Antimicrobial performance of methanol extract of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. as a sanitizer agent

In food industry, microbial contamination poses a big challenge. Chemicals used for disinfection compromise food safety and therby health. ofThere is an urgent need for effective safe sanitizers for the inhibition of pathogens in agricultural and food products. In this context, here, we investigated the possibility of using the Foeniculum vulgare methanol extract (ME) in the fight against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans as natural a sanitizer agent candidate. The components of F. vulgare ME were analyzed by GC-MS. Broth microdilution method and Surface disinfection test were used for antimicrobial activity and logarithmic inhibition, respectively. The main substances were anethole (50.44%), estragole (13.59%) and benzoic acid (13.58%). Minimum ?nhibitory concentrations (MICs) of F. vulgare were 0.1 g/mL for S. aureus and C. albicans while it was >0.1 g/mL for E. coli. In surface disinfection test which investigated the survival of E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans exposure to F. vulgare sanitizer (F-SAN: 10%), F. vulgare at 50, 100 and 150 ?L caused an almost 8-log reduction in E. coli in clean condition (0.3 g/mL BSA). In S. aureus, 150 ?L of F. vulgare caused about 4.8 and 4.7 log reduction in clean and dirty surface (3 g/mL BSA), respectively. The highest colony reduction was in C. albicans with ?4.93 log reduction in both environments. The results suggest that F. vulgare methanol extract could be a strong natural sanitizer against pathogens.

A Comparative Study of the Response of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare, Mill) Plants from Egypt and China to Spraying with Benzyladenine (BA)

Fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare, Mill.) is one of most widely used plants in food and medicine. Our study aimed to show the response of fennel plants from Egypt and China planted in Egypt to foliar application of benzyladenine (BA) at various concentrations; control, 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The obtained results indicated that treated fennel plants with BA resulted in a significant increase in the vegetative growth, number of umbels/plant, fruit, yield and oil yield per plant and feddan as well as main components, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of essential oils compared to untreated plants. In general, the application of benzyladenine was more effective on Egyptian fennel plants than that of Chinese plants. Egyptian fennel plants gave higher values of growth, fruit yield, oil percentage and oil yield than Chinese plants. However, the major components, TPC and antioxidant activity (DPPH %) had higher values in Chinese essential oil than Egyptian essential oil. The highest values of all studied parameters were obtained by using BA at 100 ppm. GC–MS analysis of the volatile oils showed that the major components were trans-anethole followed by fenshone, ?- pinene and D-limonene, respectively for both essential oils. 100 ppm of BA gave the highest values of trans-anethole content and radical scavenging activities of oils. Therefore, we concluded that spraying fennel plants with 100 ppm BA can be used for obtaining higher vegetative growth, fruit and quantity and quality of oil.

Foeniculum vulgare (hinojo): alternativa terapéutica femenina / Foeniculum vulgare (fennel): female therapeutic alternative

INTRODUCCIÓN: el Foeniculum vulgare es una planta medicinal de gran importancia por sus propiedades y valor nutricional. Los extractos del hinojo poseen propiedades terapéuticas ante cambios endocrinos, perturbaciones psicológicas, malestares y sintomatología presente en el ciclo vital de la mujer. OBJETIVOS: analizar información sobre las diferentes propiedades y efectos terapéuticos del F. vulgare en las distintas etapas del ciclo vital de la mujer. METODOLOGÍA: se realizó una búsqueda crítica y analítica del tema por medio de lenguaje controlado recopilado del MeSH y DeCs en metabuscadores científicos. RESULTADOS: el desarrollo de esta revisión fue viable debido a la variedad de literatura, estudios y ensayos clínicos internacionales de libre acceso de información relevante al tema. CONCLUSIÓN: esta planta puede ser empleada como tratamiento, prevención y como fuente de nutrientes; y sus extractos tienen un efecto importante en el ciclo vital de la mujer dependiendo se encuentre en menstruación, menopausia o postmenopausia.

INTRODUCTION: foeniculum vulgare is a medicinal plant of great importance for its properties and nutritional value.Fennel extracts possess therapeutic properties against endocrine changes, psychological disturbances, discomfort and symptomatology present in the vital cycle of women. OBJECTIVES: analyze information on the different properties and therapeutic effects of F. vulgare in the different stages of the life cycle of women. METHODOLOGY: a critical and analytical search of the topic was performed ,by means of controlled language compiled from MeSH and DeCs in scientific meta-search engines. RESULTS: the development of this review was feasible due to the variety of freely available international literature, studies and clinical trials of information relevant to the topic. CONCLUSIÓN: this plant can be used as a treatment, prevention and as a source of nutrients; and its extracts have an important effect on the vital cycle of the woman depending on whether she is in menstruation, menopause or postmenopause.

Foeniculum vulgare as Valuable Plant in Management of Women's Health

This review paper evaluates use of Foeniculum vulgare extracts as a popular female plant in management of different ailments of women. Information in this paper was gathered from accessible sources (PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley, and Google), and traditional books (Persian or English modern traditional books), unpublished data (R&D reports, thesis and dissertation) by keywords based on the words F. vulgare or fennel and women. Efficacy of oral fennel oil in management of dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhea, menopause, lactation, and polycystic ovary syndrome were confirmed according to results of clinical studies. Results of clinical efficacy of fennel oil on menstrual bleeding is complicated, but results of one meta-analysis study revealed that fennel oil significantly increased means of bleeding in the first menstrual periodic cycle (P = 0.001), while fennel oil had no significant effect on bleeding in the second menstrual cycle (P = 0.67). Topical and vaginal fennel extract (5%) exhibited good efficacy in treatment of sexual function, vaginal atrophy, and hirsutism. Fennel had no effect on bone density, or body mass index of menopause women. Results of clinical studies introduce fennel as a valuable medicinal plant in management of women's ailments, but understanding the mechanism of action could be the subject of future studies.

Efeitos de diferentes substratos e temperaturas na germinação de sementes de Foeniculum vulgare / Effects of substrate and temperature on the germination of Foeniculum vulgare seeds

RESUMO O funcho (Foeniculum vulgare) é uma espécie medicinal nativa da Europa e amplamente cultivada em todo o Brasil. Possui propriedades carminativas, digestivas e diuréticas. Dada a grande importância dessa espécie no âmbito medicinal, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o efeito de diferentes substratos e temperaturas na germinação de sementes de funcho. Os tratamentos foram compostos de duas temperaturas sendo uma constante de 20ºC e outra alternada de 25-30 °C e três diferentes substratos: papel mata borrão (Germitest), areia e vermiculita, em esquema fatorial 3 x 2, com 4 repetições de 25 sementes. Foi avaliado o índice de velocidade de germinação (IVG), porcentagem de germinação (PG), comprimento da radícula (CR), massa fresca (MF) e seca (MS) de plântulas. A temperatura de 20 ºC proporcionou maiores IVG, porcentagens de germinação, comprimento de radícula e massa seca. A germinação de sementes de funcho não foi influenciada pelos diferentes substratos testados. Pelos resultados, conclui-se que a condição que permitiu maior porcentagem de germinação das sementes de funcho foi a temperatura de 20 °C atingindo 91% de germinação.

ABSTRACT Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a medicinal plant native to Europe that is widely cultivated throughout Brazil. It has carminative, digestive, and diuretic properties. Given the great importance of this species in medicine, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different substrates and temperature on the germination of fennel seeds. The treatments consisted of two temperatures – one a constant 20°C, and the other alternating from 25 to 30°C – and three different substrates: blotting paper (Germitest), sand, and vermiculite, in a 3 x 2 factorial with four replications of 25 seeds. The germination speed index (GSI), percentage of germination (PG), radicle length, and fresh (FM) and dry mass (DM) of seedlings were evaluated. The 20°C temperature resulted in higher GSI, germination percentage, root length and dry mass. The fennel seed germination was not influenced by the different substrates tested. From the results, we concluded that the condition that allowed greatest percentage of fennel seed germination temperature was 20°C, reaching 91% germination.

Use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Analysis of Fennel Essential Oil

A simple and rapid method based on proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was developed for determination of trans-anethole content in fennel essential oil. Spectra of pure trans-anethole, of the pure essential oil of fennel, and of the pure oil of fennel with thymol internal standard were recorded. The signal of H-1/ was used for quantification of trans-anethole. This proton signal is well separated in the proton magnetic resonance spectrum of the compound. No reference compound is needed and cheap internal standard was used. The results obtained from spectroscopic analysis were compared with those obtained by gas chromatography. Additionally, the developed method was used for determination of the type of vegetable oil used as a carrier in commercial products, which cannot be quantified as such by gas chromatography. This study demonstrates the application of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a quality control method for estimation of essential oil components.

Therapeutic efficacy of Nigella sativa Linn. seed extract against CCl4 induced hepatic injury in wistar rats.

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intake damages liver. We evaluated therapeutic potential of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa seeds against CCl4 induced liver damage in rats. The hepatic damage induced by CCl4 @ 1.5 mL/kg, ip was evidenced by a significant increase in the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin, protein and urea lipid peroxidation (LPO) as well as reduction in hepatic antioxidant system e.g. reduced glutathione. Hepatic total protein and glucose-6-phosphatase activity were found decreased. Histological studies substantiated the above biochemical findings. However, after 48 h of administration of aqueous extract of N. sativa seeds (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg, po) it not only detoxified the toxicity but also reversed LPO, GSH, AST, ALT and serum protein changes at all the three doses. Both higher doses of extract were found effective in monitoring urea, albumin, total protein and G-6-Pase activity. However, on the basis of percent protection highest dose i.e., 750 mg/kg proved better. The result suggests that the aqueous extract of N. sativa seeds can be used as a hepatoprotective agent.

Content Uniformity Determination of Fennel Oil in Weitongning Tablets by GC / 中国药师

Objective:To establish a method for the content uniformity ( CU) of fennel oil in Weitongning tablets to study the CU of fennel oil in Weitongning tablets. Methods: Methyl salicylate as the internal reference, the content of trans-anethole in fennel oil was determined by GC. The separation was performed on a DB-FFAP capillary column (30 m × 0. 32 mm, 0. 25 μm) at 145℃, the injection part temperature was 180℃ and the FID detector temperature was 230℃, nitrogen with high purity was used as the carrier gas at the flow rate of 0. 8 ml·min-1 . The air flow rate was 400 ml·min-1 and that of hydrogen was 35 ml·min-1 . The methodology validation was carried out, and the samples from different companies with different batches were determined. Results:Significant differ-ence showed in the CU of fennel oil in the samples with different batches from the same manufacturer or from different companies. The trans-anethole showed linear correlation within the range of 2. 189-35. 030 μg · ml-1 ( r =0. 999 9 ) and the average recovery was 100. 06% (RSD=0. 5%, n=9). Conclusion:The method is simple and quick. It is accurate in the CU determination of fennel oil and can be used for the quality control of Weitongning tablets.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Tea Drinking Suppresses Subjective Short-term Appetite in Overweight Women

Appetite controlling has been an main strategy for regulating food intake and energy balance in obesity treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of drinking tea of the medicinal herbs, fennel and fenugreek, on the subjective appetite in overweight Korean women. The study was conducted using a placebo-controlled, single-blinded, randomized, and 3-way crossover design. Nine healthy women were given fennel tea (FT), fenugreek tea (FGT), or placebo tea (PT). After drinking a given tea, a lunch buffet was provided and then food consumption of subjects was analyzed. Subjective appetite, hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption were measured at seven independent time point using a visual analog scale (VAS). Mean age of 9 subjects were 49.7 +/- 4.5 years and their mean body mass index were 24.6 +/- 0.6 kg/m2. There was no significant difference in food consumption in the lunch buffet after drinking each tea; however, with respect to the subjective appetite scale, FGT decreased hunger, led to less prospective food consumption, and increased feelings of fullness compared with the PT (p < 0.05). Similarly, the consumption of FT resulted in decreased hunger, less prospective food consumption, and increased feelings of fullness compared with the PT (p < 0.05). The area under the curve of VAS graph indicated that FGT resulted in a higher feeling of fullness than the PT (p < 0.05). In conclusion, drinking the FT and FGT were significantly effective aid to suppress subjective appetite among overweight women in South Korea.

Response of Fennel to Priming Techniques.

Aims: The aim is to study the effects of seed priming on germination and yield of Fennel in laboratory experiments and pot studies. Study Design: The method used is CRD (Completely Randomized Design) with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Experiments were carried out at the Research Station of the Islamic Azad University, Tabriz Branch, northwestern Iran at June 2012. The climate of the research site is semiarid and cold with an average annual precipitation of 270 mm. The soil was sandy-loam with an electrical conductivity of 0.72 dS m–1, pH of 7.74. Methodology: The treatments are gibberellic acid (GA3) with dosage of 500p.p.m, hydropriming (HP) with 24 hours duration, nitrate potassium (KNO3) 3% and control that was performed on Fennel seeds. Then in laboratory with use of special paper and pure water the seeds were cultured in Petri-dishes and were putt in germinator with 190C temperature for 8 days and were counted daily. Some parts of primed seeds were stored in normal condition for 6 months and were cultured in laboratory condition. All the primed seeds were farmed in pots. Three months later the plants were harvested in first blooming level and dry weight and essential oil percentage were measured. Result: The results of laboratory study showed that the influence of various treatments on germination percentage was significant. KNO3 showed the highest positive effect on germination percentage ( 87.83%). The seedling length and weight in KNO3 and GA3 treatments were the highest in comparision with other ones. The effect of different treatments on essential oil percentage was significant. KNO3 with (3.55%) and GA3 with (3.36%) had the most positive effect on essential oil percentage. But the effect of different treatments on dry weight was not significant.

Avaliação biológica de Foeniculum vulgare (Mill. ) (Umbelliferae/Apiaceae) / Biological evaluation of Foeniculum vulgare (Mill. ) (Umbelliferae/Apiaceae)

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. é espécie herbácea da família Umbelliferae, nativa da região do Mediterrâneo e da Ásia Menor, amplamente distribuída em todo o território brasileiro. É conhecida popularmente como funcho ou erva-doce e usada na medicina como analgésico, digestivo, carminativo, diurético, expectorante, lactígeno, anti-inflamatório, e antiespasmódico. O extrato bruto etanólico para a verificação das atividades biológicas foi preparado a partir de sementes compradas no comércio. Para a realização do perfil fitoquímico foi utilizada a cromatografia em camada delgada analítica; a atividade antimicrobiana foi determinada pelo teste de difusão em disco de papel e da concentração inibitória mínima (CIM); a atividade antinociceptiva foi realizada pelo método de contorções abdominais em cobaias. Os micro-organismos testados foram isolados clínicos multirresistentes obtidos do Setor de Bacteriologia do Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco. O estudo fitoquímico identificou a maioria dos compostos secundários presentes na fração metanólica das sementes, sendo eles: triterpenos, glicosídeos de flavanóides, terpenos menores (monoterpenóides, sesquiterpenóide e diterpenóides), e açúcares redutores. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o extrato etanólico apresentou maior atividade frente à Micrococcus spp. (CIM=250µg/mL). Os resultados da avaliação da atividade antinociceptiva demonstraram que apenas a dosagem de 298 mg/Kg quando comparado com o padrão indometacina conseguiu uma redução significativa no número de contorções abdominais dos animais. Estudos posteriores deverão ser realizados para a identificação e isolamento de alguns compostos secundários, bem como a realização de outros protocolos de analgesia.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Umbelliferae) is a herbaceous plant of the family Umbelliferae, native to the Mediterranean and Asia Minor region and widely distributed all over the Brazilian territory. It is commonly known as fennel or "erva-doce" and has been used in medicine as analgesic, digestive, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, lactigenous, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic agent. Crude ethanolic extract for the verification of biological activities was prepared from seeds bought in the market. For the phytochemical profile, analytical thin-layer chromatography was used; the antimicrobial activity was determined by the paper disc diffusion test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC); the antinociceptive activity was verified by the method of abdominal writhings in the animals. The tested microorganisms were multiresistant clinical isolates obtained from the Bacteriology Sector of the Clinical Hospital of Pernambuco. The phytochemical study identified the majority of secondary compounds present in the methanolic fraction of seeds, as follows: triterpenes, flavanoid glycosides, smaller terpenes (monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids) and reducing sugars. The obtained results showed that the ethanolic extract had greater activity against Micrococcus spp. (MIC=250µg/mL). Results of the evaluation of the antinociceptive activity demonstrated that only the dosage of 298 mg/Kg, compared to the indomethacin pattern, led to a significant reduction in the number of abdominal writhings in the animals. Further studies will be carried out for the identification and isolation of some secondary compounds, as well as other analgesic protocols.

Evaluation of antimicrobial and phytochemical screening of Fennel, Juniper and Kalonji essential oils against multi drug resistant clinical isolates

Objective: The inhibitory effects of essential oils including fennel, juniper and kalonji from Foeniculum Vulgare, Juniperus Osteosperma and Nigella Sativa on multi drug resistant clinical isolates were investigated. All the oils have been evaluated for phytochemical constituents, antibacterial activity and TLC bioautography assay. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed. The antibacterial potential of essential oils from fennel, juniper and kalonji fennel, juniper and kalonji was evaluated by agar well diffusion method against multi drug resistant clinical isolates. The antibacterial effect was investigated using the TLC-bioautographic method. Results: Preliminary phytochemical analysis demonstrated the presence of most of the phytochemicals including saponins, cardiac glycosides, steroids, terpenoids, flavonoids and tannins. Antibacterial activity of essential oils was assessed on eight multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and two standard strains. All the oils tested showed significant to moderate antibacterial activity toward all tested strains except Acinetobacter sp and Staphylococcus aureus MRSA. The maximum zone of inhibition was found to be 25依0.12 mm for juniper oil followed by 21依0.085 mm for kalonji oil againstStaphylococcus aureus 2. Thin layer chromatography and bioautography assay demonstrated well-defined growth inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus 2 and E. coli for juniper essential oil in correspondence with tannins observed at Rf values of 0.07 and 0.57. Conclusions: Based on the present study, the essential oils from juniper and kalonji possess antibacterial activity against several multi drug resistant pathogenic bacteria and thus can be used as a base for the development of new potent drugs and phytomedicine.

Aspectos anatômicos de plântulas Foeniculum vulgare Mill / Anatomical aspects of the Foeniculum vulgare Mill. seedling

A erva-doce, Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae), é uma erva entouceirada, aromática que apresenta propriedades condimentares e medicinais; tem origem Européia e é amplamente cultivada em todo o Brasil. Devido à deficiência de informações relativas à organização estrutural de plântulas de espécies medicinais, o presente estudo teve como objetivo fornecer informações sobre a anatomia e o desenvolvimento de plântulas de F. vulgare. As sementes de erva-doce foram semeadas em areia e mantidas em casa de vegetação por 25 dias, sendo realizadas regas diárias. Foram selecionadas plântulas normais e de padrão uniforme, que tiveram raiz, zona de transição, caule, cotilédones e primeiras folhas seccionados à mão livre. Este material foi corado e montado em lâminas com glicerina para observação em microscópio. Em todos os órgãos da plântula de erva-doce a epiderme é unisseriada, cuticularizada e com estômatos; sendo que as duas últimas estruturas não são encontradas na raiz, porém esta apresenta pêlos unicelulares e cônicos. Os cotilédones e as folhas apresentam funções fotossintéticas e nutricionais, indicadas pela presença de grande quantidade de estômatos, cloroplastos e amido. A caracterização anatômica de plântulas de F. vulgare auxilia na identificação da espécie e no conhecimento da organização celular, fornecendo informações que auxiliam em estudos fisiológicos, taxonômicos e ecológicos.

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Apiaceae), is a forming clumps herb and presents aromatic, medicinal and condimental properties. It has European origin and is widely cultivated and used in Brazil. Due to lack of information concerning the structural organization of seedlings of medicinal species, this study aimed to provide information about the anatomy and development of F. vulgare seedlings. The seeds fennel was sowed in sand and maintained in greenhouse for 25 days, with daily waterings. Were selected normal seedlings and with patterns uniforms, for freehand seccion of root, transition zone, stem, cotyledons and first leaves. This material was stained and mounted on slides with glycerol for observation under microscope. In all the parts of seedling fennel the epidermis is uniseriate, with a cuticle and stomata, and the two latter structures are not found in the root, but has tapered hairs unicellular. The cotyledons and the leaves have photosynthetic and nutrition functions, as indicated by the presence of large numbers of stomata, chloroplast and starch. The anatomical characterization of the F. vulgare seedling aids in specie identification and knowledge of cellular organization, providing information that assists in physiological, taxonomic and ecological studies.

Efects of fennel extracts on gastrointestinal movement of atropine-induced gastrointestinal motility disorder in mice / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective To observe the effects of fennel essential oil and water extracts (distilled oil is not included) on gastrointestinal motility disorder caused by atropine in mice.Methods Kunming mice were randomly divided into blank control group, model group atropine, water extracts group, fennel essential oil group, mosapride group. Blank control group and model group atropine were orally administered with normal saline of 0.2 ml/10 g. Water extracts group was orally administered with Water extracts (75 mg/ml) of 0.2 ml/10 g. Fennel essential oil group was orally administered with Essential oil of 300 mg/kg. Mosapride group was orally administered with mosapride(15 mg/ml). Subjects were orally treated for 3 d. After fasting for 18 h, blank control group was intraperitoneally injected saline on the fourth day, and other groups were injected atropine sulfate injection to induce animal model of gastrointestinal motility disorder. Blue dextran(BD)2000 was used to observe the gastric emptying rate and rate of intestinal propulsion. Results Gastric emptying rates of fennel essential oil group, mosapride group, water extracts group and model group atropine were respectively(91.97±4.42)%, (90.26±5.81)%, (80.01±6.27)%,(72.88±9.13)%,and intestinal pushing rates were respectively(53.32±7.49)%,(53.02±9.13)%,(44.16±7.68)%,(37.52±6.19)%.Fennel essential oil, mosapride and water extracts enhanced the gastric emptying and intestinal propulsion in gastrointestinal motility disorder animal caused by atropine(P values were 0.004、0.001、0.004、0.003、0.025、0.015),where Fennel essential oil and mosapride were superior to the water,extracts(P values were 0.000、0.002、0.001、0.001).Conclusion Fennel extracts may promote gastrointestinal movement of atropine-induced gastrointestinal motility disorder in mice and fennel essential oil is the main active ingredient.

Caracterização da produtividade do funcho (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ) no sertão de Sergipe / Characterization of the of fennel's (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ) yield semi-arid areas of Sergipe state

Com o objetivo de avaliar a produtividade e qualidade do funcho (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.) produzido nas condições edafoclimáticas de Sergipe, foi conduzido cultivo orgânico de funcho em Frei Paulo-SE. Em junho de 2008 e de 2009, início do período de chuvas, foram instalados plantios por meio de mudas. Adicionalmente, em dezembro de 2010 foi realizada colheita de frutos a partir de plantas obtidas após poda drástica e rebrota. Foi realizada colheita de frutos e determinação da produtividade de dezembro a janeiro de 2008, 2009 e em dezembro de 2010. Verificou-se produtividade de 720 Kg.ha-1, no primeiro plantio e de 349 Kg.ha-1 no plantio de 2009. As plantas obtidas por rebrota em 2010 resultaram em produtividade de 589 Kg.ha-1. Sugere-se que a maior produtividade verificada no primeiro ano seja decorrente da maior precipitação média e conseqüente maior disponibilidade de água. A produtividade verificada nas plantas que rebrotaram em 2010 foi também superior a verificada em 2009, o que pode ser explicado tanto em função da maior precipitação, quanto em função do provável maior desenvolvimento das raízes e maior número de ramos após poda, devido à quebra da dominância apical. Esses dados sugerem importância da disponibilidade hídrica na determinação da produtividade na região e explicam a variação na produtividade verificada. A massa seca dos frutos (5, 29 g para 1000 frutos) e o alto teor de óleo essencial verificado (3,2 por cento), assim como a composição do óleo, revelam a alta qualidade dos frutos produzidos na região.

Aiming to evaluate the productivity and quality of fennel fruits produced in the countryside of Sergipe, with no irrigation, they were evaluated organic crops in Frei Paulo-SE. They were installed crops in 2008 and 2009 from seeds, on beginning rainy time. Seedlings obtained from seeds were transplanted in June 2008 and 2009. Besides, after the last harvest of the plants, grown in 2009, it was done a drastic pruning on plants, on May, 2010. The plants were held on the area until their fruits harvest, on december and January of 2008, 2009 and December 2010. The fennel fruits yield was 720 Kg ha -1 in the first crop (2008) and 349 Kg ha -1 at following crop (2009), while the fruits yield obtained from pruned plants was 589 Kg.ha-1. It is suggested that the higher yield at the first year has been due to the higher average rainfall and its greater availability of water. The observed yield in sprouted plants was higher (at 2010) than fennel yield of 2009. It can be explained as a function of precipitation, likely as a function of greater root development and increased number of branches and umbels after pruning and breaking of apical. These results reveal water availability importance to fennel yield. The dried mass of fruits (5.29 g to 1000 fruits), high content of essential oil in fruits (3.2 percent) and the essential oil composition reveal good quality of fennel fruits of Sergipe.

Antifungal efficacy of Punica granatum, Acacia nilotica, Cuminum cyminum and Foeniculum vulgare on Candida albicans: An in vitro study.

Background: The establishment and maintenance of oral microbiota is related not only to interbacterial coaggregations but also to interactions of these bacteria with yeasts. Hence, it is important for agents used in the treatment of oral diseases to have antifungal properties for effective therapy. Objective: The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antifungal efficacy of Punica granatum, Acacia nilotica, Cuminum cyminum and Foeniculum vulgare on Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: The pomegranate peel is separated, dried and powdered. Fennel, cumin and acacia bark obtained from the tree are powdered. Candida is inoculated at 37˚C and seeded on Sabourauds agar medium. Sterilized filter papers saturated with 30 μl of theth extracts are placed on the seeded plates and inoculated at 24 and 48 h. Zones of inhibition on all four sides are measured around the filter paper with a vernier caliper. The experiments were repeated on four plates, with four samples of each extract on one plate for all of the extracts. Results: All the above-mentioned ingredients showed antifungal property, with Punica granatum showing the highest inhibition of Candida albicans with a mean zone of inhibition of 22 mm. P-values <0.05 were obtained for Punica granatum when compared with the other extracts. Conclusion: The results showed the potential use of these products as cheap and convenient adjuvants to pharmaceutical antifungal products.

Efecto relajante de las hojas de Ocimum basilicum y Foeniculum vulgare colombianas en íleon aislado de rata / Relaxing effect of the leaves of Colombian Ocimum basilicum and Foeniculum vulgare in a rat's cut off ileum

El hinojo y la albahaca han sido usadas por largo tiempo en la medicina popular como antiespasmódicos para mejorar las dolencias gastrointestinales y el cólico intestinal. Se evaluó el efecto in vitro de la infusión al 10 por ciento de hojas secas de Ocimum basilicum (albahaca) y Foeniculum vulgare (hinojo) cundiboyacenses y la mezcla 1:1 de ambas infusiones, en el tono de íleon precontraído de rata. Se observó una disminución del tono al comparar con el agua destilada en cantidades iguales, la cual fue dependiente de la dosis, con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa, para cada una de las plantas y la mezcla. No se encontró un efecto aditivo con la mezcla de ambas plantas. El estudio demostró el efecto relajante de las infusiones de albahaca e hinojo al 10 por ciento, en el tono del íleon precontraído de rata.

Fennel and basil have been used for a long time in popular medicine as antispasmodic to alleviate gastrointestinal colics and complaints. The effect of 10% of dry leaves of basilinfusion (Ocimum basilicum) as well as fennel infusion (Foeniculum vulgare) was evaluated. The mixture of both infusions 1:1 in the tone of a rat contracted ileum were also evaluated in vitro. A decrease in the tone compared with the distilled water in equal quantities was seen. This one was a dependent dose with a statistical meaningful difference for each oneof the plants and the mixture. We did not find out an additive effect with the two plants mixture. The study showed the relaxing effect of the fennel and basil 10% infusion, in the tone of the pre-contracted rat’s ileum.