Anise Research Articles

Oxidative stability and physicochemical changes of dark chocolates with essential oils addition

This research aimed to evaluate the oxidative stability and rheological properties of dark chocolates with the addition of essential oils (EO) of Cymbopogon citratus, Pimpinella anisum, and Mintostachys mollis. For this purpose, before the inclusion in chocolates, the EO were chemically characterized to identify the most important volatile compounds. We added essential oils of P. anisum, C. citratus and M. mollis to dark chocolates (cocoa 70%) at doses of 10, 12 and 14 μL per 500 g, separately. These chocolates were evaluated for oxidative activity, hardness, microstructure, rheological and melting properties and antioxidant capacity. It was found that C. citratus EO (10 μL/500 g of chocolate) improve the oxidative stability of the chocolates at 90 days of storage at 25 °C (230 meq O2/kg), while higher concentrations promote lipid oxidation. The incorporation of essential oils improves the antioxidant capacity, likewise, it changes the rheological, thermal, and microstructural properties. Therefore, essential oils can improve the physicochemical characteristics of dark chocolates allowing greater stability in oxidative fat and thus increase the shelf life.

Influence of Chemical, Organic and Biological Fertilizers of Yield and Volatile Oil Production of Anise (Pimpinella anisum, L.) Plant

In order to determine the influence of different fertilizers types (chemical, organic and bio fertilization) on anise yield components, volatile oil production and NPK percentages two field experiments were done at a Private Farm named Royale for herbs in El-bawiti Village, El Wahat El Bharia District, Giza Governorate, Egypt through 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 winter seasons. The efficiency of organic fertilization (humic acid and compost) and biological fertilization (nitrobein or/and phosphorein) were compared with standard, commercial rates of N, P and K as chemical fertilizers concern the productivity of anise plant. The obtained results referred to that, the chemical fertilizers rate (N, P2O5 and K2O at 100, 75 and 50 kg/feddan, respectively) produced the highest yield components values (number of umbels and umblets per plant as well as fruit yield per plant and fruit yield per feddan) compared to the other ones under study, in most cases. Also, fertilized anise plants with the chemical fertilizers rate of N, P2O5 and K2O at 120, 100 and 60 kg/feddan, respectively gave the highest values regard N, P and K percentages in fruits compared to the other fertilizers type under study. In the same time, anise plants treated with 20 m3 compost + 2 kg phosphorein + 2 kg nitrobein and chemical fertilization (N100 P75 K50) produced the highest values in volatile oil yield production (volatile oil yield per plant and per feddan) compared to the others types of fertilizers under study in 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the fruit of Illicium verum Hook.f. (star anise oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of star anise oil from the fruit (without or with the presence of plant leaves) of Illicium verum Hook.f., when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. For long-living and reproductive animals, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) considered of low concern the use of the additive in complete feed at 0.6 mg/kg for laying hens and rabbits, 1.0 mg/kg for sows and dairy cows, 1.6 mg/kg for sheep/goats, horses and cats, 1.9 mg/kg for dogs and 6.5 mg/kg for ornamental fish. For short-living animals, the Panel had no safety concern when the additive is used at 83.3 mg/kg for veal calves, 73.3 mg/kg for sheep/goats, cattle for fattening and horses for meat production, 83.8 mg/kg for salmonids, 24.8 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 18.5 mg/kg chickens for fattening, 33.3 mg/kg for piglets, 40 mg/kg for pigs for fattening and 29.3 mg/kg for rabbits for meat production. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive was considered of low concern at 0.6 mg/kg. The use of star anise oil in animal feed is expected to be of no concern for consumers and for the environment. The additive under assessment should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Due to the high concentration of estragole (≥ 1%), the additive is classified as suspected of causing genetic defects and of causing cancer and should be handled accordingly. Since the fruit of I. verum and its preparations are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be the same, no further demonstration of efficacy was necessary.

Synthesis, Characterization of Biogenic Copper Nanoparticles and Their Therapeutic Activity

Green synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) is an economical, environmentally friendly and non-toxic approach that has been the subject of research in health and industry. Therefore, in this study, Cu NPs were synthesized using Pimpinella anisum (P.anisum) seed extract and their pharmacological activities were evaluated. Characterization of Cu NPs was performed by UV-vis, FT-IR and SEM-EDX analyses. Copper metal was reduced by reacting with the seed extract and reached the maximum peak at 385 nm in the UV-vis spectra, confirming the surface plasmon resonance. FT-IR spectroscopy showed the participation of phytochemical components in P. anisum in the synthesis. SEM analysis determined that the size of the biosynthesized nanoparticles is 10-20 nm in diameter and has a spherical structure. Strong signals of copper metal were confirmed by EDX analysis. The therapeutic effect of Cu NPs was evaluated by antioxidant and antibacterial assays. The DPPH radical scavenging activity IC50 inhibition values of Cu NPs were better than the seed extract and exhibited strong antioxidant activity. Antibacterial activity was performed by the disk diffusion method and Cu NPs were more effective against gram-positive bacteria. It had the highest zone diameter (18.0±2.8 mm), especially on Bacillus subtilis bacteria. These results showed that Cu NPs may have a selective effect against drug-resistant bacteria as an alternative agent to pharmaceutical applications. This study showed that P. anisum seed extract-mediated bioconjugation of Cu NPs can be done simply, quickly and cost-effectively. As a result, Cu NPs should be supported by more detailed in vivo studies to create antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

Comparison of Chemical Compositions and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils from Litsea Cubeba, Cinnamon, Anise, and Eucalyptus.

The purpose of this study was to compare the antioxidant activity of litsea cubeba oil (LCO), cinnamon oil (CO), anise oil (AO), and eucalyptus oil (EUC) in vitro. The chemical compositions of the essential oils (EOs) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity of the four EOs was evaluated through scavenging DPPH free radicals, chelating Fe2+, scavenging hydroxyl free radicals, and inhibiting yolk lipid peroxidation. The results showed that the major compounds found in LCO, CO, AO, and EUC are citral (64.29%), cinnamaldehyde (84.25%), anethole (78.51%), and 1,8-cineole (81.78%), respectively. The four EOs all had certain antioxidant activity. The ability to scavenge DPPH radical was ranked in the order of LCO > CO > AO > EUC. The hydroxyl radical scavenging ability was ranked in the order of EUC > CO > LCO > AO. The chelating Fe2+ capacity was ranked in the order of EUC > AO > CO > LCO. The yolk lipid peroxidation inhibition ability was ranked in the order of CO > AO > EUC > LCO. In different antioxidant activity assays, the antioxidant activity of the EOs was different. It was speculated that the total antioxidant activity of an EO may be the result of the joint action of different antioxidant capacities.

Determination of MIC and MBC Values Using Different Extraction Methods in Plants of Nigella Sativa, Cuminum Cyminum and Pimpinella Anisum L. Samples from Kırıkkale Region

In our study, it was aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effect of 6 plant extracts obtained with methanol by using maceration and soxlet methods from 3 plant species Nigellla sativa (Black seed), Cuminum cuminum (cumin) and Pimpinella anisum (anise) grown in Kırıkkale province by liquid microdilution method against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). All of the extracts of Nigellla sativa (black cumin), Cuminum cuminum (Cuminum) and Pimpinella anisum (Anise) prepared by the maceration and soxalet method showed antibacterial effects against both bacteria (inhibitory and bactericidal). it was determined that the antibacterial effect of the extracts obtained by the maceration method was higher than the extracts obtained by the soxalet method.

Pimpinella anisum L. Essential Oil a Valuable Antibacterial and Antifungal Alternative.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) essential oils are intensely investigated worldwide for the beneficial properties, due to the specific bioactive compound's structure. (1) Background: This study characterized the structure of the Pimpinella anisum essential oil and evaluated its antimicrobial properties. (2) Methods: An evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal activity targeted strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), and levure Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used for structure identification, and the optical density mass loss was applied for the analysis of different dilutions of aniseed essential oils antimicrobial activity. (3) Results: A total of 13 compounds were identified, of which trans-anethole was in the highest proportion (72.49%), followed by limonene (10.01%), anisole (5%), and α-pinene (3.26%). The results obtained and statistically analyzed, utilizing one-way ANOVA with Bonferroni's multiple comparison test, indicated the antimicrobial activity (p < 0.001) of anise essential oil. (4) Conclusion: Anise essential oil is a promising phyto-remedy with important antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. Inhibition high percentages were found for the p. aeruginosa and S. aureus strains, but also excellent antifungal activity against C. albicans was ascertained.

Effects of Komouni Formulation (Herbal Product of Persian Medicine) With a Low-Calorie Diet on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Women: A Triple-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The prevalence of obesity has almost tripled since 1975, and obesity places a heavy economic burden on healthcare systems. There is a high tendency to use a variety of complementary medicine modalities for weight management among obese patients. Persian Medicine is an ancient medical school practiced for thousands of years in Iran. Found in reliable Iranian traditional resources, Komouni formulation (KF) is a compound medicine that can be effective in the treatment of obesity. It comprises black caraway (Bunium persicum Boiss.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller), and ajwain (Trachyspemum ammi L.) Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effects of KF on anthropometric indices and metabolic parameters in overweight and obese women. Methods: This triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 70 overweight or obese women aged 20 - 40 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 - 34.9 kg/m2. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups (each group n = 35) to receive a calorie-restricted diet with 2 g/day (500 mg 30 minutes before breakfast, 1000 mg 30 minutes before lunch, and 500 mg 30 minutes before dinner) KF or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices, food intake, and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and after the intervention. Results: A total of 60 women (intervention = 30; placebo = 30) completed the trial. After the intervention, the KF group experienced a significant reduction in weight (-4.8 vs. -3.2 kg; P = 0.0001), BMI (-1.8 vs. -0.79 kg/m2; P = 0.0001), waist circumference (-5.28 vs. -3.20 cm; P = 0.004), hip circumference (-0.018 vs. -0.008 cm; P = 0.047), fasting blood sugar (-5.6 vs. 0.33; P = 0.025), and low-density lipoprotein (-11.7 vs. 6.7; P = 0.0001), compared to the placebo group. None of the patients in the intervention and placebo groups reported any side effects. Conclusions: Using KF, along with a calorie-restricted diet, can reduce cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese women. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the efficacy of KF as a complementary therapy in obesity.

Effects of Komouni Formulation (Herbal Product of Persian Medicine) With a Low-Calorie Diet on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Women: A Triple-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

The prevalence of obesity has almost tripled since 1975, and obesity places a heavy economic burden on healthcare systems. There is a high tendency to use a variety of complementary medicine modalities for weight management among obese patients. Persian Medicine is an ancient medical school practiced for thousands of years in Iran. Found in reliable Iranian traditional resources, Komouni formulation (KF) is a compound medicine that can be effective in the treatment of obesity. It comprises black caraway (Bunium persicum Boiss.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Miller), and ajwain (Trachyspemum ammi L.). This study aimed to determine the effects of KF on anthropometric indices and metabolic parameters in overweight and obese women. This triple-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was performed on 70 overweight or obese women aged 20 - 40 years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 - 34.9 kg/m2. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups (each group n = 35) to receive a calorie-restricted diet with 2 g/day (500 mg 30 minutes before breakfast, 1000 mg 30 minutes before lunch, and 500 mg 30 minutes before dinner) KF or placebo for 8 weeks. Anthropometric indices, food intake, and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and after the intervention. A total of 60 women (intervention = 30; placebo = 30) completed the trial. After the intervention, the KF group experienced a significant reduction in weight (-4.8 vs. -3.2 kg; P = 0.0001), BMI (-1.8 vs. -0.79 kg/m2; P = 0.0001), waist circumference (-5.28 vs. -3.20 cm; P = 0.004), hip circumference (-0.018 vs. -0.008 cm; P = 0.047), fasting blood sugar (-5.6 vs. 0.33; P = 0.025), and low-density lipoprotein (-11.7 vs. 6.7; P = 0.0001), compared to the placebo group. None of the patients in the intervention and placebo groups reported any side effects. Using KF, along with a calorie-restricted diet, can reduce cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese women. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the efficacy of KF as a complementary therapy in obesity.

Formulation and Assessment of Delayed/Slow-Release Diclofenac Sodium Edible Organogel Utilizing Low Molecular Weight Organogelators

Organogel as a system was to estimate its capacity to delay and slow the drug release in the duodenum. The gelators, 12HSA (12-hydroxystearic acid), span 60. span 40 were used; the castor oil (CO) and anise oil (AO) also represented the liquid phase. To achieve the goal of this work was by using diclofenac sodium (DS). Organogels specifications were by estimating thermal attitude using tabletop rheology and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The organogel strength study was by applying oscillatory rheology tests the amplitude sweep and the frequency sweep. Realizing the morphology of the organogel was done utilizing an optical microscope. CO and AO binding capacity was also manifested. The transition temperatures for all organogels were reversible. Imaging demonstrated spherulites aggregates for organogels of 12HSA and span 40 in CO and AO while span 60 organogels in both oils existed as fibers aggregates. Furthermore, organogels exhibited viscoelastic characteristics as 20 wt% 12HSA in both oils were frequency-independent. The results revealed that the HPMC capsule containing the organogel resisted the dissolution in the acidic media for two hours. Moreover, organogels slowed the release of DS for 24 hours in an alkaline medium. Finally, all the selected organogel in CO exhibited a high oil binding capacity.

Dose dependence studies of Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract mixture on growth promoting and immunomodulatory effects in broiler chicks

Dose dependence studies of Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) extract mixture on growth promoting and immunomodulatory effects in broiler chicks

Antioxidant activities in Pimpinella anisum L. callus responding to PEG-6000-induced water stress under light (12 h-photoperiod) and dark conditions

Antioxidant activities in Pimpinella anisum L. callus responding to PEG-6000-induced water stress under light (12 h-photoperiod) and dark conditions

Water deficit stress changes in physiological, biochemical and antioxidant characteristics of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.)

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of water deficit stress on the seed yield and its components, physiological functions, fatty acid content and compositions, essential oil (EO) content and compositions, phenolic acids and flavonoids amounts, and antioxidant activities of anise seeds. Plants evaluations were performed under well-watered (WW), moderate water deficit stressed (MWDS), and severe water deficit stressed (SWDS). The results revealed that SWDS significantly reduced seed yield, branch number per plant, seed number, umbel number, and thousand seed weight. Water deficit stress also caused a decrease in chlorophyll content, relative water content, quantum efficiency of photosystem II, and cell membrane stability, while increasing leaf temperature. The analysis of fatty acid composition indicated that petroselinic acid was the main fatty acid and its percentage increased by 8.75% and 14.60% under MWDS and SWDS, respectively. Furthermore, MWDS increased the EO content by 1.48 times, while it decreased by 41.32% under SWDS. The chemotype of EO was altered from t-anethole/estragole in WW seeds to t-anethole/β-bisabolene in treated seeds. Higher levels of total phenolics were detected in stressed seeds. Water deficit stress increased the amount of the major class, naringin, by 1.40 and 1.26 times under MWDS and SWDS. The evaluation of antioxidant activity through reducing power, DPPH, and chelating ability assays indicated that stressed seeds exhibited the highest activity. The study's findings suggest that the application of drought stress before harvesting can regulate the production of bioactive compounds, which can affect the industrial and nutritional values of anise seeds.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a preparation of essential oils of thyme and star anise, and quillaja bark powder (BIOSTRONG® 510 all natural) for all poultry species (Delacon Biotechnik GmbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a preparation consisting of essential oils of thyme and star anise, and quillaja bark powder (BIOSTRONG® 510 all natural) as a zootechnical feed additive (functional groups: digestibility enhancer; other zootechnical additives) for all poultry species. BIOSTRONG® 510 all natural is a preparation of partially microencapsulated essential oils, quillaja bark powder, dried herbs and dried spices. The additive contains estragole (up to ■■■■■. For short-living animals, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) had no safety concerns when the additive is used at the recommended level of 150 mg/kg complete feed for chickens for fattening and other poultry species for fattening. For long-living animals, the use of the additive was considered of concern owing to the presence of estragole. No safety concern would be expected for the consumer and the environment from the use of the additive at the recommended use level in feed. The Panel concluded that the additive is corrosive to the eyes but not irritant to skin. It may be a respiratory irritant or dermal or respiratory sensitiser. When handling the additive, exposure of unprotected users to estragole ■■■■■ may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. The additive BIOSTRONG® 510 all natural was considered efficacious for chickens for fattening at the use level 150 mg/kg complete feed. This conclusion was extrapolated to all poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding. ■■■■■.

The Use of Soxhlet Techniques in the Essential Oil Extraction from Anise Seeds (Pimpinella anisum)

&lt;strong&gt;ABSTRACT. &lt;/strong&gt;Anise seeds can be processed into essential oils by steam distillation and solvent extraction. This research aims to produce a high oil yield by determining the optimum conditions of extraction, extracting anise seeds according to optimum conditions, producing anise oil with good quality based on 90% alcohol solubility analysis, analyzing the acid number, and conducting GC-MS analysis. The Activity Method was carried out by determining the optimum conditions of extraction on the effect of the variation in the ratio between anise seed powder and petroleum ether. Furthermore, based on optimal conditions, extraction was carried out at a temperature of 60°C, 5 hours with 5 repetitions. The results of essential oils were analyzed including solubility analysis, oil acid number, and GC-MS. The optimal extraction conditions were obtained at the ratio of anise seeds and petroleum ether 1:12.5 with an average oil yield of 4.72%. The results of the analysis showed that anise oil had good quality based on the oil solubility in 90% alcohol with a 1:7 ratio. The acid number of anise seed oil was obtained at 1.14444. GC-MS analysis showed that anise seed oil contained estragol, anethole, limonene, fenchone, and anis ketone.

Chemoattractability of amino acid glycine, fish oil and star anise oil in smooth marron (Cherax cainii Austin & Ryan, 2002)

The chemoattractability of three attractants, the free amino acid glycine, fish oil and star anise oil, Illicium verum Hook f., in the freshwater crayfish, smooth marron, Cherax cainii Austin & Ryan, 2002, was assessed by measuring their excitatory capacity and time spent in pre- and post- attractant phase. Marron were observed individually for 5 min in 10 L glass aquaria before and 5 min after the addition of filtered freshwater as a control, glycine high (10-4 mol L-1), glycine low (10-6 mol L-1), fish oil and anise oil. Attractants were added directly to the aquarium water, and the marron excitatory capacity was recorded. Frequency was recorded of the excitatory behaviours: antennae wave, antennule wave, pereopod wave, maxilliped wave, cheliped wave, and cheliped grasp. Time spent in pre- and post- attractant phase activities; resting, walking, climbing wall, and searching for food, were also recorded. The excitatory response of C. cainii was shown as an increase in pereopod sweeping and probing. Overall, the frequency of antennule wave, leg wave and maxilliped wave increased during the post-attractant phase (p < 0.05). Marron spent more time searching for food with glycine high, anise oil and fish oil than with filtered freshwater. Resting time was higher in marron given filtered freshwater than those given glycine high. The results of this study show that glycine, fish oil, and anise oil are effective chemoattractants of marron, however, their suitability as feeding incitants still needs to be assessed further.

Exploring the quantitative genetics of traits associated with drought tolerance and yield in Pimpinella anisum L. under different water regimes

Genetic improvement of seed yield and drought resistance could be simultaneously gained in anise when breeding for drought resistance. Improving the water use efficiency of anise is a primary objective of anise breeding programs aimed at mitigating the impacts of drought stress. This study aimed to determine the predominant mechanisms involved in drought tolerance and investigate the genetic control of associated traits with drought tolerance and higher grain yield. According to these aims, 10 half-diallel hybrids and their five parents were evaluated in both field and greenhouse lysimetric experiments under well-watered and water deficit stress conditions. The results indicated that the inheritance of grain yield is complex and affected by water deficit stress. Similar heritability and genetic architecture were detected for flowering time and percentages of photosynthate partitioned to grain (PPPG) in both well-watered and water deficit stress treatments. Significant negative genetic correlations were observed between grain yield and flowering time, root dry mass, root diameter, root volume, root number, percentages of photosynthate partitioned to shoot, and percentages of photosynthate partitioned to root. Therefore, the selection of low values of these attributes can be used to improve grain yield under drought conditions. In contrast, a positive significant genetic linkage between grain yield and PPPG, chlorophyll content, cell membrane stability, and leaf relative water content reveal selection for high values of these attributes is favored. These attributes could be used as surrogate selection criteria in the early segregating generations. The P1 parent (early ripening parent) contained key genes associated with PPPG and drought escape. It was concluded that improvement of drought tolerance and grain yield could be simultaneously achieved in anise breeding programs.

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Anise and Fennel Essential Oils

Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity of Anise and Fennel Essential Oils

Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant Potential, and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Pimpinella anisum Extracts against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria.

Aniseeds (Pimpinella anisum) have gained increasing attention for their nutritional and health benefits. Aniseed extracts are known to contain a range of compounds, including flavonoids, terpenes, and essential oils. These compounds have antimicrobial properties, meaning they can help inhibit the growth of nasty bacteria and other microbes. The purpose of this study was to determine if aniseed extracts have potential antioxidant, phytochemical, and antimicrobial properties against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. A disc diffusion test was conducted in vitro to test the aniseed methanolic extract's antibacterial activity. The MIC, MBC, and inhibition zone diameters measure the minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and size of the zone developed when the extract is placed on a bacterial culture, respectively. HPLC and GC/MS are analytical techniques used for identifying the phenolics and chemical constituents in the extract. DPPH, ABTS, and iron-reducing power assays were performed to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity of the extract. Using HPLC, oxygenated monoterpenes represented the majority of the aniseed content, mainly estragole, cis-anethole, and trans-anethole at 4422.39, 3150.11, and 2312.11 (g/g), respectively. All of the examined bacteria are very sensitive to aniseed's antibacterial effects. It is thought that aniseed's antibacterial activity could be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds which include catechins, methyl gallates, caffeic acid, and syringic acids. According to the GC analysis, several flavonoids were detected, including catechin, isochiapin, and trans-ferulic acid, as well as quercitin rhamnose, kaempferol-O-rutinoside, gibberellic acid, and hexadecadienoic acid. Upon quantification of the most abundant estragole, we found that estragole recovery was sufficient for proving its antimicrobial activity against MDR bacteria. Utilizing three methods, the extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity. Aniseed extract clearly inhibited MDR bacterial isolates, indicating its potential use as an anti-virulence strategy. It is assumed that polyphenolic acids and flavonoids are responsible for this activity. Trans-anethole and estragole were aniseed chemotypes. Aniseed extracts showed higher antioxidant activity than vitamin C. Future investigations into the compatibility and synergism of aniseed phenolic compounds with commercial antibacterial treatments may also show them to be promising options.

Safety and efficacy of feed additives obtained from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L.: anise oil for use in poultry and horses and anise tincture for use in poultry, dogs, cats and horses (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of anise oil and anise tincture obtained from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L., when used as sensory additives. The use of the anise oil at the proposed use level in complete feed of 1.9 mg/kg for laying hens and 5 mg/kg for horses was considered of low concern. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) had no safety concern when anise oil is used at the proposed use levels of 1.5 mg/kg for chickens for fattening and at 1.7 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening. The use of anise tincture at the proposed conditions of use was considered of low concern in dogs, cats, horses and laying hens, and of no concern in chickens for fattening. The use of the additives up to the highest level in feed which was considered of low or no concern for target animals was also expected to be of no concern for consumers. The additives under assessment should be considered as irritants to skin and eyes, and as dermal and respiratory sensitisers. Due to the high concentration of estragole (≥ 1%), anise oil is classified as suspected of causing genetic defects and of causing cancer and should be handled accordingly. When handling anise tincture, exposure of unprotected users to estragole may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. The use of these additives in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk to the environment. Since the fruit of P. anisum and its preparations are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be the same, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.