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Ștefănescu R, Ősz BE, Pintea A, Laczkó-Zöld E, Tero-Vescan A, Vari CE, Fulop E, Blaș I, Vancea S. Fennel Essential Oil as a Complementary Therapy in the Management of Diabetes. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2657. [PMID: 38139998 PMCID: PMC10747567 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is a serious pathology that affects a significant number of people worldwide. Its progression is rapid and leads to serious complications if glycemic control is missing. The micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes produce disabilities over time that affect the daily lives of patients. The major challenge of diabetes therapy is to reach a stable glycemic state and to delay the onset of specific complications. Aromatherapy is considered an alternative or complementary therapy, but in recent years, there has been a tendency to overuse essential oils. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the effects produced by the topical and oral administration of fennel essential oil to diabetic rats. Eighteen compounds in fennel essential oil were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The major compounds were trans-anethole (64.6%) and fenchone (24.5%). The in vivo study revealed that after a four-week treatment with fennel essential oil, the rats' glycemic levels were significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, there were no differences between the two routes of administration. In addition, an ex vivo study underlined the potential effect of this essential oil in the prevention of cataract formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruxandra Ștefănescu
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania; (R.Ș.); (E.L.-Z.)
| | - Bianca-Eugenia Ősz
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania;
| | - Andrada Pintea
- Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania; (A.P.); (I.B.)
| | - Eszter Laczkó-Zöld
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania; (R.Ș.); (E.L.-Z.)
| | - Amelia Tero-Vescan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania;
| | - Camil-Eugen Vari
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania;
| | - Emoke Fulop
- Emergency County Hospital Târgu Mureș, Department of Pathology, 50 Gh. Marinescu Street, 540136 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Iuliana Blaș
- Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 38 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, 540139 Târgu Mures, Romania; (A.P.); (I.B.)
| | - Szende Vancea
- Legal Medicine Service, Emergency County Hospital Miercurea Ciuc, 530173 Miercurea Ciuc, Romania;
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Granata G, Riccobene C, Napoli E, Geraci C. Polymeric Nanocapsules Containing Fennel Essential Oil: Their Preparation, Physicochemical Characterization, Stability over Time and in Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14040873. [PMID: 35456707 PMCID: PMC9026405 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant essential oils, a source of biologically active compounds, represent a promising segment in the pharmaceutical market. However, their volatility, hydrophobicity, poor stability, and low toxicity limit direct use in pharmaceutical-related applications. Nanoencapsulation is a technique that allows overcoming these obstacles by improving bioaccessibility and bioavailability. Nanocapsules (NCs) based on biodegradable and biocompatible poly(ɛ-caprolactone) containing Foeniculum vulgare Mill. essential oil (FEO), known for its biological activities, were successfully prepared by interfacial deposition of the preformed polymer method. The composition of FEO (trans-anethole chemotype) was determined by gas chromatography analyses. The FEO presence inside the NCs was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. The FEO-NCs showed nanometer size (210 nm), low polydispersity index (0.10), negative zeta potential (−15 mV), non-Newtonian rheological behavior, and high efficiency of encapsulation (93%). Moreover, parameters such as FEO-NC particle size, bioactive compound retention, and FEO composition were monitored for 30 days at storage temperatures of 4 and 40 °C, confirming the robustness of the nanosystem. Finally, FEO-NCs were resistant to the simulated gastric digestion and showed an effective bioaccessibility of 29% in simulated intestinal digestion. Based on the results obtained, this FEO-NC nanosystem could find interesting applications in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors.
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Kwiatkowski P, Grygorcewicz B, Pruss A, Wojciuk B, Giedrys-Kalemba S, Dołêgowska B, Zielińska-Bliźniewska H, Olszewski J, Sienkiewicz M, Kochan E. Synergistic effect of fennel essential oil and hydrogen peroxide on bacterial biofilm. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2020; 37:690-4. [PMID: 33240007 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2019.83621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Staphylococcal biofilm formation significantly challenges wound management. The causes of difficult-to-treat wounds are not only methicillin-resistant staphylococci, but also methicillin-sensitive strains with different patterns of resistance. Bacterial biofilm significantly limits the access and activity of antimicrobials used in dermatological infections. Aim To evaluate the synergistic effect of fennel essential oil (FEO) and H2O2 on biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA and MRSA) reference strains. Material and methods Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined for FEO and H2O2 against S. aureus reference strains by the broth microdilution method. The combined effects of the FEO and H2O2 were calculated and expressed in terms of a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) using the checkerboard method. The FEO composition was analyzed by the GC-MS method. The data were analysed by one-way ANOVA. Results Decreased MIC values for FEO combined with H2O2 were observed in comparison to FEO itself. The combinations of FEO and H2O2 determined synergistic effects on all S. aureus reference strains. Subinhibitory concentration of FEO alone and in combination with 0.5 MIC of H2O2 significantly decreased the production of biofilm biomass in S. aureus strains and reduced the metabolic activity of attached cells. Conclusions Combination of fennel essential oil containing nearly 80% trans-anethole and H2O2 represents a potential for further basic and applied research on wound management.
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Kwiatkowski P, Pruss A, Masiuk H, Mnichowska-Polanowska M, Kaczmarek M, Giedrys-Kalemba S, Dołęgowska B, Zielińska-Bliźniewska H, Olszewski J, Sienkiewicz M. The effect of fennel essential oil and trans-anethole on antibacterial activity of mupirocin against Staphylococcus aureus isolated from asymptomatic carriers. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2019; 36:308-14. [PMID: 31333348 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2018.76425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Staphylococcus aureus constitutes the most pathogenic species within the staphylococcal genus. Humans remain the major reservoirs of this pathogen which colonizes mostly anterior nares of healthy individuals. Aim To investigate the effect of fennel essential oil (FEO) and trans-anethole (tA) on antibacterial activity of mupirocin (MUP) against S. aureus strains isolated from asymptomatic carriers. Material and methods The content of the FEO was analysed with use of the GC-MS method. The research done on 43 S. aureus isolates with different resistance patterns, obtained from nasal vestibule. Antibacterial activity of MUP in combination with FEO or tA was examined using the agar dilution method and E-test method. The data analysis was done with the Pearson’s χ2 test. Results The chemical composition of FEO was consistent with the European Pharmacopoeia (EP) for the main constituent – tA (77.9%) according to the EP recommendations. Macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B resistance phenotype was prevalent among 39.5% of S. aureus isolates. FEO concentrations of 2.0% and 2.5% revealed antibacterial activity against 76.7% of isolates, whereas tA inhibited S. aureus growth at concentrations > 4.0%. The MIC values for MUP combined with FEO as well as for MUP combined with tA were < 0.064 µg/ml for 79.1% and 86.0% of S. aureus isolates, respectively. Conclusions Our experiment revealed FEO and tA influence on MUP effectiveness. The combination of MUP with FEO as well as MUP with tA are worth considering to implement in S. aureus eradication procedures. These findings will be useful in designing efficient antistaphylococcal agents which can limit the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
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Di Ciaula A, Portincasa P, Maes N, Albert A. Efficacy of bio-optimized extracts of turmeric and essential fennel oil on the quality of life in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Ann Gastroenterol 2018; 31:685-691. [PMID: 30386118 PMCID: PMC6191874 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2018.0304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of herbal products to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disease that frequently affects the quality of life (QoL), is still under evaluation. This open pilot study assessed the efficacy of bio-optimized extracts of turmeric and essential fennel oil (Enterofytol®) in IBS patients. METHODS A total of 211 patients (14% diarrhea-predominant, IBS-D; 24% constipation-predominant, IBS-C; 62% mixed, IBS-M) were enrolled by general practitioners and completed questionnaires measuring symptom severity and QoL before and after Enterofytol®, two capsules b.i.d. for one month, followed by two capsules q.d. for another month. RESULTS IBS severity index and QoL were inversely related. A significant reduction in the severity index and an improvement in QoL were evident following treatment in all IBS subgroups. IBS-D patients showed the worst clinical picture at entry, with the highest IBS severity index and the lowest QoL score, compared with IBS-C and IBS-M subtypes. IBS-D patients, however, also showed the most pronounced response to therapy, considering both scores. The improvement in the IBS severity index was independent of age and sex. CONCLUSIONS Results from this "real-life" study show that the combination of turmeric and essential fennel oil over two months improves both symptoms and QoL in IBS patients, irrespectively of age, sex, initial severity of symptoms and IBS-subtypes, suggesting a potential role for the natural treatment of IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Division of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Bisceglie, ASL-BAT, Italy (Agostino Di Ciaula)
- Correspondence to: Prof. Piero Portincasa, MD, PhD, Clinica Medica “Augusto Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School - Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; e-mail:
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy (Piero Portincasa)
- Correspondence to: Prof. Piero Portincasa, MD, PhD, Clinica Medica “Augusto Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School - Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; e-mail:
| | - Nathalie Maes
- Biostatistics, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium (Nathalie Maes, Adelin Albert)
| | - Adelin Albert
- Biostatistics, University Hospital of Liège, Belgium (Nathalie Maes, Adelin Albert)
- Department of Public Health, University of Liège, Belgium (Adelin Albert)
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Mazaheri S, Nematbakhsh M, Bahadorani M, Pezeshki Z, Talebi A, Ghannadi AR, Ashrafi F. Effects of Fennel Essential Oil on Cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity in Ovariectomized Rats. Toxicol Int 2013; 20:138-45. [PMID: 24082507 PMCID: PMC3783680 DOI: 10.4103/0971-6580.117256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum II (CDDP)) is an effective drug in cancer therapy to treat solid tumors. However, the drug is accompanied by nephrotoxicity. Previous reports indicated that estrogen has no protective role against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity, but the role of phytoestrogen as an estrogenic agent in plants is not determined yet. The major composition of fennel essential oil (FEO) is trans-anethole that has estrogenic activity; so, we used FEO as a phytoestrogen source against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four ovariectomized Wistar rats were divided into seven groups. Groups 1-3 received different doses of FEO (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day, respectively) for 10 days. Group 4 received saline for 10 days plus single dose of CDDP (7 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (ip)) at day 3. Groups 5-7 received FEO similar to groups 1-3, respectively; plus a single dose of CDDP (7 mg/kg, ip) on day 3. On day 10, the animals were sacrificed for histopathological studies. Results: The serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr), kidney tissue damage score (KTDS), and kidney weight (KW) and body weight changes in CDDP-treated groups increased significantly (P < 0.05). FEO did not reduce the levels of BUN and Cr, KTDS, and KW and body weight changes. Also, the serum and tissue levels of nitrite were not altered significantly by FEO. Conclusion: FEO, as a source of phytoestrogen, did not induce kidney damage. In addition, FEO similar to estrogen was not a nephroprotectant agent against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safoora Mazaheri
- Water and Electrolytes Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran ; Deparment of Biology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
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