Dill seed oil as a possible contraceptive agent: antiangiogenic effects on endothelial cells

Abstract Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) essential oil is wide spread in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. Dill is a member of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. It has the following biological activities: antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antihyperlipidemic, antihypercholesterolemic, antispasmodic, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory. Aqueous extract of dill seed has reported effects on sex hormones and infertility potential. Moreover, boiled dill seed has an impact on reducing labor duration in giving birth. Implantation and placentation are necessary for a healthy pregnancy in the early stages. Angiogenesis is responsible for these essential processes. This study aimed to investigate dill seed oil's cytotoxic and antiangiogenic effects on rat adipose tissue endothelial cells (RATECs). Dill seed oil showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity on RATECs. It disrupted endothelial tube formation and depolymerized F-actin stress fibers. According to this study, depolymerization of F-actin stress fiber by dill seed oil could inhibit angiogenesis by suppressing endothelial cell proliferation, tube formation and motility. In other words, dill seed oil can be a new anti-angiogenic agent and a novel contraceptive.

Efficacy of an herbal compound in decreasing steatosis and transaminase activities in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Hepatoprotective effects of many herbal agents have been reported in animal studies and clinical trials. In this study, five hepatoprotective plants with potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects were chosen to prepare a polyherbal compound for managing NAFLD. Sixty patients with NAFLD were randomly divided into treatment and control groups (2:1 ratio). Both group were advised to take healthy diet and exercise. The treatment group also received herbal capsules containing 400 mg of the mixture of Anethum graveolens, Citrus aurantium, Cynara scolymus, Portulaca oleracea, and Silybum marianum (2 capsules, thrice daily, for two months). The liver ultrasound and biochemical markers including the serum lipids, liver enzymes, and glucose were evaluated before starting the study and at the end of the treatment. Thirty patients in the treatment group and sixteen patients in the control group completed the study. The herbal compound significantly decreased the serum level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total cholesterol. Treatment with the herbal compound significantly improved the grade of the fatty liver, but no significant change was found in the control group. In conclusion, the formulated herbal compound appeared to be effective in biochemical improvement and decreasing the grade of the fatty liver in the patients with NAFLD.

Antihelminthic action of the Anethum graveolens essential oil on Haemonchus contortus eggs and larvae / Ação anti-helmítica do óleo essencial de Anethum graveolens sobre ovos e larvas de Haemonchus contortus

Abstract Gastrointestinal nematodes are responsible for great economic losses in sheep raising, and their control has long been carried out almost exclusively by the administration of anthelmintics, which have led to serious resistance problems. In the search for alternative control measures, phytotherapic research is highlighted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of Anethum graveolens (dill) essential oil on different stages of Haemonchus contortus life cycle, as well its cytotoxicity MDBK (Madin-Darby bovine kidney) cells. H. contortus larvae and eggs were obtained from infected sheep feces, and essential oil extracted from plant seeds through the Clevenger apparatus. 9.4, 4.7, 2.35, 1.17. 0.58 and 0.29 mg/mL concentrations were evaluated. The Egg Hatch Inhibition (HI), Larval Development Inhibition (LDI) and Larval Migration Inhibition (LMI) techniques were used. Thybendazole 0.025 mg/mL in HI and Levamisole 0.02 mg/mL in the LDI and LMI tests were used as positive controls, while distilled water and a Tween 80 solution were used as positive negative controls. The inhibition results obtained for the highest oil concentration were: HI 100%, LDI 98.58% and LMI 63.7%, differing (�� <0.05) from negative controls. Main A. graveolens oil components present in 95.93% of the total oil were Dihydrocarvone (39.1%), Carvone (22.24%), D-Limonene (16.84%), Apiol (10.49%) and Trans-dihydrocarvone (7.26%). Minimum A. graveolens essential oil concentrations required to inhibit 50% (IC50) of egg hatching, larval development and larval migration were 0.006 mg/mL, 2.536 mg/mL and 3.963 mg/mL, respectively. Cell viability in MDBK (Madin-Darby bovine kidney) cells, when incubated with A. graveolens essential oil, was 86% for the highest (9.4 mg/mL) and 99% for the lowest concentration (0.29 mg/mL). A. graveolens essential oil, according to the results obtained in this study, is a promising alternative in sheep gastrointestinal nematode control.

Resumo Os nematoides gastrintestinais são responsáveis ​​por grandes perdas econômicas na ovinocultura, e seu controle tem sido realizado quase exclusivamente pela administração de anti-helmínticos, que levaram a sérios problemas de resistência. Na busca de medidas alternativas de controle, destaca-se a pesquisa fitoterápica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ação do óleo essencial de Anethum graveolens (endro) em diferentes estágios de Haemonchus contortus, bem como testar a viabilidade celular para o óleo. Larvas e ovos de H. contortus foram obtidos de fezes de ovinos infectados e óleo essencial extraído de sementes de plantas através do aparelho de Clevenger. As concentrações avaliadas foram 9,4, 4,7, 2,35, 1,17, 0,58 e 0,29 mg/mL. Verificou-se a Inibição de eclosão dos ovos (IE), Inibição de Desenvolvimento Larval (IDL) e Inibição de Migração Larval (IML). Tiabendazol 0,025 mg/mL em IE e Levamisole 0.02 mg/mL nos testes IDL e IML foram usados ​​como controles positivos, enquanto água destilada e uma solução Tween 80 foram usados como controles negativos. Os resultados de inibição obtidos para a maior concentração de óleo foram: IE 100%, IDL 98,58% e IML 63,7%, diferindo (�� <0,05) dos controles negativos. Os principais componentes presentes em 95,93% do óleo total de A. graveolens foram Di-hidrocarvona (39,1%), Carvona (22,24%), D-Limoneno (16,84%), Apiol (10,49%) e Trans-di-hidrocarvona (7,26%). As concentrações mínimas de óleo essencial de A. graveolens necessárias para inibir 50% (IC50) de eclosão dos ovos, desenvolvimento larval e migração larval foram de 0,006 mg/mL, 2,536 mg/mL e 3,963 mg/mL, respectivamente. A viabilidade celular nas células MDBK (rim bovino Madin-Darby), quando incubadas com o óleo essencial de A. graveolens, foi de 86% para a maior (9,4 mg/mL) e 99% para a menor concentração (0,29 mg/mL). O óleo essencial de A. graveolens mostrou ser uma alternativa promissora no controle de nematoides gastrintestinais de ovinos.

[Antiprotozoal potential of Anethum graveolens and Punica granatum plant extracts against Giardia Lamblia]

Giardiasis is worldwide spread disease caused by the protozoan Giardia species. Its treatment includes drugs which may produce side effects and, in addition, onset of chemical resistance of this pathogenic protozoan. With the purpose of searching for new natural anti-protozoal chemotherapy, Anethum graveolens and Punica granatum two plants of the family Apiaceae, and Lythraceae respectively,are used in traditional medicine against intestinal disorders were selected to evaluate their petroleum[pet.] ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous leaves extracts activity against G. lamblia trophozoite. petroleum[pet.] ether extract from -A. graveolens was strongly active against G. lamblia [IC[50] - 30.807 ml[-1]] and no activity of P. granatum. Ethyl acetate extracts from A. graveolens and P. granatum showed no activity against G. lamblia. Methanol extracts from A. graveolens showed a good activity against G. lamblia [IC[50] = 11.248 mg ml[-1]] and a strong activity of P. granatum [IC[50] = 0.719 mgl[-1]]. The aqueous extracts from A. graveolens showed no activity against G. lamblia and strong activity of P. granatum [IC50 = 0.12 mg] Such results indicate A. graveolens methanol extracts and the aqueous extracts from P. granatum as possible candidates for further investigations to isolate and characterize their active principles as possible natural anti-protozoal agents

Effects of the Aqueous Extract of Anethum graveolens Leaves on Seizure Induced by Pentylenetetrazole in Mice

Background: In this study, the aqueous extract of Anethum graveolens (dill) leaves was studied for its effects on treating convulsions and epilepsy, by using a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) kindling model. The evaluated plant has a traditional medical reputation for profound anticonvulsant activities, additionally, dill has been claimed to exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Methods: For the PTZ kindling induction, mice were given a dose of PTZ (37 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) every other day, and seizure stages were precisely recorded. During and after kindling, the effects of the non-toxic doses of the aqueous extracts (100, 250, and 400 mg/kg) on seizure latency in stage 2 (S2L), seizure latency in stage 4 (S4L), and seizure duration in stage 5 (S5D) were measured. Results: The aqueous extract of dill leaves had a noticeable anticonvulsant effect. The 400 mg/kg dose of the extract sample decreased with S5D (P < 0.05), and increased with S2L and S4L significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: The obtained data shows that the aqueous extract possesses anticonvulsant activity against seizure induced by PTZ. The presence of anticonvulsant compounds in this medicinal herb suggests further activity and guided fractionation studies in order to introduce this plant as a valuable source of anticonvulsant agents.

Lipid peroxidation inhibition, superoxide anion and nitric oxide radical scavenging properties of thymus daenensis and anethum graveolens essential oils

Safety and efficacy of the synthetic antioxidants used in the food industry are frequently questioned because such antioxidants are unstable and highly volatile, therefore, interest in finding naturally occurring antioxidants that have the potential to protect human beings from damage induced by oxidative stress has intensified. Bioactivities of Thymus daenensis and Anethum graveolens essential oils with special reference to their antioxidative properties are studied. Total phenolic content [TPC], lipid peroxidation inhibition [LPI], ferrous-ion chelating [FIC], superoxide anion and nitric oxide radical scavenging, and tyrosinase inhibition activities of the essential oils were determined. TPC of T. daenensis and A. graveolens oils were 644.07 +/- 6.79 and 174.91 +/- 2.05 mg GAE/100 g. T. daenensis and A. graveolens oils showed the highest LPI activity with FICs of 63.28 +/- 0.21 and 70.22 +/- 1.9 percent respectively. Superoxide anion and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities of the above oils had IC[50] of 0.013, 0.001 and 0.005, 0.0014 mg, respectively. A. graveolens oil showed 6 fold higher anti - tyrosinase activity than T. daenensis oil. There was not correlation between lipid peroxidation or ferrous ion chelating activities with total phenolics implying that the oils contain chelating ligands. The effects of antioxidant phytochemicals in the biological systems are ascribed on their ability to scavenge radicals, chelating metals, activate the antioxidant enzymes, and to inhibit the oxidases. T. daenensis and A. graveolens oils have good commercial potential in both food processing and cosmetic industries

[ comparison of the effects of anethum graveolens and wheat germ oil on the blood oxidative stress in wistar rats]

Oxidative stress is the imbalance between production of free radicals and antioxidant defense system. Antioxidants, in little amounts, are substances which delay the oxidation of oxidants. They neutralize free radicals in different ways and consequently prevent the affliction and aggravation of different diseases such as Parkinson and cancer in which oxidants have an important role. Anethum graveolens is a highly consumed plant in Iran. This study tries to make a comparison between the antioxidant effect of Anethum graveolens and wheat germ oil as the richest source of Vitamin E. This research is designed in the experimental form and 24 male wistar rats those were randomly divided into 3 groups. Anethum graveolens water extract was given to group A orally with the dose 3 gr/kg B.W. Group B received 0.5 gr/kg wheat germ oil and the third group [C] was considered as the control group. After two weeks about 5[cc] blood was taken from the rats' hearts. The serum total antioxidant capacity was measured by FRAP method with the use of TPTZ indicator and also the rate of serum thiol groups was measured by Hu method with the use of DTNB indicator. In this method descriptive statistics [mean +/- SD] and Analyze Nonparametric Test [Kruskal-Wallis] were used. The mean and the standard deviation of the serum total antioxidant capacity were as follows: in group A 0.23 +/- 0.045 micro mol/ml, in group B 0.161 +/- 0.149 micro mol/ml and in the control group 0.144 +/- 0.175 micro mol/ml. The data showed a significant difference between A, C groups [P=0.035] and the rates of the serum thiol groups were: in group A: 0.591 +/- 0.68 micro mol/ml, in group B: 1.29 +/- 0.576 micro mol/ml, and in group C: 0.264 +/- 0.179 micro mol/ml; and between groups B and C a significant difference was shown. The results showed that Anethum graveolens water extract decreased the oxidative stress more than wheat germ oil. Therefore antioxidant defense system has been strengthened by consuming Anethum graveolens water extract which can be used as a useful supplement in a diet

[Effects of volatile oil extracts of Anethum graveolens L. and Apium graveolens L. seeds on activity of liver enzymes in rat]

Various products from celery [Apium graveolens] and dill [Anethum graveolens] were used to relieve some of liver dysfunctions in Iranian traditional medicine, yet the potential effects of these two medicinal plants on liver function have not been investigated. To investigate the effects of volatile oil of these plant seeds on some hepatic enzymes including SGPT, SCOT and ALP in rats and also to identify the active components of volatile oils of these plants by GC/MS. Following the preparation of volatile oils, rats were intraperitoneally injected by 500 and 1000 micro l/kg of oils and the enzyme activity was measured at 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144 and 168 hr post-injection. GC/MS analysis showed that the D-carvon and D-limonen are the major active components in volatile oil of dill and D-limonen and myrcen of celery. Serum activity of SGPT 24h post-injection of dill essence [500 micro l/kg], celery essence [500 micro l/kg], dill essence [1000 micro1/kg]and celery essence [1000 microl/kg] decreased by 12.85, 11.6, 13.7 and 12.6%, respectively. In the same way, the SGOT activity, under the similar conditions, decreased by 8.7, 10.5, 11.6 and 12.9%, respectively. Activity of SGPT, SGOT and ALP 168 hr post-injection of celery essence at dose of 1000 micro 1/kg, decreased by 21.2, 18.4 and 13.5%, respectively. Injections of dill and celery hydroalcoholic extracts at both doses caused lower enzyme activities. Active ingredients of dill and celery may act as an antioxidant or to decrease the production of free radicals, causing stabilization of hepatocyte membrane and decreasing the release of enzymes into the blood

Effect of vanadium, radish and dill on some nutritional and biochemical parameters in diabetic rats

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of the vanadium pentaoxide and vegetables rich source in nadium as dill and radish on the nutritional status, some biochemical parameters and the histology of pancreas on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Forty-eight adult male rats, weighing 115 +/- 8 g rats were classified into control group and seven streptozotocin induced diabetic rat groups [untreated, treated with high, low vanadium, radish, dill, and low vanadium with dill or with radish groups]. The results revealed that, the untreated diabetic rat groups had a significant lower values of the final body weight, weight gain and its percentage, food intake, FER, insulin, triglyceride, AST/ALT ratio, total protein, globulin and HDL-c but significant increase in glucose, cholesterol, TG, LDL-c, urea and creatinine when compared with control group. The consumption of low vanadium with dill or radish to diabetic rat groups showed non significant difference in final body weight, weight gain and its percentage. food intake- FER, hemoglobin, PCV, cholesterol, TG, LDL-c, HDL-c, total protein, globulin, urea and creatinine, AST and ALT when compared with control group. Compared with untreated diabetic rats group, there were a significant increase in final body weight, weight gain, food intake, food efficiency ratio and globulin but significant decreased in cholesterol, LDL-c, urea and creatinine in all treated rats groups. Triglyceride increased in dill and radish groups. HDL-c decreased in dill group. High vanadium and low vanadium with dill or radish treated groups showed significant decreased in ALT and significant increased in AST/ALT ratio and total protein. There was non-significant difference in hemoglobin, packed cell volume, glucose, insulin and albumin among all treated rats group.lt is concluded that vanadium and its natural sources as dill or radish have hypoglycemic effect and beneficial for diabetic cases

Effect of dark green leafy vegetables on serum lipid profile in hypercholesterolaemic rats

Evidence from prospective cohort studies indicates that a high consumption of plant-based foods such as fruit and green vegetables, nuts, and whole grains is associated with a significantly lower risk of coronary artery disease and stroke. Lutein is a carotenoid present in dark green leafy vegetables and it may be involved in the prevention of several diseases related to oxidative stress. The aim of this research was to study the effect of dill, celery, radish parsley, and leek on the serum lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic rats. The tested vegetables [Dill, celery, radish, Parsley and leek] were chosen because of their huge production, cheap price and common usage in Egypt. The effects of feeding dill, celery, radish, parsley and leek were tested in hypercholesterolemic rats given diets that contained these vegetables for 6 weeks. The rats fed on diet contained 20% parsley powder had the lowest food intake and body weight gain. The treated hypercholesterolemic rats had significant lower levels of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDLc, than the hypercholesterolemic group. On the other hand, HDLc of groups fed on Leek, Radish, Dill and Celery, increased significantly as compared with the positive control group. Also, the risk ratio was the highest in the control positive group [2.7 mg/ dl] compared with the negative control and the tested groups. Hence.it is concluded that these vegetables effective in regulating hypercholesterolemia

Antioxidant contents and antidiabetic activity in coriander, celery and dill extracts

Coriander, celery, dill are leafy vegetable crops in Egypt. These vegetables are rich in antioxidant content such as flavonoids, chlorophyll, vitamin E and C and some elements. The total phenolic compounds were slightly higher in both coriander and celery [53.0 and 51.5 mg/g on dry weight basis, respectively] than dill [45.80-mg/g], while total flavonoids was higher in both celery and dill [9.26 and 10.22 mg/g] than coriander [6.67 mg/g]. Total chlorophyll and carotenoids was higher in celery [13.82 and 5.19 mg/g] than coriander and dill [10.30, 4.34 and 11.53 and 4.81mg/g]. The highest content of vitamin C was in celery [70 mg/g], in contrast, had a lower percent of vitamin E [0.36 microg /g] than coriander and dill. The antioxidant activity increased with increasing the concentration of vegetable extracts from 200 to 500 ppm in corn oil. Antioxidant effectiveness was more obvious for dill extract than both celery and coriander. Whereas, BHT was more effective than rutin then catechin in preventing the oxidation process but BHT had shown carcinogenic effect. A significant decrease in serum glucose was attained in diabetic rats given 5% dried coriander, celery and dill extracts [37.35%, 38.60% and 37.44%, respectively] than 2% in the same vegetables extracts [27.07%, 26.38% and 26.60%, respectively] after 6-weeks

[Comparison of the efficiency of lovastatin and seed dill extract in reduction of serum lipid levels in rats]

Serum lipid disorders are one of the important risk factors for development of coronary arterial atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the drug lovastatin and a liquid vegetable extract [dill] on blood plasma lipid levels of rats. In this experimental study, 32 mouse vistar rats weighing 250 +/- 30 grams were included and maintained at 23 +/- 1 degrees Celsius. The rats were divided into 4 groups of 8 rats each. Groups I and II were given normal and high cholesterol diet, while groups III and IV were given high cholesterol diet with either lovastatin or seed dill extract for a period of 3 weeks, respectively. At the end of study, blood samples were taken and plasma lipid levels determined by the manual method. [It is worth mentioning that ultimately 26 rats were included in the study groups]. Results showed that both administration of lovastatin and the seed dill extract led to a significant reduction in plasma levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and LDL/HDL, TG/HDL ratios. There was a significant reduction in the levels of LDL [P<0.001] and also a significant increase in levels of HDL [P<0.001] in both the groups. The effects on plasma triglycerides levels, LDL/HDL and TG/HDL ratios were not significant. Considering the results of the study, seed dill extract affects plasma lipid levels and is more effective in lowering plasma cholesterol and LDL levels as compared to lovastatin

Evaluation of the efficacy of dill apiol and pyriproxyfen in the treatment and control of xenopsylla cheopis flea roths [siphonaptera: pulicidae]

The effect of LC50 of the isolated dill apiol compound and pyriproxyfen caused significant prolongation in the first gonotrophic cycle and great reduction in the percentage of female [Xenopsylla cheopis] reproductive potential as well as egg hatchability. The results indicated that, the larval treatments inhibited the ovarian development and evolved drastic changes in the ovarian histology and histochemistry. The two tested compounds reduced the vitellogenesis and synthesis of carbohydrates, protein, DNA and RNA materials and lipids in oocytes. The two compounds are similar in their mode and site of action