Spices as functional foods

Spices and aromatic herbs have been used since antiquity as preservatives, colorants, and flavor enhancers. Spices, which have long been the basis of traditional medicine in many countries, have also been the subject of study, particularly by the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries, because of their potential use for improving health. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated how these substances act as antioxidants, digestive stimulants, and hypolipidemics and show antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancerigenic activities. These beneficial physiological effects may also have possible preventative applications in a variety of pathologies. The aim of this review is to present an overview of the potential of spices and aromatic herbs as functional foods.     

Mycotoxins in spices and herbs–An update

Spices and herbs have been used since ancient times as flavor and aroma enhancers, colorants, preservatives, and traditional medicines. There are more than 30 spices and herbs of global economic and culinary importance. Among the spices, black pepper, capsicums, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, turmeric, saffron, coriander, cloves, dill, mint, thyme, sesame seed, mustard seed, and curry powder are the most popular spices worldwide. In addition to their culinary uses, a number of functional properties of aromatic herbs and spices are also well described in the scientific literature. However, spices and herbs cultivated mainly in tropic and subtropic areas can be exposed to contamination with toxigenic fungi and subsequently mycotoxins. This review provides an overview on the mycotoxin risk in widely consumed spices and aromatic herbs.     

Role of Spices Beyond Food Flavoring: Nutraceuticals with Multiple Health Effects

Spices are esoteric food adjuncts that have been used as flavoring and coloring agents, and as preservatives for thousands of years. Spices have also been recognized to possess medicinal properties and their use in traditional systems of medicine has been on record for a long time. With the advancement in the technology of spices and on knowledge of the chemistry and pharmacology of their active principles, their health benefit effects were investigated more thoroughly in recent decades. Many health benefit attributes of these common food adjuncts have been recognized in the past few decades by pioneering experimental research involving both animal studies and human trials. These studies documented digestive stimulant action, hypolipidemic effect, antidiabetic influence, antilithogenic property, antioxidant potential, anti-inflammatory property, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic potential of spices. Among these, the hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant properties of a few specific spices have far-reaching nutraceutical value. These beneficial physiological effects also have the potential of possible therapeutic application in a variety of disease conditions. This review presents an overview of experimental evidence for the nutraceutical potential of spices.     

Natural antimicrobial/antioxidant agents in meat and poultry products as well as fruits and vegetables: A review

Synthetic preservatives are widely used by the food industry to control the growth of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms and to inhibit the process of lipid oxidation extending the shelf-life, quality and safety of food products. However, consumer's preference for natural food additives and concern regarding the safety of synthetic preservatives prompted the food industry to look for natural alternatives. Natural antimicrobials, including plant extracts and their essential oils, enzymes, peptides, bacteriocins, bacteriophages, and fermented ingredients have all been shown to have the potential for use as alternatives to chemical antimicrobials. Some spices, herbs and other plant extracts were also reported to be strong antioxidants. The antimicrobial/antioxidant activities of some plant extracts and/or their essential oils are mainly due to the presence of some major bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, terpenes, aldehydes, and flavonoids. The proposed mechanisms of action of these natural preservatives are reported. An overview of the research done on the direct incorporation of natural preservatives agents into meat and poultry products as well as fruit and vegetables to extend their shelf-life is presented. The development of edible packaging materials containing natural preservatives is growing and their applications in selected food products are also presented in this review.     

抗氧化天然植物提取物及其在肉品中的应用研究进展

在各类肉品的生产和加工过程中,食品防腐添加剂对于保持产品营养特性和安全性必不可少。然而,人们期待肉品中所添加的成分尽可能源自天然产物,因此寻找可替代食品防腐抗氧化添加剂功能的天然提取物越来越受到关注。现有研究的抗氧化天然提取物来源于蔬菜、水果、香辛料、草本和种子等,主要作用是抑制脂质氧化、酸败,也可在一定程度上抑制微生物生长,应用于各类肉制品中,以有效延长其保质期,甚至还具有其他的功能特性。本文对抗氧化天然提取物的来源、萃取、氧化反应、功能性表现,特别是在各类肉品中的应用进行综述,以期为健康、安全、具有较长保质期和稳定货架期肉品的加工提供借鉴。     

Antioxidant capacity and major phenolic compounds of spices commonly consumed in China

The antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and major phenolic compounds of a total of 19 commonly consumed spices in China were systematically investigated. Ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with photodiode array detector (PDA) was used to identify and quantify the phenolic compounds in the spice extracts. Galangal exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, associated with the highest total phenolic content. Furthermore, galangin was identified as the principal phenolic component and the main contributor to the highest antioxidant capacity of galangal. Spices in the family Rutaceae and Lauraceae possessed very high antioxidant capacity and high levels of phenolics. Generally, chlorogenic acid and rutin were identified as the dominant phenolic compounds in the spice extracts. This study might provide useful information not only for human health, but also for screening new economic natural antioxidants that could be used in foods.     

Postharvest Processing and Benefits of Black Pepper,Coriander, Cinnamon,Fenugreek, and Turmeric Spices

Spices are prime source for flavor, aroma, and taste in cuisines and play an active role as medicines due to their high antioxidant properties. As medicine or food, the importance of spices cannot be overemphasized. The medicinal values of spices are very well established in treating various ailments like cancer, fever, malaria, stomach offset, nausea, and many more. A spice may be available in several forms: fresh, whole dried, or pre-ground dried which requires further processing to be utilized in the form of value-added product. This review paper deals with the cultivation, postharvesting, chemical composition, uses, health, and medicinal benefits of the selected spice viz., black pepper, coriander, cinnamon, fenugreek, turmeric, and technological advances in processing of spices viz., super critical fluid extraction, cryogenic grinding, and microencapsulation etc. This paper also focuses on issues related to utilization of spices toward its high end-product development and characterization in pharmaceuticals and other medicinal purposes. The availability of different spices and their varietal differences and location have their pertinent characters, which are much demanding to refine postharvest and processing to assure its quality in the international market.     

香辛料中植物化学物对肉制品品质及健康功效影响研究进展

香辛料是肉类食品加工过程中常用的一种辅料,其在改善食品风味、抑菌防腐以及延长食品保质期方面的能力得到了广泛的认可。香辛料中的植物化学物种类丰富,在食品加工以及贮藏过程中,可能与肉制品中的营养成分以及风味成分发生相互作用,从而改善食品的营养品质以及风味特性。同时,大多数香辛料中的植物化学物具有一定的抗氧化、抗炎等作用,能够改善食品的生物活性,对人体起到一定的食疗保健作用。本文主要对香辛料中植物化学物对肉制品营养品质、感官品质、防腐保鲜以及健康功效的影响进行了总结,以期为后续探究香辛料中植物化学物在食品体系中的应用及相关作用机理提供参考。     

香辛料在果蔬保鲜中的应用及研究进展

香辛料通常是指生长在热带地区的芳香植物的种子或者果实、根、树皮,常作为调料使用。香辛料在我国的使用已有悠久的历史。我国土地辽阔,植物资源种类繁多,香辛料植物作为植物的一部分,来源也十分丰富。香辛料不仅具有强烈的呈味、呈香作用,还有较强的抑菌防腐作用。从香辛料中提取的物质能够有效地抑制微生物的生长繁殖,延长果蔬的贮藏时间,保持果蔬原有的品质。果蔬采后保鲜与农业的发展有着密切关系,采用安全高效的天然植物源防腐剂运用于果蔬贮藏保鲜是将是今后研究的重点内容。本文介绍了香辛料的抑菌活性成分和保鲜机制,以及香辛料在水果和蔬菜贮藏保鲜中的应用及其研究进展。最后,对香辛料在果蔬保鲜中的应用提出了展望,为天然食品防腐剂的研究提供参考。     

Bacterial spores in spices and dried herbs: The risks for processed food

Production and world consumption of spices are constantly increasing. Although the antimicrobial properties of some spices are well documented, their use in the agri-food industry is also responsible for microbial contamination and spoilage. Bacterial spores introduced by spices can withstand different preparation processes, particularly thermal treatments, leading to food alterations during storage. This review brings together data from the literature about the prevalence and concentrations of spore-forming bacteria in all commercially available spices. The sporeformers found in spices belong mainly to the genera Bacillus and Clostridium. Such contaminations are very common and sometimes reach high levels, as in pepper and turmeric. Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus cereus are the most frequently detected species. Studying the harvesting, processing, and storage procedures for spices provides elements to explain why high prevalence and concentrations are observed. Spices are mostly produced in developing countries on small farms using traditional production methods. Spices become contaminated by bacterial spores in two main ways: by contact with soil during harvesting or drying, as for pepper, or by cross-contamination during the water-cooking step, as for turmeric. From these observations, we propose some recommendations. Different methods that can be used to eliminate bacterial spores from spices are presented indicating their efficiency and the limitations of their use.     

Natural Colorant from Marigold-Chemistry and Technology

Natural pigments offer an alternative to synthetic dyes, but for successful application, an understanding of the chemical and physical properties of the pigment is essential. With the growing legislative restrictions on the use of synthetic colors, a reappraisal of natural plant pigments is taking place with a view to use them as possible colorants in foods. For natural pigments to be accepted as food colorants, legal sanction is a must. With the application of new innovations, natural pigments can become more cost effective and increase their competitiveness against certified dye and dye products. Marigold flowers, which are yellow to orange red in color, are a rich source of lutein, a carotenoid pigment. This pigment has acquired greater significance because of its antioxidant property and for its eye health protection. Although marigold flower extract has been used in veterinary feeds, the potential use of marigold as a natural food colorant has not been exploited to the full extent due to the lack of information on its safety, stability, and compatibility in foods. This article deals with the chemistry, processing, and stability of the pigment and its applications.     

几种天然保鲜剂在低温肉制品中的应用

低温肉制品是采用较低的杀菌温度进行巴氏杀菌,在生产、运输、销售过程中始终处于低温状态下的肉制品。本文介绍了乳酸链球菌素、溶菌酶、壳聚糖、茶多酚几种天然保鲜剂的性质、抑菌机理及在低温肉制品中的应用。     

功能性香辛料的最新研究进展

香辛料在我国食品加工业和餐饮业广泛使用,除了赋予食品特有的味道和香味外,其生理功能越来越受到重视.香辛科中主要含有酚类和精油(萜类),这些功能性成分具有抗氧化、抗菌主要功能外,还具有抗炎、抗病毒、抗癌、抗胃溃疡、抗糖尿病和降低血脂的功能.香辛料相关功能性食品的开发、香辛料的膳食推荐摄入量可以成为未来食品工业研究的热点.     

3‐Deoxyanthocyanidin Colorant: Nature,Health, Synthesis,and Food Applications

3‐Deoxyanthocyanidins are a rare type of anthocyanins that are present in mosses, ferns, and some flowering plants. They are water‐soluble pigments and impart orange‐red and blue‐violet color to plants and play a role as phytoalexins against microbial infection and environmental stress. In contrast to anthocyanins, the lack of a hydroxyl group at the C‐3 position confers unique chemical and biochemical properties. They are potent natural antioxidants with a number of potential health benefits including cancer prevention. 3‐Deoxyanthocyanidin pigments have attracted much attention in the food industry as natural food colorants, mainly due to their higher stability during processing and handling conditions compared with anthocyanins. They are also photochromic compounds capable of causing a change in “perceived” color, when exposed to UV light, which can be used to design novel foods and beverages. Due to their interesting properties and potential industrial applications, great efforts have been made to synthesize these compounds. For biosynthesis, researchers have discovered the 3‐deoxyanthocyanidin biosynthetic pathway and their biosynthetic genes. For chemical synthesis, advances have been made to synthesize the compounds in a simpler and more efficient way as well as looking for its novel derivative with enhanced coloration properties. This review summarizes the developments in the research on 3‐deoxyanthocyanidin as a colorant, from natural sources to chemical syntheses and from health benefits to applications and future prospects, providing comprehensive insights into this group of interesting compounds.     

Antivirulence properties and related mechanisms of spice essential oils: A comprehensive review

In recent decades, reduced antimicrobial effectiveness, increased bacterial infection, and newly emerged microbial resistance have become global public issues, leading to an urgent need to find effective strategies to counteract these problems. Strategies targeting bacterial virulence factors rather than bacterial survival have attracted increasing interest, since the modulation of virulence factors may prevent the development of drug resistance in bacteria. Spices are promising natural sources of antivirulence compounds owing to their wide availability, diverse antivirulence phytochemical constituents, and generally favorable safety profiles. Essential oils are the predominant and most important antivirulence components of spices. This review addresses the recent efforts of using spice essential oils to inhibit main bacterial virulence traits, including the quorum sensing system, biofilm formation, motility, and toxin production, with an intensive discussion of related mechanisms. We hope that this review can provide a better understanding of the antivirulence properties of spice essential oils, which have the potential to be used as antibiotic alternatives by targeting bacterial virulence.     

Recent developments in the application of seaweeds or seaweed extracts as a means for enhancing the safety and quality attributes of foods

The production of rancid flavors and odors due to oxidative stress in foods can lead to a reduction in the sensory attributes, nutritional quality and food safety. Due to consumer demands, interest has been generated in searching plant products for natural “green” additives. Extracts from macroalgae or seaweeds are rich in polyphenolic compounds which have well documented antioxidant properties. They also have antimicrobial activities against major food spoilage and food pathogenic micro-organisms. Thus, possibility of seaweeds being added to foods as a source of antioxidant and antimicrobial is the main focus of this communication. In addition, seaweeds are also rich in dietary minerals specially sodium, potassium, iodine and fibers. Another potential area where the use of seaweed is gaining importance is regarding their addition for improving the textural properties of food products which is also extensively reviewed in this paper.

Industrial relevance

The trend towards the use of “natural green” plant extracts in various food and beverages in the food industry is gaining momentum. Seaweed, being a rich source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds with valuable nutraceutical properties, can be used as an ingredient to supplement food with functional compounds. Interest in the application of such compounds as natural antioxidants, antimicrobials or texturing agents in different food products is greater than ever. The addition of seaweeds or their extracts to food products will reduce the utilization of chemical preservatives, which will fulfill the industry as well as consumer demands for “green” products. In addition, the current status and the future projections in the functional effects of seaweeds as a means to improve the fiber content and reduce the salt content of food products, which will be of significant importance to the meat industry, is also discussed.     

THE INFLUENCE of HEAT TREATMENT ON the ACTIVITY of LIPO-AND HYDROPHILIC COMPONENTS of OAT GRAIN

Lipids in oat grains are protected against oxidation by various chemical compounds with antioxidant properties. Biologically active compounds such as tocopherols, L-ascorbic acid, thiol, phenolic amino acids and phenol comnpounds feature such properties. Phenolic compounds inhibit lipase activity, protect lipids against oxidation and, as a consequence, protect plant cells against the destructive activity of free radicals. the disadvantage of natural antioxidants is their low resistance to high temperatures since heating over 80C destroys their antioxidant properties. Operation such as drying, blanching, roasting or extrusion destroy the protective system of plant lipids.
The paper is an attempt to explain to what degree extrusion conditions influence activity of natural antioxidants. Oat flour possessing the largest amnount of lipids and biologicaly active compounds compared to other cereal flour was used in the model system. It has been found that oat phenolic compounds are a mixture of free phenolic acids, esters and phenolic acid glycosides as well as flavonols and polyphenols. It has been established that alcoholic extracts produced from oat groat and flour had strong antioxidant properties, whereas the extracts from extruded substances did not reveal such properties. During extrusion, about 50% degradation of phenolic compounds was observed. Phenolic compounds were the main group of organic compounds enabling enzyme activity and playing an antioxidant role.     

茶多酚在肉制品保鲜中的应用研究进展

肉制品营养丰富、味道鲜美,一直是人们餐桌上的佳肴,但受微生物、物理和酶的作用极易腐败变质,限制了其货架期和流通半径。茶多酚是一类从茶叶中提取、具有多个酚羟基的化合物,因具有较强的抗氧化性被广泛应用于肉制品贮藏和保鲜中,并取得较好的效果。本文介绍了茶多酚的结构及性质,综述了茶多酚抗氧化及抗菌机理,分析了茶多酚在多种肉制品保鲜中的应用现状,对茶多酚的应用前景进行展望。     

Oregano Essential Oil as an Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Additive in Food Products

Food consumers and industries urged the need of natural alternatives to assure food safety and quality. As a response, the use of natural compounds from herbs and spices is an alternative to synthetic additives associated with toxic problems. This review discusses the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of oregano essential oil (OEO) and its potential as a food additive. Oregano is a plant that has been used as a food seasoning since ancient times. The common name of oregano is given to several species: Origanum (family: Lamiaceae) and Lippia (family: Verbenaceae), amongst others. The main compounds identified in the different OEOs are carvacrol and thymol, which are responsible for the characteristic odor, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity; however, their content may vary according to the species, harvesting season, and geographical sources. These substances as antibacterial agents make the cell membrane permeable due to its impregnation in the hydrophobic domains, this effect is higher against gram positive bacteria. In addition, the OEO has antioxidant properties effective in retarding the process of lipid peroxidation in fatty foods, and scavenging free radicals. In this perspective, the present review analyzes and discusses the state of the art about the actual and potential uses of OEO as an antimicrobial and antioxidant food additives.