Tropical Spices Research Articles

The Influence of Workplace Incivility on Employee Job Satisfaction at PT. Sumatera Tropical Spices With Emotional Exhaustion As Mediation Variable.

This Study aims to find out and analyze : (1) Influence workplace incivility to job satisfaction (2) Influence workplace incivility to emotional exhaustion (3) The effect of emotional exhaustion on job satisfaction (4) The effect of workplace incivility on job satisfaction with emotional exhaustion as a mediating variable. This research is a causal research. The population of this research is all employees of PT. Sumatera Tropical Spices with a working period of less than two years, totaling 56 people. The sampling technique uses total sampling. The analysis technique used is SmartPLS4 software. The results of data processing in this study show that: (1) Workplace incivility negative and significant effect on job satisfaction (2) Workplace incivility positive and significant effect to emotional exhaustion (3) Emotional exhaustion has a negative and significant effect on job satisfaction (4) Emotional exhaustion mediates the negative effect of work place incivility on job satisfaction.

Extraction and Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds (Anti-Stress Components) from Selected Tropical Spices using Microwave Assisted Technique

Crude extracts (essential oils) were extracted using a microwave assisted extraction from dried Ginger, T. tetraptera, and M. myristica and subsequently evaluated. Quantitative phytochemicals and antioxidant activities were determined in the crude extracts. The saponins were found to be highest in ginger extracts (2.71) and differs significantly (p≤0.05) from other samples. Flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins are highest in Monodora myristica with mean values of 14.33, 7.30 and 5.46 respectively but had the least in alkaloids (6.84). T. tetraptera had the highest in alkaloids and steroids with mean scores of 10.17 and 4.31 respectively and with significant differences (p≤0.05). Total phenolic compounds are highest in M. myristica (26.06) followed by ginger (23.26) and T. tetraptera (20.93). The crude extracts recorded high antioxidant activities (DPPH, FRAP, LIPID Peroxidation inhibition, and Nitric oxide scavenging activities), in relation to the control (Vit. C). The crude extract from M. myristica gave the highest DPPH value (56.61) while ginger extracts recorded the highest score for FRAP while the control (Vit. C.) had the highest lipid Peroxidation inhibition Therefore, tropical spices can be used to produce antistress nutraceutical beverages.

Phytochemicals from Selected Tropical Spices and Agro-Food Wastes. Utilization and Applications in Health Sectors: A Review

This review analyzes how modern activities in several food sectors, including agriculture, industry, and residences, are producing more byproducts as a result. These food wastes, which are derived from fruits, vegetables, cereals, and food processing operations, have been demonstrated in studies to hold promise as sources of bioactive compounds and nutraceuticals that may be useful in treating a range of ailments. Researchers have effectively extracted secondary metabolites, minerals, proteins, enzymes, vitamins, phytochemicals and bioactive compounds from these food waste items using various extraction techniques. The article provides a comprehensive overview of different extraction strategies, highlighting successful study efforts, and emphasizes their effective applications in nutraceutical manufacture, health benefits, bioprocess development, and the added value of food waste resources. These technologies offer an interesting way to enhance the production of particular compounds, which can be utilized as nutraceuticals or incorporated into functional beverages in the future.

Post-harvest fungal rot of green pepper fruits (Capscium annuum): Methanolic extracts of tropical spices as bio rescue agents

This study aimed at evaluating the control potential of some essential oils on green pepper fruit (Capscium annuum) rot. Samples of green pepper fruits (infected and healthy) and spices were obtained from Ado-Ekiti market, fungal rot pathogens were isolated from infected green pepper fruit and pathogenicity test was carried out to authenticate the pathogenic status of the fungal isolates. The fungi isolated from the green pepper fruits were: Aspergillus spp, Cladosprium spp. Fusarium solani, Rhizopus stolonifer, Mucor spp. Alternaria spp. The fungal isolates were identified using cultural and morphological features such as colony growth pattern, conidial morphology and pigmentation. Extracts of clove, ginger, and garlic were obtained using established standards. The fungal inoculum was prepared from 5-days old culture grown on potato dextrose agar and the effects of the essential oils were determined on the pepper fruit rot. The sensitivity of the fungal isolates to the extracts was found by assessing the diameter of the zone of inhibition in which significant susceptibility was taken as 25 mm in diameter. The effects of various rot fungi on the carbohydrate content of green pepper showed values of 32.85, 33.57, 33.12, 33.22, 32.78, and 33.57% by Aspergillus spp, Cladosprium spp, Fusarium solani, Rhizopus stolonifer, Mucor spp and Alternaria spp respectively. The effect of various rot fungi on the moisture content of green pepper showed 19.68% for Cladosporium spp, followed by Fusarium solani (19. 24%) while the least was Aspergillus spp (18.59%). The effects of various rot fungi on the total ash of green pepper showed Mucor spp (18.87%), followed by Cladosporium (18.81%) and Aspergillus spp (18.61%). The effects of various rot fungi on the crude fat content of green pepper showed Fusarium solani and Mucor 9.97% while the least was Aspergillus spp (9.35%). The effects of various rot fungi on the protein content of green pepper showed a value of 15.96% for Cladosporium spp while the least effect was from Alternaria spp (15.01%). Rot fungi exhibited various degrees of effects on the nutritional contents of infected green pepper fruits. Therefore, various biological controls of fungal fruits rot, such as the application of powder extracts of clove, ginger and garlic can be adopted, these applications have been established for controlling fruit rot of green pepper fruits in this research.

Effects of Hevea brasiliensis Intercropping on the Volatiles of Pandanus amaryllifolius Leaves

Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. is a special tropical spice crop resource with broad development prospects. It is widely cultivated under a Hevea brasiliensis (Willd. ex A. Juss.) Muell. Arg. canopy to improve the comprehensive benefits to Hevea brasiliensis plantations in Hainan Provence, China. However, the effects of intercropping with Hevea brasiliensis on the component number and relative contents of volatile substances in different categories in the Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves are still unknown. Therefore, a Hevea brasiliensis and Pandanus amaryllifolius intercropping experiment was set up to clarify the differences between several cultivated patterns on volatile substances in the Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves, and the key regulatory factors of volatile substances. The results showed that the soil pH was significantly decreased, while soil bulk density, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen and available phosphorus contents were significantly increased under the intercropping pattern. The component numbers of esters in volatile substances were increased by 6.20%, while the component numbers of ketones were decreased by 4.26% under the intercropping pattern. Compared with the Pandanus amaryllifolius monoculture, the relative contents of pyrroles, esters and furanones were significantly increased by 8.83%, 2.30% and 8.27%, respectively, while the relative contents of ketones, furans and hydrocarbons were decreased by 1.01%, 10.55% and 9.16% under the intercropping pattern, respectively. The relative contents of pyrroles, esters, furanones, ketones, furans and hydrocarbons were associated with changes in soil pH, soil available phosphorus content and air temperature. The results indicated that the reduction in soil pH and enhancement in soil-available phosphorus may be the main reasons for promoting the relative content of pyrroles and reducing the relative content of hydrocarbons under an intercropping pattern. Overall, Hevea brasiliensis intercropping with Pandanus amaryllifolius could not only improve soil properties, but also significantly increase the relative contents of the main volatile substances in Pandanus amaryllifolius leaves, which could provide a theoretical basis for the application and promotion of high-quality production patterns of Pandanus amaryllifolius.

Effect of solvents of extreme polarities on the antioxidative and cytotoxic profiles of single and combined tropical spices

Objective: To assess the possible augmented phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities of hexane and hydroethanol extracts of five combined tropical spices. Methods: Powdered samples from five dried tropical spices [Zingiber officinale Rosc., Xylopia aethiopica (Dun.) A. Rich, Piper guineense Schum & Thonn, Myristica fragrans Houtt. and Allium sativum L.] were separately and in combination extracted with hexane (HX) and hydroethanol (50:50) (HE). Both extracts of the single spices (Ssp) and mixed spices (Mxsp) were evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and estimation of antioxidant activities through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6)-sulphonic acid (ABTS), hydroxyl radical (HR) scavenging and reducing power (RP) assays as well as metal chelating (MC) capability. The tetrazolium-based colorimetric cellular (MTT) assay was utilized to assess their possible cytotoxic effect on Vero cells. Results: The study revealed that the HX (75.28 ± 10.07 mggallic acid equivalent/mL) and HE (19.00±3.21 mg quercetin equivalent/g) extracts of Mxsp had the highest TPC and TFC respectively when compared with corresponding extracts of Ssp. The antioxidant efficacy revealed that the HE extract of Mxsp depicted the highest DPPH (median inhibitory concentration (IC50): 0.09 ± 0.03 mg/mL), ABTS (IC50: 0.21 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and HR (IC50: 0.63 ± 0.92 mg/mL) scavenging activities respectively. The best MC effect and potent RP activity were observed in the HX extracts of ginger (IC50: 0.11 ± 0.03 mg/mL) and Mxsp (2.85 ± 0.11 mg/mL) respectively. The MTT assay revealed that Ssp and Mxsp were not cytotoxic to Vero cells with median lethal concentration (LC50) values ranging from 0.13-0.48 mg/mL. Conclusion: This study suggests that Mxsp contains more phytochemical compounds and exhibits better antioxidant activity than Ssp. Moreover, both extracts of Ssp and Mxsp may be considered safe for consumption at specified concentrations.

Critical Review on Nutritional, Bioactive, and Medicinal Potential of Spices and Herbs and Their Application in Food Fortification and Nanotechnology.

Medicinal or herbal spices are grown in tropical moist evergreen forestland, surrounding most of the tropical and subtropical regions of Eastern Himalayas in India (Sikkim, Darjeeling regions), Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, a few Central Asian countries, Middle East, USA, Europe, South East Asia, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. According to the cultivation region surrounded, economic value, and vogue, these spices can be classified into major, minor, and colored tropical spices. In total, 24 tropical spices and herbs (cardamom, black jeera, fennel, poppy, coriander, fenugreek, bay leaves, clove, chili, cassia bark, black pepper, nutmeg, black mustard, turmeric, saffron, star anise, onion, dill, asafoetida, celery, allspice, kokum, greater galangal, and sweet flag) are described in this review. These spices show many pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, and antioxidant activities. Numerous bioactive compounds are present in these selected spices, such as 1,8-cineole, monoterpene hydrocarbons, γ-terpinene, cuminaldehyde, trans-anethole, fenchone, estragole, benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, piperine, linalool, malabaricone C, safrole, myristicin, elemicin, sinigrin, curcumin, bidemethoxycurcumin, dimethoxycurcumin, crocin, picrocrocin, quercetin, quercetin 4’-O-β-glucoside, apiol, carvone, limonene, α-phellandrene, galactomannan, rosmarinic acid, limonene, capsaicinoids, eugenol, garcinol, and α-asarone. Other than that, various spices are used to synthesize different types of metal-based and polymer-based nanoparticles like zinc oxide, gold, silver, selenium, silica, and chitosan nanoparticles which provide beneficial health effects such as antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, enzyme retardation effect, and antimicrobial activity. The nanoparticles can also be used in environmental pollution management like dye decolorization and in chemical industries to enhance the rate of reaction by the use of catalytic activity of the nanoparticles. The nutritional value, phytochemical properties, health advantages, and both traditional and modern applications of these spices, along with their functions in food fortification, have been thoroughly discussed in this review

Nutritional, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and oxidative stability properties of turmeric ( Curcuma longa ) supplemented muffins

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a well-consumed tropical spice with many biological roles in folk medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of partial substitution (2.5%, 5% and 10%) of wheat flour with turmeric flour (TF) on the nutritional, antioxidant, antidiabetic and oxidative stability of the muffins. The substitution led to significant (p < 0.05) increases in the bioactive components, antioxidant and inhibitory properties of the muffins against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. Also, there was significant (p < 0.05) increase in the ash content from 3.18 to 5.87 g/100g and fibre content from 2.11 to 2.48 g/100g of the TF-substituted muffins. There was significant decrease (p < 0.05) in estimated glycemic index from 51.68 to 46.30 and in vitro starch digestibility from 55.60 to 49.07 of the muffins which was corresponding to the amount of TF inclusion. Oxidative stability was also enhanced in muffins produced from wheat-turmeric flour blends. Therefore, turmeric flour could serve as functional and preservative ingredients in baking of muffins for the people suffering from diabetes mellitus.

The clove (Syzygium aromaticum) genome provides insights into the eugenol biosynthesis pathway

The clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is an important tropical spice crop in global trade. Evolving environmental pressures necessitate modern characterization and selection techniques that are currently inaccessible to clove growers owing to the scarcity of genomic and genetic information. Here, we present a 370-Mb high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly for clove. Comparative genomic analysis between S. aromaticum and Eucalyptus grandis—both species of the Myrtaceae family—reveals good genome structure conservation and intrachromosomal rearrangements on seven of the eleven chromosomes. We report genes that belong to families involved in the biosynthesis of eugenol, the major bioactive component of clove products. On the basis of our transcriptomic and metabolomic findings, we propose a hypothetical scenario in which eugenol acetate plays a key role in high eugenol accumulation in clove leaves and buds. The clove genome is a new contribution to omics resources for the Myrtaceae family and an important tool for clove research.

The 16th-19th Century Soundtoll Registers Online: Uncovering Traded Plant Diversity between the North and the Baltic Seas

Studies of European trade have largely focused on bulk commodities, ignoring minor products. The Danish Soundtoll Registers Online (STRO) document the North-Baltic Seas maritime trade from the 16th century to the 19th. They are an untapped resource to understand the trade of plant products. Here, we present an overview of plants recorded in the STRO from 1497–1857, based on thousands of handwritten vernacular plant name variations in Danish. We found 264 plant products corresponding to 140 botanical taxa. We confirm previous findings regarding bulk goods, such as wood, wine, and (sub)tropical spices, but also uncover trade of wild food plants and herbal medicines. Notably dodder (Cuscuta spp.) and purging cassia (Cassia fistula L.) were traded as frequently as currently well-known plant-based commodities such as tea (Camellia sinensis [L.] Kuntze) and rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum L.). This indicates their former importance. Through the botanically identified dataset we present here, the STRO reveal the diversity of historical plant trade. We discuss what this overview adds to the understanding of historic plant trade in Europe and outline suggestions for future research that can be addressed using these data.

Review on Status of Organic Farming

Organic agriculture started much more recently in thousands of years ago, Agriculture almost equal share of the farming systems of crop production and characterizes the key issues of Ethiopian economy. The quality of organic resources and their fertilizer equivalence are the main criteria to be judged for effective utilization of the organic resources for soil fertility improvement and promotion of agricultural products both in quantity and quality.Organic agriculture is production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. The evaluation of organic matter in soils depends on type and nature of organic source. Organic agriculture in the extent to which African farmers certified yields (more than 50% higher than local yield averages). The export main products produced are cotton, sesame and coffee, followed by cocoa, dried fruits, frozen fruit/pulp, fresh mainly tropical fruit and spices. Ethiopia is famous as the origin of coffee and is the largest producer in Africa. Forest coffee has the advantage that it originates from an organic and shaded production area - a quality increasingly important for coffee drinkers worldwide coffee cultivation systems, superior quality and organic in nature. Certified-organic farmers will generally require a higher price to compensate for the costs of inspection, certification and the major source of foreign exchange and thus account more than half of the value of total export. Total number of 12 forest coffee cooperatives in remote areas of southwestern Ethiopia were certified according to Fairtrade, organic (EU standard) and Utz Certified standards. The common understanding of agricultural production in all types of organic agriculture is managing the production capacity of an agro-ecosystem. Pesticides and fertilizers are damaging human health and polluting the surrounding environment and thus violating the sustainability of ecosystem.

Fair Trade Alliance and its Pertinence in the Indian Scenario

The account of Indian agriculture dates back to Indus Valley Civilization. As per Indian Agriculture and Allied Industries Industry Report 2020, Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for 58 per cent of India’s population with significant contribution to Indian GDP, Gross Value Added (GVA) growth with 4 Per cent by agriculture, forestry, and fishing was estimated to be Rs 19.48 lakh crore (US$ 276.37 billion) in FY20(PE). The Indian food processing industry accounts for 32 per cent of the country’s total food market, one of the largest industries in India, and is ranked fifth in terms of production, consumption, export, and expected growth. The Indian agriculture sector is predominately unorganized and dominated by players from the unorganized sector with the exploitation of producers by market participants. The current paper tries to study the prospects of Fairtrade practice in Kerala by making a critical analysis of the problems and prospects of the Fair trade practices in Kerala. Fair trade in border sense tries to address the concerns of producers through structured arrangements designed to help producers in emerging countries attain sustainable and equitable trade relationships through an organised set of practices. Fair trade advocates for the Premium price, Better working, socio, and economic and environmental standards for producers. FTAK commenced in 2006, small farmers’ organization located in South India that grows coffee, cashew nuts, and tropical spices. Incorporated with objectives enabling farmers to tap global markets and enhance income through Fairtrade which tries to surpass the upcoming challenges of food security, the appropriation/utilization of rural land, the effects of pests and disease on their livelihoods, destruction of crops by wildlife, and the unwillingness of the younger generation to continue with agriculture. FTAK tries to preserve the historical legacy of Indian cash crops by creating sustainable livelihood for producers engaged in fair trade and help to calibrate the food security for a growing population.

The influence of leader member exchange on employee performance with employee engagement as a mediator

This research has purpose to analyzed: (1) influence of leader member exchange on employee performance at PT Sumatra Tropical Spices (2) influence of leader member exchange on employee engagement at PT Sumater Tropical Spices. (3) influence of employee engagement on Employee Performance at PT Sumatra Tropical Spices. (4) influence of leader member exchange on employee performance at PT Sumatra Tropical Spices. This research is classified as a causal research. The population in this study were all employees of PT Sumatra Tropical Spices with a total of 156 people. The sample size is determined using the Slovin formula found as many as 112 respondents and sampling in this study using proporsional clustered simple random sampling. Collecting data using questionnaire with Likert scale. The analysis technique used is PLS-SEM analysis. This research found that: (1) There is a positive and significant direct influence between leader member exchange and employee performance at PT. Sumatra Tropical Spices, (2) There is a positive and significant direct influence between leader member exchanges on employee engagement at PT. Sumatra Tropical Spices. (3) There is a positive and significant direct influence between employee engagement and employee performance at PT. Sumatra Tropical Spices. (4) There is a positive and significant indirect effect between leader member exchanges on employee performance through employee engagement as a mediating variable at PT. Sumatra Tropical Spices

In vitro comparative assessment of the inhibitory effects of single and combined spices against glucose-synthesizing enzymes

Purpose: To assess the individual and synergistic inhibitory activities of five (5) tropical spices, viz, Zingiber officinale Rosc., Xylopia aethiopica (Dun.) A. Rich, Piper guineense Schum &amp; Thonn, Myristica fragrans Houtt. and Allium sativum L. against glucose hydrolysing enzymes.Methods: In vitro assessment of the alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities of cold water, hot water, ethanol and aqueous-ethanol extracts of each of the five spices and their combination was investigated using enzymatic protocols. Acarbose was used as the standard.Results: Only four extracts showed strong inhibition against alpha-glucosidase and weak inhibition against alpha-amylase. Going by their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50), the combined spices exhibited the best concurrent inhibitory activity against both hydrolysing enzymes (665.83 ± 27.50 μg/mL for alpha-glucosidase) and (1166.86 ± 14.70 μg/mL for alpha-amylase).Conclusion: The findings from this study demonstrate the enhanced antihyperglycemic potentials of the combined spices compared to the individual spices for the management of diabetes.&#x0D; Keywords: Hyperglycemia, Diabetes, Alpha-amylase, Alpha-glucosidase, Zingiber officinale, Xylopia aethiopica, Piper guineense, Myristica fragrans, Allium sativum, Spices

The tourist experience: Modelling the relationship between tourist satisfaction and destination loyalty

Purpose and backgroundGoa is in western India with shorelines along the Arabian Sea which has a long history of a Portuguese colony (earlier to 1961) with tropical spice plantations and cathedrals. With oscillating widespread beaches (Calangute and Palolem) Goa is a tourist attraction (Velha, Panaji) for many locals and foreigners. As a separate state, it has its perspectives in enticing the tourists. The study aims at examining the pre and post-visit behaviors of tourists in Goa and their destination loyalty. Destination loyalty is tested with internal and external satisfaction factors and their influence on tourist satisfaction. Internal factors tested are refreshment, excitement, a new destination to see, visiting friends and relatives. External factors include liking towards nature and historic destinations, infrastructure and facilities, safety and comfort, budget and affordability, and socio-cultural factors. Loyalty is understood on the tourist behavior of revisit to Goa and their goodwill towards Goa tourism destination experience. Research design/methodology/approachThe data is collected from 950 respondents, including local and international tourists who visited Goa during 2018 and 2019. Well, a structured questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale developed en route for data collection. The questionnaires are administered through a drop-off survey. Most advanced techniques of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) is designed for the data analysis using software IBM SPSS AMOS. SEM is considered as the most reliable technique for testing the factors in-depth in understanding the crucial components that are manipulating each other. Data is cleaned with Data Imputing Technique, tested for reliability and suitability (KMO and Bartlett- 0.709; Cronbach s Alpha, 0.764), additional precautions are taken in identifying the outliers to avoid inconvenience while computing the data. All the beaches in Goa, Tourist Destinations, Resorts, Hotels, Clubs and Amusement parks, Homestays, Shopping malls, and the pilgrimages are plotted for data collection. The techniques adopted for examining the rapport among the constructs of tourist satisfaction and their loyalty in the Post-Visit stages of their visit to Goa using the concepts of Intrinsic and Extrinsic influencing factors of travel. Demographic/Psychographic [IAO variables; Interests, Activities, and Opinions] profile of the respondents is introduced as a control variable to identify whether there is a direct or inverse correlation on the dependent variable, Tourist Loyalty. Results and findingsThe results are directing that the pre-visit behavior (Intrinsic motives and extrinsic motives) can act as a stimulus for post-visit behavior, which has a direct effect on post-visit (behavioural) intention but has no intervening influence. Re-visit choice and references are generally grounded on destination satisfaction and familiarity. Also, being an education hub, it is found that there are more visitors to Goa on academic, research, or professional purposes. The study indicated that constructive socio-demographic variables hold a momentous impact on tourists’ pre-visit actions. Moreover, the result of the ‘post-visit‘ model indicates that internal satisfaction has a constructive influence on destination loyalty, as compared to external satisfaction. Conclusion, implications, and further researchConcerning this, the study concludes that internal satisfiers has an impact on external satisfiers and accentuates destination loyalty. The study strongly recommends for the service providers to study the tourist behavior and their preferences and act accordingly to attract more tourist customers to Goa.

Performance evaluation of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in the plains of Kerala

Kerala, the spice bowl of India is popular for tropical spice crops like pepper, cardamom,nutmeg etc. Garlic, an important foreign exchange earner of India is produced mostly inthe states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. In Kerala it is grown commerciallyin two unique rain shadow pockets, Kanthalloor and Vattavada regions of Devikulamblock of Idukki district. Although garlic is grown in the high ranges of Kerala, itscultivation in plains are not evaluated so far. Generally cool season crops performs wellinplains when grown during October – March. Hence the present study was conducted toevaluate the performance of two genotypes Singapore and Mettupalayam in the plains.The two garlic genotypes were grown as pot culture during October – February in the year2016-2017, in the plains of Thrissur district, the central part of Kerala. Among the twotypes Mettupalayam was found to be recorded higher Bulb weight (14.53g) and number ofcloves per bulb (4.2), but it was less compared to that grown in high ranges (17.19g and11.9 respectively). Hence the study revealed the possibilities of garlic cultivation in theplains of Thrissur district of Kerala with some refinements in agro techniques.

Performance evaluation of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) in the plains of Kerala

Kerala, the spice bowl of India is popular for tropical spice crops like pepper, cardamom,nutmeg etc. Garlic, an important foreign exchange earner of India is produced mostly inthe states like Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. In Kerala it is grown commerciallyin two unique rain shadow pockets, Kanthalloor and Vattavada regions of Devikulamblock of Idukki district. Although garlic is grown in the high ranges of Kerala, itscultivation in plains are not evaluated so far. Generally cool season crops performs wellinplains when grown during October – March. Hence the present study was conducted toevaluate the performance of two genotypes Singapore and Mettupalayam in the plains.The two garlic genotypes were grown as pot culture during October – February in the year2016-2017, in the plains of Thrissur district, the central part of Kerala. Among the twotypes Mettupalayam was found to be recorded higher Bulb weight (14.53g) and number ofcloves per bulb (4.2), but it was less compared to that grown in high ranges (17.19g and11.9 respectively). Hence the study revealed the possibilities of garlic cultivation in theplains of Thrissur district of Kerala with some refinements in agro techniques.

Anti-halitosis activity of Syzygium aromaticum essential oil against Streptococcus sanguinis

Background: Halitosis (oral malodour) is known as an indicator for oral disease. Halitosis is caused by the accumulation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced by oral microbial activities, including Streptococcus sanguinis. Bacteria producing sulphur compounds may produce biofilm promotion of caries formation. Caries formation is caused by the acid produced by bacteria may lead to tooth demineralization in low pH condition. Syzygium aromaticum or clove belongs to one of tropical spices in Indonesia and is also known as the queen of spice due to its unique taste and aroma. Essential oil extracted from the flower and leaf of S. aromaticum has been used for traditional medicines for preventing inflammation and infection caused by microorganisms. Methods & Materials: The aim of this study was to test whether Syzygium aromaticum essential oils (SAEO) at various concentrations (20-100 μg/mL) has anti-halitosis activity through several systems, including prevention the formation of S. sanguinis biofilm, eradicating the established S. sanguinis biofilm, inhibiting production of VSCs using optical density assay, and reducing acid production using pH-stat assay in vitro. SAEO was isolated using solvent extraction and identified using pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (py/GC-MS). Results: The py-GC/MS chromatogram showed that SAEO consisted of eugenol (22.10%) and aceteugenol (13.31%). For biofilm system, SAEO at lowest dose (20 μg/mL) effectively inhibited S. sanguinis biofilm formation up to 60% and killed the established S. sanguinis biofilm up to 52%. Furthermore, SAEO at 60 μg/mL also showed a significant inhibition of VSCs production up to 58%. S. sanguinis was able to produce acid in 20 minutes, and SAEO effectively reduced acid production rate by increasing terminal pH. At 60 μg/mL, SAEO increased the terminal pH from 5.66 to 6.3 with inhibition of acid production up to 54%. Conclusion: These results suggest that SAEO may be applied for combating bad breath in management of oral diseases.

After All: Seasoning - A festive story with a touch of tropical spice

In his traditional Yuletide tale, our columnist travels through space and time: from Moscow to the beautiful Caribbean island of Nevis, where he meets the 'engineer of spices'.

0198 Antimicrobial activity of tropical spice extracts against Escherichia coli O157:H7

0198 Antimicrobial activity of tropical spice extracts against Escherichia coli O157:H7