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.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Cuminum cyminum (Apiales: Apiaceae) and phylogenetic analysis

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L). belongs to the family Apiaceae and the order Apiales, which is a widely grown spice and medicinal plant in Xinjiang province, China. In the current study, whole genome sequencing of C. cyminum was performed using the Illumina HiSeq 4000 platform, and the complete mitogenome sequence was assembled and annotated. We found that the single circular mitogenome of C. cyminum was 246,721 bp in length, and has about 45.5% GC content. It comprised 73 genes in the coding region (35 protein-coding genes, 18 tRNA genes, 3 rRNA genes, and 15 open-reading frames) and a non-coding region. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. cyminum is closely related to Daucus carota and the subtribes Daucinae. The mitogenome of C. cyminum revealed its phylogenetic relationships with other species in the Apiaceae family, which would further help in understanding its evolution.

Identification of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) MicroRNAs through Deep Sequencing and Their Impact on Plant Secondary Metabolism

The pharmacological properties of plants lie in the content of secondary metabolites that are classified into different categories based on their biosynthesis, structures, and functions. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play crucial post-transcriptional regulatory roles in plants, including development and stress-response signaling; however, information about their involvement in secondary metabolism is still limited. Cumin is one of the most popular seeds from the plant Cuminum cyminum, with extensive applications in herbal medicine and cooking; nevertheless, no previous studies focus on the miRNA profile of cumin. In this study, the miRNA profile of C. cyminum and its association with the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites were determined using NGS technology. The sequencing data yielded 10,956,054 distinct reads with lengths ranging from 16 to 40 nt, of which 349 miRNAs were found to be conserved and 39 to be novel miRNAs. Moreover, this work identified 1959 potential target genes for C. cyminum miRNAs. It is interesting to note that several conserved and novel miRNAs have been found to specifically target important terpenoid backbone, flavonoid biosynthesis, and lipid/fatty acid pathways enzymes. We believe this investigation will aid in elucidating the implications of miRNAs in plant secondary metabolism.

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, β-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.

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.

Effective adsorption of diclofenac sodium from aqueous solution using cationic surfactant modified Cuminum cyminum agri-waste: kinetic, equilibrium, and thermodynamic studies

The occurrence of pharmaceutical pollutants in aqueous media has increased where significant research is being conducted to eliminate these toxic compounds. In the present study, Tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) modified Cuminum cyminum agri-waste (CCW) was prepared to investigate the removal of diclofenac sodium (DCF) from aqueous solution in the batch process for the first time. Physical and chemical characterizations of as-prepared adsorbent were conducted using field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, N₂ adsorption-desorption, and point of zero charge analysis. Besides, the effect of the main parameters that affect the adsorption process, i.e., adsorbent dosage (0.25-6 g/L), contact time (0-300 min), initial DCF concentration (10-500 mg/L), and pH of the solution, were investigated. Furthermore, the resulted data were analyzed using various kinetic and isotherm models. The Pseudo-second-order model with R² = 0.9981 showed the highest agreement with kinetic behavior. Also, the maximum adsorption capacity of DCF is 93.65 mg/g, according to the Langmuir isotherm. In acidic media, the adsorption capacity reached the highest value (44.69 mg/g). As a result, this study revealed that the agri-waste material could be modified and, as a low-cost adsorbent, have promising adsorption potential to remove pharmaceutical contaminants from the aqueous solution.

GC-MS Profiling, Anti-Helicobacter pylori, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Three Apiaceous Fruits' Essential Oils

Eradication of Helicobacter pylori is a challenge due to rising antibiotic resistance and GIT-related disorders. Cuminum cyminum, Pimpinella anisum, and Carum carvi are fruits belonging to the Apiaceae family. Their essential oils were extracted, analyzed using GC-MS, tested for anti-H. pylori activity by a micro-well dilution technique, identified for potential anti-H. pylori inhibitors by an in-silico study, and investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using a COX-2 inhibition assay. Results showed that the main components of C. cyminum, P. anisum, and C. carvi were cumaldehyde (41.26%), anethole (92.41%), and carvone (51.38%), respectively. Essential oil of C. cyminum exhibited the greatest anti-H. pylori activity (3.9 µg/mL) followed by P. anisum (15.63 µg/mL), while C. carvi showed the lowest activity (62.5 µg/mL). The in-silico study showed that cumaldehyde in C. cyminum has the best fitting energy to inhibit H. pylori.C. cyminum essential oil showed the maximum ability to reduce the production of Cox-2 expression approaching celecoxib with IC₅₀ = 1.8 ± 0.41 µg/mL, followed by the C. carvi oil IC₅₀ = 7.3 ± 0.35 µg/mL and then oil of P. anisum IC₅₀ = 10.7±0.63 µg/mL. The investigated phytochemicals in this study can be used as potential adjunct therapies with conventional antibiotics against H. pylori.

Effect of C. cyminum and L. sativum on Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Antidiabetic Drug Gliclazide

BACKGROUND

Numerous herbs are reported to have anti-hyperglycemic activity and are frequently used in combination with prescription drugs to lower the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients, without proper knowledge about the possibility of herb-drug interaction.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of cumin and garden cress on pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of gliclazide (GLZ) in nicotinamide-streptozotocin diabetic model.

METHODS

Diabetic animals of groups II-IV were treated with GLZ, cumin, 'cumin + GLZ', garden cress and 'garden cress + GLZ'. Herb's treatments were given for two weeks, and GLZ was administered in a single dose. Blood glucose levels (BGLs) were measured at pre-determined time points. Plasma samples of pharmacokinetic study were analyzed using UPLC-MS/MS. GLZ fragment at m/z 324.1>127 was monitored.

RESULTS

Cumin and garden cress have shown 15.3% and 15.9% reduction in mean BGL (1-24h) (p-value < 0.001), respectively. GLZ reduced mean BGL by 30.0%, which was significantly better than cumin and garden cress (pvalue <0.05). Concurrently administered "garden cress + GLZ" demonstrated the highest reduction in mean BGL (by 40.46%) and showed a prolonged effect. There was no significant advantage of simultaneously administered 'cumin + GLZ'. Cumin did not affect PK of GLZ. Garden cress has significantly enhanced AUC_0-t (by 69.8%, pvalue 0.0013), but other PK parameters C_max, T_max, and Kel were close to the control group.

CONCLUSION

PK/PD-based herb-drug interaction was observed. Concurrently administered garden cress + GLZ showed improved antidiabetic effect and has enhanced GLZ bioavailability.

Allelopathic Effects of Essential Oils on Seed Germination of Barley and Wheat

In this study, we evaluated the allelopathic effects of essential oils (EOs) from six different plant species, namely, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), English thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lovage (Levisticum officinale), costmary (Chrysanthemum balsamita), and cumin (Cuminum cyminum), on seed germination and seedling growth of barley (Hordeum vulgare) and wheat (Triticum aestivum). The main constituents of the EOs of L. angustifolia were 47.0% linalool acetate and 28.4% linalool; H. officinalis' main constituents were 39.8% cis-pinocamphone, 9.8% trans-pinocamphone, 11.4% β-pinene, and 7.5% β-phellandrene; T. vulgaris' were 38.2% para-cymene, 25.6% thymol, and 13.6% γ-terpinene; L. officinale's were 64.8% α-terpinyl acetate and 14.7% β-phellandrene; C. balsamita's were 43.7% camphor, 32.4% trans-thujone, and 11.6% camphene; C. cyminum's were 49.6% cumin aldehyde, 10.4% para-cymene, 11.6% α-terpinen-7-al, and 9.1% β-pinene. All six EOs exhibited an allelopathic effect and suppressed the seed germination and seedling development of wheat and barley; however, the concentrations that exhibited a suppressing effect were different among the plants. C. cyminum EO completely suppressed both barley and wheat germination at 10-, 30-, and 90-µL application rates, making it the most effective treatment among the tested EOs. C. balsamita's and H. officinalis' EOs at 30 and 90 µL application rates completely suppressed barley and wheat radicles per seed, radicle length (mm), seedling height (mm), and germination (%). L. angustifolia's EOs at 30- and 90-µL and T. vulgaris' EO at 90 µL application rates also completely suppressed barley and wheat radicles per seed, radicle length (mm), seedling height (mm), and germination (%). C. balsamita's, H. officinalis', L. angustifolia's, and T. vulgaris' EOs at a 10 µL application rate reduced barley radicle length, seedling height, and % germination relative to the control. Wheat seed germination % was completely suppressed by the application of L. angustifolia's and T. vulgaris' EOs at 30 and 90 µL, while T. vulgaris' EO at 10 µL rate reduced the germination relative to the control. Interestingly, C. balsamita and H. officinalis at 10 µL did not reduce wheat germination; however, they did reduce the number of radicles per seed, radicle length (mm), seedling height (mm), germination (%), and vigor index. Furthermore, L. officinale's EO reduced the measured indices (radicles per seed, radicle length, seedling height, and vigor index) at the 10, 30, and 90 µL application rates relative to the non-treated control; however, none of the application rates of L. officinale's EO had a suppression effect on wheat germination. This study demonstrated the allelopathic effects of the EOs of six different herbal plant species on seed germination of barley and winter wheat. The results can be utilized in the development of commercial products for controlling pre-harvest sprouting of wheat and barley. Further research is needed to verify the results under field conditions.

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 %), (-)-β-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.

Cuminaldehyde exhibits potential antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa involving reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation: a way forward towards sustainable biofilm management

Pseudomonas aeruginosa often causes various acute and chronic infections in humans exploiting biofilm. Molecules interfering with microbial biofilm formation could be explored for the sustainable management of infections linked to biofilm. Towards this direction, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of cuminaldehyde, an active ingredient of the essential oil of Cuminum cyminum was tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this regard, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cuminaldehyde was found to be 150 μg/mL against the test organism. Experiments such as crystal violet assay, estimation of total biofilm protein, fluorescence microscopy and measurement of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) indicated that the sub-MIC doses (up to 60 µg/mL) of cuminaldehyde demonstrated considerable antibiofilm activity without showing any antimicrobial activity to the test organism. Moreover, cuminaldehyde treatment resulted in substantial accumulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) that led to the inhibition of microbial biofilm formation. To this end, the exposure of ascorbic acid was found to restore the biofilm-forming ability of the cuminaldehyde-treated cells. Besides, a noticeable reduction in proteolytic activity was also observed when the organism was treated with cuminaldehyde. Taken together, the results demonstrated that cuminaldehyde could be used as a promising molecule to inhibit the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Development of a novel nanoemulgel formulation containing cumin essential oil as skin permeation enhancer

Essential oils have been proposed as promising non-toxic transdermal permeation enhancers. Their use is limited because of their low water solubility. The use of nanotechnology-based strategies is one of the ways to overcome this limitation. This study aimed to explore the transdermal permeation enhancing capability of cumin essential oil in nanoemulgel systems containing diclofenac sodium. Cumin essential oil nanoemulsion was produced by high-pressure homogenization technique. The formulation was optimized by changing HLB values in a range of 9.65–16.7 using different surfactant mixtures, namely, Tween 20, Tween 80, and Span 80. Preparations were characterized by polydispersity index, droplet size, and zeta potential. Nanoemulsion with concentrations of 2 and 4% essential oil was incorporated into 0.75% Carbopol gel matrix to make nanoemulgel formulation, and its permeation enhancing effect was performed through Franz diffusion cells. Antinociceptive activities of the formulations were measured in thermal (tail-flick) and chemical (formalin) models of nociception in mice. Characterization exhibited that at HLB value of 9.65, the smallest particle size (82.20 ± 5.82 nm) was formed. By increasing the essential oil percentage in the nanoemulgel from 1 to 2%, the permeation of diclofenac increased from 28.39 ± 1.23 to 34.75 ± 1.07 µg/cm² at 24 h. The value of permeation from the simple gel (21.18 ± 2.51 µg/cm²) and the marketed product (22.97 ± 1.92 µg/cm²) was lower than the formulations containing essential oil. Nanoemulgel of diclofenac containing essential oil showed stronger antinociceptive effects in formalin and tail-flick tests than simple diclofenac gel and marketed formulation. In conclusion, the study proved that nanoemulgel formulation containing cumin essential oil could be considered as a promising skin enhancer to enhance the therapeutic effect of drugs.

Cumin Prevents 17β-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.

Biochemical Composition of Cumin Seeds, and Biorefining Study

A new biorefinery approach has been developed in the present study, and applied on cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seeds as a potential source of phytochemicals of interest. Cumin is a popular spice used widely for its distinctive aroma. It is a rich reserve of both vegetable and essential oils. The biorefinery approach here focused on the evaluation of the influence of four different geographical origins (i.e., Lebanon, France, Algeria and Syria) on oil yield and quality in cumin seed, and on the valorization of remaining by-products by investigating their nutritional content and biological activity for the first time. Vegetable and essential oils were extracted, and their compositions were determined. Nutritional traits were also assessed. The delipidated and hydrodistillated cakes just as aromatic water were characterized for their fiber, sugar, protein, phenol and flavonoid contents. Antibacterial and antioxidant activities were also determined. Cumin seeds showed high contents in both vegetable and essential oils, proteins and sugars regardless their origin. Moreover, this Apiaceae species exhibited high levels of petroselinic fatty acid (an isomer of oleic acid) and sterols. Cakes and aromatic water also presented high levels of proteins, fibers, sugars and phenols. These residues revealed interesting antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These results emphasized the potential use of cumin in a biorefinery concept, with a multi-purpose industrial process. In addition, large differences were observed between the four geographical origins for phytochemical contents and compositions. These findings highlight the perspectives for developing selection programs for nutritional traits and industrial interests. All obtained results validate the health promoting effect of cumin composition as well as its industrial importance along with the residues.

The Use of Essential Oil and Hydrosol Extracted from Satureja hellenica for the Control of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica

Essential oil (EO) and hydrosol (HL) isolated from an indigenous plant species Satureja hellenica were evaluated against Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica. Particularly, the activity of extracts on a second stage juvenile’s (J2s) motility, the hatching of J2s from eggs, egg differentiation and the effect on J2s in soil were tested. A paralysis of 100% of the J2s of both species was recorded after 96 h of immersion in the essential oil, at a dose of 2000 μL/L. At the same dose, the percentage of paralyzed J2s after 48 h of immersion was more than 80%, for both Meloidogyne species. The use of hydrosol has shown encouraging results only in the dilution of 50%, where for both Meloidogyne species tested, the percentage of paralyzed J2s was more than 70% after 48 h of immersion, while the percentage was increased to 90% after 96 h of immersion. Egg differentiation was ceased after immersion, either in EO or HL. However, this decrease in egg differentiation was evident only at higher concentrations of EO and at the highest HL dilution (0.5 v/v). The hatching of M. incognita J2s was decreasing as the dose was increasing. The lowest numbers of hatched J2s were recorded at the doses of 2000 and 4000 μL/L. A clear reduction in M. javanica J2s hatching was observed as the dose was increased to 250 μL/L, a fact constantly observed as the dose was increasing up to 4000 μL/L. Lower numbers of nematodes were recorded in roots grown in infested soil after the application of EO or HL at the highest doses. The EO of S. hellenica is characterized by the presence of p-cymene (27.46%) and carvacrol (23.25%), and in a lesser extent of other constituents, such as borneol (6.79%), carvacrol methylether (6.77%), γ-terpinene (4.63%) and 4-terpineol (3.65%). Carvacrol was the major constituent found in the HL (50.12%), followed by borneol and 4-terpineol (20.42 and 6.72%, respectively).

Combined effects of Allium sativum and Cuminum cyminum essential oils on planktonic and biofilm forms of Salmonella typhimurium isolates

Sa lmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) represents an important global public health problem and has the ability to survive under desiccation conditions in foods and food processing facilities for years. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Allium sativum (A. sativum) and Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) essential oils (EOs) against planktonic growth, biofilm formation and quorum sensing (QS) of S. Typhimurium isolates, the strong biofilm producers. The major components of EOs were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biofilm formation of S. Typhimurium isolates was measured by crystal violet staining. Then, the effects of the EOs on the planktonic cell growth (using determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)), measurement of the synergistic effects of EOs (using checkerboard method), biofilm formation (using microtiter-plate test and scanning electron microscope (SEM)), and expression of QS and cellulose synthesis genes (using quantitative real-time PCR) were assessed. Finally, tetrazolium-based colorimetric (MTT) assay was used to examine EOs cytotoxicity on the Vero cell line. GC-MS analysis showed that terpineol, carene and pinene in C. cyminum EO and sulfur compounds in A. sativum EO were the major components of the plant extract. The Geometric mean of MIC values of the A. sativum and C. cyminum were 0.66 and 2.62 μL mL^-1, respectively. The geometric means of the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICi) for both EOs were calculated as 1.05. The qPCR results showed that MIC/2 concentrations of both EOs significantly down-regulated of QS (sdiA and luxS) and cellulose synthesis (csgD and adrA) genes. Scanning electron microscopy showed the EOs reduced the amount of S. Typhimurium mature biofilm. In general, we showed that C. cyminum and A. sativum EOs can be considered as the potential agents against planktonic and biofilm form of S. Typhimurium without any concern of cytotoxic effect at 4 MIC concentrations on the eukaryotic Vero cells.

The complete chloroplast genome and phylogenetic analysis of Cuminum cyminum

Cuminum cyminum (Apiaceae) is an economically important plant, whose fruits are usually used as flavoring, and also have pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, hypolipidemic, and so on. In this study, we assembled and annotated complete chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of C. cyminum. The results showed that the complete cp genome of C. cyminum was 157,839 bp in length, consisting of a large single-copy (LSC) region of 83,927bp, a small single-copy (SSC) region of 17,598bp, and two inverted repeat regions (IRa and IRb) of 28,157bp. In total, 131 genes were annotated, comprising of 86 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. cyminum belongs to the tribe Scandiceae, and showed close relationship with Daucus carota.

Effects of Probiotic Soy Milk Fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum A7 (KC 355240) added with Cuminum Cyminum Essential Oil on Fasting Blood Glucose Levels, Serum Lipid Profile and Body Weight in Diabetic Wistar Rats

Background:

There is some separate evidence that probiotic soy milk and Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) have positive effects on the prevention and reduction of diabetic complications. While the impact of probiotic soymilk mixed with herbal essential oils has not been investigated so far, the objective of this study is to examine the effects of probiotic soy milk using Lactobacillus plantarum A7 (KC 355240) added with essential oil of C. cyminum on diabetic rats.

Methods:

50 streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA) induced diabetic Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control group (C group), soy milk group (SM group), probiotic soy milk group (PSM group), soy milk containing essential oil of C. cyminum group (SMC group) and probiotic soy milk containing essential oil of C. cyminum group (PSMC group). The animals consumed these products (1 ml/day) for 30 days. The fasting blood glucose (FBS), the serum lipid levels, and body weight variation were analyzed in 10-day intervals.

Results:

FBS, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased significantly, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased in the PSMC group compared with that of other groups (P < 0.05). This product also led to weight gain (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

A mixture of probiotic soy milk and herbal essential oil consumption could impose a positive effect on reducing FBS as well as serum lipid profile in STZ- NA diabetes-induced rat. Also, it results in an increase in their weight gain.

Chemical composition and antimycotic activity of six essential oils (cumin, fennel, manuka, sweet orange, cedar and juniper) against different Candida spp

Candida are commensal yeasts, present in the alimentary tract and mucocutaneous membranes of mammals. Recently, opportunistic Candida infections increased presenting resistances. Essential oils are mixtures of volatile compounds that may show antibacterial and antifungal effects and are important for food and pharmaceutical industry purposes. The aim of this work was to analyse the potential action of sweet orange, cedar, juniper, cumin, fennel and manuka essential oils. The tested oils were chemically characterised by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. The composition of these formulations suggests that each oil is featured by both specific and common components. The activity of the oils was analysed through Agar Disk Diffusion and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration. Their biological performance could be related to the comprehensive set of interactions settled by the natural formulation. Our results demonstrated the efficacy of cumin, fennel and manuka essential oils and supported their application as a natural alternative treatment against Candida spp.

Cumin essential oil: Phytochemical analysis, antimicrobial activity and investigation of its mechanism of action through scanning electron microscopy

In this study, the antimicrobial effects of cumin essential oil (CEO) and its mechanism of action through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) against Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua were investigated. The SEM images were taken at 0, 12 and 24 h at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The chemical composition of CEO was identified through gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial effects of CEO were evaluated by the methods of Kirby-Bauer, well diffusion agar, microdilution broth and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC). Antioxidant activity was examined by the methods of β-carotene/linoleic acid inhibition and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Total phenol content (TPC) was measured by Folin-Ciocalteu method. The subsequent analysis of CEO through GC-MS revealed that cuminal (28.28%) was the major compound of CEO. CEO showed a high TPC of 89.45 ± 0.78 mg GAE/g. The free radical scavenging activity of CEO (based on IC₅₀) was equal to 9.10 ± 0.63 μg mL^-1. In addition, CEO showed a remarkably high inhibitory effect (63%) on β-carotene bleaching via neutralizing hydroperoxides, which are responsible for the oxidation of highly unsaturated β-carotene. The antimicrobial effect increased as a function of essential oil concentration. However, there were no inhibitory effects on E. coli at 5 mg mL^-1. The electron micrographs demonstrated that CEO caused an increase in the permeabilization of the cells and disrupted the membrane integrity.

Essential Oils on <I>Aspergillus flavus </I>Growth and Aflatoxin B<SUB>1</SUB> Production

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a highly toxic and carcinogenic metabolite produced by Aspergillus species on food and agricultural commodities. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the inhibition of growth Aspergillus flavus E73 (A. flavus E73) and AFB1 production by Cuminum cyminum L. (C. cyminum L.) and Coriandrum sativum L. (C. sativum L.) essential oils (EOs) as well their antioxidant and phytotoxicity activities.

METHODOLOGY

The C. cyminum L. and C. sativum L. EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation. The chemical profile of EOs was identified by GC-MS, antifungal activity was assessed by poisoned food technique and in term Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) and antiaflatoxin effect by broth medium. The antioxidant activity of EOs was determined by DPPH free radical scavenging assay, β-carotene bleaching test and total phenolic content by Folin-Ciocalteu. Phytotoxicity of C. cyminum L. and C. sativum L. EOs were determined for varieties of wheat. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance (one way ANOVA).

RESULTS

The GS/MS analysis showed that the major components of C. cyminum L. EO were cuminaldehyde (65.98%), o-cymene (18.40%) and C. sativum L. EO was mainly consisted of linalool (78.86%). The results showed that both the EOs could inhibit the growth of A. flavus E73 in the range of 24.27-84.90% for C. cyminum and 15.09-65.00% for C. sativum. During antiaflatoxin investigation, the oils exhibited noticeable inhibition on dry mycelium weight and synthesis of AFB1 by A. flavus E73. EOs of C. cyminum L. and C. sativum L. revealed complete inhibition of AFB1 at 1.25 and 1.5 mg mL-1, respectively. EOs exhibited inhibitory influence against some fungi. The IC50 values of C. cyminum L. and C. sativum L. EOs were 494.93 and 756.43 μg mL-1, respectively, while, β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching was 47.68 and 29.29% , respectively. Total phenolic content of C. cyminum L. and C. sativum L. were 10.66 and 6.2 μg mg-1. Additionally, the EOs were non-phytotoxic on the two verities of wheat seeds.

CONCLUSION

The C. cyminum L. and C. sativum L EOs could be good alternative to protect foods.

Antifungal activity of the essential oils of some medicinal plants against human and plant fungal pathogens

The present study was conducted to assess the antifungal activity of essential oils of medicinal plants Mentha piperita (peppermint), Foeniculum vulgare, Satureja hortensis (Savory), Ferula asafoetida and Cuminum cyminum against Alternaria sp., Bipolaris sorokiniana and Acremonium sclerotigenum. The antifungal activity was evaluated by Broth Microdilution Method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MICs) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFCs) of the essential oils were compared with Amphotricin B and Captan as standard drug. MIC values for all essential oils were between 1 to 8 mg/mL. MIC value of Fennel essential oil was comparable to MFC value obtained from fungicide Captan. Peppermint essential oil exhibited maximum inhibitory and fungicide activity in concentrations of 2 mg/ml and 4 mg/ml against Alternaria sp. The essential oil was more effective than Fennel against Bipolaris, but MFC values of both essential oils were 4 mg/ml. C. cyminum displayed less susceptibility against all of the fungi. Regarding our finding, peppermint and Fennel oil seem to be a promising solution to control plant diseases.

Metabolome based volatiles mapping of roasted umbelliferous fruits aroma via HS-SPME GC/MS and peroxide levels analyses

Despite studies on umbelliferous fruits flavor makeup, nothing is known regarding roasting impact on their fruit aroma. Five major umbelliferous crops viz., anise, caraway, coriander, cumin and fennel were analyzed via headspace solid-phase microextraction to reveal for 117 volatile constituents. Oxygenated monoterpenes amounted for the major volatile class in raw fruits at 75% with (E)-anethole, carvone, β-linalool, cuminaldehyde and estragole as major components in anise, caraway, coriander, cumin, and fennel, respectively. Difference was observed in fennel fruit "estragole" levels derived from different origins. Upon roasting, several novel volatiles were detected viz. pyrazines and flavored Milliard type volatiles. Major flavor intensified response was detected in cumin with an increase in its "cuminaldehyde" levels versus a decrease of estragole levels in fennel. Roasted cumin exhibited highest peroxide value 14.2 mEq O₂/Kg, whereas the least was detected in fennel at 6.1 mEq O₂/Kg, though with both values not representing a health hazard.

Protein Profiling of Non-model Plant Cuminum cyminum by Gel-Based Proteomic Approach

INTRODUCTION

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), a popular spice has been widely used in traditional medicine to cure various ailments. Despite the existence of scientific literature about its pharmacological properties, no successful proteome profiling has yet been attempted.

OBJECTIVE

To optimise extraction of cumin proteins and analyse its profile by shotgun proteomics, using one-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with nano-ESI-LC-MS/MS.

METHODOLOGY

As a first step, we have compared three extraction protocols for total proteins extraction from cumin. Extracted proteins were separated on one-dimensional gel and analysed by state-of-the-art linear ion trap (LTQ)-Orbitrap Velose and Q Exactive HF mass spectrometer.

RESULTS

Evaluation of extraction method revealed significant differences in protein yield and proteome composition between the three extracts. LC-MS/MS allowed identification of several proteins with functional significance in various biological processes.

CONCLUSION

This study provides identification of a large number of proteins and offers a molecular basis for future research on potential pharmacologically active cumin proteins. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Evaluation the effect of 50 and 100 mg doses of Cuminum cyminum essential oil on glycemic indices, insulin resistance and serum inflammatory factors on patients with diabetes type II: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 50 and 100 mg doses of green cumin essential oil on glycemic and inflammatory indices in patients with diabetes type II.

Method

In this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, subjects were divided into three groups after selecting them randomly according to the inclusion criteria: 1 – Cuminum cyminum capsule (100 mg/day,n = 33), 2 – C. cyminum capsule (50 mg/day, n = 33), and 3 – placebo (n = 33). Before and after 8 weeks of intervention, a blood sample was taken.

Findings

The findings demonstrated that the mean of the FBS, glycosylated hemoglobin (HgA1c) and the serum levels of insulin were significantly decreased and insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR) was significantly increased in the groups receiving the 100 mg supplement (P < 0.001) and 50 mg supplement, but these indices were increased in the placebo group. The mean serum levels of TNF-α and hsCRP were significantly decreased, and serum levels of adiponectin was significantly increased at the end of the study in the groups receiving 100 mg (P < 0.001) and 50 mg (P = 0.008) supplement as well as in the group who received the placebo. There were no significant change in HOMA-B and QUICKI as insulin resistance parameters.

Discussion and conclusion

Administering C. cyminum supplement in patients with diabetes type II may decrease the serum levels of insulin, FBS, and glycosylated hemoglobin and also the inflammatory indices of TNF-α and hsCRP and increased the serum levels of adiponectin. In addition it may control the complications of diabetes type II in these patients.

Antifungal effects of Lavandula binaludensis and Cuminum cyminum essential oils against Candida albicans strains isolated from patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC), which affects approximately 5% of women of reproductive age, is defined as 4 or more episodes of symptomatic Candida vaginitis within a year. The purposes of this study were to determine the chemical compositions and antifungal susceptibility of Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) and Lavandula binaludensis (L. binaludensis) essential oils and their combination against Candida albicans (C. albicans) strains isolated from patients with RVVC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

C. albicans isolates were identified via germ tube test, CHROMagar and RapID Yeast Plus System. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). The broth microdilution method was used as antifungal susceptibility test (CLSI-M27-A3).

RESULTS

The GC-MS analysis allowed 13 components to be determined; the main components of C. cyminum and L. binaludensis essential oils were γ-terpinene (21.07%) and 1,8-cineole (71.56%), respectively. L. binaludensis and C. cyminum oils were effective in inhibiting C. albicans growth at mean concentrations of 7.91±1.61μg/mL and 8.00±1.89μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the combination of C. cyminum with L. binaludensis oils were more active causing inhibition in all C. albicans isolates, with concentrations varying from 3.90 to 11.71μg/mL (mean value: 7.22±1.69μg/mL).

CONCLUSION

The results suggested the potential substitution of the antifungal chemicals by C. cyminum and L. binaludensis essential oils as natural inhibitors to control the growth of the most important pathogenic Candida species and alternative therapies for RVVC.

Effect of dietary antioxidant supplementation (Cuminum cyminum) on bacterial susceptibility of diabetes-induced rats

Diabetic patients are at risk of acquiring infections. Chronic low-grade inflammation is an important factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic complication. Diabetes causes generation of reactive oxygen species that increases oxidative stress, which may play a role in the development of complications as immune-deficiency and bacterial infection. The study aimed to investigate the role of a natural antioxidant, cumin, in the improvement of immune functions in diabetes. Diabetes was achieved by interperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Bacterial infection was induced by application of Staphylococcus aureus suspension to a wound in the back of rats. The antioxidant was administered for 6 weeks. Results revealed a decrease in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats (p < 0.001), in addition to improving immune functions by decreasing total IgE approaching to the normal control level. Also, inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-1β and TNF) levels, as well as total blood count decreased in diabetic rats as compared to the control group. Thus, cumin may serve as anti-diabetic treatment and may help in attenuating diabetic complications by improving immune functions. Therefore, a medical dietary antioxidant supplementation is important to improve the immune functions in diabetes.

Evaluation of Response Surface Methodology to Predict Optimum Growth Conditions for Lactobacillus plantarum A7 (KC 355240) in Probiotic Soy Milk Containing Essential Oil of Cuminum cyminum

BACKGROUND

A new product from soy milk, which is a combination of probiotics and essential oils, can be regarded as a functional food with new added health benefit.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluation of the results of response surface methodology (RSM) in prediction of the optimum growth condition of Lactobacillus plantarum A7 (KC 355240) (LA7) cultured in soy milk enriched with different concentrations of essential oil of Cuminum cyminum in comparison with the classical growth curve monitoring method.

METHODS

Bacterial growth was investigated in the samples of probiotic soy milk containing three concentration levels (0.01%, 0.02% and 0.03% (v/v)) of the essential oil of C. cyminum. The experiments were repeated three times. Concentration of C. cyminum essential oil and the fermentation time were considered as factors and experiments were conducted based on a small composite design of response surface methodology.

RESULTS

According to the tests carried out, the optimum conditions were determined as the concentration of 0.02% (v/v) essential oil and 9 hours of fermentation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results were in accordance with the outcomes of classical growth curve monitoring method. There are several patents that have recently shown a diverse mix of soy milk in functional foods. Results of this study can be used in the preparation of functional products, enriched with medicinal plants.

New Antiglycative Compounds from Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) Spice

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), a widely consumed food spice, has been reported to have antiglycative effects in vitro and in vivo, but there is a paucity of data on its bioactive compounds. Herein, we report the isolation and structure elucidation (by NMR, HRESIMS, and CD) of 21 (1-21) compounds from a methanol extract of cumin seeds. The isolates included five new compounds: two sesquiterpenoids, two pairs of monoterpeneoid epimers, and a chalcone, named cuminoids A-E, respectively. The isolates were evaluated for antiglycative effects using the bovine serum albumin-fructose intrinsic fluorescence assay. At equivalent concentrations, several of the isolates, including cuminoids C-E, were more potent inhibitors than the positive control, aminoguanidine, a synthetic antiglycative agent (>50 vs 35%, respectively).

Cuminaldehyde as the Major Component of Cuminum cyminum, a Natural Aldehyde with Inhibitory Effect on Alpha-Synuclein Fibrillation and Cytotoxicity

Fibrillation of alpha-synuclein (α-SN) is a critical process in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's disease. Application of bioactive inhibitory compounds from herbal extracts is a potential therapeutic approach for this cytotoxic process. Here, we investigated the inhibitory effects of the Iranian Cuminum cyminum essential oil on the fibrillation of α-SN. Analysis of different fractions from the total extract identified cuminaldehyde as the active compound involved in the antifibrillation activity. In comparison with baicalein, a well-known inhibitor of α-SN fibrillation, cuminaldehyde showed the same activity in some aspects and a different activity on other parameters influencing α-SN fibrillation. The presence of spermidine, an α-SN fibrillation inducer, dominantly enforced the inhibitory effects of cuminaldehyde even more intensively than baicalein. Furthermore, the results from experiments using preformed fibrils and monobromobimane-labeled monomeric protein also suggest that cuminaldehyde prevents α-SN fibrillation even in the presence of seeds, having no disaggregating impact on the preformed fibrils. Structural studies showed that cuminaldehyde stalls protein assembly into β-structural fibrils, which might be achieved by the interaction with amine groups through its aldehyde group as a Schiff base reaction. This assumption was supported by FITC labeling efficiency assay. In addition, cytotoxicity assays on PC12 cells showed that cuminaldehyde is a nontoxic compound, treatment with cuminaldehyde throughout α-SN fibrillation showed no toxic effects on the cells. Taken together, these results show for the first time that the small abundant natural compound, cuminaldehyde, can modulate α-SN fibrillation. Hence, suggesting that such natural active aldehyde could have potential therapeutic applications.

Analysis and in vitro anti-Candida antifungal activity of Cuminum cyminum and Salvadora persica herbs extracts against pathogenic Candida strains

OBJECTIVE

The in vitro antifungal activities of essential oil from Cuminum cyminum (C. cyminum) and alcoholic extract from Salvadora persica (S. persica) were investigated in order to evaluate their efficacy against C. albicans ATCC 14053, C. dubliniensis ATCC CD60, C. glabrata ATCC 90030, C. krusei ATCC 6258 and C. parapsilosis ATCC 22019.

METHODS

The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The disc diffusion and broth macrodilution methods were used as antifungal susceptibility tests.

RESULTS

The GC/MS analysis allowed 17 components to be determined; the main constituents of C. cyminum essential oil were α-pinene (30%), limonene (21%) and 1,8-cineole (18.5%). C. cyminum oil had a broad-spectrum antifungal activity against different pathogenic Candida species. Inhibition zone values ranged from 7 to 50mm for C. cyminum and 0 to 10mm for S. persica against the organisms tested. The best minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. cyminum oil was associated with C. albicans and C. dubliniensis (289 mg/L) and the MICs of S. persica extract were 4.9 mg/mL and 20mg/mL against C. albicans and C. dubliniensis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested the potential substitution of the antifungal chemicals by C. cyminum essential oil and S. persica alcoholic extract as natural inhibitors to control the growth of the most important pathogenic Candida species and alternative therapies for candidiasis.

The potential inhibitory effect of cuminum cyminum, ziziphora clinopodioides and nigella sativa essential oils on the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus

The goals of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of Cuminum cyminum, Ziziphora clinopodioides and Nigella sativa essential oils to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus fumigatus and A.flavus and to evoke ultrastructural changes. The fungi were cultured into RPMI 1640 media in the presence of oils at concentrations of 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.5, 1.25, 1, 0.75 and 0.5 mg/ml in broth microdilution and 2, 1.5, 1 and 0.5 mg/ml in broth macrodilution methods with shaking for 48 h at 28^oC. Conidial and mycelial samples exposed to 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mg essential oils/ml for 5 days in 2% yeast extract granulated plus 15% Saccharose media were processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Based on broth dilution methods, C. cyminum and to a lesser extent Z. clinopodioides oils exhibited the strongest activity against A. fumigatus and A.flavus with MIC₉₀ ranging from 0.25 to 1.5 mg/ml, while the oil from N. sativa exhibited relatively moderate activity against two above fungi with MIC₉₀ ranging from 1.5 to 2 mg/ml. The main changes observed by TEM were in the cell wall, plasma membrane and membranous organelles; in particular, in the nuclei and mitochondria. These modifications in fungal structure were associated with the interference of the essential oils with the enzymes responsible for cell wall synthesis, which disturbed normal growth. Moreover, the essential oils caused high vacuolation of the cytoplasm, detachment of fibrillar layer of cell wall, plasma membrane disruption and disorganization of the nuclear and mitochondrial structures. Aspergillus fumigatus and A. flavus growth inhibition induced by these oils were found to be well-correlated with subsequent morphological changes of the fungi exposed to different fungistatic concentrations of the oils. Our results show the anti-Aspergillus activities of C. cyminum, Z. clinopodioides and N. sativa essential oils, which strengthens the potential use of these substances as anti-mould in the future.

Vulnerability of Gastric Mucosa in Diabetic Rats, Its Pathogenesis and Amelioration by Cuminum cyminum

Various studies have indicated that peptic ulcers occurring during the course of diabetic state are more severe and often associated with complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding. This study is the first attempt to understand the pathogenesis of gastric ulcers occurring during the diabetic state considering alternate biochemical pathways using suitable markers and its amelioration by Cuminum cyminum. In this study, diabetic rats showed a progressive increase in the stomach advanced glycated end products formation, gastric mucosal tumour necrosis factor-α and Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels as compared to normal control (nondiabetic) rats. There was decrease in gastric mucosal content, antioxidant enzymes and cellular ATPase enzyme levels of diabetic gastric mucosa when compared to the normal control group. mRNA expression of epidermal growth factor was found to be significantly higher as compared to normal control animals. Further methanol extract of Cuminum cyminum treatment to diabetic animals caused a reduction in blood glucose, and ulcer score when compared to diabetic control rats. It significantly increased gastric mucus content, antioxidant status and cellular ATPase enzyme levels as compared to diabetic control animals. Methanol extract of Cuminum cyminum inhibited advanced glycated end products formation in vitro as well as in vivo.

Effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seed essential oil on biofilm formation and plasmid Integrity of Klebsiella pneumoniae

Seeds of the cumin plant (Cuminum cyminum L.) have been used since many years in Iranian traditional medicine. We assessed the effect of cumin seed essential oil on the biofilm-forming ability of Klebsiella pneumoniae strains and on the integrity of a native resistance plasmid DNA from K. pneumoniae isolates, treated with essential oil. Antibacterial coaction between the essential oil and selected antibiotic disks were determined for inhibiting K. pneumoniae. The essential oil of the cumin seeds was obtained by hydrodistillation in a Clavenger system. A simple method for the formation of biofilms on semiglass lamellas was established. The biofilms formed were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of essential oil on plasmid integrity was studied through the induction of R-plasmid DNA degradation. The plasmid was incubated with essential oil, and agarose gel electrophoresis was performed. Disk diffusion assay was employed to determine the coaction. The essential oil decreased biofilm formation and enhanced the activity of the ciprofloxacin disk. The incubation of the R-plasmid DNA with essential oil could not induce plasmid DNA degradation. The results of this study suggest the potential use of cumin seed essential oil against K. pneumoniae in vitro, may contribute to the in vivo efficacy of this essential oil.