (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). Objective: To identify and compare the antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of fennel leaves and stems against C.acnes and S.epidermidis. Methods: Extraction is carried out by maceration using 96% ethanol. Antibacterial tests were carried out in vitro using disc diffusion methods with concentrations of 50%, 75%, and 100%. Tetracycline 1% is used as a positive control, and DMSO 10% as a negative control. Results: Extracts of fennel leaves and stems exhibited antibacterial activity. The diameter of the inhibition zone increased with increasing extract concentration, with the leaves extract showing greater antibacterial activity than the stems extract. Conclusion: The results of the antibacterial activity test showed that ethanol extracts of leaves and fennel stems were able to inhibit the growth of C. acnes and S. epidermidis, with an average inhibition zone of leaf extract that was more optimal than that of stems.

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common skin problem that often affects adolescents and young adults, caused by the bacteria Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. The use of synthetic antibiotics for acne treatment can lead to resistance; therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative natural ingredients that can act as a companion or complementary therapy, such as fennel plants (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.). Objective: To identify and compare the antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts of fennel leaves and stems against C.acnes and S.epidermidis. Methods: Extraction is carried out by maceration using 96% ethanol. Antibacterial tests were carried out in vitro using disc diffusion methods with concentrations of 50%, 75%, and 100%. Tetracycline 1% is used as a positive control, and DMSO 10% as a negative control. Results: Extracts of fennel leaves and stems exhibited antibacterial activity. The diameter of the inhibition zone increased with increasing extract concentration, with the leaves extract showing greater antibacterial activity than the stems extract. Conclusion: The results of the antibacterial activity test showed that ethanol extracts of leaves and fennel stems were able to inhibit the growth of C. acnes and S. epidermidis, with an average inhibition zone of leaf extract that was more optimal than that of stems.

The bioactivities and antioxidant properties of essential oils and plant extractives prove a safe usage in food applications, pharmaceutical research and many other utilization areas for years. The objective of this study is to evaluate the decay resistance of wood treated with various natural plant oil or water extracts. Scots pine wood specimens (Pinus sylvestris L.) treated with fourteen plant oils and water extract of nineteen plant species were subjected to brown rot fungus, Coniophora puteana for two months. Cinnamon, mint, garlic, thyme and onion oils showed better protection than other tested oils. Water extracts of fennel were able to protect wood specimens against decay fungus, and treated wood showed the weight loss less than 5% based on the initial oven dry weight. Nearly all treated specimens gave better efficiency against fungal decay compared to controls; however, the preservation effect was not within the range of efficiency needed for a successful wood preservative according to EN standards.

BackgroundElettaria cardamomum (Cardamom) and Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) are well‐known spices and are also used as natural mouth fresheners. This study was performed to evaluate their neuroprotective ability based on certain acellular and cellular assays.MethodsHexane and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared using cardamom and fennel seeds. GC/MS was performed for the identification of important bioactive compounds. Cell‐based assays were performed using SH‐SY5Y cells. Hydrogen peroxide was used for the induction of oxidative stress, and evaluation was done based on neuroprotection, reduced reactive oxygen species, and restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Additionally, anti‐Aβ fibrillization/oligomerization activities were also analyzed along with anti‐acetylcholinesterase activity.Resultα‐Terpinyl acetate and anethol were identified as major phytocompounds in cardamom and fennel, respectively. Cardamom extracts and α‐terpinyl acetate were more potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors than fennel extracts and anethol [IC50 cardamom extracts, 130–150 μg/mL; α‐terpinyl acetate, 61.87 μg/mL; anethol, 374.2 μg/mL; fennel extracts, >1 mg/mL] and showed mixed‐type inhibition. Only the extracts displayed potent anti‐Aβ fibrilization activity (>50%). Anethol showed potent anti‐Aβ oligomerization activity (>50%), followed by α‐terpinyl acetate and fennel‐H (∼36%). The neuroprotective potential of the spice extracts/phytochemicals was evaluated in SH‐SY5Y cells by using H2O2‐induced oxidative stress. Cardamom‐EA displayed the best neuroprotection (0.01 to 30 μg/mL). No neuroprotection was observed by α‐terpinyl acetate and anethol. Cardamom extracts and fennel‐H restored the normal reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels at 30 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL, respectively.ConclusionOverall, the extracts provided better neuroprotection than the pure compounds in cellular assays and displayed strong anti‐Aβ fibrilization activity.

Background: Breastfeeding is highly recommended to support infant growth and development. However, exclusive breastfeeding rates remain at 55,5%. One contributing factor is low milk production. Fennel seeds are one ingredient thought to increase milk production.Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical content and effects of ethanol extract of fennel seeds on milk production and pup weight gain.Methods: This animal study was conducted from March to September 2019. Animal maintenance was carried out at Biopharmaceutical Study Center, Bogor. A total of 24 lactating rats were grouped into four treatments (EA1:88,75 mg/kg, EA2:177,50 mg/kg, EA3:355,00 mg/kg, and N:control). The interventions were administered from day 3 to 21 of lactation. Data included phytochemical, milk production, and pup weight gain. The milk production was calculated indirectly based on the pup weight gain. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at α=0.05.Results: Extract of fennel seed contains flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and steroids. Milk production up to day 15 of lactation in N, EA1, EA2, and EA3 was 1,65 g/day, 2,67 g/day, 2,34 g/day, and 1,95 g/day, respectively. Up to day 15, there was a significant difference in milk production in EA1 compared to the control (p=0,047). However, milk production up to day 21 of lactation showed no significant difference (p=0,055). Pup weight gain was also not significantly different (p>0,05).Conclusion: Administration of EA1 significantly increased milk production up to day 15 compared to the control, but milk production up to day 21 and the pup weight gain showed no significant results.

Francisella tularensis is a pathogenic bacterium and the causative agent of the disease tularemia. Because of the virulence of this bacterium and the potential for weaponization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified F. tularensis as a Category A Bioterrorism Agent. Therefore, the need for new treatments for tularemia is critical. In this work, we screened a cataloged library of natural extracts to identify those that inhibit the growth of F. tularensis only during infection of THP-1 monocyte cells. One of the most promising extracts identified in this screen was derived from Foeniculum vulgare (fennel). Using bioassay-guided fractionation, the fennel extract was fractionated, and the bioactive compound was isolated and structurally elucidated as the phenylpropanoid dillapiole. We subsequently confirmed that dillapiole alone could limit the replication of F. tularensis in infected THP-1 cells, but not outside of this infection model. Investigations on host responses suggested that dillapiole was not substantially augmenting the immunity of these THP-1 cells. We then investigated the potential virulence modulation activity of dillapiole. To test this hypothesis, RNA-seq analysis was carried out on F. tularensis bacteria that were treated with dillapiole. This showed that dillapiole caused a significant downregulation of genes controlled by the transcriptional regulators MglA and SspA, including those encoded in the Francisella pathogenicity island. Western blotting validated these findings as both IglA and IglC expression was diminished in F. tularensis LVS bacteria treated with dillapiole. Because dillapiole dampens the virulence gene expression of F. tularensis, we concluded that this compound has potential to be used as a novel therapeutic for tularemia with a unique mechanism of action.

Effect of fennel extract on Anti-Müllerian Hormone and sonographic indices in infertile women with occult premature ovarian insufficiency: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Enhancing growth and immune responses in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) via oral administration of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) extract against Vibrio parahaemolyticus

This research was conducted to evaluate the combined antioxidant potential of Mentha piperita leaves, Foeniculum vulgare seeds, and Elettaria cardamomum cloves. The study was designed to determine whether the mixture of these herbs would enhance or reduce their antioxidative effectiveness. Antioxidants are known to protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can damage cellular components. In this study, extracts of mint (Mentha), fennel (Foeniculum), and cardamom (Cardamomum) were prepared individually, and a combined extract was also made by boiling all three herbs together in the particular ratios as used in kehwa. These extracts were tested using standard antioxidant assays, including DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and Phosphomolybdenum free radical scavenging methods, to measure their antioxidant capacities. It was found that the combined extract showed greater antioxidant activity than the individual extracts of mint leaves and fennel seeds but was less effective than cardamom alone. To further understand this result, FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) analysis was carried out to identify chemical compounds present in the extracts. It was observed that certain compounds found in cardamom were missing in the combined extract. Additionally, phytochemical analysis was performed, and it suggested that alkaloids present in cardamom cloves may have degraded or lost their activity when combined with mint leaves and fennel seeds. Based on these findings, it was concluded that cardamom should not be mixed with mint and fennel if the goal is to maximize antioxidant potential, as its effectiveness may be reduced in combination.

Staphylococcus aureus is an infection-causing bacterium that is associated with many deaths in the world and is complicated by its adaptable condition that causes cases of antibiotic resistance. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) leaves are known to contain antibacterial compounds, so it is necessary to find out whether fennel leaves have an effect on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This study aims to prove the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of fennel leaves against MRSA bacteria. This study is a true experimental study to test the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of fennel leaves against MRSA. The fennel leaves used were obtained from the slopes of Mount Bromo. MRSA bacteria were obtained from the Microbiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga. The antibacterial test used the agar well diffusion method. SPSS version 27 was used for data analysis to perform non-parametric tests with the Kruskal–Wallis test and the Mann–Whitney post hoc test. The test results showed that the several series of ethanol extract concentrations of fennel leaves used in the test showed that a concentration of 80% formed an inhibition zone against MRSA with an average diameter of 7.12 mm. The conclusion of this study is that fennel leaf extract obtained from the slopes of Mount Bromo has the ability to inhibit the growth of MRSA.

Knowledge about the composition (volatile and non-volatile) and functionality of natural extracts from Mediterranean plants serves as a basis for their further application. In this study, five selected plants were used for the extraction of plant metabolites. Leaves and flowers of Critmum maritimum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Olea europea, Phylliera latifolia and Mellisa officinalis were collected, and a total of 12 extracts were prepared. Extractions were performed under microwave-assisted conditions, with two solvent types: water (W) and a hydroalcoholic (ethanolic) solution (HA). Detailed extract analysis was conducted. Phenolics were analyzed by detecting individual bioactive compounds using high-performance liquid chromatography and by calculating total phenolic and total flavonoid content through spectrophotometric analysis. Higher concentrations of total phenolics and total flavonoids were obtained in the hydroalcoholic extracts, with the significantly highest total phenolic and flavonoid values in the rosemary hydroalcoholic extract (3321.21 mgGAE/L) and sea fennel flower extract (1794.63 mgQE/L), respectively; and the lowest phenolics in the water extract of olive leaves (204.55 mgGAE/L) and flavonoids in the water extracts of sea fennel leaves, rosemary, olive and mock privet (around 100 mgQE/L). Volatile organic compounds (VOC) were detected using HS-SPME/GC-MS (Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry), and antioxidant capacity was estimated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) methods. HS-SPME/GC-MS analysis of samples revealed that sea fennel had more versatile profile, with the presence of 66 and 36 VOCs in W and HA sea fennel leaf extracts, 52 and 25 in W and HA sea fennel flower extracts, 57 in rosemary W and 40 in HA, 20 in olive leaf W and 9 in HA, 27 in W mock privet and 11 in HA, and 35 in lemon balm W and 10 in HA extract. The lowest values of chlorophyll a were observed in sea fennel leaves (2.52 mg/L) and rosemary (2.21 mg/L), and chlorophyll b was lowest in sea fennel leaf and flower (2.47 and 2.25 mg/L, respectively), while the highest was determined in olive (6.62 mg/L). Highest values for antioxidant activity, determined via the FRAP method, were obtained in the HA plant extracts (up to 11,216 mgAAE/L for lemon balm), excluding the sea fennel leaf (2758 mgAAE/L) and rosemary (2616 mgAAE/L). Considering the application of these plants for fresh fish preservation, antimicrobial activity of water extracts was assessed against Vibrio fischeri JCM 18803, Vibrio alginolyticus 3050, Aeromonas hydrophila JCM 1027, Moraxella lacunata JCM 20914 and Yersinia ruckeri JCM 15110. No activity was observed against Y. ruckeri and P. aeruginosa, while the sea fennel leaf showed inhibition against V. fisheri (inhibition zone of 24 mm); sea fennel flower was active against M. lacunata (inhibition zone of 14.5 mm) and A. hydrophila (inhibition zone of 20 mm); and rosemary and lemon balm showed inhibition only against V. fisheri (inhibition zone from 18 to 30 mm). This study supports the preparation of natural extracts from Mediterranean plants using green technology, resulting in extracts rich in polyphenolics with strong antioxidant potential, but with no clear significant antimicrobial efficiency at the tested concentrations.

Characterization, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Fennel Extract Loaded Phytosome

ABSTRACTBackgroundTissue engineering utilizing hydrogels and scaffolds composed of organic and synthetic materials has emerged as a promising approach for bone repair. Chitosan, a biocompatible natural polymer, supports bone healing and possesses antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), known for its traditional use in treating osteoporosis in females, exhibits phytoestrogenic properties.ObjectivesThis study investigated the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured within chitosan hydrogels incorporating fennel seed extract.MethodsFourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to characterize the chitosan films containing fennel extract. MSCs were isolated from ovine foetal bone marrow and subjected to various concentrations of fennel hydroalcoholic extract and hydrogels containing these extracts. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Following osteoblast differentiation, gene expression of osteogenic markers (ALP, Runx2 and COL1A1) was evaluated using real‐time PCR, alongside assessments of calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase activity and ALP expression. Alizarin red staining was performed to quantify mineralized matrix deposition.ResultsThe MTT assay revealed that the 0.5% extract treatment group significantly enhanced MSC proliferation. Notably, MSCs cultured on the chitosan film containing 1% fennel extract demonstrated increased numbers of hydroxyapatite deposits, elevated ALP activity and calcium content and upregulated expression of osteogenic genes (ALP, Runx2 and COL1A1). Acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining confirmed the non‐toxicity of the extract in all treatment groups.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that chitosan hydrogels incorporating fennel seed extract can effectively induce osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, highlighting their potential as a promising strategy for bone tissue regeneration.

Comparing the modulatory effect of fennel powder and fennel extract nanoparticles on growth, immunity and histopathological changes of Nile tilapia

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chitosan (CS, 2%, w/v), fennel extract (FE, 1.5%, v/v), and CS + FE (2%, w/v CS + 1.5%, v/v FE) coatings on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of ostrich meat (OM) at 0, 7, and 15 days of refrigerated storage. The obtained results showed that the use of coatings for OM samples demonstrated a significant enhancement in moisture retention and a decrease in pH, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total volatile nitrogen (TVB-N), and peroxide value (PV) values compared to the control one, which were 6.34, 0.53 mg/kg, 15.14 mg/100 g, and 2.64 meq/kg, respectively for the CS + FE coating sample, at the 15th day. At the end of the storage time, the total viable count (TVC), psychrophilic bacteria count (PBC), and lactic acid bacteria count (LABC) of the control sample notably (p < 0.05) decreased from 8.92, 6.86, and 5.45 to 6.24, 5.78, and 3.2 log10 CFU/g when coated with CS + FE, respectively. Additionally, sensory evaluation revealed that the treatments did not remarkably affect the initial sensory characteristics of OM and decreased their deterioration throughout storage. In conclusion, the application of the CS + FE coating could be considered a promising alternative to artificial preservatives for meat and meat products, as it extends the shelf life of OM in the refrigerator by more than 2 weeks.

Background &amp; objective: Diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and associated complications, including hepatotoxicity. Traditional herbal remedies like Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) have recently garnered attention for their potential therapeutic benefits. This study investigates the hepatoprotective roles of fennel in alloxan-induced male diabetic rats. Methods: An experimental study was conducted at Sir Salimullah Medical College, utilizing 30 Wistar albino male rats (90-120 days old). Following a 14-day acclimatization, the rats were divided into three groups: normal control, alloxan-induced diabetic control, and an experimental group treated with fennel extract (150 mg/kg/day) for 21 days post-alloxan induction. Blood samples were collected for glucose and insulin measurement, and liver function tests (Total Bilirubin, ALT, AST) were performed. Histopathological examinations of liver tissues were also conducted. Results: Initial fasting blood glucose levels were comparable across groups; however, by Day 22, the alloxan-induced diabetic control group showed significantly higher levels compared to the fennel-treated group (p &lt; 0.001). At the end of the study on Day 22, significant differences were observed in serum levels of total bilirubin, ALT, and AST among the three experimental groups (p &lt; 0.001). The alloxan-induced diabetic group (Group A2) showed the highest levels of these liver function parameters, while the normal control group (Group A1) had the lowest. Post-hoc analysis indicated that Group A2 had significantly elevated levels compared to both the fennel-treated group (Group B) and Group A1 (p &lt; 0.001 for all comparisons). Histopathological examination revealed that all rats in Group A1 exhibited normal liver histology, whereas all rats in Group A2 displayed abnormal findings. In Group B, 80% of the rats showed normal liver histology, while 20% had mild changes. These results highlight significant differences in liver histopathological outcomes across the three groups (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The findings suggest that Foeniculum vulgare effectively protects against alloxan-induced hepatotoxicity in male diabetic rats, evidenced by improved biochemical parameters and histological integrity of liver tissues. This study underscores the potential of fennel as a therapeutic option for managing diabetes and its associated hepatic complications. Ibrahim Card Med J 2024; 14(1): 46-53

Vasorelaxant effect of fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) extracts on rat mesenteric arteries: Assessment of phytochemical profiling and antioxidant potential.

Fennel Extract Inhibit Growth and Induce Apoptosis of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Inhibiting Bcl-2

Background. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the endocrine diseases of the reproductive system, with a prevalence of 5‒10% in women, and one of its symptoms is an increase in the serum amount of pro-inflammatory adipokines from adipose tissue. Methods. This study was performed on six groups of 6 female rats, including a sham group, an estradiol valerate experimental group that received a concentration of 2 mg per kg of estradiol valerate, and two trans-anethole experimental groups that received concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole. The other groups were two experimental groups of estradiol valerate treated with trans-anethole that received concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole 60 days after receiving estradiol valerate. The data were statistically analyzed with a one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test via SPSS. Results. Increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), chemerin, and resistin genes in the visceral fat tissue of rats caused by the intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate was reduced by the intraperitoneal injection of concentrations of 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of trans-anethole (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion. Trans-anethole ameliorated the expression of TNF-α, chemerin, and resistin genes in the visceral fat tissue of female rats suffering from PCOS. Practical Implications. The use of trans-anethole as an extract of anise and fennel may be effective in reducing the inflammatory complications of women with PCOS.