Indian Spice Research Articles

Growth and Instability in Significant Spices in India: An Empirical Analysis

Background: India stands first in the production of most of the spices. Still we are not able to exploit the full potential of these spices since these are often subjected to wide price unsteadiness in the domestic as well as international markets which results in fluctuations in production and yield too rendering an intense discuss on spices growth and instability. The present study carried out to examine the trend in growth and instability of major spices grown in India. Methods: The growth and instability analysis was carried out at nationwide. The required data for the present study was collected for the period 1990-91 to 2018-19 which were further divided into three sub-periods. On the basis of highest area and production six major spices namely, pepper, cardamom, chilli, ginger, turmeric and coriander growing in the country was selected for the study. The growth rates were worked out by fitting the exponential growth function and instability analysis was used by generating Cuddy Della instability index. Result: The analysis has revealed that most of the spices have recorded a positive and significant growth rate in all the sub-periods. Sub-period I (1990-91 to 1999-2000) emerges to be the stable period in most of the spices which also recorded a notable growth rate compared to other sub-periods. However, sub-period II (2000-01 to 2009-10) witnessed a slow pace of growth in pepper and cardamom which registered a negative growth in area, production and yield. On the other hand, the study has shown comparatively unstable behaviour in most of spices in sub-period III (2010-11 to 2018-19).

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AND PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM (COMMERCIAL SPECIES)

Cinnamon is a member of family Lauraceae, found in tropical area and it has been used as a spice in India. In the present study, Cinnamomum zeylanicum was used for detection of phytochemical components and antimicrobial activity. The dried powder of cinnamon was extracted using Methanol. The extract was tested for the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, phenols and carbohydrates. The phytochemical screening of cinnamon was rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. The effect of cinnamon extract against Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi were studied. The strongest antimicrobial activity were observed at 100 mg/ml of methanolic extract of cinnamon was 20.67±0.58 mm zone of inhibition against E.coli and 24.57±0.58 mm zone of inhibition against Salmonella typhi. The antibiotic Gentamycin kept as a control.

Antibacterial Activity of Indian Spices against the Pathogens Isolated from Wound Infection

Introduction: Plants have been used for thousands of years to treat health disorders, to prevent diseases including epidemics, to flavor and conserve food. It is estimated that 250 to 500 thousand plant species are present on the earth, out of which merely 10 percent are used as a source of food by humans and animals. Objective: In the present work, antibacterial activity of five different Indian spices namely turmeric, clove, pepper, cinnamon and garlic was investigated against pathogens isolated from wound samples Method: The unknown bacteria were identified by different types of morphological and biochemical techniques such as serial dilutions spread plate methods, morphological studies and biochemical tests. The swabs of the patients were inoculated in 10 mL of sterile nutrient broth and incubated at 37oC for 24 h. The antibacterial activities of these Indian spices were evaluated using the disk diffusion method. A suspension of the microorganisms to be tested was spread on nutrient agar and MacConkey agar medium. The filter paper discs were placed on the agar plates, which were saturated with extract of spice. The plates were then incubated at 37oC for 24 h. The zone of inhibition was determined post-incubation by evaluating the diameter of the zone of inhibition. Results: The antibacterial activities of these Indian spices were evaluated using the disk diffusion method, and the inhibitory zones were recorded. It was quite evident from the result that cinnamon had a larger inhibition zone against P1NA3, P1MAC1 and least for P2NA2. Garlic exhibited a greater zone of inhibition against P2NA2, P3NA3 and least for P1MAC1. Clove had a maximum zone of inhibition against P1MAC2 and least with P3NA3. These spices displayed a zone of inhibition somewhat close to the control antibiotic drug, ampicillin. Conclusion: P1MNC2 showed a maximum zone of inhibition with clove (3 cm) at 100%. P2NA2 showed maximum antibacterial activity with garlic (3.6 cm) at 100% and minimum with cinnamon (1.1cm) at 20%. P3NA3 presented maximum antibacterial activity result with garlic (4.2 cm) at 100% and minimum with clove (1.2cm) at 20%. Spices are economical, more accessible to most of the population in the world. So, medicinal plants should be encouraged as potential candidates for new drugs.

Phytocompounds as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro through computational studies

The inhibition of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro) prevents viral multiplications; these viral enzymes have been recognized as one of the most favorable targets for drug discovery against SARS-CoV-2. In the present study, we screened 225 phytocompounds present in 28 different Indian spices to identify compounds as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) binding free energy calculations, and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) studies were done. Based on binding affinity, dynamics behavior, and binding free energies, the present study identifies pentaoxahexacyclo-dotriacontanonaen-trihydroxybenzoate derivative (PDT), rutin, and dihyroxy-oxan-phenyl-chromen-4-one derivative (DOC), luteolin-7-glucoside-4′-neohesperidoside as promising inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro, respectively.

Empirical Analysis of Production and Productivity of Indian Spices

The aim of this paper is to compare the growth rate in the production as well as productivity of the King and Queen of spices i.e., Black Pepper and Cardamom in two states, Kerala and Karnataka which are the leading producers of spices in India, the paper makes use of secondary data. the article highlights that the spice growers are switching their crops from pepper to cardamom and other plants. This can be caused by the reduction in productivity of pepper, and also in general, pepper cannot be grown as cardamom or paddy again on the same piece of land. Besides, the pepper price fluctuation is smaller than cardamom and other crops. However, the decrease in pepper productivity is above the degree of pepper price stability and this study highlights the plantation sector, more specifically, spices which contribute largely to the Indian economy, and which is often an underutilized sector despite its vast potential.

Indian spices: past, present and future challenges as the engine for bio-enhancement of drugs: impact of COVID-19.

Spices are natural plant products enriched with the history of being used as herbal medicine for prevention of diseases. India is also known as the ‘Land of Spices’. Out of 109 spices recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) more than 52–60 spice crops are grown in India. The major spices exported by India are turmeric, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, peppers, etc. The Indian spices are divided into three era viz. early period, middle age and early modern period. Spices are used in beverages, liquors, and pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery products. The major issue with spices is their handling and storage. This review article mainly focuses on two aspects: at the outset the handling and storage of the spices is an essential factor as spices are available in different forms like raw, processed, fresh, whole dried, or pre‐ground dried. Therefore, the need of processing, packaging, storage and handling of the spices is important as the deterioration of spices can lead to the loss of therapeutic activity. Furthermore, many herbal constituents have the capability to enhance the bioavailability of drugs. Therefore, an attempt has been made to throw a light on the bioenhancer activity and therapeutic activity along with their mechanism of action of some Indian spices which are regularly used for cooking purpose on a daily basis to enhance the taste of food. The spices suggested by ministry of AYUSH which is relevant to its medicinal and biological property in treatment and prevention from COVID‐19 are discussed. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Unravelling the Immune Modulatory Effect of Indian Spices to Impede the Transmission of COVID-19: A Promising Approach.

Months after WHO declared COVID-19 as a Global Public Health Emergency of International Concern, it does not seem to be flattening the curve as we are still devoid of an effective treatment modality and vaccination is in the first phase in many countries. Amid such uncertainty, being immune is the best strategy to defend against corona attacks. As the whole world is referring back to immune-boosting traditional remedies, interest is rekindled in the Indian system of Medicine, which is gifted with an abundance of herbal medicines as well as remedies. Among them, spices (root, rhizome, seed, fruit, leaf, bud, and flower of various plants used to add taste and flavors to food) are bestowed with immense medicinal potential. A plethora of clinical as well as preclinical studies reported the effectiveness of various spices for various ailments. The potential immune-boosting properties together with their excellent safety profiles are making spices the current choice of phytoresearch as well as the immune-boosting home remedies during these sceptical times. The present review critically evaluates the immune impact of various Indian spices and their potential to tackle the novel coronavirus, with comments on the safety and toxicity aspects of spices.

A Review on Health Benefits of Indian Spices

Seed spices are an important category of agricultural commodities that contribute significantly to our country's economy. India has long been known as a spiceproducing country. Coriander, cumin, and fennel are members of the umbelliferon family, whereas fenugreek belongs to the Fabaceae family. Bioactive compounds, also bioactive constituents, are occurs naturally, physiologically active phytochemicals that operate as a natural defence mechanism for host plants or have previously been exploited as medications, perfumes, or taste components. They're a gold mine of opportunities in our search for useful bioactive molecules for pharmacotherapy or other wellness issues. Seed spices affect a number of biological systems, such as the digestive, circulatory, reproductive, or neurological systems, causing a range of metabolic but also physiologic consequences. Antioxidants, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimicrobial activity, hypolipidemic influence, insecticidal, beneficial in heavy menstrual bleeding, aiding digestion, high blood pressure, instrumentation of enzymes involved, immune function, reduction of inflammatory process, molecular mechanism, modulations of immune systems, The purpose of this research is to have a thorough analysis on the present trends in research here on health advantages of four common seed seasonings: cumin, coriander, but also fennel.

A Study on supply chain management of spices in India

During this pandemic, the role of the supply chain, its efficient and effective management is well understood in our country. In this paper, an attempt to understand the flow of commodities from different states across the country is done. Supply chain management is a structure that helps in the flow of goods from the producers to the consumers in a cost-effective way. The supply chain is a network of organisations that helps in the flow of materials from the point of origin to the point of consumption by controlling, managing, improving and storing the materials. There are a lot of changes in the supply chain distribution nowadays previously what was done laboriously is made easy with technology in hand. This field has evolved and adapted to the changes to offer alternative solutions that greatly influence organisational performance by gaining a competitive advantage in the manufacturing sector.

Utilization of sugar syrup waste of aonla processing industry for flavored spicy beverages

The article describes in detail the process of utilizing sugar syrup left over as waste in the aonla processing industries in preparing value added products like the mint flavored spiced squash and ginger-lemon flavored spiced ready-to-serve (RTS) drinks. The spicy squash was prepared using Indian spices with and without mint that can be consumed after diluting it with water whenever required. Both the beverages were stored at room and low temperature for nine months and evaluated for different chemical and sensory attributes at every three month storage intervals. Squash without mint and RTS drink stored at low temperature was organoleptically more acceptable even after nine months. Both the drinks showed good market potential during summer months. The technology may prove helpful in saving economic loss of aonla processing industry in the form of sugar syrup waste.

Qualitative phytochemical analysis of eight turmeric (Curcuma longa L) cultivars grown in various geographical locations of India with six extracts – A comparative study

Being integral part of Indian cuisine, spices and condiments are reservoir of medicinal and phytochemical properties. The main objective of the study was to qualitatively analyse the phytochemical constituents of eight different cultivars of Indian turmeric with six different extracts. Different turmeric cultivars showed the presence of carbohydrates, proteins and aminoacids, phenolic compounds and tannins. Alkaloids, flavonoids, gums and mucilages, phytosterols were absent in most of the turmeric cultivars. This study concludes that aqueous extracts of different turmeric cultivars have highest phytonutrients in all forms and are recommended as the most preferred option in health and disease for further analyses.

Growth performance of indian spices: State-wise analysis

Growth performance of indian spices: State-wise analysis

Domestic quarantine: An introspection and future perspectives on biosecurity interventions to contain pathogen spread in vegetatively propagated spices in India

Safeguarding biodiversity poses a major challenge that warrants preventive legislative and regulatory frameworks to ensure biosecurity, preserve intrinsic biodiversity and mitigate risks from the invasion of exotic pathogenic microbes thereby sustaining agricultural productivity and food safety. The anthropogenic activities contribute enormously towards transboundary movement of invasive alien pathogens through trade and transport of seeds/propagation materials that need to be regulated by enacting appropriate laws and policy guidelines. Black pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric and vanilla are the major vegetatively propagated spices cultivated in India. Since primary spread of the major pathogens in these spices are mediated through planting materials, it is imperative to formulate guidelines for flawless and meticulous implementation of quarantine measures which are otherwise not adopted. This review discusses the significance of domestic quarantine in major vegetatively propagated spices with a comprehensive background on plant biosecurity and invasive plant pathogens which could pose threat to spice cultivation in India. It further illustrates the constraints and possible strategies to annihilate the cryptically disseminated pathogens through vegetative planting materials ultimately to safeguard our self-sustaining agricultural systems.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of White Pepper Oleoresin Mediated Selenium Nanoparticles

Introduction: Indian spices such as turmeric, ginger, and mint bring color and flavor to food and cure many ailments too.
 Aim: To study the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of white pepper oleoresin-mediated selenium nanoparticles.
 Materials and Methods: The white pepper oleoresin extract was collected from Synthite Industries Pvt Limited, with a product code - 4010000835. Selenium nanoparticles were initially prepared using white pepper oleoresin and DPPH assay was performed on the different concentrations of white pepper oleoresin (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 μg/ml) for antioxidant activity, and anti-inflammatory activity was tested by the following method proposed by Muzushima and Kabayashi with specific alterations.
 Results: White pepper has shown a very good anti-inflammatory effect and antioxidant activity when compared to the standard used at higher concentrations. Selenium nanoparticles appeared to have 90 percent inhibition in 50μL, which was also higher than the standard. Selenium nanoparticles seemed to have 85 percent inhibition in 50μL, which was also lower than the standard.
 Conclusion: The present study has demonstrated an eco-friendly and cost-effective synthesis of Selenium nanoparticles using White pepper oleoresin. White pepper oleoresin mediated Selenium nanoparticles were with good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity which may be utilized include for its use in inflammatory and other conditions where there is a requirement for antioxidant activity.

Nutritional Enrichment with Curcumin during Perinatal period Alleviates Metabolic Disorders in The Adult Life

Background: The `fetal origins' hypothesis proposes that alterations in fetal nutrition result in a permanent change in physiology and metabolism, thereby predisposing to metabolic disorders in adult life. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), the wonder queen of Indian spice and a nutraceutical was extensively used in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha for various diseases. Having multiple benefits of Curcumin, we hypothesized that, rats suffered undernutrition during their perinatal period would develop metabolic disorders in their adult life, which would be effectively modulated by Curcumin. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the effect of Curcumin supplementation during perinatal life. Methods: It is an experimental study conducted using a rat model. The animals were divided into six groups. The insulin level was estimated by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Plasma glucose and lipid profile by autoanalyzer method. HOMA-IR and AI were calculated. The difference was compared between the groups and within the group was done by one-way ANOVA. The p < 0.05 was considered as the level of significance. Results: The Bodyweight mean Triglyceride, Total cholesterol, LDL-C, Glucose, AI, and HOMA-IR was significantly increased (p=0.0001) in the Perun group, whereas HDL-C and Insulin were significantly decreased (p=0.001) as compared to control animals, which was effectively modulated by Curcumin in the animals of PeriCur group. Conclusion: The present study showed that perinatal undernutrition caused metabolic disorders in adult life and was effectively modulated by Curcumin supplementation during the perinatal period.

Awareness on Importance of Immune Boosting Diet among Dental Students- A Survey

Introduction: An immune system is essential for survival. The immune system must be looking for any signs of invasion mostly caused by microorganisms. It plays a vital role in protecting the body against diseases, fighting against foreign bodies and does a remarkable job in defending against microorganisms. A Natural immune booster is an additional immunising agent which helps to increase and sustain the immune response of the body. The aim of this study is to show the awareness level on importance of immune boosting diet among dental students
 Materials and methods: A questionnaire was prepared consisting of a total 14 questions and was uploaded through an online survey link. The responses were collected and analysed which were later interpreted as pie charts. A total of 100 undergraduate dental students have taken the survey with consent. The data was analysed by IBM SPSS software where descriptive statistics and chi square test was done, where the results are plotted as graphs.
 Results: A total of 100 participants have taken the survey in which 50% were males and 50% were females. A question was asked whether food directly affects our health in which 96% have answered yes. In another question pertaining to how many meals you eat per day. 48% have answered three times and 48% have answered two times. 98% believe that skipping meals affects our immunity/health. 94% believe that Indian spices can boost our immunity. 92% believe green tea is a great antioxidant. 57% have answered that taking natural food along with supplements can boost immunity instead of just taking either one. 48% answered that fat has more calories followed by carbohydrates. 88% believe that Consumption of carbohydrates can lead to increase in triglycerides. 97% believe that consumption of citrus fruits can increase immunity
 Conclusion: According to the study, students are aware about the nutrition which is required for maintaining and improving their immunity. As a budding doctor, the students should be aware about the nutrition which is required for maintaining immunity especially during this COVID 19 pandemic.

Multi-residue method validation and safety evaluation of pesticide residues in seed spices cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and coriander (Coriandrum sativum) by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS)

The manuscript reports comprehensive multi-residue determination of 215 pesticides in two commercially important Indian spices, Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) by GC–MS/MS analysis. The proposed method involved liquid–liquid extraction with acetonitrile, d-SPE clean-up and final reconstitution of extract in ethyl acetate. d-SPE clean-up with PSA and C18 minimized the matrix effects by 40 and 16%, respectively. Reconstitution of final extract reduced the non-volatile matrix co-extractives by 36–40%. The method was validated as per SANTE/12682/2019 and recoveries at 10, 25 and 50 μg kg−1 were within 70–120% with RSD ≤ 20%. A fit for purpose method LOQ of 10 μgkg−1 was achieved for 85% of analytes. The method was successfully applied for comprehensive screening of cumin and coriander market samples. The calculated TMDI for acute and chronic exposure assessment were less than calculated MPI in respective matrices and therefore did not cause any adverse effect to consumers.

Agroecological Aspects of Black Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) Cultivation in Kerala: A Review

Black pepper is a very important spice and medicinal crop of India. The country produces about 62,000 metric tonnes of black pepper annually, of which 10–12% is exported. Kerala with an area of 82,761 ha under the crop is a leading producer of the spice in India. It is grown under varied agro-ecologies in the state ranging from sea-level to High Ranges. The crop, a climber, is cultivated either as a monocrop trailed on different multipurpose support trees (called “standards”, e.g. Ailanthus triphysa, Erythrina indica, Garuga pinnata, Gliricidia sepium etc.) or in the homesteads along with assorted trees like Areca catechu, Cocos nucifera, Artocarpus heterophyllus, Mangifera indica and the like. Trailing a sciophytic (shade-loving) climber on woody perennial support trees makes it a unique agronomic system and an excellent example of agroforestry. Attractive prices, albeit fluctuations, long shelf-life of the produce, and the ability to provide a range of ecosystem services including supporting and regulatory services (e.g. carbon sequestration and soil fertility enrichment), make black pepper production an attractive land use option in Kerala. This paper reviews the literature on agroecology of the crop with particular reference to Kerala.

Effect Of Indian Spices On Colour Stability Of Two Commercially Available Glass Ionomer Cements - An In Vitro Study

Effect Of Indian Spices On Colour Stability Of Two Commercially Available Glass Ionomer Cements - An In Vitro Study

The “Magic” of Masala: An Analysis of Indian Spices as a Psychological Healer based on Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Mistress of Spices

The “Magic” of Masala: An Analysis of Indian Spices as a Psychological Healer based on Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni’s The Mistress of Spices