Antifungal effects of Ziziphora tenuior, Lavandula angustifolia, Cuminum cyminum essential oils against clinical isolates of Candida albicans from women suffering from vulvovaginal candidiasis / Efecto antifungico de los aceites esenciales de Ziziphora tenuior, Lavandula angustifolia y Cuminum cyminum contra aislados clínicos de Candida albicans de mujeres que sufren de candidiasis vulvovaginal

Candida sp. especially C. albicans is the main cause of candidiasis in women in reproductive ages. The prevalence of drug resistant C. albicans along with adverse effects of current treatments have encouraged the scientists to research on medicinal plant's essential oils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effects of Ziziphora tenuior, Lavandula angustifolia, Cuminum cyminum essential oils against clinical isolates of C. albicans, which were isolated from women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. The anti-candidal effects of these commercial essential oils were screened against these clinical isolates (n=80) by disc diffusion and micro-broth dilution assays. The means of inhibition zone diameters, MIC and MFCs were reported for each essential oil. Also, the capability of fungal strain for biofilm formation in comparison with C. albicans ATCC 10231 were determined. The anti-biofilm effects of essential oils against 11 biofilm producing strains of C. albicans were determined. The results showed C. cyminum and Z. tenuior essential oils had the best anti-candidal effects, while the best biofilm killing effects was for L. angustifolia essential oil. C. cyminum and Z. tenuior essential oils can be formulated for more evaluations in preclinical and clinical studies.

Candida sp., especialmente C. albicans, es la principal causa de candidiasis en mujeres en edad reproductiva. La aparición de resistencia a los antifungicos de C. albicans, junto con el riesgo de efectos adversos de los tratamientos actuales, ha llevado a los científicos a buscar alternativas en los aceites esenciales derivados de plantas. Los objetivos del estudio fueron evaluar los efectos potenciales de los aceites esenciales de Ziziphora tenuior, Lavandula angustifolia, Cuminum cyminum, contra aislados clínicos de C. albicans, obtenidos de mujeres con candidiasis vulvovaginal. Los efectos anti-Candida de estos aceites esenciales comerciales fueron probados contra estos aislados clínicos (n=80) por difusión en disco y ensayos de microdilución. Se obtuvo el promedio de diámetro de inhibición, MIC y MFCs para cada aceite esencial. También se comparó la capacidad de formación de biopelículas de 11 cepas de C. albicans de cada aislado frente a la cepa de referencia C. albicans ATCC 10231 y la capacidad de cada aceite esencial para evitar la formación de biopelículas. Los resultados muestran que los aceites esenciales de C. cyminum y Z. tenuior tuvieron la mejor actividad anti-Candida, mientras que los mejores efectos para destruir biopelículas se obtuvieron con los aceites esenciales de L. angustifolia. Los aceites esenciales de C. cyminum y Z. tenuior ameritan tener mayores evaluaciones preclínicas y clínicas.

Antibacterial Effects of Cuminum cyminum Extract Against Enterococcus Faecalis Biofilms From Clinical Isolates

Abstract Objective: To compare the antibacterial efficacy of Cuminum cyminum (cumin) extract and 2% chlorhexidine. Material and Methods: E. faecalis was isolated from non-vital teeth with chronic apical abscess. Samples were then bred in the ChromAgar medium. Subsequently, E. faecalis bacteria's DNA extraction was performed. DNA was then amplified by conventional PCR, and the product was run on an electrophoresis gel. Subsequently, we extracted Cuminumcyminum seeds using the steam distillation technique. The extract was diluted at various concentrations: 0.2, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0, and 1.2 mg/mL.The extract's antibacterial effect was evaluated using an ELISA reader with optical density. Specifically, we assessed the turbidity of E. faecalis in biofilms following immersion in antibacterial agents Results: In the clinically isolated E. faecalis group, the OD values of 0.7 and 1.0 mg/mL cumin extracts were significantly different from that of 0.2 mg/mL cumin extract. A significant difference was also observed between the OD values of 1.0 mg/mL cumin extract and 2% CHX (p<0.05) Conclusion: The antibacterial effect of 1.0 mg/mL Cuminum cyminum extract had higher efficiency than 2% chlorhexidine against E. faecalis biofilms from clinical isolates.

Efecto in vitro antimicrobiano de comino (cuminum cyminum) sobre porphyromonas gingivalis / Antimicrobial in vitro effect of cumin (cuminum cyminum) on porphyromonas gingivalis

El uso de las plantas como métodos alternativos de medicina viene incrementándose con el paso del tiempo, es así que la Organización Mundial de Salud mediante políticas sanitarias, ayuda a las autoridades y promueve el desarrollo de fitofármacos, con la utilización segura y eficaz de la medicina tradicional y complementaria, con la reglamentación de productos, prácticas y profesionales. La investigación tiene tres etapas; la primera consta de un estudio etnofarmacológico, realizado en la Provincia de Manabí, donde se estableció que el comino presenta un nivel de uso significativo (UST) de 20% e índice de valor de uso (IVU) de 1,4.La segunda, marcha fitoquímica, estableció la presencia de metabolitos secundarios como terpineol y acido cumínico relacionados con la acción antimicrobiana. La tercera evaluó el efecto in vitro antimicrobiano del aceite esencial y extracto etanólico de Comino sobre Porphyromonas gingivalis, mediante técnica de difusión de disco en agar Mueller Hinton-Sangre; se midieron concentraciones al 25%, 50%, 75% y 100% de aceite esencial y extracto etanólico de comino; se usó amoxicilina como control positivo y agua destilada como control negativo. Los efectos inhibitorios del extracto etanólico y aceite esencial fueron de 84,08% y 89,76% respectivamente, presentando una sensibilidad media según la escala de Duraffour. En cuanto a la estadística se utilizó ANOVA, determinándose los valores para aceite esencial p=0.008; y el extracto etanólico p=0.001, lo que concluye que las hipótesis nulas son rechazadas. (AU)

Evaluation of phytotherapy alternatives for controlling Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in vitro / Avaliação de alternativas fitoterápicas no controle in vitro de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

Abstract The objective of this study was to identify the main chemical components of the essential oil of Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) and of the fixed oils of Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut) and of Helianthus annuus (sunflower seed). As well as testing the three oils and three different commercial synthetic acaricides against engorged females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus in order to explore their acaricidal efficacy. Six different concentrations of the oils (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.25 mg/mL) and the active principles were evaluated with the Adult Immersion Test (AIT). The two main chemicals components of C. cyminum L. were the cuminaldehyde and the γ-terpinene. In both B. excelsa and H. annuus were the linoleic and oleic acid. C. cyminum L. showed high acaricidal activity (100%) over the engorged females and on their reproductive characteristat from the concentration of 100 mg/mL. B. excelsa and H. annuus had low acaricidal activity (39.39% and 58.75% in the concentration of 200 mg/mL respectively). The amidine and the pyrethroid (35.12% and 1.50% respectively). It can be concluded that the oil of C. cyminum L. may be a phytoterapic alternative for the cattle's tick control.

Resumo O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar os componentes químicos majoritários do óleo essencial de Cuminum cyminum L. (comino) e dos óleos fixos de Bertholletia excelsa (castanha do Brasil) e de Helianthus annuus (semente de girassol). Assim como testar os três óleos e três diferentes acaricidas comerciais sintéticos contra fêmeas ingurgitadas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, para explorar sua eficácia acaricida. Seis concentrações dos óleos (200, 100, 50, 25, 12,5 and 6,25 mg/mL) e os princípios ativos foram avaliados por meio do Teste de Imersão de Adultas (AIT). Os dois componentes químicos majoritários de C. cyminum L. foram o cuminaldeído e o y-terpineno. Nos óleos de B. excelsa e H. annuus os componentes majoritários foram o ácido n linoleico e oleico, respectivamente. C. cyminum L. mostrou alta atividade acaricida (100%) sobre as fêmeas ingurgitadas e suas caraterísticas reprodutivas, a partir da concentração 100 mg/mL., tornando-se uma fonte alternativa para controlar o carrapato do gado. No entanto sao necessários estudos adicionais, a serem conduzidos in vivo. B. excelsa e H. annuus tiveram baixa atividade acaricida (39,39% e 58,75% na concentração de 200 mg/mL respectivamente), não obstante apresentaram maior efeito que a amidina e o piretroide (35,12% e 1,50% respetivamente). Pode-se concluir que o óleo de C. cyminum pode ser uma alternativa fitoterápica para o controle do carrapato do gado.

Population age structure of the green beach aphid, Myzus Persicae [Sulzer] [Homoptera: Aphididae] in Cumin fields in Assiut Upper Egypt

The present studies were carried out during 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 on cumin growing seasons. The main objective was to study population age structure of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae [Sulzer] infesting cumin plants in Assiut, Upper Egypt. When using beginning of cumin planting as a starting date, data show that the migration of the green peach aphid from overwintering site into cumin fields occurred after about 50 days [nearly during the end of December]. The population then increased to become 10% of the maximum number after 66 days [nearly during the first half of January]. Maximum population density of the green peach aphid occurred after about 95 days. Therefore, the peak of abundance could be expected around the first half of February. After the population reached it's the highest level, it generally declined and reached 10% of the maximum after 121 days. The population then vanished from the cumin field in about 132 days [toward the middle of March]. The present results indicate that the number of green peach aphid was significantly higher in the second season 2013 [421.3 aphids / 10 plants], than that of the first season 2012 [249.30 aphids / 10 plants]. The differences in levels of infestation between the two seasons might be attributed to the differences in weather factors [temperature, relative humidity] and /or the effect of the common natural enemies in each season

El dicloruro de mercurio como desinfectante en la micropropagación del comino (Aniba perutilis Hemsley) / Dichloride of mercury as a disinfectant in the micropropagation of cumin (Aniba perutilis Hemsley)

El comino, Aniba perutilis Hemsley, especie de importancia económica por la resistencia, duración y excelente calidad de su madera; desde el punto de vista ecológico es importante para la sobrevivencia de especies animales como el guácharo y guacamayas. Es reportada por el Instituto Von Humboldt, como especie en peligro crítico (CR), debido principalmente a la sobre explotación de reductos de bosques donde aún se encuentran algunos ejemplares y al escaso conocimiento de su fenología y reproducción (Cárdenas y Salinas, 2006). El uso de técnicas de micropropagación, constituye una de las formas de conservación, para lo cual se hace necesario superar la fase de inducción en la cual se presentan problemas de contaminación de los explantes. Se desarrolló un protocolo de desinfección que permitió el establecimiento in vitro de la especie. La desinfección se inició desde el momento de la recolecta de los explantes sumergiéndolos en una solución de yodo+antifúngico (Benomil, 3gr/500 ml), llamada solución transportadora. El mejor resultado en el control de la contaminación fue utilizando Tween 80 (1 gota/100 ml) por 10 minutos y 20 minutos de inmersión en dicloruro de mercurio (HgCl2) al 0,2%, con un 8% de contaminación. En contraste con el tratamiento con hipoclorito de sodio (NaClO) que arrojó un 80% de contaminación; por lo que se puede afirmar que el dicloruro de mercurio es un desinfectante efectivo para el control de la contaminación de hongos y bacterias endógenas de los explantes de yemas, tanto apicales como laterales, de A. perutilis Hemsley.

Cumin, Aniba perutilis Hemsley, a species of economic importance for its strength, durability and excellent quality of its wood; from an ecological point of view it's important for the survival of species and animals such as macaws and guacharo. It is reported by Von Humboldt Institute as Critically Endangered (CR), mainly due to over-exploitation of forest redoubts where there are still some copies and limited knowledge of phenology and reproduction (Cardenas and Salinas, 2006). The use of micropropagation techniques is one of the methods of preservation, whereby it's necessary to overcome the induction phase where there is possibility of contamination of the explants. We developed a disinfection protocol which was achieved in vitro establishment of Aniba perutilis Hemsley. Initial disinfection was determined from the time of collection of the explants, which were placed in plastic boxes, previously disinfected with 96% alcohol, a solution of iodine + antifungal (Benomyl, 3grs/500 ml) called carrier solution. The best result in the contamination control was achieved using Tween 80 (1 drop / 100 ml) for 10 minutes and 20 minutes immersion in mercury dichloride (HgCl2) 0.2% with an 8% of contamination. Opposed to the treatment with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), this showed an 80% contamination, for which one can attest that the mercury dichloride is an effective disinfectant for the control of fungal and bacterial contamination of the explants endogenous buds, both apical and lateral A. perutilis Hemsley.

Antibacterial screening of traditional herbal plants and standard antibiotics against some human bacterial pathogens

Chloroformic and isoamyl alcohol extracts of Cinnnamomum zylanicum, Cuminum cyminum, Curcuma long Linn, Trachyspermum ammi and selected standard antibiotics were investigated for their in vitro antibacterial activity against six human bacterial pathogens. The antibacterial activity was evaluated and based on the zone of inhibition using agar disc diffusion method. The tested bacterial strains were Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aurues, Serratia marcesnces, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Ciprofloxacin showed highly significant action against K. pneumonia and S. epidermidis while Ampicillin and Amoxicillin indicated lowest antibacterial activity against tested pathogens. Among the plants chloroform and isoamyl alcohol extracts of C. cyminum, S. aromaticum and C. long Linn had significant effect against P. aeruginosa, S. marcesnces and S. pyogenes. Comparison of antibacterial activity of medicinal herbs and standard antibiotics was also recorded via activity index. Used medicinal plants have various phytochemicals which reasonably justify their use as antibacterial agent

Contaminação fúngica em condimentos de feiras livres e supermercados / Fungal contamination in spices sold in street markets and supermarkets

Quatro tipos de condimentos, Bixa orellana L.(urucum), Cuminum cyminum L. (cominho), Curcumalonga L. (açafrão) e Piper nigrum L. (pimenta-do-reino), provenientes de feiras livres e de supermercados da cidade de Teresina-PI, Brasil, foram avaliados quanto à contaminação por fungos. Das 36 amostras analisadas, 28 (77,77%) apresentaram resultado positivo e 12 espécies fúngicas foram identificadas. Os valores das unidades formadoras de colônias por grama de produto (UFC/g) detectado nas amostras de condimentos comercializados nas feiras livres e industrializados foram maiores do que os do padrão federal de referência, variando de 8,6 × 103 a 1,3 × 105. Não houve diferença significativa entre esses valores. Aspergillus foi o gênero predominante, com seis espécies identificadas, seguido do gênero Penicillium (três espécies). Das amostras de corante, cominho e açafrão, provenientes das feiras livres, nos condimentos foram detectados os maiores valores de UFC/g, respectivamente, para as espécies Exserohilum mcginnisii, Absidia corymbifera e Aspergillus nidulans. Os condimentos analisados neste estudo mostraram a contaminação por fungos potencialmente patogênicos e produtores de micotoxinas, os quais podem constituir um risco para a saúde dos consumidores.

Micromorphological comparative identification between several Chinese herbal medicines and their counterfeits / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify comparatively several commercial Chinese herbal medicines and their counterfeits.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The micromorphological characters were identified. The shape, surface, section and other characters of the medicinal materials were identified by using anatomical lens and scanning apparatus. Pictures were taken and saved.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Main micromorphological differences between several Chinese herbal medicine including Lonicera macranthoides, L. similis, Cuminum cyminum, Plantago asiatica, Cuscuta chinensis, Sinapis alba, Salvia miltiorrhiza and their counterfeits were identified.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The reference for the authenticity identification of Chinese herbal medicine and helpful experiences for the research of the same subject were provided.</p>

[ effect of four medicinal plants on performance and concentration of serum lipids in broiler chicks]

The usage of "growth promoter" antibiotics has been banned recently. This is due to the possibility of bacterial resistance and the risk of transferring to consumers. Herbs with antimicrobial and hypolipidemic properties can suggest as proper alternatives for antibiotic. Comparative investigation of growth promoting effect of four medicinal plants [Cuminum L., Mentha piperita L., Achillea L., Teucrium Polium L.] on performance and concentration of serum lipids of broiler. Total 280 day-old male Ross broiler chicks were used in a CRD design with 5 treatments, and 4 replicates and 56 birds per each treatment. Cuminum, Mentha piperita, Achillea and Teucrium Polium was added to diets in levels of 1.5, 0.3, 0.2 and 0.2 percent, respectively. A treatment without any additive was considered as control group. Feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were recorded weekly. Total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL and HDL were measured at 35 days of age. Among the medicinal plants that used in this study, inclusion Mentha piperita in finisher diets increased feed intake [2196.4 g] and weight gain [1005.3 g], significantly [p < 0.05]. At total rearing period, addition of Teucrium Polium to diets decreased weight gain [1821.3 g] of chicks compared to control [1963.7 g], decreased total cholesterol [151.33 mg/dl] and LDL [29.06 mg/dl]; but it increased HDL [120.16 mg/dl] of serum [p < 0.05]. The results of this experiment suggest that Mentha piperita L., in diet, improves broiler performance compared to control and it can be used as growth promoter in broiler nutrition

The potential inhibitory effect of cuminum cyminum, ziziphora clinopodioides and nigella sativa essential oils on the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus

The goals of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of Cuminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioides and Nigella sativa essential oils to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus and to evoke ultrastructural changes. The fungi were cultured into RPMI 1640 media in the presence of oils at concentrations of 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.5, 1.25, 1, 0.75 and 0.5 mg/ml in broth microdilution and 2, 1.5, 1 and 0.5 mg/ml in broth macrodilution methods with shaking for 48 h at 28ºC. Conidial and mycelial samples exposed to 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg essential oils/ml for 5 days in 2 percent yeast extract granulated plus 15 percent Saccharose media were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on broth dilution methods, C. cyminum and to a lesser extent Z. clinopodioides oils exhibited the strongest activity against A. fumigatus and A. flavus with MIC90 ranging from 0.25 to 1.5 mg/ml, while the oil from N. sativa exhibited relatively moderate activity against two above fungi with MIC90 ranging from 1.5 to 2 mg/ml. The main changes observed by TEM were in the cell wall, plasma membrane and membranous organelles; in particular, in the nuclei and mitochondria. These modifications in fungal structure were associated with the interference of the essential oils with the enzymes responsible for cell wall synthesis, which disturbed normal growth. Moreover, the essential oils caused high vacuolation of the cytoplasm, detachment of fibrillar layer of cell wall, plasma membrane disruption and disorganization of the nuclear and mitochondrial structures. Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus growth inhibition induced by these oils were found to be well-correlated with subsequent morphological changes of the fungi exposed to different fungistatic concentrations of the oils. Our results show the anti-Aspergillus activities of C. cyminum, Z. clinopodioides and N. sativa essential oils, which strengthens the potential use of these substances as anti-mould in the future.

[Antibacterial activity of essential oils from Artemisia and Cumin plants against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Vibrio cholera]

The emergence of resistance among bacteria makes it necessary to continuously quest for new antimicrobial agents. The present study was performed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of essential oils from Artemisia and Cumin plants. This was an experimental study carried out at the School of Medicine of Tarbiat Modares University [Tehran, Iran] in 2005. Essential oils of Cuminum cyminum, Bunium persicum seeds and aerial parts of Artemisia turcomanica were prepared by hydrodistillation method. Essential oils of A. khorassanica, A. ciniformis, and A. kopetdaghensis were previously obtained and described. The activities of essential oils were evaluated against a clinical isolate of Vibrio cholerae [isolated during the recent outbreak of cholera in Iran], Escherichia coli ATCC25922, a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 using disc diffusion assay and broth microdilution method for determination of MIC. The components of oils were identified by Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Essential oils showed an acceptable level of antibacterial activities. A. khorassanica and A. turcomanica oils demonstrated the highest activity [inhibition zone: 60 mm] followed by A. ciniformis, A. kopetdaghensis, C. cyminum, and B. persicum, respectively. The major constituent in A. turcomanica oil was camphor and that of Cuminum cyminum and Bunium persicum oils was cuminaldehyde. The results of the present study suggested the effects of essential oils against the tested bacteria in vitro, may contribute to the in vivo efficacy of these oils

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.

Effects of sub-inhibitory concentrations of essential oils of Mentha spicata and Cumminum cyminum on virulence factors of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of important opportunistic pathogen, that cases serious infections. It produces many virulence factors, and this bacterium usually is resistance against antimicrobial agents. The aim of this study was evaluate the effects of sub-MICs of essential oils of Mentha spicata and Cumminum cyminum on alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming, twitching and adhesion in P. aeruginosa 8821M. Minimal inhibitory concentrations [MIC] of essential oils of Mentha spicata and Cumminum cyminum were determined by macrodilution method. Alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming, twitching and adhesion in the present of sub-MICs [1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 MIC] of essential oils were determined in mucoid P. aeruginosa 8821M and compared with controls. The MICs of essential oils against P. aeruginosa for M. spicata and C. cyminum oils were obtained 16 and 32 micro g/ml respectively. The results show that all oils at 1/2 and 1/4 MICs were significantly reduced all tested virulence factors. At 1/8 MICs, M. spicata had effect just on adhesion but C. cyminum had effect on Alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming and twitching. This study showed that sub-MIC levels of M. spicata and C. cyminum essential oils affected alginate production, biofilm formation, swimming, twitching and adhesion in P. aeruginosa 8821M and it is probable to use of these medicinal plants for treating

Comparative study of the major Iranian cereal cultivars and some selected spices in relation to support Aspergillus parasiticus growth and aflatoxin production

Aflatoxins are toxic fungal metabolites enable to contaminate a wide range of natural substrates. This contamination can be host-specific for different plant species. In this study, the ability of a toxigenic Aspergillus parasiticus to produce various aflatoxins on major Iranian cereals was evaluated with special focus on plant susceptibility to toxin production at cultivar level. Aspergillus parasiticus cultured on major Iranian cereal cultivars and some selected spices was incubated in shaking condition at 28?C for 6 days. The concentration of aflatoxins B1 and total [B1, B2, G1 and G2] was measured by thin layer chromatography. The amounts of aflatoxin B1 produced on maize, wheat and rice cultivars were in the ranges of 1.0-33.9, 41.9-193.7, and 39.1-82.3 micro g/g fungal weight, respectively. Interestingly, genetically modified Bacillus thuringiensis rice [GM rice] of Tarom Molaii cultivar examined for the first time in this study showed less susceptibility to aflatoxin production in comparison with its normal counterpart [P < 0.05]. The mean of aflatoxin production on maize cultivars was less than both wheat and rice cultivars that indicates considerable resistance of maize to aflatoxin compared with two other cereals. Unlike to Cuminum cyminum, both Helianthus annuus and Carum carvi seeds were highly resistant to aflatoxin production. These results indicate that inter- and intra-species differences exist in susceptibility of the major Iranian cereals as well as spices tested to A. parasiticus growth and aflatoxin production. Further studies are recommended to determine resistance markers of selected cultivars of Iranian cereals

[Review on extraction of medicinal plants constituents by superheated water]

In this paper, we reviewed properties of superheated water, the basic principles of superheated water extraction [SWE] and its applications. Also, the required equipments, advantages and disadvantages of this method in relation to the conventional extraction processes; e.g. steam distillation and Soxhlet, were explained. One of the novel applications of SWE is extraction of essential oils from medicinal plants. SWE is an environmental friendly, more efficient method and can be considered as a green chemical technology. In this regard, a laboratory extraction unit of SWE was designed; fabricated and essential oils of some plants such as coriander, cumin and lavender were extracted

Mesofaunal biodiversity and its importance in Thar desert.

Soil animals are considered as important contributors to soil fertility However, there is paucity of such information for harsh climatic conditions. Therefore, the below ground faunal density and frequency have been studied in relation to physicochemical properties of soil in Thar desert. The selected soil systems were Vigna radiata--Cuminum cyminum, grassland, flower garden and Zizyphus mauritiana. Acari and other soil arthropods exhibited seasonal variation in their populations. There were two population peaks, one in February/March and other in August/September. The highest population was in flower garden, whereas lowest was in Z. mauritiana field. It clearly indicates that the soil fauna population develops in different degrees. The relative density showed that the acarines were more prevalent in comparison to other soil arthropods. The prostigmatids exhibited maximum relative density in comparison to cryptostigmatids and mesostigmatids in all fields. Pauropus showed higher relative density among all other soil arthropods. Acari had higher frequency of occurrence, while the other soil arthropods indicated lower frequency of occurrence in all systems. The highest frequency of occurrence was recorded in July/August and the lowest in May/June. The soil temperature, moisture, organic carbon, total nitrogen and carbon/nitrogen ratio varied significantly throughout the year The fluctuations in physicochemical characteristics of soil greatly influenced below ground faunal density in different fields. A highly significant and positive correlation was obtained among different soil fauna groups. Faunal population showed a significant positive correlation with soil moisture, organic carbon and total nitrogen. The abiotic factors such as temperature, pH and C/N ratio showed negative correlation with moisture, organic carbon and total nitrogen. However, moisture, organic carbon and total nitrogen had positive correlation among themselves. The present study suggests that the plantation may be done for improvement of physicochemical and biological health of soil on a sustainable basis in desert.

Spices Mycobiota and Mycotoxins Available in Saudi Arabia and Their Abilities to Inhibit Growth of Some Toxigenic Fungi

The prevalence and population density of the mycobiota of 50 samples belonging to 10 kinds of spices (anise, black pepper, red pepper, black cumin, peppermint, cardamom, clove, cumin, ginger and marjoram) which collected from different places in Jeddah Governorate were studied. The natural occurrence of mycotoxins in those samples was also investigated. Fifteen genera and thirty - one species of fungi in addition to one species variety were isolated and identified during this study. The most common genera were Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium. Aflatoxins (12~40 microg/kg) were detected in the extract of 5 samples of each of anise seeds and black pepper fruits; three samples of black cumin seeds and on sample only of each of peppermint and marjoram leaves out of 5 samples tested of each. Sterigmatocystin (15~20 microg/kg) was detected in some samples of red pepper, cumin and marjoram. The inhibitory effects of 10 kinds of powdered spices were tested against 3 toxigenic isolates of fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A. versicolor and Penicillium citrinum). Clove proved to be antimycotic compounds. It inhibited the growth of the tested toxigenic fungi. Black pepper, peppermint, cardamom, cumin and marjoram completely inhibited aflatoxins production, while black pepper and cardamom also completely inhibited sterigmatocystin production.

Herbal activation of mammary gland; a comparative morphometrical and biochemical analysis

Seventy five adult virgin female Norway rats [60 experimental and 15 controls] were used to evaluate the effect of seeds of three herbs [Fennel, Cumin and Garden cress] on their mammary glands. Experimental animals were fed with these herbs [each type of herb seeds was given to twenty experimental rats] for fourteen days. Rats were sacrificed and mammary gland sections were obtained, stained then morphometrically assessed. Serum prolactin level was performed too. Results revealed that Garden cress seeds are the strongest lactogenic agent among the three. Both Fennel and Cumin seeds were shown to be very weak galactagogues

survey on the changes of oil compounds of medicinal and edible plants sterilized with gamma radiation

One of the essential problems of using medicinal plants which are mostly collected from the wild is their fungus and microbial infections. Nowadays, exposing the plants to Gamma radiation apparently removes the problem. But, as the plants contain outstanding amount of chemical substances, the exposition can lead to a change in the composition of the plants chemicals and therefore a change in their medicinal effects. Making poisonous, carcinogen or stimulant substances in the plants could be examples of this change. The aim of this research was evaluating effect of Gamma radiation on chemical composition of ten medicinal plants essential oils; Mentha, Coriandrum, Foeniculum, Zingiber, Cuminum, Bunium, Melissa, Thymus and Zataria. Essential oil of the species before and after Gamma radiation were obtained over Clevenger apparatus, analyzed using GC and GC/MS and identified based on RT, KI and authentic references. Results showed that within ten species, the Coriander oil was affected with the 10 and 25 KG of Gamma radiation and changed to the another components. These results of experiment can alert the world, to the threatening consequences of using Gamma radiation concerning human health