, In their study, ALT levels were decreased from chronically high levels induced by CCL4 intoxication, whereas the level of reduced glutathione was increased from a depressed level induced by the aforementioned intoxicant. , Chiwendu et al., (2016) in their quantitative analysis indicated (%) that seeds of P. guineense had alkaloids—0.86, saponins—1.87, tannins—1.19, flavonoids—0.72, and polyphenols—0.66. In another study on the hypoglycemic potential (Adesokan et al., 2016), the aqueous extract of the seed significantly reduced the blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic rats from 243 to 138 mg dl−1 with repeated daily oral administration of 200 mg kg−1 BW of the extract. . “Giving these hamburgers to people decreased their lipid peroxidation in urine by 30%,” says study author Susanne Henning, PhD, from the Center for Human Nutrition at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. Madaki, F. M . professor of medicine, and director of the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition. Quantitative analysis by Ekwenye and Okorie (2010) indicated that alkaloids and saponins were present in the pod at 0.54% and 1.28%, respectively, and reported other phytochemical contents as tannin 0.36%, flavonoid 0.84%, and phenol 0.42%. , Potassium is an important There is a growing amount of literature concerning the potential benefits of these herbs and spices from a health perspective especially in conferring protection against cardiovascular diseases. , Musbau, A. , Spices like black pepper, garlic powder, curry powder, cumin, dill, basil, ginger, coriander, and onion are the most effective herbs and spices in replacing the taste of salt. In yet another research effort (Mohammed et al., 2015), the ethanolic extract of A. melegueta seeds exhibited significant ability to inhibit α-amyalse (EC50 0.62 mg/ml) and α-glucosidase (EC50 0.06 mg/ml) in Wistar rats. B. Spices are functional foods, these are foods that can be demonstrated to have a beneficial effect on certain target functions in the body beyond basic nutritional requirements (Lobo et al., 2010). , Polyphenols, a type of plant compound, provide one of the main health benefits associated with herbs and spices. A part from that, these plants play a critical role in the development of human cultures around the whole world. Ode, J. O. (, Ajaiyeoba, E. O. , Acknermans, M. Clearly, a pattern emerges from the works considered in this review. (, Oguoma, O. I. Chandra, N Nwakwagu, A. E Achenwu, S. C . Ejiofor, C. E. (, Mbongue, F. G. Y. Ononhinmin, C. A. Ekanem, A. P. Several other studies further reinforce the antidiabetic activity of A. melegueta. Li, Y. , (2016), and they reported a reduction in parasitemia in a dose-dependent pattern. Ita, E. E. Look for the pimentos that feature wholesome, heavy, round and compact. The quantity of saponins (1.88%) detected in the leaves of this plant supports its antimalarial activity. . Iliemene, D. U (, Patel, V. R. (, Adesina, S. K. The consequence is that up to one-third of the world’s swine and chicken rations in Europe now use herbs and spices mixtures to accelerate growth and maintain health (Odoemelam et al., 2013). The importance of spices from the point of view of enjoyment, utilization of nutrients, stimulation of the central nervous system and, in some instances, antagonism to bacteria is discussed. The antineoplatic property was attributed to two compounds—arctigenin and buplerol—fractionated from the root extract with IC50 of 0.5 and 8.4 µg ml—1, respectively. Thanks to the Arab and European explorers whose contributions in broadcasting them from their place of origin to the rest of the world. . However, the calcium content of P. guineense is high, quite comparable to the herb O. basilium which indicates that the plant when consumed could support the building of bones and teeth (Omotayo et al., 2013). Hostettman, K P. guineense contains vitamin A, C, and E and traces of vitamin B1, B2, and B3. By definition, nutrition is a science and a process dealing with the utilization of nutrients through various biochemical pathways for growth, development, and maintenance. , . , , (, Rubió, L. Mbongue, G. Y. Some spices are rich in minerals and can help stimulate our metabolism. The different parts of the plant have been characterized and its constituents determined. Some of these plants include ginger, green tea, walnuts, aloe, pepper and turmeric etc. Spices contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. , The extracts and some of the isolated compounds showed sedative, hypotensive, molluscicidal, CNS depressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound-healing, contraceptive, analgesic, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, antimalarial, muscle-relaxant, anticonvulsant, hypothermic, and anxiolytic effects in experimental animals (Adesina, 2016). This work aims to review previous works done on the nutritional and health benefits of three selected spices—Piper guineense, Afromomum melegueta, Tetrapleura tetrapetra—commonly used in Southern Nigerian culinary with the view to give a summary of what the prospects are for these spices, especially as regards their potential in formulating nutraceuticals used in chronic disease intervention. Dey, M. , Once ground or powdered, pimento should be kept in the refrigerator in airtight containers and should be used as early as possible before it loses its flavor; largel… . As most spices are conventionally consumed in small (milligram quantities at most) as culinary additives for its organoleptic attributes. , , Overview of the phytochemistry and biological activity of P. guineense. Pharmacological evaluation of the effects of intraperitoneal injection of aqueous seed extract of A. melegueta on diarrhoea, intestinal fluid secretion, and gastrointestinal transit time induced by castor oil in rodents revealed that extract (50–200 mg kg−1) produced a significant inhibition of castor oil–induced diarrhoea in rats with mechanistic studies suggesting its antidiarrhoeal activity stems from its ability to inhibit prostaglandin formation (Umukoro and Ashorobi, 2005). . (, Adesina, S. K. The leaves are used to regulate menstrual cycle and as an ingredient in remedies for female infertility (Iwu, 2014). Postepy higieny i … The use of A. melegueta in folk medicine in treating diabetes has a long and widespread history in West Africa (Ogbera and Ekpebegh, 2014). One … These metabolites account for some of peppery taste of the seeds (Ajaiyeoba and Ekundayo, 1999). The effect of the ethanol seed extract on conception in mice as reported by Ekanem et al., (2010) indicated that there was no occurrence of conception in the female mice after a 21-day administration (at various concentrations 10, 20, 30, and 40 mg kg−1 BW) despite conflating the male and female rats. Buchbauer, G Jatsa, H. B. , . (, Nwaehujor, C. O. (, Schaufelberger, D. , While there seem to be some health benefits, those benefits – and the reasons for them – aren't what you may think. (2013) investigated the insect pest control activity of aqueous extract of the seed of P. guineense. In a related study (Nwozo and Oyinloye, 2011), hepatic aberration—as noted by increase in ALT, AST, and triglyceride (TG) levels—induced by chronic exposure to alcohol (4.8 g kg−1 BW) was attenuated by oral administration of A. melegueta seed extract to Wistar rats. Patil, A. . … . There was a corresponding increase in alkaline phosphatase with no signs of steatosis or cirrhosis. , , “After we saw this effect, we were not surprised to also find a significant effect on endothelial function. They also screened the leaf extract and detected the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, terpenes, resins, and phenols. , For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription. None declared. However, there is a dearth of report on the antiviral activity of the plant. T cells kills disease. Spices are also used pharmaceutically and cosmetically. Ojokuku, S. A. Iwalewa, E. O. Amoah, A. G. Saponins have been reported to have antimalarial effect (Besong et al., 2016). E-mail: Search for other works by this author on: Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewery, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Investigation into the chemical composition of the dry fruit of, Antimicrobial activities of some Nigerian spices on some pathogens, Agriculture and Biology Journal of North America, Composition and antibacterial activities of, Acetylcholinesterase (ache) inhibitory activity, antioxidant properties and phenolic composition of two aframomum species, Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, Essential oil composition, antioxidant, antidiabetic and antihypertensive properties of two Afromomum Species, Phytochemical investigations of the molluscicidal properties of, British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Evaluation of hypoglycaemic efficacy of aqueous seed extract of, Sierra Leon Journal of Biomedical Research, African Journal of Traditional Complementary and Alternative Medicines, A review of secondary metabolites from plant materials for post harvesting, International Journal of Pure and Applied Science and Technology, Molecular targets of nutraceuticals derived from dietary spices: Potential role in suppression of inflammation and tumorigenesis, Nutritional, minerals and phytochemicals composition of Garcinia cola [Bitter cola] and, IOSR Journal of Environmental Science, Toxicology And Food Technology (IOSR-JESTFT), Assessment of the antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extract of, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, Diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa: Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia, International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, Oxidative and anti-oxidative stress markers in chronic glaucoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis, International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Research, Phytochemical properties of Uziza leave (, The useful plants of West Tropical Africa. 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