Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils of seven Cultivated Apiaceae species.

The Apiaceae family contains many species used as food, spice and medicinal purposes. Different parts of plants including seeds could be used to obtain essential (EO) oils from members of the Apiaceae family. In the present study, EOs were components obtained through hydrodistillation from the seeds of anise (Pimpinella anisum), carrot (Daucus carota), celery (Apium graveolens), dill (Anethum graveolens), coriander (Coriandrum sativum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and cumin (Cuminum cyminum). EO constituents were determined with Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and their antioxidant capacities were determined with the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) methods. The antimicrobial activity of EOs were tested against four pathogenic bacteria. Phenylpropanoids in anise (94.87%) and fennel (92.52%), oxygenated monoterpenes in dill (67.59%) and coriander (98.96%), monoterpene hydrocarbons in celery (75.42%), mono- (45.42%) and sesquiterpene- (43.25%) hydrocarbons in carrots, monoterpene hydrocarbon (34.30%) and aromatic hydrocarbons (32.92%) in cumin were the major compounds in the EOs. Anethole in anise and fennel, carotol in carrot, limonene in celery, carvone in dill, linalool in coriander, and cumin aldehyde in cumin were predominant compounds in these EOs. The high hydrocarbon content in cumin EO gave high CUPRAC activity (89.07 µmol Trolox g-1), and the moderate monoterpene hydrocarbon and oxygenated monoterpene content in dill EO resulted in higher DPPH activity (9.86 µmol Trolox g-1). The in vitro antibacterial activity of EOs against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli was evaluated using the agar diffusion method and the minimum bactericidal concentration was determined. Coriander, cumin and dill EOs showed inhibitory effect against all tested strains except P. aeruginosa. While fennel and celery EOs were effective against E. coli and B. cereus strains, respectively, anise and carrot EOs did not show any antibacterial effect against the tested bacteria. Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) produced four groups based on EO constituents of seven species. The potential adoption of the cultivated Apiaceae species for EO extraction could be beneficial for the wild species that are endangered by over collection and consumption.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds accelerates wound healing in rats: Possible molecular mechanisms.

Wound healing is a complex, intricate, and dynamic process that requires effective therapeutic management. The current study evaluates the wound healing potentials of methanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum L. seeds (CCS) in rats. Sprague Dawley (24) rats were distributed into four cages, wounds produced on the back of the neck, and received two daily topical treatments for 14 days: A, rats received normal saline; B, wounded rats treated with intrasite gel; C and D, rats received 0.2 mL of 250 and 500 mg/kg of CCS, respectively. After that, wound area and closure percentage were evaluated, and wound tissues were dissected for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. Acute toxicity trials of methanolic extract of CCS showed the absence of any physiological changes or mortality in rats. CCS application caused a significant reduction in wound size and a statistically elevated percentage of wound contraction than those of vehicle rats. CCS treatment caused significant up-regulation of collagen fiber, fibroblasts, and fewer inflammatory cells (inflammation) in granulation tissues. TGF-ß1 (angiogenetic factor) was significantly more expressed in CCS-treated rats in comparison to normal saline-treated rats; therefore, more fibroblasts transformed into myofibroblasts (angiogenesis). CCS-treated rats showed remarkable antioxidant potentials (higher SOD and CAT enzymes) and decreased MDA (lipid peroxidation) levels in their wound tissue homogenates. Hydroxyproline amino acid (collagen) was significantly up-regulated by CCS treatment, which is commonly related to faster wound closure area. The outcomes suggest CCS as a viable new source of pharmaceuticals for wound treatment.

Combined transcriptomics and metabolomics to analyse the response of Cuminum cyminum L. under Pb stress.

Lead (Pb) can disrupt plant gene expression, modify metabolite contents, and influence the growth of plants. Cuminum cyminum L. is highly adaptable to adversity, but molecular mechanism by which it responds to Pb stress is unknown. For this study, transcriptomic and metabolomic sequencing was performed on root tissues of C. cyminum under Pb stress. Our results showed that high Pb stress increased the activity of peroxidase (POD), the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline by 80.03 %, 174.46 % and 71.24 %, respectively. Meanwhile, Pb stress decreased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) as well as contents of soluble sugars and GSH, which thus affected the growth of C. cyminum. In addition, Pb stress influenced the accumulation and transport of Pb in C. cyminum. Metabolomic results showed that Pb stress affected eight metabolic pathways involving 108 differentially expressed metabolites, primarily amino acids, organic acids, and carbohydrates. The differentially expressed genes identified through transcriptome analysis were mainly involved the oxidation reductase activity, transmembrane transport, phytohormone signaling, and MAPK signaling pathway. The results of this study will help to understand the molecular mechanisms of C. cyminum response to Pb stress, and provide a basis for screening seeds with strong resistance to heavy metals.

Activity of cumin essential oil to control fascioliasis: Efficacy and changes in the tegument of Fasciola hepatica.

Fasciola hepatica, the liver trematode, infects ruminants and causes economic loss. Because parasites are developing resistance to commercial drugs, the negative effects of parasitism are increasing. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) essential oil against F. hepatica eggs and adults. The eggs were incubated with eight concentrations of the essential oil (0.031125-4.15 mg/mL), and viable eggs were counted after 14 days and classified as embryonated or non-embryonated. Adult flukes were incubated in Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium to ensure their viability and then incubated in essential oil. They were observed for 24 h after treatment. The adults were assessed with the two lowest effective oil concentrations used in the ovicidal test. Three controls were used for both tests: nitroxynil, a negative control, and Tween®80. After incubation in oil, the adult specimens were processed for histological analysis and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. In addition, the oil was tested for cytotoxicity using Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells to assess any possible effect on them. The oil was effective in ovicidal and adulticidal inhibition of the trematode, with statistically significant results. All concentrations assessed in the ovicidal test were 100% effective. The adult test was effective within 15 h and inactivated all the specimens at the highest concentration evaluated (0.06225 mg/mL). Histological analysis showed that cumin essential oil resulted in marked areas of vacuolization. The spines showed no structural changes but were surrounded by microvesicles. These findings indicated that cumin oil could be a potential compound in the control of fasciolosis.

Natural sanitizer potential of Cuminum cyminum and applicable approach for calculation of Kováts retention index of its compounds.

The demand for natural agents instead of chemicals in terms of food and health safety is increasing day by day. This study aimed to investigate the potential of the methanolic extract of Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) in the fight against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)and Candida (C. albicans). The chemical composition of the methanolic extract of C. cyminum was analyzed using GS-MS. Also, Kováts retention indices were calculated for the detected compounds using an applicable formula. The most basic substance was cuminic aldehyde (27.86%) and p-(Dimethoxymethyl)-isopropylbenze (18.32%). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the extract was 0.1 g/mL for S. aureus and C. albicans while it was > 0.1 for E. coli. Although the methanol extract of C. cyminum acts against all three microorganisms, the most lasting effect was on S. aureus, indicating that it can be recommended as a strong antibacterial disinfectant for S. aureus.

Phytochemical screening of ethanolic extracts of Cuminum cyminum L. seeds along with the evaluation of antidiabetic properties by molecular docking approach.

In this contribution, ethanolic extracts of Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) seeds were evaluated in terms of phytochemical content, total phenol and flavonoid contents. As far as the analytical techniques are concerned, UV-Vis, FTIR, HPLC, NMR (1H and 13C) and ESI-MS were performed. The binding capacity of five different antidiabetic enzymes was tested by in silico molecular docking studies. The HPLC, UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR and ESI-MS data highlighted the presence of seven biologically active molecules e.g. α-pinene, ß-pinene, Δ3-carene, ρ-cymene, α-terpineol, cuminaldehyde and linalool. The results coming from the in silico molecular docking studies showed that such phytochemicals present in the cumin seed extracts play an important role in the activity of key enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, C. cyminum is proven to be useful for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its major secondary complications.

Spices Volatilomic Fingerprinting-A Comprehensive Approach to Explore Its Authentication and Bioactive Properties.

Volatile organic metabolites (VOMs) present in different spices can provide distinct analytical biosignatures related to organoleptic properties and health benefits. This study aimed to establish the volatilomic fingerprint of six of the most consumed spices all over the world (saffron (Crocus sativus L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), black pepper, (Piper nigrum L.), sweet paprika (Capsicum annuum L.), and curry (a mix of different herbs and spices)). Based on headspace solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, this is a powerful strategy to explore and establish the spice's volatile pattern and unravel the potential health benefits related to the most important VOMs identified in each spice. This comprehensive knowledge will help in the definition of their authenticity, while simultaneously protecting against potential frauds and adulterations. A total of 162 VOMs were identified. Semi-quantitative assessments revealed that terpenoids and sesquiterpenoids amounted to the major volatile class in the investigated spices, except for cinnamon, where carbonyl compounds are the major group. Most of the studied spices comprised key characteristics of aroma and health bioactive compounds, e.g., dihydrojuneol in saffron, cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon, cuminaldehyde in cumin and curry, and caryophyllene in black pepper. The principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) successfully discriminated the investigated spices, being α-cubebene, 3-methyl butanal, ß-patchoulene and ß-selinene, the most important VOMs (highest VIP's) that contributed to its discrimination. Moreover, some VOMs have a high influence on the spice's bioactive potential, helping to prevent certain diseases including cancer, inflammatory-related diseases, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Umbelliferose Isolated from Cuminum cyminum L. Seeds Inhibits Antigen-Induced Degranulation in Rat Basophilic Leukemia RBL-2H3 Cells.

Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) is an annual plant of the Umbelliferae family native to Egypt. We previously showed that the aqueous extract of cumin seeds suppresses degranulation by downregulating the activation of antigen-induced intracellular signaling molecules in rat basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells. However, the active substances in the extract have not yet been identified. Accordingly, herein, we aimed to ascertain the water-soluble substances present in cumin seeds that inhibit degranulation, which led to the identification of umbelliferose, a characteristic trisaccharide present in plants of the Umbelliferae family. Our study is the first to reveal the degranulation-suppressing activity of umbelliferose, and quantification studies suggest that cumin seed powder contains 1.6% umbelliferose. Raffinose, an isomer of umbelliferose, was also found to significantly suppress antigen-induced degranulation, but less so than umbelliferose. Both umbelliferose and raffinose contain sucrose subunits in their structures, with galactose moieties bound at different sites. These differences in structure suggest that the binding of galactose to the sucrose subunit at the α1-2 bond contributes to its strong degranulation-inhibiting properties.

A Green Approach for the Biosynthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Cuminum cyminum L. Seed and Its Application for Pain Management in Rats.

Background: This study investigated the antinociceptive effect of cumin and its biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Methods: Cumin extract (E) and cumin-AuNPs (GN) were prepared and administered intraperitoneally at the concentrations of 200, 500, and 1000 mg/ml to 27 male rats. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy were applied for AuNPs synthesis confirmation. The nociceptive behavior was assessed, and IL-6 serum levels were measured. Results: Cumin-AuNPs showed a peak absorption of 515 nm, and a size of about 40 nm. Three different concentrations of extract had no significant effect on acute and chronic nociceptive behavior. GN + E200 (46.00 ± 10.59) showed a significant acute anti-nociceptive effect compared to the control (98.66 ± 4.91; p = 0.029) and SS300 (98.33 ± 20.30; p = 0.029) groups. Also, GN + E500 (42.00 ± 11.84) significantly reduced acute nociceptive behavior compared to the control (98.66 ± 4.91; p = 0.019), SS300 (98.33 ± 20.30; p = 0.020), and GN + E1000 (91.00 ± 26.00; p = 0.040) groups. IL-6 serum levels reduced significantly in GN + E500 (24.65 ± 10.38; p = 0.002) and SS300 (33.08 ± 1.68; p = 0.039) compared to the controls (46.24 ± 3.02). Chronic nociceptive behavior was significantly lower in the SS300 (255.33 ± 26.30) compared to E200 (477.00 ± 47.29; p = 0.021), E500 (496.25 ± 46.29; p = 0.013), and GN + E500 (437.00 ± 118.03; p = 0.032) groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest the potential effects of cumin-AuNPs on formalin-induced nociceptive behavior, which is independent of IL-6serum levels.

Chemical Constituents of the Essential oil from Cuminum cyminum L. and Its Antifungal Activity against Panax notoginseng Pathogens.

Cuminum cyminum L. (Cumin) is a flavoring agent that is commonly used worldwide, and is rich in essential oil. Essential oils (Eos) have been intensively investigated in regard to their potential for disease control in plants, which is provided a chance for the blossom of green pesticides. The chemical components of Cumin essential oil (CEO) were revealed by GC/MS, such as cuminaldehyde (44.53 %), p-cymene (12.14 %), (-)-ß-pinene (10.47 %) and γ-terpinene (8.40 %), and found they can inhibit the growth of P. notoginseng-associated pathogenic fungi in vitro and the inhibitory effect of cuminaldehyde was similar to that of hymexazol. SEM and TEM images demonstrated that cuminaldehyde and CEO increased cell permeability and disrupted membrane integrity. The expression of disease-related genes of Fusarium oxysporum showed that CEO induced the expression of most genes, which disrupted biosynthesis, metabolism and signaling pathways. These studies verified the potential of CEO as a plant fungicide that is environmentally friendly and provided ideas for developing new products for controlling root diseases that affect P. notoginseng.

Neuroprotective potentials of selected natural edible oils using enzyme inhibitory, kinetic and simulation approaches.

BACKGROUND: Edible oils have proven health benefits in the prevention and treatment of various disorders since the establishment of human era. This study was aimed to appraise neuropharmacological studies on the commonly used edible oils including Cinnamomum verum (CV), Zingiber officinale (ZO) and Cuminum cyminum (CC). METHODS: The oils were analyzed via GC-MS for identifications of bioactive compounds. Anti-radicals capacity of the oils were evaluated via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals scavenging assays. The samples were also tested against two important acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) which are among the important drug targets in Alzheimer's disease. Lineweaver-Burk plots were constructed for enzyme inhibition studies which correspond to velocity of enzymes (Vmax) against the reciprocal of substrate concentration (Km) in the presence of test samples and control drugs following Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Docking studies on AChE target were also carried out using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE 2016.0802) software. RESULTS: (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of thirty-four compounds in Cinnamon oil (Cv.Eo), fourteen in ginger oil (Zo.Eo) and fifty-six in cumin oil (Cc.Eo). In the antioxidant assays, Cv.Eo, Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo exhibited IC50 values of 85, 121, 280 µg/ml sequentially against DPPH radicals. Whereas, in ABTS assay, Cv.Eo, Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo showed considerable anti-radicals potentials with IC50 values of 93, 77 and 271 µg/ml respectively. Furthermore, Cv.Eo was highly active against AChE enzyme with IC50 of 21 µg/ml. Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo exhibited considerable inhibitory activities against AChE with IC50 values of 88 and 198 µg/ml respectively. In BChE assay, Cv.Eo, Zo.Eo and Cc.Eo exhibited IC50 values of 106, 101 and 37 µg/ml respectively. Our results revealed that these oils possess considerable antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory potentials. As functional foods these oils can be effective remedy for the prevention and management of neurological disorders including AD. Synergistic effect of all the identified compounds was determined via binding energy values computed through docking simulations. Binding orientations showed that all the compounds interact with amino acid residues present in the peripheral anionic site (PAS) and catalytic anionic site (CAS) amino acid residues, oxyanion hole and acyl pocket via π-π stacking interactions and hydrogen bond interactions.

The Effect of a Traditional Preparation Containing Piper nigrum L. and Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B.Fedtsch. on Immobility Stress-Induced Memory Loss in Mice.

OBJECTIVE: Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, age-related, and neurodegenerative disease characterized by mental decline. The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is unclear, but cholinergic dysfunction, protein accumulation, and oxidative stress are among the most important hypotheses. The main purpose of our study was to investigate the effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic extract combination of these two medicinal plants, black pepper and cumin (as a related formulation in traditional Persian medicine), on memory and learning of an immobilized stress animal model. METHODS: In this study, hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of cumin and black pepper fruits were prepared. Six groups of mice were treated orally for 2 weeks: control group, immobility stress, and stress-induced immobility mice received different doses of the hydroalcoholic extract (100 and 200 mg/kg) and aqueous extract (100 and 200 mg/kg). The shuttle box, novel object detection, and rotarod test were used to evaluate memory and learning. The activities of acetylcholinesterase, catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the brain tissue. RESULTS: Immobility stress significantly reduced learning and motor coordination. Furthermore, MDA levels and acetylcholinesterase activity were significantly increased, while CAT and SOD activities were significantly reduced in the brain of immobility-induced stress mice. Other findings indicated that hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts (100 and 200 mg/kg) of cumin and black pepper fruits have an improving effect on animal motor coordination and learning ability, GSH content, and CAT, SOD, and acetylcholinesterase enzyme function in comparison with stress groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of cumin and black pepper fruits have protective effects against stress-induced memory deficit and oxidative stress and may have beneficial therapeutic effect in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Cumin Prevents 17ß-Estradiol-Associated Breast Cancer in ACI Rats.

Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths in women in less developed countries and the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the U.S. In this study, we report the inhibition of E2-mediated mammary tumorigenesis by Cuminum cyminum (cumin) administered via the diet as cumin powder, as well as dried ethanolic extract. Groups of female ACI rats were given either an AIN-93M diet or a diet supplemented with cumin powder (5% and 7.5%, w/w) or dried ethanolic cumin extract (1%, w/w), and then challenged with subcutaneous E2 silastic implants (1.2 cm; 9 mg). The first appearance of a palpable mammary tumor was significantly delayed by both the cumin powder and extract. At the end of the study, the tumor incidence was 96% in the control group, whereas only 55% and 45% animals had palpable tumors in the cumin powder and extract groups, respectively. Significant reductions in tumor volume (660 ± 122 vs. 138 ± 49 and 75 ± 46 mm3) and tumor multiplicity (4.21 ± 0.43 vs. 1.16 ± 0.26 and 0.9 ± 0.29 tumors/animal) were also observed by the cumin powder and cumin extract groups, respectively. The cumin powder diet intervention dose- and time-dependently offset E2-related pituitary growth, and reduced the levels of circulating prolactin and the levels of PCNA in the mammary tissues. Mechanistically, the cumin powder diet resulted in a significant reversal of E2-associated modulation in ERα, CYP1A1 and CYP1B1. Further, the cumin powder diet reversed the expression levels of miRNAs (miR-182, miR-375, miR-127 and miR-206) that were highly modulated by E2 treatment. We analyzed the composition of the extract by GC/MS and established cymene and cuminaldehyde as major components, and further detected no signs of gross or systemic toxicity. Thus, cumin bioactives can significantly delay and prevent E2-mediated mammary tumorigenesis in a safe and effective manner, and warrant continued efforts to develop these clinically translatable spice bioactives as chemopreventives and therapeutics against BC.

A review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of dietary spice Cuminum cyminum L.

Cuminum cyminum L. is a versatile spice belonging to family Apiaceae. Though the plant has pan-tropical distribution but it is indigenous to Egypt, the Mediterranean, and South Asian countries. It exhibits numerous culinary, traditional, and pharmacological attributes. Its traditional uses also validate its immense pharmacological potential. Cuminum cyminum is the hub of numerous bioactives such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and so forth. Cuminaldehyde is the major bioactive, rendered to most of its pharmacological as well as clinical significance. The present study comprised of current knowledge on its taxonomy, nutritional, traditional, phytochemistry, pharmacology (antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammation, antidiabetic, wound healing, anticancer, etc.), toxicology, and clinical attributes. Besides, the mechanism of action is also well explained. The present study provides a rationale for further bioprospection of this wonder plant. Future studies are needed to fill the research gaps, particularly on relevant phytocompound isolation, their pre-clinical and clinical characterization, evaluation, and structure-activity relationship. Moreover, well-designed and highly appropriate clinical and placebo trials are still needed to demonstrate the trustworthy role of cumin on human health.

The effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) supplementation on glycemic indices: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to examine the effect of cumin supplementation on markers of glycemic control in adults. A comprehensive literature search was conducted up from inception to November 2020 on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Sciences, and Cochrane electronic databases. Studies that compared the effect of cumin with placebo on fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum insulin, and homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in adults were considered eligible. Weighted mean difference (WMD) (with 95% confidence intervals) for endpoints were calculated using the random-effects model. Finally, a total of eight RCT studies involving 552 participants were included in the review. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that cumin supplementation did not significantly alter serum FBS (WMD: -17.77 mg/dl; 95% CI: -36.42 to 0.87, p = .06), insulin (WMD: -0.49 Hedges' g; 95% CI: -1.19 to 0.21, p =.16) levels and HOMA-IR (WMD: -0.06; 95% CI: -0.21 to 0.10, p = 0.48) index. These results do not support the use of cumin supplementation for improving glycemic markers in adults. However, further high-quality trials are still needed to confirm these results.

Green synthesis of Cuminum cyminum silver nanoparticles: Characterizations and cytocompatibility with lapine primary tenocytes.

Current treatment systems for tendon injuries are very few and do not ensure complete cure. This is a serious health concern for sports persons and the aged population. It is known that the nano- or microsized particles of natural products such as jeera/cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum) has been used traditionally as a home remedy for the treatment of tendon injuries. Nevertheless, these particles are likely to perform better due to their smaller size, increased absorption and local delivery in conjunction with nanotechnology. In this context, the major objective of this study was to synthesize silver-capped nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum (CCE) and to assess their in vitro non-cytotoxic effect with the perspective of clinical application to enhance tendon tissue regeneration. The presence of phytochemicals in CCE was studied by qualitative and quantitative methods. Cuminum cyminum nanoparticles (CCNP) were synthesized by the bioreduction method using silver nitrate and the particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier Transform Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Zeta potential measurement and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antioxidant effect of the particles was studied using total antioxidant activity and reducing power assay. Simultaneously, primary Tenocytes were isolated from rabbit Achilles tendon by collagenase and dispase digestion/treatment and characterized for Type 1 collagen. Further, in vitro non-cytotoxicity of the CCNP in direct contact with L929 mouse fibroblast cells and primary Tenocytes, respectively, was evaluated by MTT assay. Physico-chemical characterizations confirmed the formation and stability of the nanosize of CCNP with antioxidant property. Again, MTT assay confirmed the non-cytotoxicity of CCNP with L929 fibroblasts and primary Tenocytes. CCNP may be attributed as an ideal candidate for therapeutic application towards a faster restoration of worn-out/injured tendon tissue confronted by the geriatric and athlete communities.

Effects of nano-chitosan coatings incorporating with free /nano-encapsulated cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) essential oil on quality characteristics of sardine fillet.

Nowadays, adding biological compounds to food packaging is one of the types of active packaging. The aim of this study was to prepare a new degradable coating with free and nano-encapsulated Cumino cyminum L. essential oil (CCEO) with nanochitosan (Nch) base to evaluate the microbial, chemical and sensory properties of sardine fillet samples for 16 days at 4 °C. Nanoliposome using different soy lecithin ratios and cholesterol concentrations (60:0, 50:10, 40:20, and 30:30) and technique of thin-film hydration-sonication, were prepared with a range of 140-164 nm size. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and distribution of nanoliposomes size were calculated 0.80-0.90 and 49.85-73.01% respectively. To coat sardine fillet samples, nanoliposomes with the lower size of droplet and higher EE percent were selected. The outcomes indicated that coating treatments can effectively inhibit microbial growth and chemical spoilage reflected at lower pH, peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) (P < 0.05). In fact, the results of chemical and microbiological characteristics showed that the samples treated with nanocitosan/nano essential oil (NEO) showed the lowest value among other treatments during the experimental period, in the following, Nch-EO, Nch and control. pH, PV, TBARs, total viable counts (TVC), total pseudomonads count (TPC), and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were 6.85, 0.03 (mg MDA/kg), 5.23 (mEq/kg), 3.67 (CFU/g), 3.47 (CFU/g), and 4.7 (CFU/g), respectively for Nch-NEO at the end of storage time. In addition, during the experimental period, the highest sensory properties were obtained for the Nch-NEO group. Encapsulation of CCEO reduces the rate of diffusion, thus increasing antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, as well as improving sensory properties. According to the results of this study, CCEO-encapsulated nanochitosan coatings can be used as a potent coating to increase sardine shelf life.

Formation and characterization of calcium alginate hydrogel beads filled with cumin seeds essential oil.

Preparation and characterization of novel encapsulation system based on calcium alginate hydrogels filled with cumin essential oil has been investigated. Firstly, the effect of sodium alginate concentration, CaCl2 level, hardening time, encapsulation and emulsion fabrication methods was studied on loading capacity of the hydrogels using a Resolution-V fractional factorial design (2 V5-1 FFD), followed by response surface methodology (RSM). At the optimum point, the in-vitro release of phenolic compounds in simulated gastric and intestinal mediums were 96.02 ± 0.96% and 10.65 ± 1.23% after 180 min, respectively. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images demonstrated a relatively smooth surface with small pore size. Based on SEM images and Fourier-transform infrared spectrums, the cumin essential oil was encapsulated successfully in calcium alginate beads. Thus, calcium alginate hydrogel could be introduced as a promising carrier for encapsulating biochemical active compounds with favorable features.

A Concise Overview of Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical Aspects of Persian Cumin; Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B.Fedtsch.

Bunium persicum is one of the most medically and economically important species of the Apiaceae family. Despite a variety of phytochemical and experimental research on this species, there is no considerable update on all related outcomes. Accordingly, current work compiles an overview of Cumin's phytochemical and pharmacological activities. Papers related to phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical properties of B. persicum were filtered from databases as PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus with the term "Bunium persicum" till 15th May 2020. Genetic, pure pharmaceutical and agriculture papers were excluded. Moreover, traditional applications of this herb in Persian medicine were studied and included. In all, 54 papers reporting the compositions, Anticonvulsant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-glycation, antidiarrhea, anti-hematotoxic, anti-toxoplasmosis, hypoglycemic, larvicidal, scolicidal, anticholinergic and antihistaminic activities of B. persicum as well as reducing and stabilizing effects in nanoparticles. Three clinical trials have also been conducted on B. persicum. There are also numerous effects, cited in traditional manuscripts such as gastroprotective, kidney tonic, slimming activity and antidote for poisons. The most dominant chemical composition of Cumin is the essential oil, responsible for various potent antimicrobial and antifungal activities. The herb also contains phenolic and flavonoid compounds that reflect the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Many of the experimental and pharmacological studies on B. persicum have traces in traditional manuscripts. There are also medical aspects that have not yet been evaluated. Despite various experimental investigations, lack of extensive clinical studies, which is currently limited to few trials on remarked activities of B. persicum is still remained to be covered.

In vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of Cuminum cyminum essential oil against Aspergillus aculeatus causing bunch rot of postharvest grapes.

Bunch rot in grapes is an aggressive disease and needs to be controlled during the postharvest period. We investigate the antifungal potential of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim., Zanthoxylum rhetsa, Cuminum cyminum, Coriandrum sativum, and Zingiber montanum (J. Koenig) Link ex A. Dietr. essential oils against Aspergillus aculeatus that cause bunch rot disease on postharvest grapes. C. cyminum essential oil exhibited stronger significantly inhibition percentage of 95.08% than other treatments in in vitro assay. Cumin aldehyde (33.94%) and α-terpinen-7-al (32.20%) were identified as major volatile compounds in C. cyminum oil. Antifungal potential of C. cyminum oil was then tested in conidia germination and in vitro tests compared to cumin aldehyde and α-terpinen-7-al. Their EC50 values against the conidial germination were also estimated. Significant reduction of conidia germination was also detected in C. cyminum essential oil and cumin aldehyde at a concentration of 1,000 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. EC50 values of the C. cyminum essential oil, cumin aldehyde, and α-terpinen-7-al were 67.28 µg/mL, 9.31 µg/mL, and 13.23 µg/mL, respectively. In vivo assay, the decrease of the disease severity (0.69%) and incidence (1.48%) percentage of A. aculeatus on grape berries treated at 1,000 µg/mL of C. cyminum essential oil was significantly greater than that obtained from other treatments after 10 days incubation. In addition, grape berries treated with C. cyminum essential oil decreased weight loss and retained fruit firmness. The changing of total soluble solids, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity are also delayed in treated fruits. Therefore, essential oil of C. cyminum may be applied as a biological antifungal agent to control A. aculeatus in postharvest grapes without any negative effects on its quality.