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.

Increasing the efficiency of cumin essential oil extraction using cold plasma pretreatments.

BACKGROUND: Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants, and its essential oil (EO) varies between 2.5% to 5% depending on differences in climate. The extraction method plays a significant role in the market price of EOs. In this study, the effect of atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) pretreatments (using air and argon (Ar) gases) for different times on the EO yield and on the quality, color, surface morphology, and wettability of cumin seeds were studied. RESULTS: The scanning electron microscope analysis results revealed that the formation of fissures and cracks caused by ACP pretreatments was directly related to increasing the efficiency of EO extraction. Comparing the two gas treatments, the highest total color changes ΔE were related to the Ar and the lowest to the air treatment, and the highest amount of browning index was related to the Ar ACP pretreatment. In general, the ACP pretreatments improved the extraction efficiency compared with the control, so that the highest increase was observed in the Ar ACP pretreatment at the rate of 44%. Ar ACP pretreatments were observed to have a higher extraction efficiency than air ACP did. In the Ar ACP-treated samples, cumin aldehyde, as the most important component of EO, was increased compared with the control (47.9-56.4%). CONCLUSION: The data obtained in this study showed that ACP pretreatment of cumin seeds could increase EO extraction efficacy. Thus, ACP could be a promising technique to enhance the cumin seed EO extraction. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Resistant cumin cultivar, GC-4 counters Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini infection through up-regulation of steroid biosynthesis, limonene and pinene degradation and butanoate metabolism pathways.

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), an important spice crop belonging to the Apiaceae family is infected by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini (Foc) to cause wilt disease, one of the most devastating diseases of cumin adversely affects its production. As immune responses of cumin plants against the infection of Foc are not well studied, this research aimed to identify the genes and pathways involved in responses of cumin (cv. GC-2, GC-3, GC-4, and GC-5) to the wilt pathogen. Differential gene expression analysis revealed a total of 2048, 1576, 1987, and 1174 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in GC-2, GC-3, GC-4, and GC-5, respectively. In the resistant cultivar GC-4 (resistant against Foc), several important transcripts were identified. These included receptors, transcription factors, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating and scavenging enzymes, non-enzymatic compounds, calcium ion (Ca2+) transporters and receptors, R-proteins, and PR-proteins. The expression of these genes is believed to play crucial roles in conferring resistance against Foc. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the up-regulated DEGs showed significant enrichment of 19, 91, 227, and 55 biological processes in GC-2, GC-3, GC-4, and GC-5, respectively. Notably, the resistant cultivar GC-4 exhibited enrichment in key GO terms such as 'secondary metabolic process', 'response to reactive oxygen species', 'phenylpropanoid metabolic process', and 'hormone-mediated signaling pathway'. Furthermore, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed the enrichment of 28, 57, 65, and 30 pathways in GC-2, GC-3, GC-4, and GC-5, respectively, focusing on the up-regulated DEGs. The cultivar GC-4 showed enrichment in pathways related to steroid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, butanoate metabolism, limonene and pinene degradation, and carotenoid biosynthesis. The activation or up-regulation of various genes and pathways associated with stress resistance demonstrated that the resistant cultivar GC-4 displayed enhanced defense mechanisms against Foc. These findings provide valuable insights into the defense responses of cumin that could contribute to the development of cumin cultivars with improved resistance against Foc.

Effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil and its nanoemulsion on oxidative stability and microbial growth in mayonnaise during storage.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil (CEO) and its nanoemulsion (CEON) on oxidative stability and microbial growth of mayonnaise during storage. The GC analysis indicated that Cuminaldehyde (27.99%), o-Cymene (17.31%), γ-Terpinen (16.67%), and ß-Pinene (9.35%) were the major components of CEO, respectively. The assessments of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) showed that Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (MBCCEO = 12 and MBCCEON = 6 mg/mL) was the most resistant bacteria, and in contrast, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MBCCEO = 6 and MBCCEON = 3 mg/mL) was the most sensitive bacteria. In the radical-scavenging assay, CEON (IC50 = 5 ± 0.07 µg/mL) exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than CEO (IC50 = 10 ± 0.13 µg/mL). The results showed that applying the MBC of CEO and CEON in mayonnaise led to a significant decrease (p < .05) in acidity, peroxide value, number of acid-resistant bacteria and fungi, and total microbial count compared with the control sample. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that using CEON resulted in oxidative stability, microbial growth control, and desirable sensorial attributes in mayonnaise compared with CEO and control samples.

The protective effect of cuminaldehyde on gastric mucosa in Rattus norregicus of experimental gastric ulcer / 中国药理学通报

Aim To explore the effect of cuminaldehyde in cumin fruit on gastric ulcer and the protective mechanism via establishing the gastric ulcer model of rats was by ethanol injury. Methods Thirty-six male R. norregicus were divided into six groups: control group, model group, omeprazole positive control group and cuminaldehyde low, medium and high dosage groups. After seven days of continuous intragastric administration, the acute gastric ulcer of R. norregicus was tested by absolute alcohol. Gastric ulcer area, inhibition rate, gastric tissue antioxidant activity, serum inflammatory factors and gastric mucosal protective factors were detected in different groups. Results The results showed that cuminaldehyde significantly reduced the area of gastric ulcer and increased the inhibition rate of gastric ulcer. The inhibition rate of cuminaldehyde at high dose group was up to 74.65%, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH) in gastric tissue significantly increased, and the contents of serum prolandin E

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the fruit of Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil obtained from the fruit of Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the use of cumin oil up to the maximum proposed use levels in feed of 15 mg/kg complete feed is considered as safe for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel considered the use in water for drinking as safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. No concerns for consumers were identified following the use of cumin oil up to the maximum proposed use level in feed. The additive under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. When handling the essential oil, exposure of unprotected users to estragole (and dillapiole) cannot be excluded. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. The use of cumin oil at the proposed use level in feed is not expected to pose a risk to the environment. Since C. cyminum and its preparations are recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary.

In Vitro and In Silico Screening of Anti-Vibrio spp., Antibiofilm, Antioxidant and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of Cuminum cyminum L. Volatile Oil.

Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil (cumin EO) was studied for its chemical composition, antioxidant and vibriocidal activities. Inhibition of biofilm formation and secretion of some virulence properties controlled by the quorum sensing system in Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were also reported. The obtained results showed that cuminaldehyde (44.2%) was the dominant compound followed by ß-pinene (15.1%), γ-terpinene (14.4%), and p-cymene (14.2%). Using the disc diffusion assay, cumin EO (10 mg/disc) was particularly active against all fifteen Vibrio species, and the highest diameter of growth inhibition zone was recorded against Vibrio fluvialis (41.33 ± 1.15 mm), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (39.67 ± 0.58 mm), and Vibrio natrigens (36.67 ± 0.58 mm). At low concentration (MICs value from 0.023-0.046 mg/mL), cumin EO inhibited the growth of all Vibrio strains, and concentrations as low as 1.5 mg/mL were necessary to kill them (MBCs values from 1.5-12 mg/mL). Using four antioxidant assays, cumin EO exhibited a good result as compared to standard molecules (DPPH = 8 ± 0.54 mg/mL; reducing power = 3.5 ± 0.38 mg/mL; ß-carotene = 3.8 ± 0.34 mg/mL; chelating power = 8.4 ± 0.14 mg/mL). More interestingly, at 2x MIC value, cumin EO inhibited the formation of biofilm by Vibrio alginolyticus (9.96 ± 1%), V. parahaemolyticus (15.45 ± 0.7%), Vibrio cholerae (14.9 ± 0.4%), and Vibrio vulnificus (18.14 ± 0.3%). In addition, cumin EO and cuminaldehyde inhibited the production of violacein on Lauria Bertani medium (19 mm and 35 mm, respectively). Meanwhile, 50% of violacein inhibition concentration (VIC50%) was about 2.746 mg/mL for cumin EO and 1.676 mg/mL for cuminaldehyde. Moreover, elastase and protease production and flagellar motility in P. aeruginosa were inhibited at low concentrations of cumin EO and cuminaldehyde. The adopted in-silico approach revealed good ADMET properties as well as a high binding score of the main compounds with target proteins (1JIJ, 2UV0, 1HD2, and 3QP1). Overall, the obtained results highlighted the effectiveness of cumin EO to prevent spoilage with Vibrio species and to interfere with the quorum sensing system in Gram-negative bacteria by inhibiting the flagellar motility, formation of biofilm, and the secretion of some virulence enzymes.

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.

Aqueous Extract from Cuminum cyminum L. Seed Alleviates Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis in Mouse via Balancing of Helper T Cells.

Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) seeds are widely used as a spice. Although we previously reported that the aqueous extract of cumin seeds suppresses the degranulation of rat basophilic RBL-2H3 cells, it has not been clarified whether the extract alleviates actual allergy symptoms in vivo. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of oral administration of cumin seed aqueous extract (CAE) in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic rhinitis. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into the following three groups: control group (five mice), OVA group (five mice), and OVA + CAE group (five mice). Allergic rhinitis was induced by sensitization (intraperitoneal, 25 µg OVA and 1.98 mg aluminum hydroxide gel) followed by challenge (intranasal, 400 µg OVA). The oral administration of CAE (25 mg/kg) reduced the sneezing frequency of OVA-induced allergic rhinitis model mice. In addition to reducing the serum immunoglobulin E and IL-4 levels, the oral administration of CAE reduced the production of T-helper type-2 (Th2) cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-13) in the splenocytes of the model mice. Furthermore, a significant increase in the ratio of Th1 to Th2 cells was observed in the CAE-administered group. Our findings suggest that the ingestion of CAE improves T cell balance, the dominant state of Th2, and alleviates allergic rhinitis symptoms.

Cuminum cyminum L. Essential Oil: A Promising Antibacterial and Antivirulence Agent Against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) is valued for its aromatic and medicinal properties. There are several reports of antibacterial activity of C. cyminum essential oil (CcEO). Accordingly, the present study was conducted to investigate the mechanism(s) of action of the CcEO against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, 10 S. aureus MDR isolates, obtained from different sources, were selected based on the antibiotic susceptibility patterns and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute definition and subjected to the examinations. Our results exhibited promising bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties of the CcEO. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration values ranged from 5 to 10 and 10 to 20 µL ⋅ mL-1, respectively. Scanning electron microscope was used to assess the bacterial cell structure and morphology after the induction with 1/2 MIC concentration of the CcEO. The observed morphological changes appeared to be deformation of the cell membrane and destruction of the cells. In the case of quorum sensing inhibitory potential, treatment of S. aureus isolates with the sub-MIC concentrations (1/2 MIC) of the CcEO significantly reduced the hld expression (3.13-fold downregulation), which considerably controls S. aureus quorum-sensing accessory regulator system. Another virulence factor influenced by the CcEO was the polysaccharide intercellular adhesion production system, as an important component of cell-cell adhesion and biofilm formation. Consequently, the expression level of the intercellular adhesion (ica) locus in the S. aureus cells was examined following treatment with CcEO. The results showed significant decrease (-3.3-fold) in ica expression, indicating that the CcEO could potentially interfere with the process of biofilm formation. Using the ethidium bromide efflux inhibition assay, the S. aureus NorA efflux pump was phenotypically but not genotypically (in quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay) affected by the CcEO treatment. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, cuminic aldehyde (38.26%), α,ß-dihydroxyethylbenzene (29.16%), 2-caren-10-al (11.20%), and γ-terpinene (6.49%) were the most detected compounds. The antibacterial and antivirulence action of the CcEO at sub-MIC concentrations means that no microbial resistance will be promoted and developed after the treatment with this agent. These findings revealed that the CcEO is a promising antibacterial agent to control infections caused by the MDR S. aureus strains.

Cuminum cyminum L.-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Their Characterization and Effect on Formalin-Induced Nociceptive Response in Male Rats.

In this study, a simple, low-cost, rapid, and eco-friendly approach for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) seed (CcAgNPs) was developed. Also, the anti-nociceptive properties of these synthesized AgNPs were evaluated in vivo. The CcAgNPs characterized using Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The analysis of phytochemical components in the aqueous extract of cumin seeds showed high concentrations of total phenols and ascorbic acid and low concentrations of total flavonoids. The analysis of phytochemical components and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups responsible for the bioreduction of Ag+ to AgNPs. The UV-Vis absorbance spectrum of CcAgNPs showed a maximum wavelength at 442 nm. The analysis of TEM images showed a spherical shape with a size of less than 50 nm, while XRD spectra revealed the crystallinity of CcAgNPs. The analysis of anti-nociceptive properties of CcAgNPs showed that the first phase of formalin-induced pain was significantly reduced in the groups receiving 200, 500, and 1000 mg/kg CcAgNPs compared with the controls and the group receiving 300 mg/kg of sodium salicylate (SS300). The second phase of formalin pain was also significantly reduced in the groups receiving 200 and 500 mg/kg CcAgNPs compared to the controls and SS300 group. Overall, we introduced a new AgNPs synthesized from cumin seeds (CcAgNPs) and showed their anti-nociceptive properties in the formalin-induced pain.

A nanotechnology-based new approach in the treatment of breast cancer: Biosynthesized silver nanoparticles using Cuminum cyminum L. seed extract.

The present study reports the anticancer activities of Cuminum cyminum L. (Cumin) seed extract, chemically synthetized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Bio-AgNPs) from Cumin seeds on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and human breast adenocarcinoma metastatic cell line (AU565). The synthetized nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cytotoxic and anticancer effects of AgNPs and Bio-AgNPs were determined by MTT assay. According to the cytotoxicity analysis, Bio-AgNPs appears to be less toxic against J774 macrophage cells than AgNPs since IC50 values were measured as 0.75 and 1.25 µg/ml for AgNPs and Bio-AgNPs, respectively. On the other hand, Bio-AgNPs demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on human breast cancer cells at non-toxic concentrations such as 0.25 and 0.5 µg/ml. However, at increased concentrations, the lethal effects of AgNPs on breast cancer cells were higher than Bio-AgNPs. When cytotoxic and anticancer characteristics of Cumin extract were investigated, it was established that it did not show any inhibitory effect on J774 cells, while killing the half of MCF-7 cells at investigated concentrations. Interestingly, Cumin extract gave rise to no inhibitory effects against AU565 cells. On the other hand, AgNPs and Bio-AgNPs exhibited considerable anticancer activities on both cell lines. The inhibition percentages of AgNPs on MCF-7 and AU565 cell lines were respectively evaluated as 95% and 97% at the highest concentrations applied (12.5 µg/ml). Similarly, we determined that 87.5% and 96% of MCF-7 and AU565 cells were respectively inhibited when they were exposed to the highest concentrations of Bio-AgNPs. Considering relatively toxic-free features of Bio-AgNPs prepared from Cuminum cyminum L. seed extracts, it can be thought that this formulation will be a pioneer in development of nanotechnology-based new anticancer drug for the treatment of breast cancer in near future.

Coronatine elicitation alters chemical composition and biological properties of cumin seed essential oil.

The present experiment evaluated how coronatine (COR) elicitation affects chemical and biological properties of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seed essential oil (CSEO). Following isolation of the EO, its chemical composition was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; also, its bioactivities in terms of antimicrobial/antifungal, cytotoxic (measured by MTT assay) and antioxidant effects (evaluated by DPPH, ß-carotene bleaching (BCB) and TBARS methods) were evaluated. COR-elicitation significantly increased CSEO yield and the level of its chemical components, especially cumin aldehyde which is the main component of CSEO. Results showed that COR-elicitation significantly reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CSEO against 4 Gram-positive and 3 Gram-negative bacteria and 2 fungi. Moreover, elicitation markedly enhanced the antioxidant and in vitro cytotoxic activity of CSEO. Therefore, COR may be regarded as a useful biotic elicitor for improving EO chemical and biological properties.

Inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of Cuminum cyminum L. seed on degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in mice.

Cuminum cyminum L. (cumin) seed is used as a spice in various countries. Although several functions of the components in cumin seed have been reported, the anti-allergic effect of the water-soluble component in cumin seed has not been reported yet. In this study, we focused on the suppressive effect of cumin seed aqueous extract on degranulation in order to reveal the anti-allergic effect of cumin. Cumin seed aqueous extract significantly suppressed the antigen-induced degranulation of rat basophilic leukemia cell line RBL-2H3 cells in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity. The extract also inhibited the elevation of the intracellular calcium ion concentration induced by antigen. Immunoblot analysis revealed that the extract suppresses phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, Bruton's tyrosine kinase, phospholipase C-γ1/2, and Akt in the signaling pathways activated by antigen induction via FcεRI. Furthermore, the extract suppressed microtubule formation induced by antigen. In addition, oral administration of cumin seed aqueous extract significantly suppressed the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction in BALB/c mice. Our findings suggest that cumin seed contains water-soluble components with the anti-allergic effect. Therefore, cumin seed has potential as anti-allergic functional food.

Dietary Intake and Content of Some Micronutrients and Toxic Elements in Two Algerian Spices (Coriandrum sativum L. and Cuminum cyminum L.).

This study presents the elemental concentration obtained in two Algerian spices (Coriandrum sativum L. and Cuminum cyminum L.) evaluated by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), in order to highlight the importance of these spices as a potential source of micronutrients. The daily intake of micronutrients and potentially toxic elements were determined and compared with the recommended values (RDA) and were found to be well below the tolerance limits. Twenty-two elements were assessed, eight essential chemicals were quantified with tendency K > Ca > Na > Fe > Zn > Cr > Co > Se, and three potential toxic elements were present in the descending content pattern Br > As > Sb.

Safety and efficacy of cumin tincture (Cuminum cyminum L.) when used as a sensory additive for all animal species.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of cumin tincture (Cuminum cyminum L.) when used as a sensory feed additive for all animal species. The product is a water ethanol ■■■■■ solution, which contains 0.002-0.003% of 4-isopropylbenzaldehyde (cuminaldehyde). The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive cumin tincture is safe at the maximum proposed use level (30 µL/kg complete feed or water for drinking) for all animal species. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of cumin tincture up to the highest safe level in feeds. No specific data were provided by the applicant regarding the safety of the additive for users. In the absence of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the additive's potential to be a dermal/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. The use of cumin tincture at the maximum proposed dose is not considered to be a risk for the environment. Since the major components of the additive are recognised to provide flavour in food and its function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary.

Relation between salt tolerance and biochemical changes in cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds.

In this study, the effects of salinity on growth, fatty acid, essential oil, and phenolic composition of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) seeds as well as the antioxidant activities of their extracts were investigated. Plants were treated with different concentrations of NaCl treatment: 0, 50, 75, and 125 mmoL. Plant growth was significantly reduced with the severity of saline treatment. This also caused important reductions in the seed yield and yield components. Besides, NaCl treatments affected fatty acid composition. Petroselinic and linoleic acids proportions diminished consistently with the increase in NaCl concentration, whereas palmitic acid proportion increased. Furthermore, NaCl enhanced essential oil production in C. cyminum seeds and induced marked changes on the essential oil quality. Essential oil chemotype was modified from γ-terpinene/1-phenyl-1,2 ethanediol in control to γ-terpinene/ß-pinene in salt stressed plants. Total polyphenol content was higher in treated seeds, and salinity improved the amount of individual phenolic compounds. Moreover, antioxidant activities of the extracts were determined by four different test systems, namely 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ß-carotene/linoleic acid chelating, and reducing power assays. The highest antioxidant activities were reveled in severe stressed plants. In this case, cumin seeds produced under saline conditions may function as a potential source of essential oil and antioxidant compounds, which could support the utilization of this plant in a large field of applications such as food industry.

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.

Chemical constituents from seeds of Cuminum cyminum / 中草药

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents from the seeds of Cuminum cyminum. Methods The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by repeated silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatography, medium pressure column chromatography, high pressure flash chromatography, and semi-preparative HPLC, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of physico-chemical constants and spectral analysis. Results Fifteen compounds were identified as astragaline (1), 6-β-hydroxy glycyrrhetinic acid (2), ursolic acid (3), quercetin (4), protocatechuic acid (5), (6R,7E,9R)-9-hydroxy-4,7- megastigma-dien-3-one (6), 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (7), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid methyl ester (8), rosin (9), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranoside-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (10), cuminacid (11), cuminoside A (12), luteolin (13), apigenin-7-O-β-D-(6″-O-acetyl)-glucopyranoside (14), and 5,7,4’-trihydroxyflavanone (15). Conclusion Compounds 2, 3, 6-10, and 14 are obtained from this genus for the first time.

The Effect of Cumin cyminum L. Plus Lime Administration on Weight Loss and Metabolic Status in Overweight Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available regarding the effects of combined administration of Cumin cyminum L. and lime on weight loss and metabolic profiles among subjects with overweight subjects. OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to assess the effects of combined administration of Cumin cyminum L. and lime on weight loss and metabolic profiles among subjects with overweight. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 72 subjects with overweight, aged 18 - 50 years old. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: Group A received high-dose Cumin cyminum L. and lime capsules (75 mg each, n = 24), group B low-dose Cumin cyminum L. and lime capsules (25 mg each, n = 24) and group C placebos (n = 24) twice daily for eight weeks. RESULTS: After eight weeks of intervention, compared with low-dose C. cyminum L. plus lime and placebo, taking high-dose C. cyminum L. plus lime resulted in significant weight loss (in the high-dose group: -2.1 ± 1.7 vs. in the low-dose group: -1.2 ± 1.5 and in the placebo group: + 0.2 ± 1.3 kg, respectively; P < 0.001) and body mass index (-0.8 ± 0.6 vs. -0.5 ± 0.5 and +0.1 ± 0.5 kg/m2, respectively; P < 0.001). In addition, administration of high-dose C. cyminum L. plus lime compared with low-dose C. cyminum L. plus lime and placebo, led to a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (P < 0.001) and a significant rise in quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+ 0.02 ± 0.02 vs. + 0.01 ± 0.02 and 0.01 ± 0.01, respectively; P = 0.01). Moreover, a significant decrease in serum triglycerides (-14.1 ± 56.2 vs. +13.9 ± 36.8 and + 10.6 ± 25.1 mg/dL; respectively; P = 0.03), total-cholesterol (-18.4 ± 28.6 vs. +8.6 ± 28.5 and -1.0 ± 24.8 mg/dL; respectively; P = 0.004) and low density lipoproteins- (LDL)-cholesterol levels (-11.8 ± 20.7 vs. +6.5 ± 23.2 and -2.9 ± 20.4 mg/dL, respectively; P = 0.01) was observed following the consumption of high-dose C. cyminum L. plus lime compared with low-dose C. cyminum L. plus lime and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study indicated that taking high-dose C. cyminum L. plus lime for eight weeks among subjects with overweight had beneficial effects on weight, BMI, FPG, QUICKI, triglycerides, total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels.