Amomum Subulatum Roxb Research Articles

Value Chain Analysis of Large Cardamom in Taplejung District of Nepal

This study assessed the value chain analysis of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb) in Taplejung district, Nepal and explored the functional linkage and upgrading strategies among the key value chain actors. One hundred and sixty farmers were surveyed purposely along with 5 local and district level traders, 5 regional level traders and exporters and 5 enablers who were sampled using rapid market appraisal in March 2018. The study presents a comparative analysis among large holders (n=72) and smallholders (n=88) large cardamom farmers using SPSS and MS-Excel. The majority of farmers used suckers as propagating materials which was a major source of disease conduction. 62.5% of farmers adopted traditional dryers for curing, which reduced the quality of large cardamom whereas about 30% of them used improved dryers for curing that enhanced quality. The majority of farmers had not adopted value addition practices like tail cutting, grading and packaging which were carried out at trader level. Large cardamom prices were normally determined by the export market of India. The average land area of large cardamom per household was 21.56 ropani with 36.74 ropani for the large landholder farmers and 9.14 ropani for the smallholders. The key problems faced by farmers and traders were high price swing, lack of disease-free propagating materials, reliance on the Indian market, aged orchards, shrinking productivity, and minimal collaboration among the chain actors. Therefore, adoption of Good Management Practices (GMPs)- upgraded bhattis, transfer of tail cutting technology and storage management, along with value addition activities like grading (color and size), tail cutting and packaging need to be adopted with strong adherence to export quality. This study revealed that necessary action needs to be taken to maintain a high level of collaboration among the value chain actors thereby increasing the value chain efficiency of Nepalese large cardamom.

Value chain analysis of large cardamom in eastern Himalayan road corridor of Nepal: Trade and governance

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is exportable high value sub-sector of Nepal producing to sell in targeted international markets. This research was done to examine value chain analysis of large cardamom from governance and trade aspects, focusing on value chain map, export scenario, and technology upgrading in eastern Himalayan road corridor (EHRC) of Nepal. Farm level information was collected from Taplejung, Jhapa and Morang districts using set of questionnaire (n=300). Focus Group Discussion, Key Informant Interview and Rapid Market Appraisal were done with enablers and traders. About 32% samples household were commercial farmers having one or more than one hectare cardamom cultivation land. About 27% households used improved dryer for curing and drying whereas majority used (72%) traditional dryer. The cost of production of one kg cardamom was estimated NRs. 656, and farmers received NRs. 344 profit margin from one kg of large cardamom sold at farm. Due to global price fluctuation, price of large cardamom has been declined drastically, although farmers are still in profit with B/C ratio of more than 1.4. The findings revealed that value chain development of large cardamom is not well structural at function, actors and enablers level whereas village/district level collectors, regional and national traders with their association and exporters were performing better marketing instead of governance of small scale producers. About 90% large cardamom was exported to India. Nepalese traders have a poor capacity and governance to export product in other counties than India due to high entry barrier to global market. There is a potential of forming global value chain development alliance, focusing to financing and upgrading strategy that would be pivotal for large cardamom intervention strategy in improving value chain function.

Curvularia eragrostidis, a new threat to large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) causing leaf blight in Sikkim

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is now affected by several diseases caused by both viruses and fungi. At present, leaf blight is considered a major threat to cardamom cultivation in Sikkim. During the past two decades, cultivation of the crop in this region has dropped by almost 60%. Hence, to quantify the severity of leaf blight damage and identification of the causal organism for the disease, a survey was conducted from May to August 2017 in different large cardamom growing regions of Sikkim. During this survey, a typical symptom of leaf blight was observed on cardamom leaves in many locations. The leaves with blights were collected, surface sterilized, and inoculated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). The pathogen was isolated as pure culture, and on the basis of morphological and microscopic characteristics, the fungus was identified species of Curvularia. Molecular characterization of the fungal isolate with ITS-rDNA partial gene amplification using universal primers (ITS4 and ITS5), showed 100% similarity with Curvularia eragrostidis (family: Pleosporaceae). The fungal isolate and nucleotide sequence was deposited in National Fungal Culture Collection of India (NFCCI), Pune and NCBI with accession numbers NFCCI 4541 and MN710527, respectively. This is the first report on the occurrence of C. eragrostidis pathogen causing leaf blight of large cardamom grown in Sikkim.

Essential Oil Composition and Anti-scabies Potential of Amomum subulatum Roxb. Leaves

Background:: Scabies is an enervating parasitic infestation of skin caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, affecting besides 130 million people at any time. Globally, this neglected tropical disease is amenable for 0.07% of the total burden of disease. Amomum subulatum Rox. (Large Cardamom) plant parts are used in traditional medicine for curing dyspepsia, skin disease, anorexia, dysentery, hyperacidity, ulcers, wounds, cardiac debility, fever, cough, liver congestion and gonorrhoea. Objective:: The objective of this study was the phytochemical characterization of essential oil of A. subulatum leaves and evaluate its anti-scabies potential against S. scabiei. Methods: Essential oil was collected by hydrodistillation of fresh leaves of A. subulatum using Clevenger apparatus and subjected to Gas Chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for identification and quantification of components of oil. Anti-scabies potential of essential oil of leaves of A. subulatum against S. scabiei was investigated by contact bioassay method. Results:: GC and GC-MS analysis results revealed the presence of 39 constituents, of which terpinen-4- ol (29.87%), eucalyptol (18.69%), β-phallendrene (7.97%), γ-terpinene (6.67%), p-cymene (6.20%), were detected as major constituents. Oxygenated monoterpenes predominated in the A. subulatum essential oil, and constituted 59.03% of the total oil composition. The anti-scabies study demonstrated their scabicidal potential as its 10% concentration caused 100% mortality within 60 min. Conclusion:: The result indicated anti-scabies potential of essential oil of A. subulatum so can be used as an alternative for the treatment and effective control of S. scabiei.

Sustainable livelihood by HR capacity building in multicropping practices of Indian Eastern Himalayan region: A case study

The indigenous people of Indian Eastern Himalayan region has been engaged in traditional farming practices for many years for their livelihood. The definition of livelihood has been redefined by the need new generation. Hence, they have started adopting cultivation of cash crop like large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb), kiwi, sandal wood, large cardamom due to its lucrative revenue option. However, adopting standalone cultivation of large cardamom becomes matter of risky. Scientific multi-cropping along with large cardamom cultivation has become widely recommended for this locality. This paper attempts to highlight intervention of HR capacity building in multi-cropping along with large cardamom for sustainable livelihood in the said region.

Integrating value-chain approach with participatory multi-criteria analysis for sustainable planning of a niche crop in Indian Himalayas

The value-chain approach (VCA) was used for exploring how a niche crop, namely large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.), can be developed sustainably to increase incomes and enhance rural livelihoods in the mountains. Large cardamom is a high-value, agro-climatically suitable, and non-perishable spice crop grown in the Himalayan region. Originating in Sikkim, the crop is important to the local economy and is sold in both domestic and international markets; however, its production in India has been declining significantly in recent years. Using VCA and participatory methods of data collection the study helped elicit value chain actors’ perspectives on various reasons for the decline as well as potential strategies to improve the cardamom value chain. The results present the multiple environmental and climatic (e.g. water stress), social (e.g. women participation) and institutional (e.g. lack of trust between actors) challenges and corresponding upgrading strategies. Through participatory multi-criteria analysis (MCA), the strategies were prioritized based on the overall preferences of multiple stakeholders. The analysis considered eight criteria and 25 options, or strategies, and found that that marketability and profitability were the most important criteria, and increasing cardamom production, the most important option trait. Stakeholder discussions along with sensitivity analysis also showed how these options could be implemented and revealed how criteria preferences can change with expert inputs. This combination of VCA and MCA, because it supports participatory decision-making and balances multiple dimensions of sustainable development, can be effectively deployed in planning for agricultural development in the mountains.

Integrating Modelling and Expert Knowledge for Evaluating Current and Future Scenario of Large Cardamom Crop in Eastern Nepal

Large Cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is one of the most valuable cash crop of the Himalayan mountain region including Nepal, India, and Bhutan. Nepal is the world’s largest producer of the crop while the Taplejung district contributes a 30%–40% share in Nepal’s total production. Large cardamom is an herbaceous perennial crop usually grown under the shade of the Uttis tree in very specialized bioclimatic conditions. In recent years, a decline in cardamom production has been observed which is being attributed to climate-related indicators. To understand the current dynamics of this under-canopy herbaceous crop distribution and its future potential under climate change, a combination of modelling, remote sensing, and expert knowledge is applied for the assessment. The results suggest that currently, Uttis tree cover is 10,735 ha in the district, while 50% (5198 ha) of this cover has a large cardamom crop underneath. When existing cultivation is compared with modelled suitable areas, it is observed that the cultivatable area has not yet reached its full potential. In a future climate scenario, the current habitat will be negatively affected, where mid elevations will remain stable while lower and higher elevation will become infeasible for the crop. Future changes are closely related to temperature and precipitation which are steadily changing in Nepal over time.

Volatile oil composition of four popular varieties of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.)

In the present study volatile oil profile of the four popular varities of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) namely Sawney, Varlangey, Ramla and Ramsey were studied in detail. The capsules contained 58.1- 68.1% seeds and 1.2-2.8% essential oil. By GC-MS analysis 23 constituents of the oil were identified with 1, 8- cineole as the chief component. Major constituents of the oil were α-pinene (1.7-6.5%), β - pinene (4.0-11.1%), 1, 8- cineole (63.2-73.4%) and α- terpineol (5.6-7.6%). The oil contained high level of 1, 8- cineole when compared to small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomMaton). α -Terpinyl acetate, the chief component of small cardamom oil was not detected in large cardamom.

Assessment of Intra-Specific Variation in Essential Oil Composition in Amomum subulatum Roxb. Cultivated in Uttarakhand, India

Large cardamom <em>(Amomum subulatum)</em> is native to Sikkim Himalaya and is important cash crop grown under the forest canopy. It thrives well between altitudes of 600 to 2000 m having an annual rainfall of 2500 to 5000 mm. Due to similar climatic condition and economic potential of the species, its cultivation was also started in Uttarakhand. Present study was design to analysis <em>the</em> chemical composition of essential oil and major compounds present in essential oil of capsule of A.<em>subulatum</em> grown in different agro-climatic region of Uttarakhand. The essential oil of 07 plant sample collected from different agro-climatic zones of Uttarakhand was analyzed through Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS).The aroma analysis of chemicals present in essential oil was also carried out by two-fold, step wise dilution with dichloromethane. Oil yield was found between 2.5% to 3% for the sample of different agro-climatic regions. A total of 31 compounds were identified through Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry. 1-8 Cineol with 68% to 82.0% was the most dominant compound in all the samples. Other major compounds are 4-trimethyl (1.87% to 4.82%), β-pinene (1.88% to 3.56%), β-Terpineol (1.21% to 3.83%), Nerolidol (0.62% to 2.82%), DL limonene (1.01% to 2.51%) and Limonene (0.98% to 3.82%). Presence of higher concentration of essential oil (%) in all analyzed sample of Uttarakhand indicated that the species grown in Uttarakhand is may be of higher genotype. The GC-MS analysis of essential oil indicates quantitative variations within intra-specific and may attribute to the micro-climate under which the species grown.

Spices: Therapeutic Potential in Cardiovascular Health.

Dietary factors play a key role in the development as well as prevention of certain human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. Currently there has been an increase in global interest to identify medicinal plants that are pharmacologically effective and have low or no side effects for use in preventive medicine. Culinary herbs and spices are an important part of human nutrition in all the cultures of the world. There is a growing amount of literature concerning the potential benefits of these herbs and spices from a health perspective especially in conferring protection against cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this review is to provide information on the recent scientific findings on some common spices that have a distinct place in folk medicine in several of the Asian countries as well as on their traditional uses for the role they can play in the management of heart diseases and which may be useful in defining cost effective and inexpensive interventions for the prevention and control of CVDs. Systematic literature searches were carried out and the available information on various medicinal plants traditionally used for cardiovascular disorders was collected via electronic search (using Pubmed, SciFinder, Scirus, GoogleScholar, JCCC@INSTIRC and Web of Science) and a library search for articles published in peerreviewed journals. No restrictions regarding the language of publication were imposed. This article highlights the recent scientific findings on four common spices viz. Greater cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), for the role they can play in the management of heart diseases. Although they have been used by many cultures since ancient times and have been known to exhibit several medicinal properties, current research shows that they can also be effectively used for the prevention and control of CVDs. Although scientific evidences supporting the benefits of spices in maintaining a healthy heart are available, more complete information is needed about the actual exposures to these dietary components that are required to bring about a response. The innumerable actions of spices that have been shown in in vitro experiments need to be demonstrated in more systematic, well-designed animal model studies. More rigorous clinical trials at the normally consumed levels are needed to determine long-term benefits as well as to assess adverse effects if any at higher concentrations, especially if consumed over longer periods. Once these extensive studies are carried out, it will be easy to define the appropriate intervention strategies utilizing these commonly used spices for achieving the maximum benefits on cardiovascular health without producing any ill-effects.

ASSESSMENT OF ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITIES OF AMOMUM SUBULATUM ROXB. OF NEPAL

Objective: The present study was designed to study and compare the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts of Amomum subulatum Roxb. seeds collected from two different regions of Nepal.Methods: Antioxidant activity was determined by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay and Antibacterial activity was measured by agar well-diffusion method.Results: Results showed that both sample extracts had interesting antibacterial activity against all test microorganisms and had remarkable radical scavenging potential to be used as an antioxidant. Sample B (i.e., collected from high altitude Taplejung district) exerted comparative quit higher antimicrobial and antioxidant activity than the Sample A (i.e., is collected from low altitude Panchthar district). However, the standard antibacterial drug Tetracycline exhibits superior activity than the extracts.Conclusions: The results suggest that both samples (i.e., seed extract of A. subulatum Roxb.) possess almost similar moderate antibacterial and antioxidant activity in comparison to standards which justifies the traditional use of this plant.Keywords: Extract, Cardamom, Activity, Medicinal plants, Seeds, Bacillus pumilus.

Influence of Plant Growth Regulators and Media strength on In vitro Propagation of Amomum subulatum Roxb

Influence of Plant Growth Regulators and Media strength on In vitro Propagation of Amomum subulatum Roxb

Technology, Chemistry and Bioactive Properties of Large Cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.): An Overview

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is an aromatic and medicinal spice native to Eastern Himalayas belonging to the family Zingiberaceae. It is used as flavoring and preservative to different types of coffee, liquors, confections, beverages and tobacco. Volatile oil (2-4%) is the principal aroma-giving compound in large cardamom and 1,8- cineole is the major active compound in an extent 60 to 80% of the total volatile oil. Alcohol and aqueous extract of large cardamom have been reported to contain allopathic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiulcer, cardio-adaptogenic and hypolipidaemic activities. Large cardamom and its powder, oleoresin and essential oils have many culinary and therapeutic uses. Objective of this review is to give short overview on the processing technology, chemistry, bioactivity and uses of large cardamom and its components.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(2): 139-149

Variations in pollinator density and impacts on large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) crop yield in Sikkim Himalaya, India

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.), a perennial cash crop, cultivated under an agroforestry system in the eastern Himalaya of India, is well recognized as a pollination-dependent crop. Observations on pollinator abundance in Mamlay watershed of Sikkim Himalaya were collected during the blooming season to evaluate the pollinator abundance across sites and time frames, and impact of pollinator abundance on crop yield from 2010 to 2012. The results revealed that the bumblebees and honeybees are most frequent visitors of large cardamom flowers. The abundance of honeybees, however, varied between sites for the years 2010–2012, while that of bumblebees varied for the years 2011 and 2012. The abundance of honeybees resulted in a variation within time frames for 2010 and 2011, while that of bumblebees varied for 2010 and 2012 (p<0.01). The density of pollinators correlated positively with the number of flowers of the target crop. The impact of pollinator abundance revealed that the increasing bumblebee visitation resulted in a higher yield of the crop (i.e. 17–41 g/plant) and the increasing abundance of all bees (21–41 g/plant) was significant (p<0.03). Therefore, the study concluded that the large cardamom yield is sensitive to pollinator abundance and there is a need for adopting the best pollinator conservation and management practices toward sustaining the yield of large cardamom.

Mollitrichosiphum spp: A new record of aphid from Alder-large cardamom ecosystem in Sikkim

Aphids (Hemiptera: Apihidoidea) pest problems were well known worldwide. A total 823 species in 222 genera and 18 sub families of the family Aphididae were known from the Indian sub continent. In Eastern Himalayas and North East India, 464 species in 147 genera in 15 sub families of aphids were known to be available. Sikkim belonged to NE India. From Sikkim, 26 important Aphids were reported so far. Three species of aphids were known to be associated with Alder ( Alnus nepalensis ) in North East India. Large cardamom ( Amomum subulatum Roxb.) was an important cash crop of Eastern Himalayan region. It was sciophytes i.e., the plant grew under shade. The crop grew somewhat wild in nature and damage due to insect pests was common. It was infested by various pests and diseases causing considerable amount of monetary loss. Surveillance was conducted in alder - large cardamom ecosystem in four different districts of Sikkim during 2011 to 2013. Mollitrichosiphum spp reported for the first time from Sikkim region. An observation about aphid species associated with alder tree in large cardamom ecosystem in Sikkim was presented.

NEW RECORD OF MELOLONTHA SP. NR. FURCICAUDA ANCCY, ANOMALA DIMIDIATE (HOPE) AND BHAHMINA SP. FROM LARGE CARDAMOM ECOSYSTEM

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is an important cash crop of Sikkim and Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Insect pests are one of the main constraints of production of this crop. Surveillance and monitoring for insect pests was carried out in the farm of Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Spices Board, Pangthang during 2011-12 and 2012-13. Three new species of insects viz., Melolontha sp. nr. furcicauda Anccy (Scarabidae : Melolonthinae), Anomala dimidiate (Hope) (Scarabidae : Rutelinae), Bhahmina sp. (Scarabidae : Melolonthinae) were collected by installing different coloured light traps. The coleopteran beetles were identified from Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore - 560 065, India. This forms the first record of these three insects in large cardamom ecosystem from Sikkim region.

Isolation and identification of new phytoconstituents from the fruit extract of Amomum subulatum Roxb.

The fruits of Amomum subulatum Roxb. (Zingiberaceae) (large cardamom), cultivated in the northern Himalayas, are used to treat stomach disorders, pulmonary diseases and liver complaints. Phytochemical investigation of the fruits led to the isolation of four new chemical compounds characterised as geranil-3(10)-en-9-olyl octadec-9-enoate, geranil-3(10)-en-9-carboxyl-β-d-arabinopyranoside, geranilan-9-carboxy-α-l-arabinopyranoside and stigmast-5-en-3β-ol-3β-d-arabinopyranosyl-2′-(3″-methoxy) benzoate-3′-octadec-9‴,12‴,15‴-trienoate, along with the known compounds oleodilinolein and glyceryl trilinoleniate on the basis of spectral data analysis.

Postharvest Processing of Large Cardamom in the Eastern Himalaya

The dried fruits of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.), a high-value, low-volume spice crop grown only in the three eastern Himalayan countries, are widely used in foods, beverages, perfumes, and medicines. Production is currently declining, and improved postharvest management would be one way to help ensure the sustainability of this niche crop. The value chain for large cardamom consists largely of traditional practices; scientific improvements are needed in a number of postharvest steps, including marketing. This article reviews the crop's postharvest processing (with emphasis on curing, calyx cutting, packaging, and storage), quality issues, and trade patterns, and identifies research topics that could contribute to increasing its quality and value and thereby to protecting and promoting the livelihoods of several thousands of people in the value chain.

New alkadiene, benzyl linolenate and lawsone arabinosyl ester from the fruits of Amomum subulatum Roxb

Amomum subulatum Roxb (Zingiberaceae) is a perennial herb which is cultivated in Sikkim and neighbouring areas. Its fruits are used to treat abdominal disorders, vomiting, problems of throat, liver and lungs and rectal disease. Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extracts of the fruits led to the isolation of three new chemical constituents characterized as n-hexatriacont-16,18-diene, 3-methoxybenzyl octadec-9′,12′,15′-trienoate, and 1,4-naphthoquinone-2-olyl-β-d-arabinopyranosyl-2′-(2″,6″,10″,14″-tetramethylhexadecane)-1″-oate along with a glyceride identified as glyceryl-1-linoleate-2,3-dioleate. The structure of all these phytoconstituents has been established on the basis of spectral data analysis.

Chemical Compositions and Biological Activities of Amomum subulatum Essential Oils from Nepal

The essential oils from the seed and rind of Amomum subulatum Roxb. (collected from Nepal) were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 87 components were identified among the two essential oils accounting for 99.1%, and 99.0% of the oils, respectively. The two essential oils were dominated by the monoterpenoids 1,8-cineole (60.8% and 39.0%), alpha-pinene (6.4% and 4.8%), beta-pinene (8.3% and 17.7%), and alpha-terpineol (9.8% and 12.3%). Allelopathic testing of the seed essential oil showed an inhibition of seed germination of Lactuca sativa and Lolium perenne, with IC50 values of 1583 and 1674 microg/mL, respectively. The seed essential oil demonstrated a stronger seedling growth inhibition of L. perenne than of L. sativa. A. subulatum seed and rind oils also showed moderate brine shrimp lethality (LC50 = 28.1 +/- 3.0 and 15.0 +/- 9.0 microg/mL, respectively). The seed and rind oils were only marginally cytotoxic (20% and 30%% kill on MCF-7 cells at 100 microg/mL, respectively), and antibacterial (MIC > or = 313 microg/mL), but A. subulatum rind oil was appreciably active against the fungus Aspergillus niger (MIC = 19.5 microg/mL). The essential oils of A. subulatum were also screened for nematocidal activity against Caenorhabditis elegans and insecticidal activity against the fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) and the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta x richteri). The seed oil was only marginally toxic to the fire ant (LC50 = 1500 microg/mL), but moderately toxic to the nematode and the fruit fly (LC50 = 341 and 441 microg/mL, respectively).