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Anise ( Pimpinella anisum ) and coriander ( Coriandrum sativum ) are globally esteemed for their applications in both culinary and medicinal contexts. In the present study, the quantitative analysis of total phenolic and flavonoid contents revealed that the aerial parts of anise contained elevated levels of phenolics (43.5 ± 0.23 mg/g) and flavonoids (39.8 ± 0.19 mg/g) in comparison to coriander, which exhibited values of 53.1 ± 0.18 mg/g for phenolics and 48.7 ± 0.21 mg/g for flavonoids. HPLC analysis revealed that quercetin was the most prevalent flavonoid, with chlorogenic acid and ellagic acid being the primary phenolic acids observed in both P. anisum and C. sativum . Eight flavonoids were isolated through column chromatography and silica gel thin-layer chromatography. The flavonoids identified from anise included isorhamnetin, kaempferol 3- O -rhamnoside, myricetin 3- O -rhamnoside, luteolin 7- O -β-D-glucopyranoside, and rutin, whereas coriander yielded quercetin, quercetrin, and kaempferol 3,7- O -dirhamnoside. Furthermore, the study highlighted the antimicrobial capabilities of anise and coriander extracts against pathogenic microorganisms, showing varying levels of effectiveness. Molecular docking was then utilized to examine interactions between promising compounds and antimicrobial target proteins. Results revealed that luteolin7- O -glucopyranoside, isorhamnetin, and quercetin exhibited strong binding energies, effectively binding to active sites of antimicrobial protein receptors. These interactions involved diverse molecular interactions, indicating the potential for enzyme inhibition and significant antimicrobial effects. Furthermore, in-silico ADMET profiles indicated alignment with Lipinski rules, suggesting advantageous physicochemical properties for these compounds. The MD simulations revealed stable complexes between luteolin7- O -glucopyranoside and antimicrobial receptors (1AD4, 2UV0, 2OV5, and 5TZ1). This stability was evidenced by RMSD values ranging from 0.18 to 0.40 nm, indicating minor fluctuations in RMSF values (0.10 to 0.60 nm). The SASA values ranged from 135 to 235 nm², and Rg values varied from 1.85 to 2.50 nm, offering insights into the protein complexes’ shapes. These results support the compounds’ potential in ongoing drug development efforts, highlighting their stability and suitability for further exploration in drug development processes.

Main conclusionGenetic improvement of seed yield and drought resistance could be simultaneously gained in anise when breeding for drought resistance.Improving the water use efficiency of anise is a primary objective of anise breeding programs aimed at mitigating the impacts of drought stress. This study aimed to determine the predominant mechanisms involved in drought tolerance and investigate the genetic control of associated traits with drought tolerance and higher grain yield. According to these aims, 10 half-diallel hybrids and their five parents were evaluated in both field and greenhouse lysimetric experiments under well-watered and water deficit stress conditions. The results indicated that the inheritance of grain yield is complex and affected by water deficit stress. Similar heritability and genetic architecture were detected for flowering time and percentages of photosynthate partitioned to grain (PPPG) in both well-watered and water deficit stress treatments. Significant negative genetic correlations were observed between grain yield and flowering time, root dry mass, root diameter, root volume, root number, percentages of photosynthate partitioned to shoot, and percentages of photosynthate partitioned to root. Therefore, the selection of low values of these attributes can be used to improve grain yield under drought conditions. In contrast, a positive significant genetic linkage between grain yield and PPPG, chlorophyll content, cell membrane stability, and leaf relative water content reveal selection for high values of these attributes is favored. These attributes could be used as surrogate selection criteria in the early segregating generations. The P1 parent (early ripening parent) contained key genes associated with PPPG and drought escape. It was concluded that improvement of drought tolerance and grain yield could be simultaneously achieved in anise breeding programs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the replacement aspects of conventional methods (petroleum-based solvent and Folch assay) by alternative methods (bio-based and biodegradable solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) and supercritical CO 2 (SC-CO 2 )) for seed oil extraction from anise ( Pimpinella anisum L.) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ) . Results showed that the highest oil yield of aniseeds was obtained by using Folch (24.07%) and MeTHF (23.65%) extraction methods whereas fennel seeds had 20.02% and 18.72%, respectively. Fatty acid composition of both seed oils obtained by the two green extraction methods was similar to the conventional ones with the predominance of petroselinic acid (54.22–61.25% in fennel and 42.39–48.97% in anise). Besides, SC-CO 2 method allowed to obtain the maximum of sterol content in anise (3.85 mg/g of oil) and fennel (4.64 mg/g of oil) seed oils. Furthermore, anise and fennel seed oils extracted with MeTHF method significantly showed higher total phenolic content (2.43 and 1.32 mg GA/g oil, respectively), stronger antioxidant activity (9.23 and 5.04 μmol TEAC/g oil, respectively), and oxidative stability (8.23 and 10.15 h, respectively) than the other methods ( p  < 0.05). In conclusion, MeTHF appeared to be a good substitute to petroleum solvents for recovery of high oil quality from Pimpinella anisum and Foeniculum vulgare seeds.

Spices in general owned a very important reputation in the herbal plantae Kingdom; they have been used for food flavoring, preservation, aroma, and coloring for more than 2000 years. Moreover, spices are classified as all natural, and for this reason, they attracted a large scale of consumers worldwide; however, since most of spices are consumed in their natural form (without grounded them), it is necessary to monitor their consumed quantities. Hence, the aim of this work was to quantify major and trace elements contained in some Algerian kitchen frequently used spices (Piper nigrum L., Nigella sativa L., and Pimpinella anisum L.). Spice materials were washed well then pass through an instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Results revealed the existence of twenty-six elements among them: K, Ca, Fe, and Na which showed significant concentrations, consecutively, while Ce, Eu, Lu, Sm, and Tb were presented at low concentrations. Furthermore, these spices consumption assessment results were found to be well below the tolerance limits compared with the recommended values (RDA) suggested by the FAO association.

Anise ( Pimpinella anisum L.) is an annual spice and medicinal plant belonging to the family Apiaceae. Only a limited number of anise breeding studies are available. Therefore, genetic variation among anise landraces has not been extensively examined with molecular markers. In this study, the molecular diversity of 15 Turkish anise landraces collected from different regions of Turkey and four foreign landraces obtained from Cyprus, Syria and France were analyzed using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. The discriminatory power of these markers was assessed by calculating various marker parameters, namely percent polymorphism, polymorphism information content (PIC), resolving power (RP), and marker index (MI). The genomic DNA of 19 anise landraces was amplified with nine RAPD primers that generated 71 polymorphic bands and five ISSRs primers that produced 45 polymorphic bands. The percentage of polymorphic loci was 59.8% in RAPD profiling and 51.5% in ISSR profiling. The average PIC values obtained using RAPD and ISSR markers were 0.40 and 0.38, respectively. The mean RP (2.90 and 2.67) and MI values (1.23 and 1.05) of the RAPD assay were found to be somewhat higher than those of the ISSR assay, but ISSR was more favorable than the RAPD techniques in terms of presenting the phylogenetic relationships in anise landraces. A UPGMA cluster grouped the 19 anise landraces into two major clusters based on both markers. The RAPD and ISSR marker systems were found to be useful for determining genetic diversity in P. anisum L. and identifying variation among landraces.

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of zein coating (Z) impregnated with ginger extract (GE) and Pimpinella anisum essential oil (AEO) on microbial, chemical and sensory characteristics of beef samples packaged in modified atmosphere (MAP). The treatments were assessed during refrigerated storage for 20 days. GC-MS analysis exhibited that anethole (78.39%) was the dominant component of GE. Results indicated that meat treatment with zein coating containing GE 3% and AEO, resulted in the highest reduction rate of mesophilic bacteria (4.13 log CFU/g), lactic acid bacteria (2.68 log CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae (3.84 log CFU/g), Pseudomonas spp. (2.74 log CFU/g), and yeasts–molds (1.99 log CFU/g) as compared to the untreated (control) samples. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of GE enhanced with increasing the concentration and a synergistic effect was observed when combined with AEO. Chemical properties including total volatile nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), peroxide value (PV) and pH were notably lower in all treated meats compared to control samples. However, PV and TBARS were higher in MAP only treated meats. Regarding organoleptic properties, Z-GE 3%-A was mostly acceptable the panelists until the last day of experiment. Our findings indicate the potential of zein edible coating incorporated with GE and AEO in reducing the deterioration of fresh beef and improving its shelf life under MAP conditions. Graphic abstract

Background Pimpinella anisum and Coriandrum sativum , members of the Apiaceae family, have long been used in traditional medicine, yet comprehensive phytochemical and pharmacological profiling of their aerial parts remains scarce. This study aimed to investigate the flavonoid composition, hepatoprotective, antimutagenic, and antioxidant potentials of their flavonoid-enriched fractions, supported by in vivo assessments and molecular docking studies. Results LC–ESI–MS analysis revealed that P. anisum contained 11 phenolic acids and 29 flavonoids, while C. sativum comprised 13 phenolic acids and 28 flavonoids. The flavonoid-rich extracts demonstrated significant antioxidant activities, with P. anisum showing strong DPPH inhibition (83.72–86.22%) and C. sativum exhibiting comparable effects (86.43–88.18%) to ascorbic acid. In vivo studies confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of both extracts in thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, as evidenced by reduced serum transaminases, nitric oxide (NO), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), along with enhanced total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and MMP-9 levels. Histological examinations supported the biochemical findings. Antimutagenic studies further revealed a reduction in chromosomal aberrations, DNA damage, and sperm abnormalities. Molecular docking identified six flavonoid compounds—apigenin 6- C -glucoside, apigenin 7- O -glucoside, myricetin 3- O -β-D-glucopyranoside, luteolin, kaempferol, and chrysin—as potent ligands for TNF-α, MMP-9, SOD, and GPx. ADMET predictions indicated high oral bioavailability, drug-likeness, and minimal toxicity. Additionally, Molecular dynamics simulations were used to evaluate the binding energetics and stability of GPx1, MMP-9, and TNF complexes with specific flavonoids. Trajectory analyses demonstrated that GPx1 and MMP-9 rapidly form structurally compact, highly stable, and tightly anchored interactions. Conclusions The flavonoid-enriched fractions of P. anisum and C. sativum exhibit potent antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antimutagenic activities, likely mediated through modulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways. The identified flavonoids represent promising candidates for the development of multi-target hepatoprotective therapeutics with favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profiles. Graphical abstract

The effect of drying methods (sun, oven and shade drying) on aniseeds was investigated in terms of their essential oils, phenolics and antioxidant activities. The optimum yield of essential oil was found in shade drying (2.62%). Fourteen volatile compounds were determined in all samples with variation of the main component proportions depending on drying methods. Thus, trans -anethole (84.21%) and estragole (3.82%) proportions significantly increased in shade drying. The highest total phenol and flavonoid contents of aniseeds were recorded in shade drying (42.70 mg of GAE/g and 53.55 mg of QE/g, respectively) while the lowest contents in oven drying at 60 °C (31.15 mg of GAE/g and 46.20 mg of QE/g, respectively). In all drying methods, naringin (41.04–43.76%), chloroginic acid (23.13–27.19%) and rosmarinic acid (12.26–15.95%) were the predominant phenol compounds. Although shade drying increased the antioxidant activity, aniseed extracts exhibited higher radical scavenging (IC 50  = 10.15 µg/mL), reducing power (EC 50  = 187.24 µg/mL) and chelating (IC 50  = 6.85 mg/mL) capacities than essential oils (IC 50  = 114.87 µg/mL, EC 50  = 548.05 µg/mL and IC 50  = 58.65 mg/mL, respectively). In conclusion, Shade drying method was found to enhance essential oils, phenols and antioxidant activities in aniseeds.

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of anise oil and anise tincture obtained from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L., when used as sensory additives. The use of the anise oil at the proposed use level in complete feed of 1.9 mg/kg for laying hens and 5 mg/kg for horses was considered of low concern. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) had no safety concern when anise oil is used at the proposed use levels of 1.5 mg/kg for chickens for fattening and at 1.7 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening. The use of anise tincture at the proposed conditions of use was considered of low concern in dogs, cats, horses and laying hens, and of no concern in chickens for fattening. The use of the additives up to the highest level in feed which was considered of low or no concern for target animals was also expected to be of no concern for consumers. The additives under assessment should be considered as irritants to skin and eyes, and as dermal and respiratory sensitisers. Due to the high concentration of estragole (≥ 1%), anise oil is classified as suspected of causing genetic defects and of causing cancer and should be handled accordingly. When handling anise tincture, exposure of unprotected users to estragole may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. The use of these additives in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk to the environment. Since the fruit of P. anisum and its preparations are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be the same, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the fruit of Pimpinella anisum L. (anise tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of approximately 1.6%. The product contained on average 0.0414% polyphenols (of which 0.0144% were flavonoids), 0.0009% anisaldehyde, 0.0003% anethole. Estragole (≤ 1.2 mg/kg) was detected in the additive. The estimated maximum content of furocoumarins was 8.2 mg/kg. The use of the anise tincture in feed was not expected to increase the exposure to furocoumarins of those target species that are already fed citrus by‐products to a relevant extent (< 10%). For dogs, cats and ornamental fish not normally exposed to citrus by‐products, no conclusion could be drawn. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the anise tincture was safe at the maximum proposed use levels in complete feed of 200 mg/kg for horses and 50 mg/kg for poultry, pigs, ruminants, rabbits and salmonids and other fin fish. Anise tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Since anise tincture may contain furocoumarins, they may cause phototoxicity. When handling the additive, exposure of unprotected users to estragole may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. The use of the anise tincture as a flavour in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the fruit of P. anisum and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be the same, no demonstration of efficacy was necessary.