Fennel Fruits Research Articles

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.

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.

Effect of sterilization of sweet fennel fruits (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce Mill.) on essential oil yield and composition

The sweet fennel fruits (Foeniculum vulgare var. dulce Mill.) are processed to obtain their essential oil. It is part of the composition of various products from the food industry, pharmacy, medicine and cosmetics. The scope is to investigate the influence of the fruits sterilization with superheated water steam on the yield and composition of the essential oil, before the fruits processing by water distillation. The main components in the essential oil, obtained from fruits before sterilization, are trans-anethole (67.10%), fenchone (21.58%), methyl chavicol (3.14%), and α-pinene (2.31%). The essential oil, obtained from fruits after sterilization, has the same main components in its composition but their amount is different: trans-anethole (71.38%), fenchone (16.75%), methyl chavicol (2.89%), and α-pinene (2.26%).

Development of the technology for the production of a medicinal product from fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) fruits in a filter bag

Aim. To develop the technology of a medicinal product with a dry extract of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) fruits in a filter bag with carminative, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and mild diuretic effects, which improves digestion, the motor evacuation function and the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract. Materials and methods. To solve the tasks set in the work, such research methods as bibliosemantic, analytical and logical, generally accepted organoleptic (appearance, color, odor, etc.), biopharmaceutical (the study of the effect of the degree of grinding of the substance and excipients on the quality of the finished product), pharmacotechnological (description, weight of the contents of the container) and mathematical (statistical processing of results according to the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine, using Statistica (StatSoft, USA) and Excel (Microsoft, USA) programs) were used. Results and discussion. One of the biopharmaceutical indicators is a properly selected primary packaging, which will deliver the drug in a timely manner, ensuring the patient’s safety. Based on a complex of preliminary pharmacotechnological studies, the technology of the drug under the conditional name “Fenelmet, filter bags” has been developed. Conclusions. Based on the research conducted, the technological process has been developed. The technology for the production of the medicinal product “Fenelmet, filter bags” and the draft technological regulations have been developed. Critical stages of the technological process have been identified; control parameters of critical stages and acceptance criteria that affect the quality indicators have been determined.

Protocol for the Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of the safety in use of preparations from the fruits of sweet and bitter fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Foeniculum piperitum (Ucria) C.Presl)

Protocol for the Scientific Opinion on the evaluation of the safety in use of preparations from the fruits of sweet and bitter fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Foeniculum piperitum (Ucria) C.Presl)

Physical, chemical, sorption and microbiological characteristics of fennel fruits

Fennel (Foeniculum officinale Mill. var. dulce Mill) is an annual aromatic plant of the Lamiaceae family. Its fruits are processed to obtain essential oil for use in the food industry and cosmetics. The physical parameters of the fruits, i.e. length (5.50–8.00 mm), width (1.50–2.00 mm), volume of 100 fruits (1.36 × 10−6 m3), density of 100 fruits (935.82 kg/m3), average volume of one fruit (1.36 × 10−8 m3), average equivalent diameter of one fruit (2.96 mm), angle of repose, stainless steel (from 16 to 22°), angle of repose, black steel (from 19 to 28°), angle of repose, plywood (from 18 to 24°), and their chemical parameters, i.e. moisture (13.49%), ash (6.49%), protein (18.25%), essential oil (8.38%), vegetable oil (10.52%), and total carbohydrates (51.04%) were determined for the fruits. The adsorption and desorption isotherms of the fennel fruits were obtained using the static gravimetric method at two temperatures, 20 and 40 °C. The Halsey model provided a good description of the sorption isotherms, which were of type II according to Brunauer's classification. The increase in the temperature led to a significant decrease in the monolayer moisture. The contamination on the fruit surface at three relative humidities (0.43, 0.59, and 0.76) at 20 °C was determined.

A Thin-Layer Chromatography Method for the Determination of Essential Oil Components in Anise and Fennel Fruits

Scientific relevance. The State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, edition XIV, requires the identification of aniseed and fennel fruits by the same thin-layer chromatography (TLC) procedure using Sudan III and menthol. These markers are neither specific nor related to the therapeutic effects of these herbal drug products. The visual interpretation of chromatograms is complicated because of the low intensity of adsorption zones. Moreover, the corresponding compendial monographs do not characterise the adsorption zones specific to each of the plants. The most abundant component in aniseed and fennel essential oils, trans-anethole, would make a better reference standard from a methodological point of view.Aim. This study aimed to optimise the TLC procedure for essential oil determination in herbal drugs and herbal medicinal products of aniseed and fennel fruits and subsequently recommend it for inclusion in the relevant compendial monographs.Materials and methods. The study examined samples from several batches of herbal drugs, including aniseed and common fennel fruits, sourced from Russian manufacturers. The reference standards comprised commercial reagents, including trans-anethole, anise oil, and linalool, as well as fresh essential oils that had been steam distilled from the test samples in a Clevenger apparatus. The study was conducted by TLC. Sample preparation involved using Merck aluminium TLC plates, an IKA KS-501 digital orbital shaker, and a CAMAG Linomat 5 semi-automatic sample application system. The authors heated the plates in either a Binder ED53 drying oven or a CAMAG TLC plate heater. For visualisation, the authors selected a CAMAG TLC VISUALIZER 2 UV imaging and documentation system.Results. The informational and experimental research showed the feasibility of using trans-anethole as an identification reference standard for common anise and fennel fruits. The authors selected the optimal solvent for extracting active substances from the test products (hexane) and a detection reagent for improving visual evaluation of the chromatograms (1% sulfovanillin). The authors established characteristic adsorption zones for differentiating between aniseed and fennel fruits.Conclusions. The optimised procedure identifies the main components in the essential oils of aniseed and fennel fruits with a specific reference standard. This procedure may be recommended for inclusion in draft monographs for the corresponding herbal medicinal products.

Chemical Variability of the Essential Oils from Two Portuguese Apiaceae: Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill.

Coriandrum sativum L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. are two aromatic and medicinal Apiaceae species commonly grown in Portugal, whose essential oils (EOs) are used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. The present study evaluated EOs isolated from the fruits and vegetative aerial parts (VAPs) of 11 samples of Coriandrum sativum L. and from the fruits of 19 samples of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. The plant material was grown in experimental fields, after collection from several regions of mainland Portugal. The EOs were isolated by hydrodistillation and analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The coriander EOs analysis evidenced two main clusters, with the first containing the fruits' EOs dominated by linalool (60-73%), γ-terpinene, and α-pinene and the second with the VAPs' EOs, which showed 2-trans-decenal (37-63%) and n-decanal (13-30%) as the main compounds. The fennel EOs analysis revealed two well correlated clusters, the first dominated by estragole (34-76%) and fenchone (16-30%) and the other dominated by trans-anethole (37-56%) and fenchone (14-34%). The present data suggest coriander EOs' chemical descriptors as linalool for the fruits' EOs and 2-trans-decenal with n-decanal for the VAPs' EOs. For the fennel fruit EOs, the putative descriptors were trans-anethole and estragole, with variable fenchone content. The gathered data reinforce the relevance of clarifying variability of these species' EOs, particularly when considering aromatic and medicinal plants with such a wide range of applications.

Effect of Organic and Bio-Fertilization on Fruit Yield, Bioactive Constituents, and Estragole Content in Fennel Fruits

Fennel fruits (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) represent one of the plant-based natural spices. This study aims to improve the fruit yield and essential oil (EO) quality by reducing the undesirable component, estragole, under different fertilizer treatments. The fertilizers included chemical nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK), and also the organic additive, rabbit manure (RM). For bio-fertilization, plants were inoculated with a mixture of N-fixing bacteria, and P- and K-solubilizing bacteria with/without vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. The results showed that fruit and EO yield parameters, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and DPPH scavenging activity of fruit extracts were enhanced by fertilizer treatments in both growing seasons. NPK at 150% of the recommended dose (NPK150) and RM at 60 m3/fed (RM60) recorded the highest values of plant height, umbel number/plant, 100-fruit weight, fruit yield, chlorophyll, carbohydrates, N and P content, EO content, and yield. TPC and TFC were enhanced by using biological fertilizers. DPPH scavenging activity was higher in organically and biologically fertilized fennel. The GC-MS analyses of EO revealed higher contents of the desirable trans-anethole in the organically and chemically fertilized fennel. However, the highest proportion of estragole, the undesirable compound, was recorded for NPK150 and unfertilized plants. On the contrary, increases in the EO content and yield of fennel fruits were achieved by RM along with a reduction in estragole, enhancement in trans-anethole, and increments in other favorable compounds such as fenchone and limonene. In addition, the inhibition of estragole formation was recorded with bio-fertilizers, which also increased the trans-anethole content. Furthermore, the trans-anethole/estragole ratio was significantly higher with the application of organic and bio-fertilization. Hence, organic and bio-fertilizer resources can produce high-quality fennel fruit and EO. The reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers can help to reduce environmental pollution.

Application possibilities of biomass from fennel fruits

Application possibilities of biomass from fennel fruits

Biopharmaceutical and microbiological research of fennel fruit infusions

Aim. To develop and study physico-chemical, pharmaco-technological, pharmacognostic and microbiological quality indicators of infusions obtained by extraction of the plant raw material of fennel fruits of different degrees of grinding and from different types of packaging. Materials and methods. The study objects were model samples of fennel fruits of different degrees of grinding and water extracts obtained on their basis and from different types of packaging. Water extracts were prepared according to the SPhU method and the patient information leaflet on fennel fruits. The study of pH of solutions, extractives, identification of the main biologically active substances (BAS), and microbiological purity of water extracts were performed by the SPhU methods; the quantitative determination of the essential oil was conducted by direct alkalimetric titration with 0.01 mol/l NaOH solution in the presence of methylene blue and phenolphthalein indicators according to the Guidelines of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. Results and discussion. Extractives in model samples of infusions obtained from filter bags vary from 0.43 to 0.48 % without filter bags (samples 1, 3, 5, 7) – from 0.52 to 0.55 %, and its amount is the lowest in sample 9 – 0.37 %. However, the essential oil content is the highest in sample 9, these are whole fennel fruits from the pack (0.15 %); slightly higher indicators are in model samples without filter bags (samples 2, 4, 6, 8). The pH value is slightly higher in infusions obtained from filter bags than without them (in the range of 6.61-6.70 and 6.22-6.25, respectively). However, the infusion obtained from a nylon pyramid bag (sample 7) had a pH value close to infusions obtained from the fennel medicinal raw material without packaging (6.25). The presence of infusions of anethole and terpenoids in model samples has been proven by thin layer chromatography. The microbiological studies conducted have shown that the use of the method of making water extracts from the patient information leaflet allows obtaining conditionally sterile infusions. Conclusions. The indicators studied (transparency, color, odor, taste, extractives, identification and quantitative determination of BAS) can be used in the analysis of water extracts from the medicinal plant raw material produced in filter bags.

Study of some pharmacotechnological, physico-chemical and pharmacognostic properties of common fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) fruit

The search for new drugs from medicinal plant raw materials is relevant for the practical medicine and pharmacy of our country. For their development, it is advisable to use plant sources that are widely spread in the territory of Ukraine, have a sufficient raw material base and low toxicity.
 Information about the powerful multifaceted pharmacotherapeutic effect of Foeniculum vulgare, its sufficient raw material base, in Ukraine, and prompted us to study the fruits of this medicinal plant (determination of technological characteristics that would optimize the production process of obtaining medicines based on it).
 The aim of the work is to study the technological indicators of medicinal plant raw materials – Foeniculum vulgare fruits, whole and crushed, for creating drug based on them, which would improve digestion processes, motor-evacuation function, and the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract.
 During the research, bibliosemantic, pharmaco-therapeutic, physico-chemical, pharmacognostic and statistical research methods were used.
 The objects of the research were model samples of Foeniculum vulgare fruits, extractive substances of whole and crushed fruits, degree of grinding, fractional composition, moisture content, coefficients of absorption and swelling in purified water and ethanol 95%, bulk volume and bulk density before and after medicinal plant raw materials shrinkage, total ash, fluidity, angle of natural slope. Considering several technological factors, the optimal ratio of raw materials:extractant (1:4) was studied and calculated to ensure the process of extracting common fennel fruits.
 The technological properties of the medicinal plant raw material – common fennel fruit were experimentally investigated. The established pharmaco-technological indicators are qualitative parameters of the technology and allow to control and evaluate the technological parameters of medicinal plant raw materials of Foeniculum vulgare fruit, necessary for the process of manufacturing substances (extracts, infusions) and, based on them, medicinal preparations in various dosage forms.

Comparative study of essential oils from fennel fruits and anise fruits: Chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) and anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) are well-known aromatic plants with traditional use as medicinal and culinary spices and herbs. As part of a broader study, the aim of this investigation was to determine the chemical composition of fennel fruit essential oil (Foeniculi fructus aetheroleum, FFA) and anise fruit essential oil (Anisi aetheroleum, AA) and to assess their antimicrobial potential. Hydrodistilled FFA from fruits gathered in central Macedonia was subjected to physico-chemical analysis, as well as commercial AA, which was obtained from a local vendor. The chemical composition of both essential oils was determined using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection. The main component of both essential oils was trans-anethole. The antimicrobial action of both essential oils (FFA and AA) was tested against several bacterial cultures and compared to standard antimicrobial agents. The microorganisms used in this research were Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus pumilus NCTC 8241, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538,), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027), and fungi (Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC 9763 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231). The microdilution test enabled determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of all samples used in the experiment against all of the test microorganisms. It was concluded that FFA and AA have moderate antibacterial activity and affect the growth of the Gram positive and the Gram negative bacteria. On the other, they are potent antifungal agents and affect the growth of S. cerevisiae ATCC 9763 and C. albicans ATCC 10231. AA was observed to have a slightly higher antimicrobial activity when compared to FFA. Based on the chemical composition of the samples, a connection was proposed between the trans-anethole content of the essential oils and their antimicrobial properties.

Detection of Active Compounds in the Water Extract of Foeniculum Vulgare L. and Its Effects on Serum Estrogen and Prolactin Levels in Female Albino Rats

The present study was designed to estimate the active ingredients in the aqueous extract of fennel Foeniculum vulgare L. fruits and test the effects of different concentrations of the extract on serum estrogen and prolactin levels in female rats. The work was conducted to prepare the aqueous extract in the laboratory, while the secondary active substances in the extract were estimated using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) technology. The experiments were conducted in the animal house of the College of Science, Tikrit university,on a total of 12 adult albino virgin female rats divided into four groups, each having three rats.The aqueous extract of the fruit plant was administrated orally to animals at three concentrations (50%, 75%, and 100%) per day for 45 days. The fourth group was the control group that was left without treatment. Blood samples were obtained from the corner of the eye with a capillary tube and the serum was extracted to determine the hormone levels. The results showed that the aqueous extract of fennel fruits contains eleven active secondary metabolites, namely Eucalyptol, Terpinene, Anisole, Camphor, Anethole, Anisaldehyde, Apiole, a-pinene, Estragole, Fenchone, and Limonene, which seemed to played a role in regulating the levels of prolactin and estrogen hormones in rats treated with the extract. The results showed a direct relationship between the concentration of the fruit extract given to the animals and their serum levels of estrogen and prolactin. Increases in the levels of estrogen (44.56 ± 0.90 ng/ml) and prolactin (134.66 ± 0.80 ng/ml) were recorded using the concentration of 100% of the watery extract of Foeniculum vulgare L., as compared to the control group (126.33 ± 1.18; 6.37 ± 0.45 ng / ml, respectively). The results demonstrated the effective role of the aqueous extract of fennel fruits in stimulating estrogen and prolactin in female rats through their content of active compounds, which can be of great importance in stimulating the process of milk secretion in animals.

Can yeast extract and chitosan-oligosaccharide improve fruit yield and modify the pharmaceutical active ingredients of organic fennel?

Fennel is one of the most significant medicinal and aromatic herbs. It is used as a culinary ingredient and has an essential role as a raw material in the pharmaceutical industry. Many researchers across the world are working to increase the active components in the essential oil of medicinal and aromatic plants under organic farming. Growth promoters are one of the most effective methods for stimulating secondary metabolite production under organic agriculture. The objectives of this study were to investigate how foliar sprays of yeast extract (Y) and/or chitosan-oligosaccharide (CHO) affected the growth and yield of organic fennel (Foeniculum vulgare spp. vulgare Mill.) and if these applications can stimulate the production of pharmaceutical active ingredients in fennel fruits. Fennel foliage was subjected to foliar spray of Y at concentrations of 0 (Y0), 2 (Y1), and 4 (Y2) g L−1, and CHO at concentrations of 0 (CHO0), 60 (CHO1), and 120 (CHO2) mg L−1 twice. The results revealed that both Y and CHO treatments promoted growth parameters and leaf pigments content. Total phenols and nutritional content (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) in fennel fruits were also improved. Furthermore, Y and CHO treatments enhanced fruit and oil productivity. Foliar spraying with Y and/or CHO, as well as their combination, resulted in significant modification in main pharmacological active components in fennel essential oil. Treated plants with Y1 had the lowest proportion of estragole (24.61 %), an undesirable component in fennel oil, and the highest concentration of anethole (64.50 %), which improved the oil quality. While treated plants with CHO1 or CHO2 displayed an increase in estragole content by about 33.34 and 46.59 % compared with Y1-plants, respectively.These new findings demonstrated that applying Y2 or CHO at both levels not only increased fennel growth and yield, but also contributed to increasing estragole and decreasing anethole concentration, and both had a negative impact on essential oil quality. However, applying Y1 enhanced fennel productivity as well as essential oil quality.

Comparative characteristics of fruit tinctures of some representatives of the family Apiaceae

The family Apiaceae includes 474 genera and 3992–4050 species that are distributed around the globe. Of all the variety of species, our attention was drawn to the raw material of anise – Anisum vulgare Gaertrn.; fennel – Foeniculum vulgare Mill., which contains derivatives of phenylpropane; coriander – Coriandrum sativum L.; dill – Anethum graveolens L.; caraway – Carum carvi L., which is rich in monoterpenoid derivatives. These plants are widely used in medical practice and known to have antimicrobial, antispasmodic, expectorant, antihypertensive, diuretic, choleretic, carminative effects. This versatility is due to the presence of different groups of biologically active substances in the raw materials of plants. The aim of the research is to determine, by means of gas chromatography, a component composition of fruit tinctures of Anisum vulgare Gaertrn., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Coriandrum sativum L. Anethum graveolens L. and Carum carvi L. Materials and methods. Tinctures were prepared in ratio 1:5 (extractant – 70 % ethyl alcohol) from anise, fennel, coriander, dill, and caraway fruits, which had been harvested in the experimental field of Zaporizhzhia State Medical University in August 2019. Qualitative and quantitative determination of the active compounds was performed using an Agilent 7890B gas chromatograph with a 5977B mass spectrometric detector. The NIST14 mass spectrum library was used to identify the components. Results. It has been revealed that the tinctures of Anisum vulgare Gaertrn., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., Coriandrum sativum L. Anethum graveolens L., and Carum carvi L. differ in qualitative and quantitative composition of components of chromato-mass spectrometry. Tinctures of Anethum fructus contain 28 components, among which 8.028 RT (-)-Carvone (52.63 %) and 4.861 RT D-Limonene (17.74 %) prevail. Tinctures of Coriandrum fructus contain 37 components with the highest content of 11,016 RT Benzene, 1-(1,5-dimethyl-4-hexenyl)-4-methyl (20.7 %) and 19.372 RT 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)dec-4-en-3-one (8.57 %). In the tincture of Carum carvi L., which contains 33 components, the following may be considered predominant: 7.988 RT Benzaldehyde, 4-(1-methylethyl) (47.37 %) and 19,311 RT undetermined compound (5.88 %). The tincture of Anisum fructus has 22 components, with the highest content of 8.531 RT Estragole (60.32 %) and 4.852 RT D-Limonene (5.15 %); Foeniculum fructus tincture contains 52 components, among which 5.745 RT Fenchone (15.39 %) and 8.5 RT Anethole (11.37 %) prevail. Conclusions. The results of gas chromatography of fruits of the Apiaceae family significantly expand the information about the chemical composition of raw materials and indicate the prospects for use in pharmaceutical and medical practice. Analyzing the results of gas chromatography, it has been found that tinctures of fruits of the Apiaceae family differ in qualitative and quantitative composition of components. Tinctures of Foeniculum fructus contain 52 components, Coriandrum fructus – 37 components, Carum carvi L. contain 33 components, Anethum fructus – 28 components, Anisum fructus – 22 components. The obtained experimental data can be used to create regulatory documentation for a particular type of medicinal plant raw materials.

PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF PANCHA HARITHAKADI CHURNA FOR DIGESTIVE ACTIVITY

Pancha Harithakadi Churna (PHC) is a traditional polyherbal formulation meant for digestion which consists of household ingredients having digestive property. PHC is mainly used for Constipation and Bloating. Churna’s will play an important role in gastro intestinal problems. Churna’s are having greater bioavailability because of smaller particle size. It consists of fine powder (sieve 100 size) of Ginger rhizomes, Fennel fruits, Myrobalan fruits, Senna leaflets and Pink Rock salt in equal proportions (1:1:1:1:1) are mixed well. PHC is formulated by standard procedures and evaluated by physical and analytical methods. Physicochemical standards and heavy metals are found to be within the limits. PHC is found to be free from microbes. The PHC showed pronounced amylolytic activity and moderate lipolytic and proteolytic activity when compared with standard showing its efficacy for treating indigestion. In future we will carry out other digestive enzymes in vitro studies and also to carry out in vivo digestive studies.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry-Based Classification of 12 Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) Varieties Based on Their Aroma Profiles and Estragole Levels as Analyzed Using Chemometric Tools.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller) is a popular aromatic plant native to the Mediterranean basin and cultivated worldwide that is valued for the nutritional and health benefits of its fruits. Headspace solid-phase microextraction of 12 fennel accessions of cultivated (F. vulgare subsp. vulgare) and wild forms (F. vulgare subsp. piperitum) of different origins was carried out for assessing their volatile distribution. Fifty-four volatiles were identified, with ethers amounting for the major class at ca. 52–99% attributed to the abundance of (E)-anethole and estragole. Several subsp. vulgare accessions proved to be excellent sources of the chief aroma (E)-anethole (95.9–98.4%), whereas high levels of estragole at ca. 72% were observed in subsp. piperitum from Minia and Khartoum and must be considered in the safety assessment of fennel. Other volatile classes were detected including ketones, esters, aldehydes, alcohols, and hydrocarbons (monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes). Fenchone exceeded 15% of the total volatiles in some fennel specimens, linked to a conspicuous bitter aftertaste. The members of subsp. piperitum were more enriched in monoterpene hydrocarbons with sabinene found exclusively in these, while subsp. vulgare comprised a higher content of ethers. Principle component analysis determined isoterpinolene as a special component in subsp. piperitum. In all specimens from the same group, estragole was the most distinguished volatile compound according to the findings from orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis. The highest estimated estragole levels were detected in subsp. piperitum from Minia at 89.8 mg/g. This comparative study provides the first comprehensive insight into volatile profiling of 12 fennel fruit varieties.

The Effectiveness of Melissa Officinalis L. versus Citalopram on Quality of Life of Menopausal Women with Sleep Disorder: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

The present study aimed to assess the effect of Melissa Officinalis L. (a combination of lemon balm with fennel fruit extract) compared with citalopram and placebo on the quality of life of postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance. The present study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo clinical trial among 60 postmenopausal women with sleep disturbance who were referred to a university hospital from 2017 to 2019. The participants were randomized to receive M. Officinalis L. (500 mg daily), citalopram (30 mg) or placebo once daily for 8 weeks. The Menopause-Specific Quality of Life (MENQOL) questionnaire was self-completed by each participant at baseline and after 8 weeks of the intervention and was compared between groups. The mean for all MENQOL domain scores were significantly improved in the M. Officinalis L. group compared with citalopram and placebo (p < 0.001). The mean ± standard deviation (SD) after 8 weeks in the M. Officinalis L., citalopram and placebo groups was 2.2 ± 0.84 versus 0.56 ± 0.58 versus 0.36 ± 0.55 in the vasomotor (p < 0.001), 1.02 ± 0.6 versus 0.28 ± 0.2 versus 0.17 ± 0.1 in the psychomotor-social (p < 0.001), 0.76 ± 0.4 versus 0.25 ± 0.1 versus 0.11 ± 0.1 in the physical and 2.3 ± 1.0 versus 0.35 ± 0.5 versus 0.41 ± 0.5 in the sexual domain, respectively. The results revealed that M. Officinalis L. may be recommended for improving the quality of life of menopausal women with sleep disturbance. The present study was registered by the name "Comparison of the efficacy of citalopram and compound of Asperugo procumbens and foeniculum vulgare in treatment of menopausal disorders" with the code IRCT2013072714174N1 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT).

Influence of sowing period, row spacing, seeding rate on the structure of plants and yield of fennel fruits

Influence of sowing period, row spacing, seeding rate on the structure of plants and yield of fennel fruits