Spices rich in polyphenols are metabolized to a convergent group of phenolic acids. We conducted a dose-exposure nutrikinetic study to investigate associations between mixed spices intake and plasma concentrations of selected, unconjugated phenolic acids. In a randomized crossover study, 20 Chinese males consumed a curry meal containing 0 g, 6 g, and 12 g of mixed spices. Postprandial blood was drawn up to 7 h at regular intervals and plasma phenolic acids were quantified via LC-MS/MS. Cinnamic acid (CNA, p < 0.0001) and phenylacetic acid (PAA, p < 0.0005) concentrations were significantly increased with mixed spices consumption, although none of the other measured phenolic acids differ significantly between treatments. CNA displayed a high dose-exposure association (R² > 0.8, p < 0.0001). The adjusted mean AUC_{0-7 h} for CNA during the 3 increasing doses were 8.4 ± 3.4, 376.1 ± 104.7 and 875.7 ± 291.9 nM·h respectively. Plasma CNA concentration may be used as a biomarker of spice intake.

Corona Virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a new strain of coronavirus that causes respiratory illnesses with a start of flu like symptoms. This disease is fatal and is spread all over the world. The Scientist are working day and night to find vaccine or a cure. World Health Organisation has declared COVID-19 as pandemic [1]. In the view of the pandemic many treatments are being tried on the patients and various treatment modalities are being followed, the traditional medicine has shown a major role to manage this disease. The traditional medicines include the use of herbs, nutrition and spices that are freely available in Asian countries. These are used in day to day life by Asian population [2]. In this paper we have compiled and reviewed the role of various herbs and spices such as Oregano, Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Basil, Sage, Curcumin, Fenugreek, Ginger and Garlic in building immunity and also in curing pathogenic invasions based on evidence based researches. As there is no cure available for COVID-19 till now so supportive therapy is playing a major role for the patients to fight with this pandemic. The AYUSH ministry has also promoted the use of above herbs for a patient suffering from this disease. The corona virus is present in respiratory system as shown by different studies and it has different strains. The guidelines laid by the ICMR and WHO shows that use of herbs, spices and nutrients can be helpful to manage this virus by increasing the immunity in patients. Hence we are not claiming any cures but the herbs and spices used in day to day life are very much effective in management of COVID-19. World Health Organisation (WHO) has recognised the use of alternative and traditional medicine in the management of COVID-19 but the herbs should be used in prescribed amounts and overdose of them can be harmful for health [1,3]. Therefore the present article will enlighten the readers about the role of herbs, spices and nutrients in improving the conditions in COVID-19.

The present study comprises the second part of our previous work that dealt mainly with the phytochemical and physicochemical characterization of green coffee, clove, cinnamon/clove and nutmeg ethanolic extracts of grape origin. In the present study, we focused on producing a discriminating model concerning green coffee, clove, cinnamon, cinnamon and clove, and nutmeg fine powders based on multivariate analysis of variance and supervised learning on data of volatile compounds analysis, carried out with solid phase dynamic extraction in combination with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results showed that 7 volatile compounds namely ethylene, methanol, 3-methylpentane, ethyl acetate, 9-hexadecen-1-ol, toluene, and methyl acetate could differentiate the investigated samples resulting in a 100% classification rate using the cross-validation method of linear discriminant analysis. Results were further confirmed using partial least squares regression analysis. The study contributes to the typification of green coffee, cinnamon, clove, cinnamon and clove and nutmeg, based on selected volatile compounds, and provides further support to the literature by means of possible adulteration given the statistical models developed.

Tandemly organized rRNA genes are the typical example of a multigene family, where individual members evolve coordinately within but independently between species due to gene conversion and unequal crossing over. More frequently, in eukaryotic species with an inter-species hybrid origin, expression of unhomogenized rRNA genes from one progenitor is epigenetically silenced because of nucleolus dominance, and distinct rRNA genes may lose functionality and evolve faster. Interestingly, we obtained unusual ribosomal gene sequences from Oryza species that showed great diversity and did not appear in the present rice genomic sequence. The diversity of rDNA sequences indicated that the homogenization in rice is incomplete and explains the introgression of distinct rRNA gene families into ancestral rice genome before speciation and continent separation. The divergent large subunit (LSU) ribosomal genes are expressed, some of them differentially, depending on the N-fertilization of plants. Detection of differential transcripts of the rRNA genes suggested that rRNA gene families are not functionally equivalent. Phylogenetic analysis assigned Oryza species branching order to monocots, and monocot lineages probably have the same ecological origin by molecular clock calculation. Therefore, our results suggested that the geographical distances of continents separation cause barriers to the gene flow and homogenization among Oryza species which requires further explanation,

The wide use of cadmium (Cd) in industry causes great environmental health problems to humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Xylopia aethiopica fruit ethanol extract (XAFEE) on cadmium-induced inflammation and dyslipidemia in male albino rats. Thirty albino rats weighing 120–180 g were randomly selected into six groups (n = 5): control rats (administered distilled water only), Cd alone group (10 mg/ kg bw), Cd + 150 mg/kgbw XAFEE, Cd + 300 mg/kgbw XAFEE, 150 mg/kgbw XAFEE and 300 mg /kgbw XAFEE groups after 2-week acclimatization. The experiment lasted for 21 days, after which blood sample was collected by cardiac puncture. Changes in tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), phospholipids and free fatty acids (FFAs) concentrations in serum were determined. The results of the present study indicated that Cd exposure remarkably increased (p < 0.05) the TC, TAG, phospholipids, FFAs and TNF-α concentrations, and significantly decreased IL-10 concentration (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that inflammatory changes and alterations in lipid metabolism might be one of the mechanisms underlying the subtle effects of Cd toxicity, “dyslipidemia.” XAFEE expressed protective role against toxic influence of Cd on affected parameters in rats. The results raised the possibility of Xylopia aethiopica fruit being considered as a condiment in soup, local drinks, supplements or herbs preparations in areas where there are chances of Cd exposure, occupationally or environmentally.

The wide use of cadmium (Cd) in industry causes great environmental health problems to humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Xylopia aethiopica fruit ethanol extract (XAFEE) on cadmium-induced inflammation and dyslipidemia in male albino rats. Thirty albino rats weighing 120–180 g were randomly selected into six groups (n = 5): control rats (administered distilled water only), Cd alone group (10 mg/ kg bw), Cd + 150 mg/kgbw XAFEE, Cd + 300 mg/kgbw XAFEE, 150 mg/kgbw XAFEE and 300 mg /kgbw XAFEE groups after 2-week acclimatization. The experiment lasted for 21 days, after which blood sample was collected by cardiac puncture. Changes in tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin 10 (IL-10), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), phospholipids, free fatty acids (FFAs) and HDL-TAG concentrations in serum were determined. The results of the present study indicated that Cd exposure remarkably increased (p < 0.05) the TC, TAG, phospholipids, FFAs, HDL-TAG, TNF-α concentrations, and significantly decreased IL-10 concentration (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that inflammatory changes and alterations n lipid metabolism might be one of the mechanisms underlying the subtle effects of Cd toxicity, “dyslipidemia.” XAFEE expressed protective role against toxic influence of Cd on affected parameters in rats. The results raised the possibility of Xylopia aethiopica fruit being considered as a condiment in soup, local drinks, supplements or herbs preparations in areas where there are chances ofCd exposure, occupationally or environmentally.

Metabolic syndrome is a growing global health problem. Evidence suggests that diets rich in phytochemical-containing herbs and spices can contribute to reduced risk of chronic disease. This review assesses the scope of evidence supporting the use of herbs and spices in the diet for prevention or treatment of metabolic syndrome and associated health conditions. A search of PubMed and Scopus databases was carried out to assess the available clinical or cohort evidence for culinary doses of commonly used herbs and spices. Trials that were measuring health factors related to metabolic disorders or the health of individuals with metabolic syndrome or associated diseases were included. Out of a total of 1742 papers identified, there were 146 relevant studies on black pepper, chilli, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, Nigella seed, rosemary, sage and turmeric. No relevant research was found for cloves, mint, oregano, parsley or thyme. Cinnamon, fenugreek and ginger were the herbs/spices with the most published trials on them and showed promise for glycaemic control. Cardamom appears to have potential to reduce inflammatory markers, and cinnamon, ginger and turmeric for blood lipids. Patients with type 2 diabetes were the population most likely to be included in studies, but the preventative benefits of herbs/spices in healthy populations were also investigated, particularly for chilli, ginger and cinnamon. There is evidence for the beneficial effect of culinary doses of many common herbs/spices in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome and associated disorders.

Abstract: Background: The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, is essential for human health, primarily through nutrient metabolism and production of anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids. Dysbiosis, a disruption in microbial composition, is linked to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, obesity, diabetes, asthma, and allergies. Dietary habits significantly influence gut microbiota diversity, with balanced diets crucial for maintaining microbial equilibrium. Culinary herbs and spices, known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, may positively modulate the gut microbiota by inhibiting inflammation, stimulating beneficial bacteria, and exhibiting prebiotic effects. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed database to identify relevant research articles on the impact of culinary spices on the gut microbiome. The search terms included "culinary spices," "gut microbiome," "gut modulation," "gut dysbiosis," "common spices," and "gut health." Thirty-five articles published between 2016 and 2024 were reviewed, with eight directly addressing the effects of culinary spices on gut microbiome modulation. Priority was given to peer-reviewed journals and reputable scientific sources. Results: Studies demonstrate that mixed spices and individual spices like ginger, turmeric, and chili can induce favorable changes in gut microflora, promoting beneficial probiotics and inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. Spices such as turmeric and curcumin exhibit potent anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to their protective effects against chronic diseases like colon cancer and metabolic disorders. Conclusions: Incorporating culinary spices into dietary interventions is important for overall well-being. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of action and optimize the therapeutic applications of spices in clinical settings.

Culinary herbs and spices are widely used in daily diets. Pakistan flora is enriched with phytochemicals due to a diverse range of land. Phytochemicals, including volatile and non-volatile compounds, have captured much interest due to their numerous health advantages and significance in daily diet. The present study aimed to conduct in-depth metabolomic profiling of Pakistani-grown fenugreek leaves (Trigonella foenum-graecum), fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), mint leaves (Mentha royleana), coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum) and basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum) by using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The first study was conducted to optimize extraction using different solvents (methanol, ethanol, chloroform, acetone, and water). Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannins (TCT) were quantified along with the antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities. The highest TPC (125.42 ± 10.89 mg GAE/g) and the highest antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential were quantified in mint. Seventy-one phytochemical metabolites were identified using LC-MS/MS, while forty-nine volatile constituents were identified using the GC-MS. A positive correlation was identified between phenolic contents and their biological activities. Furthermore, molecular docking helped to find drug molecules with more excellent anti-diabetic activity based on their binding affinities. This study suggests that selected medicinal herbs from Pakistan have significant nutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical potential. This study could further help in drug discovery.