The objective of this study was to examine the bioactive flavonoids and carotenoids concentration in fifteen south Indian spice and two tree nut species using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Among four flavonoids, catechin concentration was the highest in all spices and nuts and ranged between 97.1 µg g -1 and 1745.4 µg g -1 . Quercetin concentration was the greatest in cinnamon, followed by garlic, and cumin and ranged from 0.4 µg g -1 to 65 µg g -1 in other spices and nuts. Lutein concentration ranged from 0.1 µg g -1 to 102.8 µg g -1 . Of the spices and nuts studied, β-carotene concentration was highest in coriander leaves (74.7 µg g -1 ), followed by red pepper (12.5 µg g -1 ), and curry leaves (8.5 µg g -1 ). This research shows that consumption of south Indian spices and nuts could substantially benefit consumers living in regions experiencing Vitamin A and other micronutrient deficiencies.

Intensive cardamom cultivation in Indian Cardamom hills (ICH) has been related to severe ecological and environmental implications that can challenge the long-term sustainability of cardamom. This research study and analysis proposes a novel system approach for sustainable agroecological production of cardamom in southern India. The effects of intensive cardamom cultivation on its forest environment had been significant. A considerable increase in surface air temperature was observed in the ICH during the last three decades (1990–2020). The climate of the Cardamom hill reserves (CHR) has a very high variability of daily cycles (surface air temperature and relative humidity) compared to low variability of yearly cycles, which helped minor and major pests and diseases occur and spread throughout the season. The current hydrothermal condition of the soil fostered the occurrence of soil insect pests, resulting in higher pesticide use. Epiphytes peculiar to the CHR forest have been eliminated due to repeated, intense shade lopping of each tree. Variability occurred in cardamom growth and development and yield can be attributed to changes in the microclimatic environment prevailing in the micro habitats of the sloping hillsides. This study has revealed the possible link and various dimensions between the intensive growing practices that were positively reflected in its local climate and production system. The 75% shade level under the cardamom canopy influences the cardamom microclimatic conditions, the relative humidity close proximity with panicles was maximum (88.9%), and the mean air temperature was minimum (18.4°C). On the contrary, the relative humidity at canopy top was reduced (78.7%) but the mean air temperature was still high (27.4°C). This study also suggests that future energy transfers in the CHR production system must be understood for improving the long-term agricultural sustainability of cardamom cultivation in the ICH.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate black pepper accessions for growth parameters, yield attributing characters and yield. Out of the ten accessions tested, Karimunda recorded the highest fresh (1.61 kg) and dry (508.7 g) yield of berries plant-1. Fresh weight showed significant positive genotypic correlation to dry weight and while negative correlated to 100 berry volume, 100 berry weight and number of berries spike-1. Hence, selection based on number of berries spike-1, 100 berry volume and 100 berry weight may not lead to the high yielding black pepper variety. The results showed that Karimunda is the most suitable black pepper variety for high altitude areas of Idukki district.

Fruits and vegetables are rich source of carotenoids. The aim of this study was to find out the rapid and simple extraction method for carotenoids in grapes, blueberries, sweet potato and green chilli using HPLC analysis. Four different extraction methods; MeOH:DCM simple [methanol: dichloromethane], MeOH:DCM exhausted, MeOH simple and hexane exhausted were evaluated Original Research Article

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been traditionally employed in south East Asia as well as India and China for treatment of nausea, asthma, fever, vomiting, cough, constipation, pain, arthritis, inflammation, etc. This chapter discusses the phytochemical composition and pharmacological studies of ginger extracts, ginger essential oil (GEO), and active bioactive constituents. The essential oil of fresh and dry ginger was ranged between 0.2% - 2.62% and 0.72% - 4.17% respectively. The bioactive constituent zingiberene, β-sesquiphellandrene, curcumene, β-bisabolene, β-farnesene, camphene, and gingerol and shogal are the major constituents in ginger extracts. These compounds are chief bioactive substances responsible for pharmacological activities such antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, anticoagulant, antiradiation, anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, antimicrobial, cardiovascular, anti-obesity, and weight loss effects. Future research needs to investigate the suitable duration, maximum dosage of ginger, concerns of overdosage, and its side effects in animal models and humans.