Aniseed, Caraway, and Cumin: Appetite-Enhancing Effects and Identification of Active Compounds
Kakuyou Ogawa1, Kanami Naruo1, Mari Ihara1
1Department of Natural Medicines, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, 22-1 Tamagawa-cho, Minami-ku, Fukuoka 815-8511, Japan.
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|April 8, 2026
Summary
Essential oils from aniseed, caraway, and cumin seeds boost appetite in mice. Key compounds like trans-anethole and d-limonene interact, suggesting a complex mechanism in the olfactory system.
Area of Science:
- * Food science and nutrition
- * Chemical ecology
- * Sensory science
Background:
- * Apiaceae family plants are globally used as spices.
- * Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) from Apiaceae family exhibits appetite-enhancing properties.
- * This suggests potential appetite-modulating effects in other Apiaceae spices.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To investigate the appetite-enhancing effects of essential oils from aniseed, caraway, and cumin seeds.
- * To identify the primary active compounds responsible for these effects.
- * To explore potential interactions between these compounds and their influence on appetite.
Main Methods:
- * Extraction of essential oils from aniseed, caraway, and cumin seeds.
- * Administration of essential oils to mice to measure food intake.
- * Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to identify major compounds.
- * Dose-response studies to evaluate the effects of individual compounds and combinations.
Main Results:
- * All three essential oils significantly increased food intake in mice.
- * Major active compounds identified: trans-anethole and pseudoisoeugenyl 2-methylbutyrate (aniseed); d-limonene and d-carvone (caraway); cuminaldehyde (cumin).
- * Combinations of compounds showed modulatory effects, with higher doses needed for d-carvone and trans-anethole when co-administered.
Conclusions:
- * Aniseed, caraway, and cumin essential oils possess appetite-enhancing properties.
- * Specific compounds within these oils are responsible for the observed effects.
- * Compound interactions and structural similarities suggest a common mechanism of action in the olfactory system.
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