Dry Herbs Research Articles

Comparation of chicoric acid and rosmarinic acid in fresh and dry herbs of sweet and purple basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) populations

Ocimum basilicum is used either as a fresh or dry herb. Most used species are characterized by sweet and purple leaves and are typically used for culinary purposes and in traditional medicine. Therefore, it is important to analyse the content of functional compounds, rosmarinic acid and chicoric acid, in dry and fresh form of the plant. It was determined that rosmarinic acid and chicoric acid content of dry and fresh form of sweet, purple, and purple flower colored of the plant by high pressure liquid chromatography equipped diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). According to obtained results, it was observed that the distribution of rosmarinic acid in fresh samples varied between 128.38 and 4072.20 mg kg-1 DW, and in dry samples between 1792.20 and 8149.45 mg kg-1 DW. It is clearly observed that rosmarinic acid content in dry samples higher than fresh samples. The concentration of chicoric acid in fresh samples varied between 51.53 and 2278.40 mg kg-1 DW and it varied in dry samples between 38.55 and 555.85 mg kg-1 DW. Chicoric acid levels in dry samples were observed to be lower than fresh samples. These changes were found statistically significant (p

Drying kinetics (mathematical modeling) and quality evaluation of herbal leaves (Adulsa and Durva) dried in small‐scale greenhouse solar dryer (GHSD): Experimental investigation and comparative analysis

AbstractThe study presents the performance of a small‐scale greenhouse solar dryer (GHSD) to demonstrate hygiene and superiority over traditional methods for medicinal Adulsa and Durva leaves. The GHSD dryer lowered the initial moisture of Adulsa leaves from 73.99% (w.b.) to the final 10.63% (w.b.) under natural and forced convection in 3 and 2.5 h, respectively. Similarly, the initial moisture of Durva leaves was reduced from 67.33% (w.b.) to 11.65% (w.b.) under natural and forced convection in 2.75 and 2.5 h, respectively. Furthermore, mathematical modeling with non‐linear regression was implemented to characterize the drying of Adulsa and Durva leaves, which showed that Midilli–Kucuk and Modified Midilli were the most superior fits for reporting the drying of Adulsa leaves in GHSD and open sun drying, respectively, whereas Verma and Midilli–Kucuk models were superior fits for characterizing the drying of Durva leaves in GHSD and open sun, respectively. Furthermore, the quality of the dried Adulsa and Durva leaves was evaluated, where total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) values were marked higher in the leaves dried by the GHSD as compared to open sun drying for both Adulsa and Durva leaves. Moreover, during antioxidant analysis, the IC50 values among the leaves dried in GHSD were recorded to be greater for the natural convection greenhouse solar dryer (NCGHSD) for both Adulsa and Durva (40.67 and 122.24 μg/mL) compared to open sun drying (101.88 and 158.20 μg/mL). A quality assessment was performed on dried Adulsa and Durva leaf samples, and they exhibited appropriateness for pharmaceutical industry drug production.Practical applicationsGreenhouse solar dryer is an eco‐friendly, sustainable, clean, and hygienic way to dry herbs and medicinal plants. The greenhouse solar dryer can shorten the drying time by 50%–60% compared to natural stand in the sun (open sun drying) and improve the quality of the dried herbs, medicinal plants, and reduce the decay rate of the dried products. These leaves can be best suited for Ayurveda medicine industries for herbal powder (Churna). Being an economically advantageous greenhouse solar dryer improves the shelf life of the dried leaves, reduces their density, and lower transportation costs, leading to boost farmers' income in herbal farming and nutritional security.

Climate and vegetation changes in southern Primorye (Russian Far East) since the Last Glacial Maximum: A quantitative analysis

The climate and vegetation for southern Primorye during the last 21 kyr are studied for the first time in detail using quantitative techniques on high-temporal resolution pollen record. The data obtained showed a clear relationship with global climate events: Last Glacial Maximum, Heinrich 1, Bølling/Allerød, Younger Dryas and the warmest climate event around ca. 8.0 ka. A moderate monsoon-type climate persisted in Primorye during the last 21 kyr. The mean annual temperature did not fall below 0°C. The magnitude of the glacial–interglacial mean temperature difference in southern Primorye was ca. 7°C. Cold and cool temperate climate existed between ca. 21.0 and 11.6 ka and after 4.3 ka respectively. Climate variables of the Last Glacial Maximum were slightly below present-day values, and drier conditions prevailed compared to the late Holocene. Moderately cool conditions with excessive moisture existed during the cold events of the late Pleistocene, i.e., Younger Dryas and Heinrich 1, and in the late Holocene. Humidification did not occur due to heavy rainfall, but due to less evaporation because of low average annual temperatures during these cold events. During the last 21 kyr, there existed dry and wet seasons in Primorye, as at present, associated with monsoon circulation. The summer monsoon was more intense at ca. 16.6 ka, 14.4 ka, 11.6 ka and from ca. 11.0 to 4.3 ka.The southern Primorye during last 21 kyr had a diverse spatial vegetation pattern with conifer and broadleaved deciduous forests of warmer or colder temperate type, dry and humid grasslands, open woodlands and riparian vegetation. Both today and in the past, the heterogeneity of the relief and climate created a diverse vegetation cover. The warmest component, broadleaved summergreen warm temperate trees, had a high proportion from 10.4 to 4.6 ka. Late Pleistocene plant communities, especially during the Last Glacial Maximum, were characterized by a high diversity of dry herbs, which indicates a dry steppe. There are indications of forest-steppe during LGM based on PFT and IPR analyses.

Effect of Essential Oils and Dried Herbs on the Shelf Life of Fresh Goat Lump Cheese.

In recent years, the use of natural preservatives in food products has gained significant attention due to their potential health benefits and effectiveness. A standardized microbiological analysis was conducted on Slovak farm-produced lump goat cheese samples to determine the antibacterial activity of dry herbs and essential oils added to vacuum-packed goat cheese. We employed five dried herbs and five essential oils derived from the same plants. The microbiological quality of 145 fresh and vacuum-packed goat cheese samples was assessed. The number of coliform bacteria, total viable count, lactic acid bacteria, and microscopic filamentous fungi were examined in raw cheese samples stored for 12 days at 4 °C. All cheese samples were vacuum-packed (control samples were packed without vacuum). This study evaluated the potential benefits of using essential oils and dried herbs from thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.), black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), clove (Eugenia caryophyllus Thunb.), mint (Mentha × piperita L.), and basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) as preservatives. The essential oils were obtained from Hanus Ltd., Nitra, Slovakia, and were applied at a concentration of 2%. The dried herbs were obtained from Popradský čaj (Poprad, Slovakia) and Mäspoma Ltd. (Zvolen, Slovakia). The results showed that all microorganism groups were significantly reduced in cheese samples following the application of essential oils throughout the entire storage period. During the preservation of cheese samples in polyethylene bags used for vacuum packing food, Lactococcus garvieae, L. lactis, Enterobacter cloacae, and Serratia liquefaciens were the most frequently isolated microbiota. Essential oils and dried herbs demonstrated antimicrobial potential during the storage of vacuum-packed goat cheese.

Spacing and nitrogen application affect Indian oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) biomass, essential oil yield and composition

Oregano offers culinary and medicinal applications for mankind. Due to its vast health benefits, its consumption has been gradually rising in the modern era. Since, the nutrients and proper spacing are critical factors influencing plant growth, current study endeavors to investigate the effects of four different nitrogen levels (N0: 0 kg/ha, N1: 50 kg/ha, N2: 100 kg/ha, and N3: 150 kg/ha) combined with three row spacings (S1 = 45 × 45 cm, S2 = 45 × 30 cm, and S3 = 45 × 15 cm) on the growth and production of oregano, with the goal of optimizing nitrogen levels and spacing for effective cultivation of a recently released Indian oregano variety i.e., CIM-Sudeeksha. The study revealed that the N2S2 treatment (i.e., 100 kg/ha nitrogen and 45 × 30 cm spacing) produced the tallest plants, measuring 63.60±0.79 cm. On the other hand, the N2S3 treatment (i.e., 45×15 cm spacing and 100 kg/ha nitrogen) resulted with the remarkable yields of both fresh and dry herbs and oil, measuring 292.23±2.03 (Fresh herb) and 73.04±2.61 (dry herb) q/ha, 63.37±5.27 (Fresh herb oil), and 56.14±4.14 (Dry herb oil) kg/ha respectively, whereas N3S3 treatment showed highest but insignificantly different dry herb oil content i.e., 56.32±2.42 kg/ha. Also, the chemical composition of N2S2 treatment showed more carvacrol content (56.89 % in fresh and 52.62 % in dry herb) then N2S3 and N3S3 treatment. The results showed that the effects of nitrogen application with rates of 100 kg/ha and 150 kg/ha were similar on almost all agronomic traits and oil yield parameters. Furthermore, the 45×30 cm spacing showed encouraging outcomes, increasing vegetative growth and decreasing plant competition. Given these findings, it is advised to use 45×30 cm spacing and 100 kg/ha nitrogen fertilization for increased Indian oregano production and economical resource utilization.

Genetic diversity of selected basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) genotypes based on morphological, yield, and leaf color parameters

ABSTRACT Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an aromatic plant used in foods, pharmaceuticals, and in cosmetics. In this study, the morphology and yield of 17 different basil genotypes and three cultivars (Moonlight, Midnight, and Dino) from Türkiye were analyzed in 2019 and 2020. A wide range of variations in plant height, number of branches, and weights of fresh and dry herbs weights were observed. The genotypes PI 531,396 from Hungary, PI 174,284 from Türkiye, PI 253,157 from Iran, and the Dino cultivar had the highest plant yield compared with the other genotypes and cultivars. The leaf color parameters (L*, a*, b* C*, H° and WI) were also determined for the plants. The highest lightness (L*) values were recorded in the PI 190,100 genotype, and the highest yellowness/blueness (b*) and hue angle (H°) values were recorded in the PI 207,498 genotype. The highest redness/greenness (a*), chroma (C*), and whiteness index (WI) values were recorded in the PI 197,442, PI 190,100, and PI 531,396 genotypes, respectively. Except for the L* values, the leaf color parameters clustered on the same side of the principal component analysis (PCA) axis. Dendrogram analysis divided the genotypes and cultivars into two main groups, and the main A group contained the cultivar Dino only. Therefore, the study identified important genotypic characteristics of the examined basil genotypes and cultivars that could be utilized to develop new cultivars.

Electronic nose: a tool to verify the PDO declaration of Portuguese olive oils

The volatile and olfactory profiles of three Portuguese olive oils with protected designations of origin (PDO) were studied: “Azeite do Alentejo Interior”, “Azeites da Beira Interior”, and “Azeite de Trás-os-Montes”. Seven classes of volatiles were identified, with aldehydes, followed by hydrocarbons and alcohols, the most prevalent (5.63, 2.92, and 2.79 mg/kg olive oil, respectively). The “Azeites da Beira Interior” oils exhibited the highest amount of volatiles (18.2 ± 4.6 mg/kg olive oil) compared to the oils from the other two PDOs. Ten positive olfactory sensations were detected, and a significant effect of the PDO on the intensities of fruity, apple, cabbage, tomato, dry and fresh herbs was observed. Specifically, “Azeite do Alentejo Interior” PDO oils were characterized as fruity-ripe, while “Azeite de Trás-os-Montes” PDO oils were labelled as fruity-green. Conversely, “Azeites da Beira Interior” PDO oils encompassed both fruity-ripe and fruity-green oils. Unique volatile and olfactory fingerprints were established for each PDO, allowing the linear discrimination of the oils according to the PDO, with a predictive sensitivity of 98.0 ± 4.2% (repeated K-fold-CV). Furthermore, a lab-made electronic nose successfully discriminated the studied oils based on the PDO, with a predictive accuracy of 99.7 ± 2.0% (repeated K-fold-CV). This device also allowed predicting the concentrations of the three main volatile classes found in the oils through multiple linear regression models (R2 ≥ 0.923 ± 0.101 and RMSE ≤ 1.32 ± 0.72 mg/kg oil; repeated K-fold-CV). These findings underscore the potential of the electronic nose as a reliable traceability tool to authenticate the PDO declaration of Portuguese olive oils, and broaden its use beyond non-PDO oils from a specific geographical area to encompass a national scale.Graphical abstract

Cost-benefit Analysis and Financial Feasibility of Rosemary Production in Southern Ethiopia

This study was conducted at Wondo Genet Agricultural Research Center experimental field from January 2018 to March 2021. The study examined the financial feasibility of WG-Rosemary-III rosemary variety for fresh herbs and WG-Rosemary-II rosemary variety for dry herb production. For this study, both rosemary varieties were planted on 100m2 land areas with an intra and inter-row spacing of 60cm. All cost and benefit data were collected during the cultivation period. The study utilized financial analysis methods such as net present value (NPV) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) to analyze the feasibility of their production. The study found that the net present value of production of WG-rosemary-III for fresh herbs was ETB 2,603,219.63 per hectare in its entire three years of production, indicating that its production is financially feasible. The benefit-cost ratio of production of WG-rosemary-III for fresh herbs was 7.94 which indicates that a 1 ETB outlay for this rosemary production results in a net return of ETB 6.94 per hectare. Besides, the net present value of production of WG-rosemary-II for dry herb was ETB 1,186,051.02 per hectare in its entire three-year course of production, which indicates that its production is financially feasible. The benefit-cost ratio of production of WG-rosemary-II for dry herbs was 4.22 which indicates that a 1 ETB outlay for this rosemary production results to gain a net return of ETB 3.22. The results indicate that the production of these rosemary varieties is profitable. Therefore, the government and other concerned stakeholders should further scale up the production of these rosemary technologies through training and awareness creation for farmers and investors through extension agents, thereby these rosemary technologies are utilized as a significant source of income and contribute to the enhancement of household well-being.

Analysis of antioxidant potential and study of the features of the microstructure in certain types of spices and herbs used in the meat processing industry

Spices and herbs are widely used in the meat processing industry to improve the taste and flavor of the food products. They contain a wide range of essential oils and biologically active components possessing antioxidant potential. Surge of spices consumption leads to their adulteration; at the same time, species identification is complex and requires increased knowledge about the peculiarities of their structure. This study researched the antioxidant potential (AOP) of six spices and three fragrant herbs, defined their structure and histological parameters of their identification. To assess AOP, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was defined using the methods of Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and free radical DPPH, and the main classes of AO were identified with the help of qualitative reactions, microstructure was analyzed via three staining methods. Among six classes of AO the flavonoids were found in all extracts. All of four AO classes were found in basil and allspice. Allspice extract showed the highest TACDPPH (2,876.05 ± 19.83 µmol-eq.quercetin/l), the lowest value was found in parsley extract (157.97 ± 4.80 µmol-eq.quercetin/l). At the same time, the highest TACORAC was found in the extract of dill greens and basil greens — 9,789.51 ± 433.22 μmol-eq.quercetin/l and 9,692.91 ± 203.42 μmol-eq.quercetin/l, respectively, and its lowest content was found in ginger — 956.98 ± 241.79 µmol-eq. quercetin/l. The microstructural features of cells peculiar for each sample were defined: external protective tissues, seed hulls, storage tissue, secretory and formative tissues, and their ability to perceive staining with general and specific dyes. The results obtained make it possible to test the composition of dry spices and herbs, to reveal their presence in the ready-to-consume meat products and to exclude cases of their adulteration.

Determination of ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamates and their degradation product ethylenethiourea in dry herbs by UHPLC-MS/MS.

Dithiocarbamates are a class of fungicides widely used in many countries. In this study, methods for determining the ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate (EBDC) subclass, and their degradation product ethylenethiourea (ETU) were validated by UHPLC-MS/MS in different types of dry herbs, which can be used as food and/or medicinal purposes. Mancozeb was used in the validation of the EBDC method, where it was initially complexed with EDTA, derivatized, extracted with dimethyl sulfate in acetonitrile, magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), and sodium chloride (NaCl), and then purified using primary secondary amine (PSA). In the ETU method, L-cysteine hydrochloride monohydrate was added to the samples before extraction with acetonitrile, MgSO4, and NaCl, followed by purification with PSA. A pesticide-free blend of seven herbs (boldo, artichoke, "espinheira-santa", cat's claw, senna, chamomile, and cascara buckthorn) comprising distinct parts of the plants (leaves, bark, flowers and/or stems) was used as a control for method validation. Recoveries ranged from 79 to 113% for EBDC and 81 to 109% for ETU. Repeatability and intermediate precision were <20% for both methods. The limit of quantification was 0.03 mg kg-1 for EBDC (0.02 mg kg-1 of CS2) and ETU. The limit of detection (LOD) was set at 1/3 of the LOQ (0.01 mg kg-1 for both analytes). In total, 103 samples of 33 different dry herbs were analyzed, of which 19.4% were positive for EBDC (≥LOD), but no ETU residues were found in any of the analyzed samples. Given the absence of registered dithiocarbamates for use in the investigated herbs in Brazil, the positive results suggest potential illegal pesticide use or cross-contamination, especially considering the low concentrations detected in most samples. Although exposure to EBDC through the consumption of medicinal herbs from positive samples did not indicate a health risk to consumers, these plants must be monitored to prevent illicit pesticide usage, particularly when the herbs are intended for therapeutic purposes.

A novel Nutrient Rich Food (NRFa11.3) score uses flavonoids and carotenoids to identify antioxidant-rich spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruit.

Nutrient profiling (NP) models designed to evaluate the healthfulness of plant-based foods ought to incorporate bioactive phytochemicals. Herbs and spices are one food group of current interest. Two new versions of the well-established Nutrient Rich Food (NRF) index were applied to spices, herbs, vegetables, fruit, and other plant-based foods. Analyses used the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) SR-28 nutrient composition database merged with the USDA Expanded Flavonoid database 3.3. The NRF4.3 model was based on protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. The NRFa11.3 model was based on micronutrients with reported antioxidant activity (vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, copper, and zinc), carotenoids (alpha and beta carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein/zeaxantin) and flavonoids. Saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium were nutrients to limit. The NRF algorithm was based on sums of percent daily values (%DVs) capped at 100%. The NRF4.3 model awarded high scores to herbs and spices, cocoa powder, and nuts, but did not discriminate well among vegetables and fruit. The NRFa11.3 model performed better. Green leafy, red orange and cruciferous vegetables had the highest carotenoid content. Highest in flavonoids were cocoa powder, herbs and spices, and berries. Highest combined NRFa11.3 values were observed for herbs and spices, green leafy vegetables, cocoa, nuts, and red-orange and cruciferous vegetables. Fresh and dry herbs and spices, often ignored by NP models, were particularly nutrient-rich and may provide non-negligible amounts of key phytonutrients to the human diet.

Co-cultivation of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) with fodder and vegetable crop for enhancing productivity and resource use efficiency

To test this hypothesis in a representative location of the western Himalayan region, we study the intercropping of fodder and vegetable crops with basil. This experiment was laid out at CIMAP research Centre Purara, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, during the years 2020-21 and 2021-22. Maize, sorghum, and pearl millet were cultivated as fodder crops, and okra and coriander were grown as vegetable crops with basil as an intercrop during both years. The biological efficiency of the intercropping system was assessed using LER, ATER, aggressivity, competitive ratio and relative crowding coefficient (K). It was found that sole basil had the highest yield, with 378.01 q ha-1 of fresh and 98.28 q ha-1 of dry herbs, followed by the intercrop of basil + coriander, with 218.19 q ha-1 of fresh herb and 56.73 q ha-1 of dry herb. The basil + coriander intercrop showed the highest LER (1.29), followed by basil + okra (1.27). Basil + okra had the highest MAI value of ₹ 129517.30 ha-1, suggesting that the intercrop combination was the highest gainer, followed by basil + fodder maize combination with an MAI value of ₹ 92203.66 ha-1. Basil + okra had the highest B:C ratio of 4.89 and the highest NR of ₹ 391497, followed by sole basil with an NR of ₹ 297655 and a B:C ratio of 3.72. Keywords: Basil, Fodder crop, Intercropping, Vegetable crops, Western Himalayas

Pesticide residues in dry herbs used for tea preparation by UHPLC-MS/MS: Method validation and analysis

Dry herbs are used for tea preparation and as material for phytotherapy medicines, and both are widely used by the population. However, herbs may contain contaminants and residues that could pose a health risk to consumers, and their levels should be monitored. In this work, a multiresidue method was validated for the analysis of 65 pesticides in different dry herbs. The samples were extracted with acidified acetonitrile, MgSO4 and CH3COONa, purified by dispersive solid phase with PSA, and the pesticides were quantified by UHPLC-MS/MS. A mixture of seven herbs composed of different plant parts was used as a control for method validation. Recovery ranged from 70% to 120% with a few exceptions; repeatability and intermediate precision was below 20% for most compounds. Limit of quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.005 to 0.100 mg kg−1. The method was applied for the analysis of 75 samples of 33 different dry herbs. In total, 26 samples (34.6%) were positive for at least one pesticide (≥ limit of detection, LOD), from which 19 samples had residues at quantified levels (≥ LOQ; up to 1.60 mg kg−1). Carbendazim and imidacloprid were the pesticides most detected (38.5% and 30.8% of positive samples, respectively). Only two of the analyzed pesticides are registered in Brazil for use in the investigated herbs, indicating that good agricultural practices are not being applied in herb cultivation in the country. A risk assessment for the consumption of chamomile tea containing fenpropathrin was conducted and did not indicate any health concern for consumers.

The microbiota of Idaea inquinata developing on dry herbs

AbstractIdaea inquinata (Scopoli) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Idaeini) is a potential pest of stored food, mainly dry herbs. In this study, the role of diet in the shaping of the I. inquinata‐associated bacterial community was investigated and its impact on insect performance (i.e., proportion of adult emergence and duration of postembryonic development). Larvae were reared on three diets with different nutritional compositions: (1) Matricaria chamomilla L. flowers, (2) Angelica archangelica L. roots, and (3) artificial diet. A DNA metabarcoding approach targeting V1‐V2 and V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA was adopted to characterize the bacterial communities associated with adults and larvae reared on different diets, and estimate their composition and diversity. The core microbiota of this species was found to include some bacterial genera commonly associated with Lepidoptera. When a coverage‐based integration of rarefaction and extrapolation of Hill numbers was used to compare groups of samples, the microbial diversity (estimated as phylogenetic diversity) differed among individuals reared on different diets, and also between larvae vs. adults. The lowest taxon diversity was found associated with individuals reared on M. chamomilla. Larvae fed with this fiber‐rich diet had also a significantly slower development. The composition of the microbial community varied among individuals with different diets, but not between adults vs. larvae. This study highlights the important role of diet in shaping I. inquinata microbiota, but also suggests that the microbiota of non‐feeding adult moths could be partially inherited from larvae.

Review on “Quality Aspects Of Herbal Drug and its Formulations”

The medicines are created from various plant parts that are known to have medicinal characteristics, such astheroots,stems,leaves,bark,fruit,seeds,orflowers.Additionally,many common drugs are derived from plants. The word “drugs” actually derives from the French word“ drogue,” which means “dry herbs”.[1]

Diversity patterns of plant functional types in the Holocene of Central India: A case study on the Lonar Crater Lake pollen record

Diversity of Plant Functional Types (PFTs) along a sediment core drilled in Lonar Crater Lake, Central India, is analysed, based on previously published pollen data for a total of 115 depth levels and covering the past 9.2 kyr. Our results support concepts of a dominantly humid period persisting until ca. 5 ka, succeeded by a significantly drier phase with weaker monsoon, including various prominent drying pulses. Throughout the Holocene, plant diversity at Lonar was composed of a variable proportion of herbaceous PFTs (ca. 40–60%) and mainly angiosperm woody PFTs. Changes in herbaceous diversity account for a considerable part of the observed PFT data variability. PCA analysis reveals a total of four partly alternating diversity associations (DAs) interpretable in terms of vegetation spanning from drier Savanna and dry deciduous forest to (semi-) evergreen woody vegetation, mainly recorded in older strata. It is shown that the succession of the DAs is largely triggered by climate change inferred from other proxies. Correlation analysis with geochemical data testifies that the diversity signal obtained is largely unaffected by sedimentary processes and detrital inflow, highlighting the potential of this archive to reflect ‘true’ diversity signals, rather than artefacts of sedimentary processes. While warm and humid conditions promoted diversity, drying and weak monsoon tended to cause diversity loss. In contrast, the relative diversity of dry herbs increased during drier periods. Short-term variability in our data is evident in varying diversity percentages of single PFTs and their ratios. Changing ratios of dry on mesic herbs, the relation of shrub and tree diversity, tropical on temperate PFTs, and total plant diversity are likely related to solar cycles. Evidence for recurrent cooling episodes through solar forcing comes from the observed coincidence of Grand Solar Minima and minima in the tropical/temperate PFT ratio.

Pengenalan Alat Pengering Energi Surya Serbaguna Untuk Pengeringan Pakaian dan Herbal di Madrasah Aliyah Mambaul ‘Ulum Kabupaten Bengkulu Tengah

The difficulty faced by the target group of Madrasah Aliyah Mambaul Ulum in drying clothes, and herbs needed to be solved. This community service activity aimed to adopt a multi-purpose solar dryer to solve this problem. The activities consisted of counseling, manufacturing, and testing the dryer, demonstration of the clothes and herb dryings, herb packaging and utilization, and assistance on the use of dryer by the target group to dry cloths and herbs independently. The counseling activities were delivered by the community service team (students and lecturers) to the target group consisting of a class of selected students along with the Madrasah Principal and 3 teachers. The manufacture and operation testing were carried out by a mechanic and students under the supervision of lecturers. The demonstration of drying was carried out by students and the target group. The dryer was then operated to dry cloth by the target group. Packaging and serving of dried herbs were practiced by students and the target group. Assistance in the utilization of the dryer to dry clothes and herbs independently was carried out by students under the supervision of the lecturers. All the community service activities were completed. It is suggested that the introduced appropriate technology may be adapted to wider target groups.

Edible Coatings Based on a Furcellaran and Gelatin Extract with Herb Addition as an Active Packaging for Carp Fillets

This is the first such study in which a gelatin extract obtained from carp skins enriched with dry herbs (thyme or rosemary) has been prepared. Extracts prepared in such a manner were added to furcellaran coatings. Coatings were tested for their mechanical properties and the obtained results showed that the control coatings, and those with the addition of rosemary, had the best strength-related parameters. A new ready-to-cook product was evaluated with regard to the preservative effects of carp skin gelatin coatings containing rosemary and thyme extracts in terms of pH, biogenic amine formulation, microbial changes and sensorial characteristics. The coatings with added rosemary proved effective in inhibiting the formation of biogenic amines, and slowing down the microbial deterioration of carp fillets (reduction by 0.53 and 0.29 log cfu/g). The evaluated herb coatings changed the characteristic taste of fish. Interestingly, the coatings emphasized the natural saltiness of fish meat.

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AS A CORRELATE OF ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOURS AMONG DRIVERS IN SELECTED GARAGES IN AUCHI, EDO STATE

Background: Alcohol consumption by drivers at the point of duty is a public health problem which endangers several families. &#x0D; Objectives: The study assessed the pattern, types, sources, reason for alcohol consumption, effect as well as the anti-social behaviors associated with and related to its consumption among motor vehicle drivers in selected garages in Auchi, Edo State.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Descriptive study among 93 commercial vehicle drivers selected using simple random sampling technique. Data collected with a questionnaire were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 and reported in the form of frequencies, percentages and pie chart.&#x0D; Results: The drivers consumed alcohol often; typically consumed dry gin, local gin and herbs in gin which they majorly purchased at the motor park. The drivers use alcohol to reduce stress, gain self-confidence and enhance driving, even though they knew that it had effect on their health. Only a few commercial vehicle drivers reported that they exhibit anti-social behaviours which was contrary to the statistical result which showed that there were significant relationships between alcohol consumption and involvement in traffic offence cum fighting.&#x0D; Conclusions: The commercial vehicle drivers largely consume alcohol not minding the effect on their health. Therefore, policy actors should ensure that there is full compliance with the policies prohibit the sale and use of alcohol in motor parks.&#x0D; Word Count: 216 words

Drying Characteristics and Quality Analysis of Medicinal Herbs Dried by an Indirect Solar Dryer.

Considering the solar radiation status in Oman, a low-cost, indirect, stand-alone, forced-convective solar dryer was developed to dry medicinal herbs, which are sensitive to direct sun. The hot air flow was obtained using a solar-panel-powered blower and air passing through a black-body solar collector. This drying process could extend the shelf life of herbs while preserving their medicinal and nutritional (physicochemical) properties and adhering to food safety and hygiene practices. This study investigated the benefits of an indirect solar drying technique on the retention of quality attributes of mint and basil used in medicinal applications. Herbs used during drying could be subjected to changes in their physicochemical properties such as color, water activity (Aw), total soluble solids (TSS), phenol content, antioxidant capacity, and moisture content (MC), and, thus, results were compared with fresh herb samples. The dryer chamber-maintained temperature and relative humidity regimes of 30-50 °C and 21-95% and the expected final moisture content (wet basis) was 10%. The dryer showed improved physicochemical quality parameters and the retention of green color with parameter ranges of Aw 0.44-0.63, phenol content (increase) 1705-8994 mg/100 g DM, and antioxidant capacity (increase) 0.61-0.67 µmol/g DM, respectively. This study showed the ability of developed solar dryers to preserve the physicochemical properties of medicinal herbs during drying and can extend to other food products.