Ferula Communis Research Articles

Evaluation of the Potential Beneficial Effects of Ferula communis L. Extract Supplementation in Postmenopausal Discomfort.

Peri-menopausal discomfort can have a detrimental effect on the physical health of women due to physiological and behavioral changes. Estrogen and progesterone-based hormone therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms, but estrogen supplementation may have negative health effects. The effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy using natural compounds for peri-menopausal disorders is still uncertain. Evidence from in vivo experiments indicates that Ferula L. extract in ovariectomized rats leads to better sexual behavior. The effect seems to be linked to the phytoestrogenic properties of ferutinin, the primary bioactive compound in the extract. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical impact of Ferula communis L. extract (titrated at 20% ferutinin, and given at doses of 100 mg/die for 90 days) on the quality of life of 64 menopausal women. The clinical trial was randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled. Our data showed that Ferula communis L. extract reduced by 67 + 9% all symptoms associated to postmenopausal discomfort and enhanced significantly sexual behavior. In addition, the supplement led to a significant improvement of BMI and oxidative stress decrease in the women who received it, while also keeping platelet aggregation within normal levels. Overall, these results could point to the potential use of supplementation with Ferula communis L. extract to revert or mitigate menopause dysfunction.

Bioecological and Molecular Studies of Heliothis nubigera Herrich-Schäffer, 1851 and Trichoplusia ni (Hübner, [1803]) associated with Ferula communis L. as a new host in AlUla, Saudi Arabia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Bioecological and Molecular Studies of Heliothis nubigera Herrich-Schäffer, 1851 and Trichoplusia ni (Hübner, [1803]) associated with Ferula communis L. as a new host in AlUla, Saudi Arabia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Therapeutic Promises of Ferulic Acid and its Derivatives on Hepatic damage Related with Oxidative Stress and Inflammation: A Review with Mechanisms.

Ferulic acid (FA) is a naturally occurring phenolic compound commonly found in the plant Ferula communis. This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of FA and its derivatives (methyl ferulic acid and trans-ferulic acid) against oxidative stress and inflammation-related hepatotoxicity due to toxicants based on the results of different non-clinical and preclinical tests. For this, data was collected from different reliable electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, etc. The results of this investigation demonstrated that FA and its derivatives have potent hepatoprotective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation-related damage. The findings also revealed that these protective effects are due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the chemical compound. FA and its analogues significantly inhibit free radical generation and hinder the effects of proinflammatory markers and inflammatory enzymes, resulting in diminished cytotoxic and apoptotic hepatocyte death. The compounds also prevent intracellular lipid accumulation and provide protective effects.

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Cistus salviifolius L. and Ferula communis L. Extracts and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Cytotoxic Potentials

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Cistus salviifolius L. and Ferula communis L. Extracts and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Cytotoxic Potentials

New Insights into the Potential Inhibitory Effects of Native Plants from Cyprus on Pathogenic Bacteria and Diabetes-Related Enzymes

Plants possess endless structural and chemical diversity, which is peerless with any synthetic library of small biomolecules, inspiring novel drug discovery. Plants are widely applied to encounter global health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and diabetes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial and antidiabetic potency of native plants grown in Cyprus. All plants were sequentially extracted with solvents of increasing polarity, namely hexane, acetone, methanol, and water. First, the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were assessed. Afterwards, the bacteriostatic and bactericidal potency of plant extracts were tested against a panel of six bacteria using the broth microdilution method, whereas the inhibitory effects on alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase enzymes were also determined with the employment of microplate assays. The results highlighted the superiority of Sarcopoterium spinosum as a potential enzyme inhibitor, while a knowledge base was also acquired for the inhibitory potential of all plants. Daucus carota, Ferula communis, and Tordylium.aegyptiacum displayed additionally outstanding bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects on Gram-positive bacteria at concentrations of 250 µg mL−1 and 500 µg mL−1. Overall, the present study describes the antibacterial and inhibitory activity against carbohydrate digestive enzymes of native plants grown in Cyprus delivering the first reports for many plant species.

Phytochemical profiling, evaluation of heavy metal load, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of various medicinal plants

In Ethiopia, medicinal herbs have played a prominent role in relieving pain and curing various diseases for humans and animals for many years. However, consumers don't know what kinds of phytochemicals are in the plants or the amount of metal they contain. Thus, in this study, polyphenol content, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacities, antibacterial activity and the level of metals in Asparagus africanus root, Ferula communis, Stephania abyssinia, Brucea antidysenterica and Vernonia amygdalina, were analyzed. Identifying the phytochemicals, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and levels of metals in medicinal plants ensures their safety and efficacy and provides a deeper understanding of the healing properties of plants in areas where modern medicines are not easily accessible. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, and the antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion method. Among the studied plant extracts, Vernonia amygdalina displayed the maximum phenolic content (810 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoid content (515.78 mg QE/100 g), and DPPH radical scavenging activity (14.42 mg AAE/g), whereas the least level of total phenolic (160.82 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid (30.65 mg QE/100 g), and DPPH radical scavenging (1.14 mg AAE/g) were recorded in Asparagus africanus. The highest inhibition zone was recorded, with an inhibitory zone of 11 mm for S. aurous and 11 mm for E. coli. The least zone of inhibition was obtained in gram-negative bacteria (K. pneumonia) with a diameter less than 8 mm. Asparagus africanus contained the highest levels of Mn and Fe, while Cu and Zn were found to be the highest in Stephania abyssinia. Cr was only detected in Ferula communis, and Cd was found to be below the detection limit. Due to their better antioxidant and antibacterial properties, the extracts of these plants might be used as a natural starting material in treating cancer and to prepare anti-cancer drugs.

Germination Kinetics of Ferula communis L. Seeds, a Potentially Multipurpose-Use Wild Species

Despite exhibiting intriguing features associated with its multipurpose applications and drought tolerance, Ferula communis remains a wild and uncultivated species, with limited experimental research on its biology, starting from seed germination and extending to its ecology. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential germination and kinetics in F. communis seeds in response to four cold stratification periods (0, 15, 45, and 90 days at a constant temperature of 5 °C) and four temperatures (5, 10, 15, and 20 °C) under continuous darkness. F. communis exhibited a pronounced germination potential exceeding 90%, with the optimal temperature for germination falling within the range of 5 °C to 15 °C, without necessitating cold stratification. A dramatic drop of the germination percentage was observed at 20 °C (<10%), suggesting a form of conditional dormancy attributed to the higher temperature tested.

Comprehensive analysis of different solvent extracts of Ferula communis L. fruit reveals phenolic compounds and their biological properties via in vitro and in silico assays

Although giant fennel is recognized as a “superfood” rich in phytochemicals with antioxidant activity, research into the antibacterial properties of its fruits has been relatively limited, compared to studies involving the root and aerial parts of the plant. In this study, seven solvents—acetone, methanol, ethanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, water, and hexane—were used to extract the chemical constituents of the fruit of giant fennel (Ferula communis), a species of flowering plant in the carrot family Apiaceae. Specific attributes of these extracts were investigated using in silico simulations and in vitro bioassays. High-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a diode-array detector (HPLC–DAD) identified 15 compounds in giant fennel extract, with p-coumaric acid, 3-hydroxybenzoic acid, sinapic acid, and syringic acid being dominant. Among the solvents tested, ethanol demonstrated superior antioxidant activity and phenolic and flavonoid contents. F. communis extracts showed advanced inhibition of gram-negative pathogens (Escherichia coli and Proteus mirabilis) and variable antifungal activity against tested strains. Molecular docking simulations assessed the antioxidative, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of F. communis, facilitating innovative therapeutic development through predicted compound–protein interactions. In conclusion, the results validate the ethnomedicinal use and potential of F. communis. This highlights its significance in natural product research and ethnopharmacology.

Recording insect death and essential oil composition of Ferula communis L. flowers in Al Ula, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Natural bioactive compounds, which occur in aromatic plants, are now more widely recognized. The aromatic plant family Apiaceae, which has various bioactivities and chemical compositions, includes Ferula communis L. The authors planned frequent field expeditions to two locations where Ferula communis L. grows, Hassat Al-Dab and Almotadal, which are close to the Al Ula Government in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The flowers of Ferula communis L. were cut and dried for hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus. During the flowering season of Ferula communis L., some insects were found dead on the flowers; Simosyrphus aegyptius, Colletes latreille, and Apis mellifera. GC-MS techniques were used to analyze the essential oils (Eos) of the Ferula communis L. flower obtained by hydrodistillation. Forty-two compounds were identified in the total essential oils. Oxygenated and hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes were the most dominant class of compounds in the flower oils. The main representatives of these groups were dihydrodehydrocostus lactone (15.0%), α-acorenol (8.4%), α-eudesmol (7.1%), eudesma-4, 11-dien-2-ol (5.3%), elemol (4.9%), aristolene (4%), γ-elemene (3.8%), epi-cedrol (3.5), and β-eudesmol (3.4%), respectively, as the most abundant components. Besides the sesquiterpene derivatives, an active constituent oxygenated monoterpene was obtained from the essential oil and identified as 4-(3,3-dimethyl-but-1-ynyl)-4-hydroxy-2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-2-enone (4.6%). The study concluded that the flowers of Ferula communis L. and its essential oil would be good candidates as biopesticides.

Effects of silver nanoparticles prepared by aqueous extract of Ferula communis on the developing mouse embryo after maternal exposure.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from aqueous silver nitrate has been achieved using an extract of Ferula communis leaf as a capping, reducing, and stabilizing agent. The formation and stability of the green synthesized silver nanoparticles in the colloidal solution were monitored by absorption measurements. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by different analyses such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and FT-IR spectroscopy. The average particle size of silver nanoparticles was determined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. In this experiment, pregnant female mice were divided into four groups (G); G1 was the control and received phosphate-buffered saline, G2 received orally aqueous extract of F. communis leaf, G3 received orally AgNPs chemically prepared by NaBH4, and G4 received orally AgNPs prepared by aqueous extract of F. communis leaf. The diameter of AgNPs was 20nm. AgNPs exhibited good catalytic reduction ability toward methyl orange in the presence of sodium borohydride with a rate constant of 2.95 x 10-4 s-1. The results revealed the occurrence of resorbed embryos in G2, G3, and G4 with different percentages. The livers of mothers and embryos at E14.5 in G2, G3, and G4 showed different levels of histopathological alteration and increase in GFAP and CTGF expressions compared with the control group. The study concluded that the oral administration of small-sized AgNPs (20nm) prepared by Ferula extract had less toxicity than those prepared by the chemical method.

IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITIES ON HUMAN CERVICAL CANCER CELLS IN THREE DIFFERENT PLANT EXTRACTS FROM TURKEY

The objective of this investigation was to assess the total phenolic and flavonoid content within acetone and water extracts derived from Erica manipuliflora, Ferula communis, and Stevia rebaudiana plants. Additionally, the in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of these extracts were evaluated using the human cervical cancer (HeLa) cell line as a model. Among the three plant species examined, the highest concentrations of total phenols and flavonoids were found in the acetone extract of E. manipuliflora, measuring 365.29 mg GAE/g DW and 105.42 mg QE/g DW, respectively. Acetone and water extracts of E. manipuliflora showed higher DPPH scavenging activities (IC50: 37.57 and 33.27 µg/mL, respectively) compared to other plants. furthermore, E. manipuliflora acetone extract (IC50: 97.35 µg/mL) exhibited the highest inhibition in the HeLa cell line treated with the extracts, thus being the most effective extract on this cell line. As a result of the analyzes, it has been shown that F. communis and S. rebaudiana and especially E. manipuliflora are important natural antioxidant sources with their strong radical scavenging effects, as well as the anticancer potential of these plants.

Bioactive properties and volatile compounds of the essential oil of the leaves of giant fennel (Çaksır) growing in Türkiye

In the present study, the chemical composition and total phenolic and flavonoid values of the essential oil (EO) of leaves of Ferula communis L. were evaluated and their in vitro antifungal activities against six foodborne saprophytic mold species were tested. Detection of the compounds of the EO was done using gas chromatography and mass-selective detection. Twenty-five different components were determined in F. communis EO, primarily including α-eudesmol (28.53%), β-eudesmol (20.88%), γ-eudesmol (10.15%), and caryophyllene oxide (9.11%). The antioxidative activity of the volatile oils was determined by DPPH (14.455 μg/mL), ABTS (23.015 μg/mL), and FRAP (7.945 μmol Fe/g) methods. The total phenolic (20.091 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoid (0.196 mg QE/g) compositions were also specified. The antifungal activities of the EO were investigated using disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The EO showed the highest antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum (inhibition zone diameter 23.96 mm; (P<0.05). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of the EO of F. communis leaves ranged from 0.0180 to 0.235 mg/L and 0.012 to 0.096 mg/L, respectively, for the foodborne saprophytic molds (P<0.05). According to the MIC/MFC ratios, the EO of F. communis exerted lethal effects on four of the studied mold species and inhibitory effects on the remaining five.

In Vitro Evaluation of Ferutinin Rich-Ferula communis L., ssp. glauca, Root Extract on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Antioxidant Properties and Cell Cycle Modulation.

The clinical use of anthracycline Doxorubicin as an antineoplastic drug in cancer therapy is limited by cardiotoxic effects that can lead to congestive heart failure. Recent studies have shown several promising activities of different species of the genus Ferula belonging to the Apiaceae Family. Ferula communis is the main source of Ferutinin-a bioactive compound isolated from many species of Ferula-studied both in vitro and in vivo because of their different effects, such as estrogenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and also antiproliferative and cytotoxic activity, performed in a dose-dependent and cell-dependent way. However, the potential protective role of Ferutinin in myocardium impairment, caused by chemotherapeutic drugs, still represents an unexplored field. The aim of this study was to test the effects of Ferutinin rich-Ferula communis L. root extract (FcFE) at different concentrations on H9C2 cells. Moreover, we evaluated its antioxidant properties in cardiomyocytes in order to explore new potential therapeutic activities never examined before in other experimental works. FcFE, at a concentration of 0.25 µM, in the H9C2 line, significantly reduced the ROS production induced by H2O2 (50 µM and 250 µM) and traced the cell mortality of the H9C2 co-treated with Ferutinin 0.25 µM and Doxorubicin (0.5 µM and 1 µM) to control levels. These results showed that FcFE could protect against Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Further molecular characterization of this natural compound may open the way for testing FcFE at low concentrations in vivo and in clinical studies as an adjuvant in cancer therapy in association with anthracyclines to prevent side effects on heart cells.

Assessment of the acute and subacute toxicity of the aqueous extract of Moroccan Ferula communis fruit in a mouse model

Ferula communis L. is thought to possess a wide range of therapeutic qualities. This plant's safety is critical regarding its potential uses as a medicine. Using the techniques outlined in the OECD recommendations, the present study aimed to assess the acute and subacute toxicity profiles of Ferula communis aqueous extract (FC-Ext) in mice. In the acute study, the FC-Ext was administered to adult male and female Swiss albino mice through oral and intraperitoneal routes at doses of 0–4 g/kg. The general behavioral effects, mortality rates, and latency of mortality were evaluated for a period of 14 days. For the sub-acute dose study, the FC-Ext was administered orally to adult mice at doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg on a daily basis for 28 days. Body weight and selected biochemical and hematological parameters were measured, and histological examinations of the liver, kidney, and spleen were conducted to assess any signs of organ damage at the end of the treatment period. The results of the acute toxicity study demonstrated that the LD50 values for the oral and intraperitoneal administration of FC-Ext were 3.6 g/kg and 2.3 g/kg, respectively. In the subacute toxicity study of FC-Ext, no significant changes in body weight were observed. However, a substantial increase in the weights of the liver, kidney, and spleen was observed in male mice. The administration of FC-Ext to mice at doses higher than 250 mg/kg resulted in a decrease in white blood cells and platelets in both sexes and a reduction in red blood cells and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in males and hemoglobin in females. No changes in biochemical parameters were observed. Microscopic examination of vital organs such as the liver, kidney, and spleen revealed no significant injuries. Based on the current results, the aqueous extract of Ferula communis has low toxicity. These findings provide important information about the toxicity profile of the traditional medicine plant Ferula communis.

Preliminary phytochemical screening and antibacterial effects of root bark of Ferula communis (Apiaceae).

Plants are widely used in traditional medicine because they contain a high concentration of antimicrobial agents, serving as the foundation for medicines. The aim of this study was preliminary identification of phytochemicals and assesses the antimicrobial activity of extracts of Ferula communis root bark. Plant was collected, and standard qualitative procedures were conducted. The plant samples were extracted with 99.9% methanol and 80% ethanol. To identify phytochemicals found in plants, a preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed. Agar diffusion tests, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were performed to evaluate antibacterial activity. The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanol and methanol extract revealed positive results for flavonoids, coumarins and tannins. Terpenoids and anthraquinones were detected only in the methanol extract. The extract of Ferula communis showed an antibacterial effect on both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in a concentration-dependent manner. The average zone of inhibition for gram-positive bacteria was 11mm, whereas for gram-negative bacteria, it was 9mm. The MIC and MBC values also varied with the type of bacteria. In all bacterial species tested, the mean MBC value was similar to the MIC. Different phytochemicals were detected in extracts of the root bark of F. communis and extracts showed antibacterial effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Therefore, further purification and evaluation of the extracts and antioxidant activity of the plant should be investigated.

Exploring the thermal behaviour and thermo-mechanical properties of Ferula Communis reinforced plaster and mortar composites: An integrated experimental and numerical approach

This research investigated the effect of adding Ferula Communis to building materials. Four ratios of this additive (2, 4, 6, and 8%) were used to replace gypsum in plasterboard and sand in mortar. Based on thermo-physical characterisation, it was observed that increasing the Ferula Communis content in the basic materials improved their thermal properties and lightness. However, despite this promising enhancement, increasing the additive’s concentration negatively impacted the composites’ mechanical performance. Thus, it was found that incorporating 8% of the aggregate into the plaster and 6% into the mortar decreased their mechanical strength by 44.62% and 91.2% during bending, respectively. Additionally, compression experiments of the mortar matrix showed an approximate reduction of 87.93%. According to these results, 4% aggregate in mortar and 8% aggregate in plaster were selected to be integrated into a bio-based wall, which was numerically simulated using the heat transfer equation. The obtained results prove the wall’s thermal ability to reduce the average heating and cooling energy loads by 13 kWh/m2.year calculated over the four orientations (north, east, south, and west) which is equivalent to 6.47 $/m2 of energy savings and 5.64 kgCO2eq/m2.year of avoided CO2 emissions.

Investigation of composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic characteristics from Juniperus sabina and Ferula communis extracts

Plants have been one the most valuable sources of biologically active compounds. This study investigates the chemical composition, as well as the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities of methanolic and ethanolic extracts from Juniperus sabina and Ferula communis leaves, grown in Cyprus. Total phenolic and flavonoids content of methanol and ethanol extracts were quantified. Chemical constituents of the leaf extracts were analysed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Mome inositol was the predominant component in the J. Sabina’s extracts. The most dominant component in F. communis ethanolic extract was phytol, while in FCL methanolic extract 1,3,4,5 tetrahydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid. Antioxidant activities were evaluated by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging ability. Antioxidant activity results revealed concentration dependent activity for methanolic and ethanolic extracts from the plant leaves. Antibacterial activity of plant extracts was tested against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria using disk diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration methods. Cytotoxic activity of plant extracts were evaluated on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, where they demonstrated their potential on the viability of both cell lines. The biological activity revealed by plants is due to the bioactive compounds found in the extracts. These bioactive components could be used as anticancer drug candidates.

Phenolic and carotenoid composition of Rhododendron luteum Sweet and Ferula communis L. subsp. communis flowers

The biologically important potential of polyphenols and carotenoids from plants motivates the exploration of new natural sources and medicinal uses for these chemicals. Plants with colorful flowers are used not only for the benefits of bioactive compounds but also for smart textile materials and as colorants. In this study, quantification of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in Rhododendron luteum Sweet and Ferula communis L. subsp. communis flowers were determined. The flowers of these plants were analysed for the first time in Türkiye. While catechin (297.36±3.42 µg/g), 4-OH benzoic acid (179.28±2.87 µg/g) and salicylic acid (178.98±2.42 µg/g) are found to be relatively higher in R. luteum Sweet flowers compared to other phenolic compounds, relatively higher amounts of rutin (335.95±4.32 µg/g) and ferulic acid (367.10±4.11 µg/g) were found in F. communis L. subsp. communis flowers. On the other hand, lutein and β-carotene were detected in both species, whereas astaxanthin (4.46±0.21 µg/g) was found only in R. luteum. This phytochemical information may be important for the proper utilization of these plants as sources of phenolic compounds and carotenoids for a variety of possible commercial applications.

Inhibitory effects of Ferula communis L and Verbena officinalis L. extract on the crystal growth of calcium oxalate monohydrate

Inhibitory effects of Ferula communis L and Verbena officinalis L. extract on the crystal growth of calcium oxalate monohydrate

Communiferulins, farnesylated coumarins from the roots of Ferula communis and their anti-neuroinflammatory activity.

Three new farnesylated coumarins, communiferulins A-C (1-3), and a farnesylated chromone, ferchromone (4), were isolated from the roots of an Apiaceous plant Ferula communis. Their structures including the relative configurations were elucidated by a combination of spectroscopic analyses and calculations of the NMR data. Communiferulins A-C (1-3) had dihydrofuran rings fused to C-3 and C-4 of their coumarin moieties, while 3 possessed one additional furan ring. HPLC analyses using a chiral column showed 1-4 to be racemates, and the absolute configurations of (+)-1, (-)-1, (+)-2,and (-)-2 were deduced by comparison of their ECD spectra with TDDFT-calculated spectra. Communiferulins A (1) and B (2), and ferchromone (4) showed inhibitory activities on IL-1β production from LPS-stimulated microglial cells.