Spices, along with some seasonal herbs, are being used to enhance the flavor and taste of vegetable, chicken, fish and meat dishes. making the organism resistant to the extract. Mbanya, J. , (, Olawuyi, E. B. The human body uses manganese as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Flavonoids in tea and anthocyanins in tart cherries were presented as examples of how to move forward in understanding active compounds. A. . S Food provides energy and nourishment, and all foods come directly or indirectly from plants, of which considerable amounts are from plants classified as vegetables. (2016) also noted that it is one of the spices that contain large amounts of the essential (ω-3) fatty acids. Pereira, B. , Edet, U. O. , Adewunmi, C. O. , Poudyal, H. As diabetes morbidity and mortality is on the rise in sub-Saharan Africa (Azevedo and Alla, 2008), these spices may play a role in formulating the next-generation antidiabetics. Furthermore, seed extract relaxed rabbit jejunum, whereas seed and leaf extract had a stimulant effect on rat uterine muscle. (2015), have substantiated the antibacterial activity of the fruit of T. tetraptera and found it effective against common human pathogens viz Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, P. aeruginosa Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. , Akpan, J. O. , It is often a challenge to quantify the effective dose of these spices. They have prolate spheroid seeds, native to Central and Western Africa, are semi-cultivated in Nigeria (Klin-Kabari, 2011). Spices have been used in medicine for thousands of years. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps in controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Spices not just excite your taste buds but also composed of an impressive list of phytonutrients, essential oils, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that are essential for overall wellness. . Ginger is a good source of ... One study found evidence that fresh ginger can help fight the plaques in the airway that are caused by human respiratory syncytial virus ... Kulczyński B, Gramza-Michałowska A. , , The plant is also known as Ashanti pepper, Benin pepper, Guinea pepper, and false cubeb in other parts of Africa. They make food taste good but may not be delicious themselves, and many of them possess marked pharmacological and medicinal properties (Newman and Cragg, 2012). … , Atawodi et al. The oil was dominated by acetic acid (34.59%), 2-hydroxy-3-butanone (18.25%), butanoic acid (8.35%), 2-methyl butanoic acid (7.58%), 2-methyl butanol (7.45%), butanol (4.30%), 2-methyl butenoic acid (3.65%), and Nerol (3.25%). Several authors, e.g. , Therefore, cheaper and alternative ways using plants—phytoremediation—is a desirable option. In Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization where agriculture began, there is evidence that humans were using thyme for their health properties as early as 5000 BC and were growing garlic as early as 3000 BC (Singletary, 2016). , , We thank the Bioresources Development Group (BCG), Nigeria, for support to attend a symposium on African plants of nutritional and medical importance. Postepy higieny i … , Moreover, for people of the world, spices stimulate appetite and create visual appeals to food (Opara and Chohan, 2014). B. The in vivo antiplasmodial effect of the crude ethanol extract of P. guineense against rodent malaria parasite P. berghei was investigated by Kabiru et al. The molluscidal effect of the crude ethanol and hot-water fruit extract of P. guineense against Biomphalaria pfeifferi, the snail intermediate host of Schistocoma mansoni, which causes intestinal schitosomiasis, have been reported. Ebeledike, A. O. O , Oguntuase, B. J Overproduction of ROS in disease conditions—such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, exposure to bacterial or viral toxins, and radiations—generally exacerbate pathological state and often require medical interventions that stimulate the production of antioxidant molecules and/or positively modulate antioxidant enzymes. , , It produces trumpet-shaped, purple-colored flowers which develop into 5 to 7 long pods with each containing as many as 300 reddish-brown seeds (Dalziel, 1937). Ojewole and Adewunmi (2004) reported that the aqueous extract of the fruit showed anti-inflammatory activity in egg albumin-induced pallet edema in rats. Etuk, E. K. . Spices occur in a variety of flavor, color, and aroma contributing a wide range of nutrients to foods (Mann, 2011). , In Nigeria, spices are not only used in culinary but also as galenicals in folk medicine for their putative health benefits. The effect of water and ethanol extracts of dried fruits of a close relative Piper nigrum on the fertility potential in male albino rats had a positive impact on androgenic hormone level and fertility potential in animals (Sutyarso and Kanedi, 2016). . The extract of the fruit was investigated for antiplasmodial activity alongside different extracts from 10 other West African plants traditionally used against malaria in Ghana (Köhler, 2002). A Igile, G. O The ethanolic fruit extract was also evaluated for its antiplasmodial activity in vivo by Okokon et al. Raskin, I Ojokuku, S. A. Ezeh, A. R. , Oguoma et al. Tezuka, Y , The legendary Christopher Columbus’ explorations in 1492 were in search of herbs and spices (Kaefer and Milner, 2011). , Compared to the standard anticonvulsant agents (phenobarbitone and diazepam), the aqueous fruit extract delayed the onset of, and antagonized pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures. 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. (2014) reported a significant reversal of CCL4-induced hepatic damage by the methanol and chloroform extracts of A. melegueta seeds. Ita, E. E. In addition to making food taste good, culinary spices have been used as food preservatives and for their health-enhancing properties for centuries (Kaefer and Milner, 2011). The extracts were tested against both the chloroquine-sensitive strain and the chloroquine-resistant clone of Plasmodium falciparum. Etim et al. Oti, W. Moreover, some plants are considered as important source of nutrition and as a result of that they are recommended for their therapeutic values. , B. Oluremi, O Spices contain a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Odaibo, A. Oil pollution and environmental degradation due to crude oil prospecting activities of the Niger Delta region of Nigeria have warranted the massive cleanup exercise of the area at a huge cost to the government. The three spices also displayed remarkable hypoglycemic potential through lowering blood glucose in experimental rats. Iliemene, D. U , , It had a large amount of β-caryophyllen which is being investigated as an anti-inflammatory agent. Asuzu, F. O Kindt, R Osikabor, B. , The seeds of A. melegueta has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), an enzyme involved in generating pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, in rat paw edema model by 49% at concentration of 1000 mg kg−1 BW. Thanks to the Arab and European explorers whose contributions in broadcasting them from their place of origin to the rest of the world. . (, Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. Essama, O. J. L. However, recent research effort on African plants of medical importance is gradually improving knowledge gaps. (, Adesina, S. K. This work reviews three piquant spices; Piper guineense, Afromomum melegueta, and Tetrapleura tetrapetra common in the culinary of the Southern part of Nigeria, and it aims at concisely highlighting the researches that have been done on the nutritional quality, phytochemistry, and medicinal properties of these spices. Similarly, the pods extracted with cold water and ethanol were screened for the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, and anthraquinones (Achi, 2006). 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. . Adewunmi, C. O , The antimicrobial and antifungal activities were also investigated and validated by Ekanem and Obiekezie (2000). Anthony, S The fruit has four winged pods and appears green when tender but shiny, glabrous, dark-purple-brown when mature and ripened (Uyom et al., 2013; Adesina et al., 2016). Adewara, G , (, Ekanem, A. P. They should be consumed in minute quantities in the diet. , (, Ajaiyeoba, E. O. The quantity of saponins (1.88%) detected in the leaves of this plant supports its antimalarial activity. , Tetrapleura tetraptera Schumach and Thonn Taub (Mimosaceae), Yoruba name aridan, oshogisha in Igbo is a single-stemmed deciduous plant that grows on the fringe of the West and Central African rainforest zone. Awah, F. M (, Kabiru, A. Y. There was a discrepancy in ash content, however, as reported by Abil and Elegalam (2007) and Udourioh and Etokudoh (2014). Gauthier, P. A. , Mbamalu, O. S. Jatsa, H. B. The seeds are also used in preparing yam pottage for new mothers to enhance appetite and reduce the risk of puerperal infections in most parts of Southern Nigeria (Dike and Ahamefula, 2012). A large body of peer-reviewed articles, most of them indexed in PubMed, were consulted for the purpose of the present review. Oku, E. E A. Certian essential volatile oils in spices (cloves, peppers, etc.) Ejeke, B. U. , Use of different spices or mixtures of spices, by improving palatability, especially of invalid diets, helps to ensure that the food intake is adequate. . . , , (, Adesokan, A. Wheat (genus Triticum) is the most widely cultivated cereal in the world and its products are very important in human nutrition. . The study reported that the extract exhibited significant blood schizonticidal activity with a considerable mean survival time when compared with a standard antimalarial drug, chloroquine. Fruits or seeds: Examples include fennel, nutmeg, coriander, fenugreek, mustard, and black pepper, etc. Innalegwu, D. A. The extract was applied at varying concentration once weekly for 4 weeks, to germinating seeds of Amaranthus viridis. There was a corresponding increase in alkaline phosphatase with no signs of steatosis or cirrhosis. Raskin, I Adesina et al. The antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus faecalis of cold and hot macerated aqueous, and ethanol extracts of P. guineense was also reported by Okigbo and Igwe (2007). , , Achenwu, S. C Antioxidants are enzymes or non-enzyme molecules that help to defend cells from the deleterious effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and peroxides that typically destroy biomembranes (Jayachitra and Krithiga, 2010; Onoja et al., 2014). However, there was a significant decrease in α-glucosidase and fructose levels both of which play important role in the motility of spermatozoa; and thus, the reduction (20%) in fecundity observed. (, Udourioh, G. A. Anabuike, C. L Oyinloye, B. E (1996) evaluated the effect of leaf and seed extracts on smooth muscle. , . Top panel (L-R): dry fruit and seeds of A. melegueta; bottom panel: Dehusked fruit of A. melegueta. Several species of Afromomum (arundinaceum, melegueta, polyanthum) harvested from the West African sub-region have been demonstrated to show some form of antineoplastic property (Kuete et al., 2011, 2014). They enhance and complement flavor in foods with no detrimental effect on the organoleptic quality of the food (Kaefer and Milner, 2011). Olawuyi et al. Chiambaretta, F. Dimo, T. , It has appreciable quantity of crude protein (7.44%–17.5%), crude lipid (4.98%–20.24%), and crude fiber (17%–20.24%; Okwu, 2003). In folk medicine, the seeds are employed as a local remedy for stomach ache, snakebite, diarrhea, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and inflammation (Ilic et al., 2010). (, Udoh, F. V. , (2016) investigated the effect of the aqueous extract of the plant on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes mellitus in rats. Logendra, S. Olasehinde, T. A. To keep their fragrance and flavor intact, Harikumar, K. B. The plant has an appreciable amount of β-caryophyllene which is undergoing investigation as an anti-inflammatory candidate (Issac, 2012). 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. The increase in WBC gives an index of immune function. Shakya, A. K. Li, Y. 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. (2013) investigated the susceptibility of entero-hemorrhagic E. coli strain (O157:H7) isolates to conventional drugs and the extract of Piper guineense using agar diffusion method. Herbs and spices are plant-derived seasonings used for culinary purposes. Sokeng, S. D (, Alaje, D. O. Nmorsi, O. P (, Mbongue, F. G. Y. , , , (, Iweala, E. E. J. These side effects have led to the ban on the use of antibiotic in livestock production globally (Nweze and Nwakwagu, 2010). , Investigation of the hexane extract of the leaves and seeds showed varying toxicity against human myeloid leukemia (HL-60), human hepatocellular carcinoma (SMMC-7721), human lung carcinoma (A-549), human breast adenocarcinoma (MFC-7), and colon cancer (SW-480) (Iweala et al., 2015). Etok, C. A. (, Okokon, J. E. . In the stores, buy whole allspice corns instead of ground (powder), since, often it may contain adulterated spicy powders. (, Chiwendu, S. ... have long understood that healthy growth and development depend on holistically considering several aspects of human development. . Proximate analysis of the plant indicates that it has crude protein, fiber, lipid, and carbohydrates. Bouba et al. , Imoh, I. J . Spices have been known from ancient times mostly for their colouring and flavouring properties. Bola, B. M. Egbuna, C. F. (, Etim, O. E. Okaka, E. C. (2009) noted that every part of the plant has found use in one industry or the other. , Contain important nutrients Cloves contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so using whole or ground cloves to add flavor to your food can provide some important nutrients. It is variously known locally as ose oji in Igbo, ataare in Yoruba, and cittáá in Hausa of Nigeria (Odugbemi, 2008). Watcho, P. OBJECTIVES: Spices are increasingly finding other useful roles in healthcare aside their primary use as organoleptic enhancers in culinary. It was observed that the extract significantly decreased the liver enzymes ALT and ALP in the rat. Throat gargling with tepid thyme water can help relieve sore throats and bronchitis symptoms. Afuruna, N Poulev, A. They also have medicinal properties and they help in bringing out the unique flavour to the food. Phatak, A. Yanagida, F. , , , It was observed that the P. guineense-treated plants were not attacked by insect pest, whereas the untreated control plants were attacked. Uwachukwu, I Several herbs and spices are currently being investigated for their potential health benefits, hence the explosion in scientific literature in the fields of nutraceuticals and functional foods. Aframomum melegueta K. Schum belongs to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and is colloquially called grains of paradise or alligator pepper (Nwaehujor et al., 2014). Corresponding to: Henrietta A. Ogbunugafor, Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.