Review Article
Year: 2017 | Month: January | Volume: 4 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 103-108
A Review on Herbs, Spices and Functional Food Used in Diseases
Megha Sharma1, Alka Gupta2, Ranu Prasad3
1Research Scholar, 2Assistant Professor, 3Professor,
Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Allahabad, U.P., India.
Corresponding Author: Megha Sharma
ABSTRACT
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 cumin were found ases which effect increase detoxifying enzymes, prevent DNA damage, improve DNA repair, decrease mutations and tumour formation and exhibit ant oxidative potential in animals. Fenugreek seeds, a rich source of soluble fibre 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 favourably the process of carcinogenesis. Common herbs and spices may help protect against certain chronic conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Herbs, including basil and parsley, are from plants and plant parts. Spices often come from the seeds, berries, bark, or roots of plants. Microbial and fungal infections one of major causes of epidemics and communicable diseases which is affected clinical burden on social, health and economical growth of many developing and underdeveloped country. It is needed discover novel herbal or naturally occurring ant bactericidal and an fungicidal pan products.
Key words: Medicinal plants, Diseases, Herbs and Spices.
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