Search Results (89)

Sea fennel is a halophyte plant recognised as a valuable source of phenolics with good antioxidant and antimicrobial potential. In this study, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was optimised to improve the recovery of phenolic compounds from sea fennel, particularly hydroxycinnamic acids, which are known to be dominant. The effect of the applied extraction temperature (20–120 °C) and used solvent (20–80% hydroethanolic mixtures) on total phenolic content (TPC) was systematically evaluated. Individual phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties were measured in the top four samples. TPC was determined spectrophotometrically, while individual compounds were analysed by chromatography. Antioxidant (reducing and free-radical scavenging) activity was assessed using three assays, while the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations were determined using the microdilution method against five bacterial strains. Both temperature and solvent composition significantly influenced phenolic extraction efficiency. The highest TPC and concentrations of chlorogenic acid and its derivatives were obtained at 60 °C using 60–80% ethanol (664 and 673 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g of dry extract), while higher temperatures generally resulted in reduced phenolic yield. Extracts obtained under optimal ASE conditions exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity and moderate antimicrobial effects, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, which demonstrates that accelerated solvent extraction represents an efficient approach for obtaining sea fennel extracts rich in valuable bioactives with potential use in different industries. Full article

This study presents a novel approach for optimizing GC-MS/MS performance and ensuring the reproducibility of pesticide residue analysis across diverse food matrices. Analysis of thermally treated (100–280 °C) extracts using GC-MS (scan mode) and FTIR revealed that strawberry and dry mint contain significantly higher concentrations of non-volatile co-extractives of varying chemical natures compared to fennel seeds. It was further elucidated that polar non-volatile co-extractives exhibit a more pronounced negative impact on analytical performance. Consequently, a synergistic approach was developed for strawberry analysis, combining end-column back-flushing with the application of fennel extract as a Natural Analyte Protectant (NAP). For dry mint, optimal results were achieved through a different approach: standard forward carrier gas cleaning combined with a fivefold sample dilution. The developed protocols enabled the efficient analysis of 195 pesticides in strawberries, all achieving LOQs of 0.01 mg/kg. Results demonstrated high precision (RSD < 3% for most analytes) and excellent recoveries (90–110%) at 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg. Furthermore, 154 and 186 pesticides were successfully validated in dry mint with LOQs of 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. This research demonstrates that efficient column cleaning can be achieved through either back-flushing or the same forward-flow of the carrier gas, depending on whether the non-volatile co-extractives are polar or non-polar. Finally, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fennel extract is introduced as a highly effective NAP, which is especially advantageous for samples lacking endogenous volatile components while simultaneously containing high concentrations of polar co-extractives. Pesticide residue monitoring was applied for 20 commercial samples, demonstrating high sensitivity. While strawberry samples exhibited excellent regulatory compliance and a total absence of chlorpyrifos, herbal matrices showed a higher chemical burden characterized by multi-residue co-occurrence and MRL exceedances. Full article

In this study, biocarbon adsorbents were obtained from fennel and caraway seeds through microwave-assisted chemical activation with sodium carbonate. The activation process involved carbonizing the raw material at 300 °C for 30 min., followed by impregnation with sodium carbonate at a precursor-to-activator mass ratio of 1:2. Activation was performed at two distinct temperatures—500 °C and 600 °C—with an activation time of 15 min. The structural, textural, and surface chemical characteristics of the obtained biocarbons were investigated using complementary analytical techniques, including low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Boehm titration, and pH analysis of aqueous extracts. The resulting adsorbents demonstrated low development of specific surface area (109–154 m²/g) and limited sorption capacity for methylene blue (20–32 mg/g). Adsorption experiments indicated that the Freundlich isotherm model most accurately described the data, suggesting multilayer adsorption on heterogeneous surfaces. Thermodynamic evaluations showed the adsorption to be both spontaneous and endothermic. The adsorption mechanism is primarily governed by electrostatic interactions between the cationic dye and surface functional groups, π–π interactions with the carbon structure, and diffusion within mesopores. This study provides a comparative evaluation of microwave-assisted Na₂CO₃ activation of fennel and caraway seed waste and assesses the potential of these biochars for dye removal from aqueous solutions. Full article

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves chronic inflammation and disruption of the intestinal barrier, often accompanied by alterations in gut microbiota composition. This study examined the protective potential of a prebiotic mixture extract (PME) prepared from Vigna radiata (mung bean), Vigna angularis (red bean), and Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) using the HT-29 cell and colitis animal model. PME exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, with greater radical-scavenging capacity in the ABTS assay than in the DPPH assay. In LPS-stimulated HT-29 epithelial cells, PME reduced the mRNA expression of inflammation-associated genes (TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB) and upregulated tight junction markers (CLDN1 and OCLN), demonstrating its anti-inflammatory and supportive effects on the intestinal barrier. Vitexin, a C-glycosylated flavonoid, was detected in PME and is expected to mediate these protective effects. In a DSS-induced colitis mouse model, PME administration alleviated disease severity by increasing colon length, reducing serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and COX-2/PGE2, and restoring intestinal permeability. Furthermore, PME modulated the gut microbiota by enhancing beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Faecalibaculum while suppressing inflammation-associated taxa, including Escherichia, Bacteroides, and Mucispirillum. These improvements collectively suggest that PME reinforces epithelial barrier integrity and promotes intestinal homeostasis through both anti-inflammatory and microbiota-regulating actions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. According to the World Heart Federation, more than 500 million people were living with cardiovascular diseases in 2021. In this context, the use of medicinal plants has become increasingly widespread in populations as a preventive strategy against cardiovascular disorders. Foeniculum vulgare Mill., commonly known as fennel, is an aromatic and medicinal plant recognized for its beneficial properties in the treatment of various ailments, due to its richness in bioactive compounds. This review aims to summarize and analyze the cardiovascular activities of this plant, based on experimental evidence, and to provide an updated overview of its phytochemical composition and safety profile. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, encompassing all publications available up to 2024. This search included research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and clinical studies published in English. Exclusion criteria comprised publication types such as letters, conference abstracts, unpublished theses, and non-peer-reviewed reports. Studies were also excluded if they did not specifically address Foeniculum vulgare Mill. or its cardiovascular activities. All studies were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and relevant data were systematically extracted and analyzed to synthesize current knowledge on the cardiovascular activities, mechanisms of action, phytochemical composition, safety, and potential drug interactions of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Results: Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that Foeniculum vulgare Mill. exhibits a wide range of activities beneficial for cardiovascular health. These include antihypertensive, cardioprotective, vasorelaxant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, hypotensive, hypolipidemic, antiplatelet, and anticoagulant effects. Such pharmacological actions are largely attributed to its rich phytochemical composition, particularly its volatile oils (e.g., trans-anethole, fenchone), flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol), and phenolic acids (e.g., p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid). Most studies report no significant signs of toxicity. Conclusions: Foeniculum vulgare Mill. emerges as a promising medicinal plant for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases, owing to its multifaceted beneficial effects and its favorable safety profile. However, potential interactions with cardiovascular drugs and the current limitations of existing studies highlight the need for further clinical research to fully establish its therapeutic potential. Full article

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

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) are emerging green solvents widely applied to improve the extraction of essential oil (EO) through plant tissue pretreatment. Various NADESs, formulated from polyalcohols, sugars, and organic acids, were employed as pretreatment solvents prior to microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) to facilitate plant cell wall breakdown and improve the efficiency of EO extraction. The findings revealed that the most effective pretreatment conditions for enhancing EO extraction involved using a NADES composed of choline chloride and glycerol (in a 1:2 molar ratio), applied to fennel seed powder at a solid-to-NADES ratio of 1:6 g/mL. Optimal performance was achieved with 20% water content in the NADES, microwave irradiation at 400 W for 6 min, followed by 96 min of MAHD. Under these conditions, the NADESs-based MAHD achieved the highest EO yield, increasing it from 1.33% with water-based MAHD to 2.70%. Fennel EO demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial activity against S. pyogenes and C. albicans., while the EO obtained from NADES-MAHD using Ch:Gly (1:2) showed the highest antioxidant activity, with 72.41% inhibition. Finally, GC-MS phytochemical analysis of the extracted EOs revealed anethole as the major compound. Notably, the application of NADES, particularly Ch:Gly (1:2), enhanced the relative content of monoterpene hydrocarbons. These findings highlight the superior effectiveness of deep eutectic solvents during the pretreatment stage in enhancing EO production. Full article

Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) were synthesized from Na₂SeO₃ using Foeniculum vulgare (fennel) seed extract as mild sustainable reductant, coated with chitosan (Ch), and loaded with Paclitaxel (PTX). The PTX release from the Se@Ch–PTX NPs and their cytotoxicity against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was studied in view of an application as drug delivery platform. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the thermal stability of the NPs up to 300 °C. UV–vis absorption and Fourier transform IR (FT-IR) spectroscopy allowed to trace surface species originating from the F. vulgare extract on the Se NPs, while the surface of the Se@Ch–PTX NPs is characterized from Ch and PTX functionalities. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed approximate spherical shaped NPs with sizes ranging from 10 to 40 nm. Zeta potential measurements showed a clear distinction between the −39 mV found the Se NPs and +57 mV for the Ch–PTX coated NPs. The NPs showed good biocompatibility with red blood cells (RBCs) in hemolytic activity assays, exhibiting no hemolytic effects at concentrations ranging from 50 to 400 µg/mL. In vitro release studies showed a sustained and pH-responsive release pattern with a maximum release of about 80% within 22 h for Se@Ch–PTX at pH = 3.5. The Se@Ch–PTX NPs showed high antiproliferative activity against MDA-MB-231 cells with an IC₅₀ value of 12.3 µg/mL compared to about 36 for PTX and 52 µg/mL for the Se NPs. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity as studied through DPPH scavenging showed higher values for the Se@Ch–PTX NPs compared to the Se NP. Full article

Hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and excessive inflammatory cytokine production are risk factors for depression. The potential preventive effects of essential oils (EOs) such as cumin and fennel EOs on depression may stem from their hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. This work aimed to investigate the effects of cumin and fennel EO nanocapsules in a mouse model of depression caused by a high-fat diet (HFD) and chronic mild stress (CMS) using both in silico and in vivo studies. The cumin and fennel EOs were extracted, analyzed by GC-MS, and encapsulated in nano-form using gum Arabic and maltodextrin as wall materials. The freeze-dried nanocapsules were evaluated in HFD/CMS-treated mice. Molecular docking was used to examine the significance of the oils’ compounds in blocking the active sites of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). According to the molecular docking results, the interactions between EO components and HMG-CoA or IDO indicate that these EOs may have hypercholesterolemic and antidepressive effects. Cumin and fennel EO nanocapsules showed hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. This was demonstrated by the down-regulation of oxidants (ROS, MDA, and NO) and inflammatory markers (TLR4, TNF-α, and IL-6) in the brain, changes in lipid profile parameters, and the up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH). The in silico and in vivo outputs revealed the potential preventive impact of cumin and fennel EO nanocapsules against depression-like states in the mouse model through the prevention of dyslipidemia, neuroxidation, and neuroinflammation. More human studies are needed to fully understand the antidepressive effects of cumin and fennel EO nanocapsules. Full article

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

Members of the Apiaceae family have been recognized since antiquity for their health-promoting properties. The halophytic species Crithmum maritimum L. (commonly known as sea fennel) has been used in traditional medicine since antiquity, largely due to its diverse and bioactive phytochemical composition. The plant’s complex chemical composition includes terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, dietary fibers, fatty acids, and essential vitamins. Essential oils (EOs) extracted from C. maritimum L. have demonstrated a wide range of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. Moreover, recent evidence suggests additional biofunctional roles such as cognitive enhancement and the inhibition of melanin synthesis in the skin. Extracts of the plant exhibit significant bioactivity, having shown antiparasitic, hypoglycemic, vasodilatory, and probiotic effects in preliminary studies. Despite this pharmacological potential, the number of experimental studies (particularly in vivo investigations) remains limited. The present review consolidates existing in vitro and in vivo research on C. maritimum L. with an analysis of 79 scientific studies aimed at elucidating its therapeutic potential and identifying future research directions necessary to support its broader application in biomedical and functional food contexts. Full article

Crithmum maritimum L. is a halophyte with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential for the food industry. Pruning generates a by-product composed of woody stems, old leaves, and flowers. To valorize this underutilized and largely unexplored biomass, food-grade polar extraction (hydroethanolic vs. aqueous) was applied. The extracts were characterized for their bioactive compounds (polyphenols, tocopherols, carotenoids, total phenols (TPC) and total flavonoids (TFC)). Further, the extracts were assessed for their in vitro antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and β-carotene bleaching) and antimicrobial activity against eight target strains ascribed to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria innocua. The hydroethanolic extract exhibited higher concentration of bioactives compared to the water extract and raw by-product. The β-carotene bleaching test revealed that both extracts are potent inhibitors of lipid peroxidation. The aqueous extract showed no antimicrobial activity, while the ethanolic extract exhibited strain-dependent behavior against S. aureus and L. innocua but not E. coli. The minimum inhibitory concentration and the minimum bactericidal concentration of the ethanolic extract against S. aureus were 2.5 MIC and 10.0 MBC mg/mL, respectively. Ethanolic extracts could potentially be used in food formulations to enhance lipid peroxidation resistance and antimicrobial capacity as food-grade natural preservatives. Full article

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a member of the Apiaceae family, is known for its culinary and medicinal uses, as well as its potential to cause allergic reactions. Thermal and nonthermal technologies are commonly applied during the production of fruit and vegetable-based products, which may contain allergenic proteins. Consequently, understanding how these processing treatments affect allergenicity is crucial for managing allergenic risks during manufacturing and for identifying technologies that can reduce the allergenic potential of the final products. Currently, there is limited information available on how thermal and ultrasonic processing methods affect the allergenic properties of fennel. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ultrasound and heat treatment on the in vitro immunoreactivity of protein extracts from fennel. After sonication and heat treatment, the protein extracts were analyzed by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All treatments altered the protein patterns of fennel and partially degraded proteins in the range of 15–80 kDa. In addition, all treatments reduced IgE binding, indicating lower allergenicity. Western blotting with IgE from fennel-allergic patients confirmed these effects. The ultrasound probe had the strongest effect, almost eliminating IgE reactivity for several allergens. Heat treatment reduced allergenicity by about 30%, while sonication showed a reduction of about 15% and lower. A larger sample size is needed to better understand the effects of these treatments and the differences in individual allergic responses. Full article

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is considered a functional food due to its composition, which is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, theobromine, dietary fiber, and essential minerals. Several studies have shown that flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce oxidative stress and protecting against cardiovascular diseases. In addition, their ability to stimulate nitric oxide production improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. These benefits, coupled with its ability to improve mood and cognitive function, position cocoa as a key ingredient in the development of functional foods aimed at improving quality of life and preventing chronic diseases. This research aims to create a product that incorporates cocoa and essential oils extracted from aromatic plants native to the department of Cauca. This represents a significant step toward the sustainable use of these ingredients in the region, promoting consumer welfare and health while strengthening sustainable practices, fostering innovation, and boosting economic and social development in the department. The research is developed in five phases: determination of the study area, characterization of the cocoa production chain in the department of Cauca, selection of essential oils, application of an experimental mixture design and physicochemical and microbiological analyses of the final product. From the experimental design of the mixture, it was determined that the most appropriate formulation of the bar is 60% dark chocolate (70% cocoa), 29% sweet chocolate, 10% pure strawberry and 1% fennel essential oil (Foeniculum vulgare), reaching an average sensory acceptability of 3.23 on a five-point hedonic scale. The qualitative properties (organoleptic, chemical and microbial) of the selected formulations are acceptable for human consumption and provide a high energy content of 506.25 kcal/100 g for chocolate bars filled with strawberry puree and fennel essential oil. Full article

Biochar may represent a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy to recycle agroforestry wastes, sequester carbon and improve soil health. With the aim of proving these benefits in a real scenario, we treated several soil parcels with 0 (CTRL), 1 (LOW) and 3 (HIGH) kg/m² of wood biochar, in open-field trials. The heterotrophic soil respiration (SR) was monitored continuously for two months via a Closed Dynamic Chamber (CDC) associated with an innovative pilot system, and the most important soil chemical parameters were measured 9 and 54 days after biochar application. Biochar induced an immediate dose-dependent increase in organic matter content and CEC (up to 41.6% and 36.8% more than CTRL, respectively), which tended to slightly and gradually decrease after 54 days. In all cases, biochar induced a more pronounced SR, although the most enhanced microbial response was detected for the LOW parcel (19.3% higher than CTRL). Fennels were grown in treated soils and only LOW microplots gave a significantly better response (weight and size). Finally, NMR, FT-IR and Pyr-GC/MS analyses of LOW SOM extracts revealed a relevant impact on the composition, which was accompanied by a higher content of carbohydrates, indole-based compounds and FAME species correlating with enhanced microbial activity. Our findings demonstrate that the proper biochar dose improves soil fertility by creating an environment favorable to plants and promoting microbial activity. Full article