Traditional Indian spices and their health significance

 PEPPER (KALI MIRCH)

• It has been recognized all over the world as medicinal plants. In India it has been being used as chili or as Gas remover during long days of fast.
• In India Traditional Marijuana (BHANG) lovers use it in Bhang and it acts as Gas killer medicine.

METHI or FENUGREEK

• It has been recognized all over the world as medicinal plants. In India it has been being used as Natural Loose Motion treatment and its effect can be noticed within 30 minutes.
• Ankurit Methi much better cure for Diabetic / Blood Pressure patients.
• It also affective in GAS like Issues.

Traditional Indian spices turmeric  and their health significance

India has been recognized all over the world for spices and medicinal plants. Both exhibit a wide range of physiological and pharmacological properties. Current biomedical efforts are focused on their scientific merits, to provide science-based evidence for the traditional uses and to develop either functional foods or nutraceuticals. The Indian traditional medical systems use turmeric for wound healing, rheumatic disorders, gastrointestinal symptoms, deworming, rhinitis and as a cosmetic. Studies in India have explored its anti-inflammatory, cholekinetic and anti-oxidant potentials with the recent investigations focusing on its preventive effect on precarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti atherosclerotic effects in biological systems both under in vitro and in vivo conditions in animals and humans. Both turmeric and curcumin were  found to increase detoxifying enzymes, prevent DNA damage, improve DNA repair, decrease mutations and tumour formation and exhibit antioxidative potential in animals.  Limited clinical studies suggest that turmeric can significantly impact excretion of mutagens in urine in smokers and regress precancerous palatal lesions. It reduces DNA adducts and micronuclei in oral epithelial cells. It prevents formation of nitroso compounds both in vivo and in vitro.  It delays induced cataract in diabetes and reduces hyperlipidemia in obese rats.  Recently several molecular targets have been identified for therapeutic / preventive effects of turmeric. Fenugreek seeds, a rich source of soluble fiber used in Indian cuisine reduces blood glucose and lipids and can be used as a food adjuvant in diabetes.  Similarly garlic, onions, and ginger have been found to modulate favorably the process of carcinogenesis.

Mounting health care costs and increased desire to maintain good health and quality of life have focussed the researchers’ and public health scientists’ attention on the diet, phytonutrients, disease prevention and health promotion. Biomolecules in the plants play a crucial role in health maintenance and promotion. In Asian countries; particularly, India, China, Japan and Korea; there is a longstanding tradition and culture of attributing healing properties to foods and plant materials. They have an extra-ordinary place in the realm of traditional cures as medicines. There is a treasure house of knowledge, which needs to be explored to establish the scientific basis of its benefits. Phytochemicals in spices, which primarily serve in plant protection, are considered vitamins of the 21st Century. They are also less toxic compared to  drugs. This article captures some recent scientific findings on turmeric, fenugreek, mustard, ginger, onions and garlic, which are common spices and have a distinct place in folk medicine in several of Asian countries.