Apiaceae plants are widely utilized as spices across the globe. Fennel, a prominent member of this family, has been previously shown to possess appetite-enhancing properties, suggesting that other Apiaceae spices may exhibit similar effects. Herein, we investigated the appetite-enhancing effects of essential oils extracted from aniseed, caraway seeds, and cumin seeds. All three essential oils significantly increased food intake in mice. Analysis revealed that the major active compounds were (i) trans-anethole and pseudoisoeugenyl 2-methylbutyrate in aniseed oil, (ii) d-limonene and d-carvone in caraway oil, and (iii) cuminaldehyde in cumin oil. Intriguingly, the effective doses of d-carvone and trans-anethole were elevated when administered in combination with d-limonene and pseudoisoeugenyl 2-methylbutyrate, respectively. This newly identified modulatory effect, driven by co-occurring compounds, suggests a complex interaction between the constituents. Furthermore, the side chain structures of terpenoids were found to influence the effects analogously to those of phenylpropanoids, thereby suggesting the existence of common or similar sites of action within the mice olfactory system.

The extended shortwave infrared (eSWIR) band, spanning the wavelengths between 2 and 2.6 µm, lies between the traditional reflective and emissive bands. The eSWIR band receives fewer thermal photons from terrestrial targets than the midwave infrared (MWIR) or longwave infrared (LWIR) bands by several orders of magnitude, but thermal imaging in the band remains possible for a sufficiently hot target. This paper presents a theoretical rule for the minimum target temperature required to achieve a threshold contrast-to-noise ratio against a terrestrial background as a function of an eSWIR imaging system's f/#, pixel pitch, integration time, and throughput. Experimental data indicate the rule to be a robust predictor. Analysis of the rule provides limits on the tradespaces for system design, including requirements for focal plane array cooling, f/#, pixel pitch, and integration time. These limits indicate that typical thermal imaging tasks can be accomplished in nighttime conditions with unspecialized eSWIR systems. The potential advantages of eSWIR over the traditional thermal bands (MWIR and LWIR) are briefly discussed for two applications: urban reconnaissance and long-range aerial infrared search-and-track.

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) seeds contain anethole, which is a phytoestrogen. Anise is a purported galactogogue,[1-6] and is included in some proprietary mixtures promoted to increase milk supply; however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[7,8] Maternal anise ingestion reportedly imparts an odor to breastmilk,[9] possibly because anethole is excreted into breastmilk.[10] Anise is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) as a flavoring by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Elevated liver enzymes occurred in a woman taking Mother's Milk Tea, which contains anise.[11] Excessive maternal use of an herbal tea containing anise and other herbs appeared to cause toxicity in two breastfed newborns, consistent with toxicity caused by anethole. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

Chinese five-spice powder is a cornerstone of Chinese cuisine, yet its commercial formulations frequently deviate from traditional recipes, leading to quality-fraud issues that necessitate rapid, non-destructive control methods. This study pioneers the application of front-face synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy (FFSFS) combined with partial least squares regression (PLSR) for simultaneous quantification of all five constituents: star anise, Sichuan pepper, fennel seed, cinnamon stick, and clove bud. One hundred lab-made calibration samples and twenty external validation samples were prepared across typical formulation ranges. FFSFS spectra (λex = 250-600 nm, Δλ = 30-200 nm) were acquired using front-face geometry to mitigate scattering effects. Variable importance in projection (VIP) scores identified 2188 key variables, with highest scores mapping to flavonoid emissions (λex = 450-600 nm, Δλ = 80-180 nm) and secondary clusters linked to protein tryptophan and phenylpropanoid markers. Principal component analysis (PCA) achieved clear species discrimination based on these fluorophore signatures. The mass fraction (wt%) of all five target constituents was simultaneously quantified by PLS2 which yielded component-specific accuracy: star anise and Sichuan pepper were predicted with high fidelity (R2p = 0.830 and 0.825; RPD = 2.1), while fennel seed, cinnamon, and clove showed moderate predictability due to matrix interference and weak fluorescence. VIP analysis elucidated the chemical origins of these performance differences, linking model robustness to fluorophore abundance and stability. This FFSFS-PLSR framework provides the first rapid, non-targeted fingerprinting method for five-spice powder quantification, offering a powerful quality control tool with clear pathways for enhanced performance.

Pimpinella brachycarpa has been used in food and traditional herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of P. brachycarpa extract (PBE) in a rat model of ligature-induced periodontitis and identified its active compounds, such as green tea catechin (GTC), chlorogenic acid (CGA), and their combination (MIX). Seven-week-old rats received PBE (150-300 mg/kg/day) for 14 days post-ligation to induce periodontitis. Outcomes were assessed using gross morphology, histology, TRAP staining, and immunohistochemistry. UPLC revealed CGA as a major constituent in PBE. PBE significantly reduced alveolar bone loss and inflammatory responses compared to the vehicle-treated ligature-induced periodontitis group (LIG), with effects comparable to or exceeding those of ISD (Zea mays L. extract and Magnolia cortex extract-containing herbal formulaas a reference drug), GTC, CGA, and MIX. TRAP and IHC analyses indicated suppression of osteoclast activity and decreased expression of CD45, IL-1β, and TNF-α. These findings suggest that PBE mitigates periodontitis via modulation of osteoclastogenesis and immune responses. Given its efficacy and bioactive profile, PBE may serve as a promising candidate for the development of natural therapeutics against periodontal disease.

Termites are destructive structural pests causing significant economic losses worldwide. Although synthetic termiticides are effective, their extensive use raises environmental and health concerns, highlighting the need for safer, sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the contact toxicity and repellency in a closed system of essential oils (EOs) from clove (Syzygium aromaticum), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and star anise (Illicium verum) against Microcerotermes crassus workers. Chemical constituents (eugenol and anethole) were characterized by GC-MS/MS, and their activities were compared with those commercial termiticides (fipronil and cypermethrin). Clove and cinnamon oils exhibited strong toxicity, with LC50 values decreasing from 208.6 to 70.6 µL/L and from 362.6 to 130.5 µL/L, respectively, over 24 h. Both achieved LT50 values below 10 h at 250 µL/L and over 80% repellency at 100-500 µL/L within 3-12 h. Eugenol, the major constituent, showed comparable activity. In contrast, star anise oil, dominated by anethole, displayed weaker repellency but measurable termiticidal effects with a slower onset. These findings indicate that eugenol-rich oils may provide rapid-contact activity. In contrast, anethole-rich oils may offer slower but measurable termiticidal effects, suggesting distinct potential roles in future formulation development. The findings provide a foundation for developing nanoemulsion-based botanical termiticides with improved stability and field performance.

Water deficit stress (WDS) is a major environmental constraint limiting crop productivity by affecting physiological and biochemical processes. This study aimed to investigate the physiological responses, secondary metabolite accumulation, antioxidant activity, and gene expression associated with drought tolerance in two anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) genotypes, Kerman (tolerant) and Gilan (sensitive). Under WDS, Kerman exhibited significantly higher osmotic potential (-2.80 MPa) and relative water content (80.6%) compared to Gilan (-6.19 MPa and 38.2%, respectively), indicating superior water retention capacity. Electrolyte leakage was significantly lower in Kerman (25.9%) than in Gilan (53.2%) after 12 days of stress, suggesting enhanced membrane stability. Drought stress markedly increased total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and anthocyanin accumulation, with peak values in Kerman reaching 241.45 mg GAE g- 1 DW, 27.33 mg QE g- 1 DW, and 133.25 µmol g- 1 FW, respectively. Antioxidant capacity, assessed by DPPH scavenging and reducing power assays, was significantly higher in Kerman, showing up to a 70.3% increase in DPPH activity and a 2.11-fold rise in reducing power. HPLC profiling revealed elevated levels of rutin (7.08 mg g- 1 DW), caffeic acid (4.5-fold increase), and apigenin (2.87-fold increase) in Kerman under WDS. Significant positive correlations were observed between TPC, TFC, and antioxidant parameters (r ≥ 0.92**), confirming the functional role of polyphenols in oxidative stress mitigation. Gene expression analysis demonstrated coordinated upregulation of key phenylpropanoid pathway genes (PAL, 4CL, F3H, CHI, and 3GT), particularly in Kerman, with PAL and F3H showing 3.51- and 7.1-fold increases, respectively, after 9 days of stress. These findings suggest that enhanced osmotic adjustment, polyphenolic biosynthesis, and gene co-regulation contribute to the superior drought tolerance of the Kerman genotype.

Premature infants suffer from conditions such as necrotising enterocolitis and sepsis, whose risk is reduced by breastmilk. Rates of breastfeeding are lower in premature infants compared to term infants. Insufficient breastmilk is the most commonly cited reason for breastfeeding termination. Herbal medicines are commonly used for promoting breastmilk production, but their safety and efficacy are unclear. We wanted to assess whether specific herbal galactagogues can safely and effectively increase lactation in mothers who delivered prematurely. Six databases were searched (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, AMED, COCHRANE library, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global) with no language or date restrictions. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of herbal galactagogue use in preterm infant mothers. Ten RCTs were included, each investigating a different galactagogue or mixture. Two scored 'high' for risk of bias, the remainder scored 'some concerns'. There was low certainty evidence of an increase in milk volumes by day 7 of the intervention period with barley malt and lemon balm (mean difference 149 ml, 95% CI: 38-260); silymarin in combination with phosphatidylserine and Galega (mean difference 105 ml, 95% CI: 27-183); Pimpinella anisum seed tea (mean difference 98 ml, 95% CI: 63-133); and Latuca sativa (lettuce) syrup (mean difference 82 ml, 95% CI: 60-105). There is a lack of high-quality RCTs on herbal galactagogues within the preterm population. There is low certainty evidence that Barley malt with lemon balm, silymarin phytosomes with Galega, Pimpinella anisum seed tea, Moringa oleifera leaf capsules and Latuca sativa (lettuce) syrup increase breastmilk production. Higher-quality trials are needed to confirm this effect.

Pimpinella anisum, an annual herb, has a long traditional history of being used as a treatment for various health-related issues. The current study aimed to comprehensively understand how the methanolic extract of P. anisum seeds alleviates pain, reduces fever, and attenuates inflammation through molecular pathways and biochemical processes. Pain relief was evaluated using Eddy's hot plate test, tail immersion test, and acetic acid-induced writhing models. Anti-inflammatory study was conducted using three different methods; carrageenan induced paw edema, histamine-induced paw edema and formalin-induced paw edema models along with assessment of antipyretic activity. The extract demonstrated significant peripheral efficacy by reducing writhing occurrences. A comparable central pain elevation was also observed by prolongation of latency time in addition to substantial paw volume reduction in the carrageenan-induced model, especially at the 300 mg/kg dose. Histamine-induced swelling significantly decreased, with the same dose exhibiting the highest inhibition percentage. In addition, complete inflammation reversal was observed by the fifth day of treatment, alongside a decrease in basal temperature, highlighting its antipyretic potential. GC-MS analysis helped to identify key bioactive molecules, whereas docking analysis substantiated a significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The extract's pain-relieving effects were attributed to its interactions with COX-1 and glutamate receptors. These findings underscore P. anisum seeds potential as a natural remedy for pain, inflammation, and fever, suggesting avenues for further research and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches in herbal medicine.

This study hypothesized that supplementing Japanese quail diets with phytogenic additives could reduce stress-related behaviors and improve egg quality. The objective was to evaluate the effects of Passiflora incarnata and Pimpinella anisum on performance, egg quality, body and cloacal temperatures, behavior, tonic immobility, body injuries, and feather condition in laying quails. One hundred twenty birds, 150 days old, were randomly assigned to three treatments: control, 1.00 mg/kg Passiflora incarnata, and 1.00 mg/kg Pimpinella anisum, with eight replicates of five birds. Evaluations lasted fifty-six days in two periods. The additives did not affect performance, tonic immobility, feather quality, or lesions. Control birds showed higher albumen height, and differences appeared in color parameters Fan, L, and b**. Chest temperature was lower in birds receiving Passiflora incarnata. Aggressive behaviors decreased significantly in both supplemented groups. Although performance was unchanged, the additives improved egg quality, especially yolk pigmentation, and reduced aggression, indicating benefits for welfare and stress adaptation in intensive quail production. These outcomes highlight the potential of phytogenic inclusion as a practical nutritional strategy to support stability, health, and productivity in commercial systems.

Multi-mycotoxin occurrence was investigated in samples of teas and spices marketed in Bangkok, Thailand, to protect consumer health. To date, the investigation of mycotoxins in teas and spices has become an important issue worldwide. Therefore, 120 tea samples consisting of 40 samples each of green tea, oolong tea, and black tea, and 300 samples consisting of 30 samples each of black pepper, white pepper, cardamom, coriander seed, cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, nutmeg, star anise, and turmeric powder, were sampled from markets in Bangkok, Thailand. The samples were extracted using a QuEChERS-like (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe) approach and the targeted 55 mycotoxins in the tea and spice samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. The results identified various levels of positive mycotoxin contamination in the tea and spice samples, with a variety of mycotoxins identified. The incidence levels of the mycotoxin contamination varied among the different types of tea and spice samples, excluding the black tea samples. Mycotoxins were detectable in all the collected black pepper and cinnamon samples. Beauvericin, an emerging mycotoxin, was the most common in the contaminated spice samples tested. There were co-contamination of two to five mycotoxins in spices, but not found in tea samples. The current results suggested that key and emerging mycotoxins should be identified. However, the mycotoxins in tea and spices commercialized in Thailand have somewhat low incidence levels, although some positive samples were greater than the regulatory limits set by the European Union or Thailand. Further studies are needed with larger sample sizes to confirm these as acceptable levels.

Capsule coffees are well-established globally, and capsule teas are gaining ground as an alternative beverage to coffee and caffeine consumption. However, the bioactive phenolic potential of capsule teas extracted in espresso machines must be elucidated. In this study, 10 coffees and 14 commercial monovarietal and blended teas in capsules were extracted using an espresso machine (pressure ≤ 18 bar; 80 °C; volume of 100 mL) to evaluate their phenolic profile and caffeine content, and then subjected to simulated digestion to assess bioaccessibility. The coffees stood out for their higher values of phenolic acids, such as chlorogenic acid, compared to the teas. They also had epigallocatechin gallate (0.63-1.85 mg/100 mL), procyanidin B2 (0.26-0.65 mg/100 mL), myricetin (0.88-4.81 mg/100 mL), and naringenin (0.11-1.53 mg/100 mL). The blended teas had a greater diversity of phenolic classes, such as anthocyanins, in capsules that used flowers, hibiscus, and red fruits. Camellia sinensis teas had the highest bioactive content and were associated with gallic acid (1.93 to 2.35 mg/100 mL), catechin (5.07 to 12.9 mg/100 mL), and epicatechin (1.24 to 3.5 mg/100 mL). The blended tea containing Camellia sinensis exhibited good bioaccessibility levels, particularly for epigallocatechin gallate (871.8 %) and kaempferol 3-glucoside (862.5 %). Notably, caffeine was also bioaccessible (80.1 %), which may limit its use in caffeine-restricted diets. Our results suggest that the teas extracted in espresso machines preserved antioxidant substances associated with beneficial effects on consumers' health.

Gerbera is one of the four most important cut flowers worldwide, ranking fourth among cut flowers beyond roses, chrysanthemums, and tulips. Utilizing essential oils (EOs) as preservative material to control bacterial and fungal contamination, as well as to reduce postharvest quality loss in several cut flowers is a necessity in recent days. It was thought of investigating mixtures of essential oils to maximize their benefits in preserving cut flowers. Four different mixtures of essential oils were examined to preserve Gerbera jamesonii L. cv. Froza cut inflorescence. They were Cumin oil (150 µlL[- 1]) and Peppermint oil (150 µlL[- 1]) [T2], Cumin oil (150 µlL[- 1]) and Nigella oil (150 µlL[- 1]) [T3], Clove oil (150 µlL[- 1]) and Anise oil (150 µlL[- 1]) [T4], and Lavender oil (150 µlL[- 1]) and Thyme oil (150 µlL[- 1]) [T5], while the control cut inflorescences were held in distilled water and 0.5 µlL[- 1] of tween-20 [T1]. The utilized mixtures effectively prolonged the vase life of Gerbera cut inflorescences. They also maintained the fresh and dry weights of the cut inflorescences, enhanced the water relations, raised the inflorescence and scape diameters, and preserved the total contents of anthocyanins and carbohydrates. They dramatically decreased the growth of microorganisms in the vase solution. The combination of cumin oil and nigella oil was the most effective mixture in most of the studied characteristics. This mixture could extend the vase life of Gerbera cut inflorescences by approximately 7 days, rather than the control. Applying various mixtures of essential oils is a novel field that requires further studies and analysis.