From the evolution of the mankind, Turmeric has been used in conventional medication. India is in lead for producing, marketing and exporting the Turmeric and its value added products. Curcuma longa (Turmeric) is an Indian rhizomatous medicinal herb from the Zingiberaceae family that is common and widely available across the globe. The components of Turmeric are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin and these are collectively known as curcuminoids. Curcumin, the active ingredient of Turmeric is generally investigated by the scientific community for its wide range of antioxidant activity, anti-Inflammatory properties and anti-cancer activity, anti-metabolic syndrome activities, neuroprotective activity, antimicrobial effects, anti-arthritis effects, anti-viral effects, anti-asthma and anti-diabetic effects, anti-obesity, cardio and liver toxicity protection activity, anti-depression How to cite this paper:
COVID-19, the infectious pandemic disease is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This deadly disease was unknown before its catastrophic outbreak of the infection in Wuhan city of China, in December 2019. The pandemic situation has increased the demand of rapid enhancement of the in-vitro diagnostic assays which would enable the mass screening and testing. Several molecular and serological diagnostics assays such as direct viral antigen tests, nucleic acid amplification tests and serological tests were developed. Nucleic acid tests such as RT-PCR. TrueNAT, Feluda Test, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) etc. detect the presence of RNA virus in the nasal or throat swab or from saliva. Antigen tests detect the presence of a virus as the antigen, which is a surface protein. Antibody tests such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), lateral flow assays (LFA), chemiluminescence assays (CLIA) etc. detect the presence of antibodies generated against SARS-CoV-2 in the blood samples.
Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), of the mint family Lamiaceae, is one of the most highly nutritious crops in the world. It has a high economic value in both national and international markets. The present study was carried out with the prime objective of assessing Chia's morphological, biochemical, and nutritional characterization. An average yield of Chia (784 kg/ha) from the field experiment was observed. The biochemical studies showed the presence of higher amounts of carbohydrates, phenols, flavanols and antioxidants. The seed protein content of Chia was evaluated, and it was found to be 183 mg/g, which was greater than other major crops like wheat, rice and maize. The Carbohydrate content (371 mg/g) was also high in Chia seeds. High amounts of phenols (1.29 mgGAE/g) and flavonoids (0.48 mg/g) in Chia seeds were also observed. The mineral content estimated by ICP-OES showed the presence of micronutrients like Fe (11.7 mg/100g), Mg (335 mg/100g), Mn (5.97 mg/100g), Zn (12.01 mg/100g), Cu (1.94 mg/100g), Ca (397.78 mg/100g), Na (42.15 mg/100g) and K (605.83 mg/100g). The FTIR analysis showed the presence of the functional groups, and high peak banding was found related to protein, pectin (polysaccharides), PUFA (fatty acids), lipids etc. The HPTLC analysis indicated the presence of Gallic acid. Thus the present study unveils that the seeds of the Chia crop are a rich source of different essential elements. Hence this pseudo-cereal Chia can be used to provide good food supplements. As this is a newly introduced crop in India, there is very less study on the crop. To utilize the benefits of this crop, further research in various aspects to increase the environment adaptability and yield should be done.
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