Journal of Spices and Aromatic Crops

A review of different drying methods and their impact on physiochemical and functional properties of nutmeg and star anise

Gunaratnam Abhiram — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Drying is a simple method of preservation and value addition of spices. The moisture content of the spices curtails during the drying, which decreases the biological and enzymatic activity and prolongs the shelf life. The drying method significantly influenced the flavour, chemical composition, appearance, colour, and functional properties of the bioactive compounds. Several new drying technologies are being tested to improve the physiochemical properties of the nutmeg and star anise. This article reviews different solo-drying techniques, such as sun drying, solar drying, infrared and microwave drying as well as hybrid drying such as microwave and infrared-assisted drying applied to nutmeg and star anise. Further, it discusses the impact of drying methods on chemical composition and functional properties. The advantages of novel hybrid drying techniques over conventional methods are also discussed. Further, this review identifies the research gaps and future directions for drying nutmeg and star anise.

The bandwagons I followed as seed spices breeder

E. V. Divakara Sastry — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Bandwagons are waves that the breeders sail. This writing is based on the articles of Simmonds (1991) and Bernardo (2016) which point to different waves created by contemporary researches which influence breeders in their work. Seed spices are important group of crops of North and Northwestern India and this article chronicles the important phases through which seed spices breeding has undergone. While conventional methods of plant breeding have yielded results in seed spices, hybrid development is still taking off the ground, mutagenesis has proved its mettle and molecular breeding techniques are yet to make inroads in seed spices breeding. The author is of the view that not necessarily every bandwagon be adopted by seed spices breeders, but due diligence should be given if a new technique holds promise in helping a breeder. The author has chronicled his four decades of experience to guide new breed of breeders adopting spices breeding.

Analysing the performance of small cardamom during pre and post WTO regime

Arya Gopan, Abin T Mathews — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Indian agricultural trade has undergone significant changes during the last three decades, especially during the WTO regime. The small cardamom, which is regarded as the queen of spices, was one of the Indian spices that witnessed several setbacks during the WTO regime. In this context, the present study analyses the performance of variables like area, production, productivity, prices (domestic and international prices), exports, and imports of small cardamom in terms of growth rate, instability, and structural stability during the pre- and post-WTO periods. Unlike the area under small cardamom cultivation, the production and productivity of small cardamom increased during the post-WTO period. Consequent upon the new liberalised trade regime under the WTO, the CAGR of exports and imports has increased during the post-WTO. Prices of small cardamoms have been showing a decreasing trend since the 1980s. While the competitiveness of small cardamom declined, some of the major export destinations of Indian small cardamom remained the same, especially in the Middle East. Due to the unique quality of the Indian small cardamom, its demand has always been high in the international market, despite higher prices than in its competitors, like Guatemala. The higher cost of production, high domestic demand, and qualitative restrictions by importing countries have slackened the trade performance of Indian small cardamom, these can be overcome through promotion of sustainable farming practices and crop-specific plans and policies for enhancing crop production efficiency.

Growth, instability and sources of output growth of ginger in Karnataka- An analysis

Basavaraj Gali, Rakesh Reddy — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530

The present study was undertaken to examine the growth and instability of area, production and productivity of ginger in the state with a special focus on Bidar district of Karnataka. The findings of the study have shown that both growth in area and yield of ginger in Karnataka were positive for study period. However, instability in area, production and productivity was found to be high in period II compared to period I. For overall period, the instability was categorized as high for area, production and yield of ginger in Karnataka. Further, analysis indicates that area is the contributing factor for output growth rather that yield and interaction effect. For several decades, about 70-80 per cent the area under ginger cultivation in the state is dominated by varieties Rio- de – janero, Himagiri and Humnabad local. This suggests that there is significant scope for varietal improvement of ginger. Also, anecdotal evidence indicates that there is significant crop loss due to soft rot disease, inadequate management practices, biotic and abiotic factors leading to high instability in production.

Harnessing the phytochemical potential of Curcuma angustifolia rhizomes: A comprehensive evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant properties

N Rabita, K Palanisamy — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Herbaceous perennial Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. has been traditionally utilized in folk medicine for a variety of purposes. The objective of the current study was to assess the phytochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant qualities of Curcuma angustifolia plant rhizomes. Based on preliminary phytochemical investigations, the chemical classes found in the extracts included flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and tannins. The findings suggested that the plant phytochemical qualities could be used to treat a variety of illnesses. With the agar-well diffusion method, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the plant extracts was evaluated against both clinical isolates and standard strains of certain bacteria. The extracts demonstrated an inhibitory impact on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus had the largest zone of inhibition, whereas gram-negative bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae had the lowest. The DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to assess the extracts antioxidant properties. Antioxidant activity increased with extract concentration. Since it has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, it is useful for treating a range of illnesses, enhancing immunity, and combating harmful bacteria that infect humans.

Half diallel analysis in indigenous genotypes of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Shrikant L Sawargaonkar, A K Singh, Mahendra K Sahu, Sarita Agrawal — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530

To study the nature of gene action and its components, six genotypes of fenugreek were crossed in a half diallel mating design during Rabi 2017-18, resulting in fifteen one-way F1 hybrids which were evaluated in the experimental field of the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, All India Coordinated Research Project on Spices, College of Agriculture and Research Station (CARS), Raigarh, Chhattisgarh with two checks during rabi season, 2018–19 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Diallel analysis of indigenous landraces of fenugreek was conducted to identify and develop elite ‘pure lines’ for subsequent use in fenugreek breeding programmes. Crosses with high SCA effects were arranged in the order of their per se performance, general combining ability of the parents of these crosses and per cent superiority over standard check RMT 305 and Hisar Sonali. Best GCA effects and high mean performance parents were observed between high × high, high × low or low × low general combiners for different traits. The best recombinants were observed for IFHyb-4, IFHyb-11, IFHyb-7, and IFHyb-9 which were best for days to 50 % flowering, primary branches, secondary branches, and seed yield respectively, which belonged to high x low combining parents, indicating non additive x additive effects and additive x additive effects. This suggests that single plant selection would be desirable in their segregating generations. High heritability coupled with low genetic advance was recorded for days to 50 % flowering, secondary branches per plant, pod length, and seed yield (q/ha) which were regulated by non-additive gene action and presence of high genotype x environment interaction.

Effects of ageing on seed viability and oil qualities of black cumin cultivars in Ethiopia

Fekadu Gebretensay Mengistu, Gizaw Wegayehu Tilahun — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Seed quality is crucial for the success of crop production, as it affects germination capacity, emergence potential, and seedling growth. This study investigated the impact of extended storage on the germination capacity, oleoresin and essential oil contents of black cumin seeds from three black cumin cultivars in Ethiopia viz. Aden, Dershaye, and Darbera. Seeds were stored for up to three years, and germination studies were conducted using a completely randomized design. Results showed that storage period significantly affected various germination parameters, with a decrease in germination percentage observed with increasing storage period. However, cultivar and the interaction between storage period and cultivar had no statistically significant effect on germination percentage. The study also provides valuable insights into the correlations between different germination indices. Additionally, as black cumin seeds age, their oleoresin and essential oil contents decrease across all three cultivars. Proper seed storage practices are essential in maintaining the germination potential of black cumin seeds, particularly over extended storage periods. Overall, this study provides insights into the impact of extended seed storage on black cumin seed quality and germination potential, highlighting the importance of proper seed management practices to support sustainable crop production.

Biologically active sulphur rich volatiles of Allium stracheyi and their molecular docking studies against 5IBS

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Allium stracheyi, an endemic species of the Himalayan region, is part of the diverse Allium genus, known for its medicinal, nutritional, and aromatic properties. This research investigates the volatile constituents of Allium stracheyi, which contribute to its characteristic aroma, flavor, and potential therapeutic properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), was used to identify and characterize the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in this species. sulphur-containing compounds, especially trisulfide dipropyl, tetrasulfide dipropyl, dipropyl disulfide and trisulfide methyl propyl were the predominant constituents, accompanied by several aldehydes, alcohols, and hydrocarbons.

To assess the potential bioactivity of these compounds, molecular docking studies were carried out using the 5IBS protein (chain A), a crystal structure of a target enzyme involved in a biological pathway. The 5IBS protein was selected for its relevance to inflammatory and microbial processes. The docking results demonstrated significant binding affinities of the sulphur-containing volatiles to the active site of the 5IBS A chain, indicating a possible inhibitory mechanism. 1-allyl-2-isopropyldisulfane and disulfide, 1-(1-propenylthio) propyl propyl exhibited a notable docking score of -3.5 kcal/mol.

This study suggests that sulphur-rich compounds from Allium stracheyi could serve as promising candidates for the development of natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to explore these bioactivities and understand the therapeutic potential of these volatiles.

Identification and uses of spices in Eku market of Ethiope East Local Government area, Delta State, Nigeria

Kesiena T Ogeh, Oghenekevwe A Ohwo, Otega O Ekokogbe — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530

The research was conducted to identify spices and their uses; sourcing of spices in Eku market. Thirty spices sellers were purposively selected based on the number and quantity of spices sold. Questionnaires were administered to the selected spices sellers to gather information on socio-economic characteristics of spices sellers, uses of spices and sourcing of spices. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. The result signify that the spices sellers are women, with age bracket of 45-54 years (46.7%) and are married (70%) with primary education (60%). Most of them are native of Eku community (83.3%) and have lived in the community for 41-50 years and above (36.7%). The number per house of the spices sellers are 6-10. Their main occupation is trading with an average income of N 35,000 (US$ 34) derived from the selling of spices per market day. Eleven spices were identified with their local and botanical names. The spices are used mainly as condiments in cooking different delicacies. Forty percent of the spices are used as medicine. Twenty percent are used traditionally in sacrifices and as incense by traditional worshippers. The spices are sourced from different markets within Delta State and from the Western side of the country. The spices and their usage are well known and are important to the peoples’ well being and health.

Discrepancy in essential oil yield and root structure of vetiver across different storage periods

R Ravi Kumara, T Arul Prakash, N D Yogendra — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0530

The aromatic root of vetiver has immense potential for essential oil extraction, making handicraft products, and providing ecosystem services. Harvesting time and storage duration of harvested roots play a crucial role to obtain maximum quantity and superior quality essential oil. Moreover, the vetiver growers often store the harvested roots for up to four months. However, there were no standard recommendations with scientific evidence regarding the optimum storage duration for harvested vetiver roots. In this context, the present experiment was undertaken at the CSIR- CIMAP Research Centre, Bengaluru, to optimize the storage duration for economically viable production of essential oil. The experiment results revealed that roots stored for 7 days (from the harvesting day) yielded maximum quantity of essential oil (1.74±0.10) and that oil recovery decreased dramatically as storage days increased. Hence, distillation of vetiver roots within 30 days of harvest is advisable to obtain maximum returns. Further, the root anatomical observations over different storage durations revealed that the root tissue color changed from 7 days of storage to 90 days with tissue layers progressively loosening and detaching after 60 days of storage.

Integrated analysis of Tinospora cordifolia germplasm: Nutritional, qualitative, quantitative, and phytochemical traits

B C Akhilraj, J Suresh, K Rajamani, M Kumar, R Gnanam — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0530

Tinospora cordifolia, often known as "Guduchi" is a deciduous climber and is considered valuable in terms of its immense medicinal properties. This study evaluated 48 Tinospora cordifolia germplasm accessions collected from Tamil Nadu for their nutritional, qualitative, quantitative, and phytochemical properties. Significant variations were observed among the accessions. TC-22 exhibited the highest phenol content (122.73 mg/g) and flavonoid content (18.84 mg/g), while TC-30 recorded the highest tannin content (234.56 mg/g). TC-20 demonstrated superior protein (13.85%), carbohydrate (86.92 mg/g), and antioxidant activity (261.74%) levels. Additionally, TC-20 displayed elevated potassium (1.45%), calcium (0.35%), and iron (48.74%) levels, with the highest zinc content (15.67 μg/g) among accessions. TC-30 had the highest fat content (8.81%), while TC-22 recorded the maximum cardiac glycosides (2.27%). The study identified TC-35 as having the highest fiber content (13.22%) and energy value (99.66 Kcal/100g). Vitamin C (68.96 mg/100g) and vitamin A (0.44 mg/100g) were most abundant in TC-33. These findings provide valuable insights into the biochemical diversity of T. cordifolia germplasm, highlighting its potential for nutritional and therapeutic applications. Findings unmistakably demonstrated the significance of ecological condition variables in determining the quantitative and qualitative parameters of diverse accessions from the different places of Tamil Nadu.