DECONTAMINATION OF SPICES BY IRRADIATION

The feasibility of inactivating microflora of foreign spices by means of gamma radiation, without causing significant organoleptic or chemical changes, was studied. Ground cinnamon, clove, coriander, nutmeg, white and black pepper were irradiated with doses of 7 and 10 kGy¹ of ⁶⁰Co.
Chemical analysis were performed so as to verify the Argentine Alimentary Codex specifications and the effect of radiation on those characteristics by which spices are appreciated, such as color and volatiles. No differences between control and irradiated samples could be found in any of these parameters.
Microbiological results showed that aerobic plate count was reduced by 2.5 to 4.0 log cycles with 7 kGy. At 10 kGy survivors could only be found in cinnamon (1.7 log cfu/g)².
Cinnamon and clove were sensorily evaluated. No differences due to irradiation were found.
So, it can be concluded that 10 kGy of gamma radiation suffice the purpose of this work. This good market condition was held at least during one year.     

两种方法测定香辛料提取物抗氧化活性的比较

本实验分别采用TBARS(硫代巴比妥酸反应物)法和FRAP(还原能力)法研究七种香辛料95%乙醇提取物的抗氧化作用。结果表明,七种香辛料提取物均有较好的抗氧化和还原能力。TBARS法测定抗氧化能力大小依次为:甘草>迷迭香>肉豆蔻>姜黄>丁香>白豆蔻>桂皮;FRAP法测定还原能力大小为:丁香>桂皮>肉豆蔻>迷迭香>姜黄>甘草>白豆蔻。两种方法得到的活性顺序存在很大差异,表明活性大小与其体系密切相关。     

Inhibitory effect of spices on in vitro histamine production and histidine decarboxylase activity ofMorganella morganii and on the biogenic amine formation in mackerel stored at 30°C

The inhibitory effects of clove, cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric and pepper on the histamine production and histidine decarboxylase activity ofMorganella morganii (a potent histamine-producing bacteria in fish) was examined at 30°C using HPLC. Cinnamon and clove exhibited a significant (P<0.01) inhibitory effect, whereas turmeric and cardamom had a moderate effect. These spices were applied to whole mackerel at a level of 3% and their inhibitory effect on biogenic amine formation at 30°C was also examined. As in the in vitro study, clove and cinnamon showed a significant (P< 0.05) inhibitory effect on histamine, putrescine and tyramine formation but not on that of cadaverine. Cardamom and turmeric exhibited a moderate effect and pepper was ineffective. Therefore, clove and cinnamon are more helpful than cardamom and turmeric in the minimization of the formation of toxic histamine in mackerel.     

Consumer acceptability and antioxidant potential of probiotic-yogurt with spices

The study focuses on developing novel probiotic yogurts containing spices with acceptable sensory properties, therapeutic levels of probiotics and with beneficial antioxidant capacity. Eight types of yogurts with added spice oleoresins (cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg) and probiotics [Lactobacillus acidophilus strain 5(LA5), or Bifidobacterium animalisssp.Lactis (Bb12)] were produced. Two successive consumer sensory taste panels (n = 54) using a nine point hedonic scale were conducted to evaluate the acceptability of the yogurts. Viable counts of probiotics and antioxidant capacity of yogurt samples at 1, 7, 14 and 28 days of storage at 4 °C were monitored. The probiotic-yogurt products containing spices showed good sensory properties, with the best results obtained with cardamom oleoresin (with LA5 or Bb12). The presence of spice oleoresins (cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon) did not affect the probiotic population (LA5or Bb12) in yogurt during 4 weeks of refrigerated storage. The antioxidant capacity (with LA5or Bb12) over the storage period was also maintained.     

Fermentation Enhancement by Spices: Identification of Active Component

Manganese was identified as a factor in spices responsible for the enhancement of acid production by meat starter bacteria. Stimulatory activity of 0.1N HCI extracts of spices increased with increasing Mn concentration. Extracts of clove, cardamom, ginger, celery seed, cinnamon, and turmeric, all with high Mn contents, were strongly stimulatory. Clove had the highest Mn content and exerted the greatest stimulatory effect. Spice extracts or standard Mn⁺⁺ solutions enhanced acid production by Lactobacillus plantarum more than by Pediococcus acidilactici in a beef extract-sugar medium. Fermented sausages without spices but with added 1 × 10⁻⁵M Mn⁺⁺ and those with spices developed a similar level of acidity.     

Identification of Irradiated Spices Using the Novel Technique of DNA Comet Assay

ABSTRACT: Microgel electrophoresis of single cells or nuclei (DNA comet assay) was investigated to identify irradiated spices. Ten spices treated with radiation doses in the range of 0 to 20 kGy were analyzed. After electrophoresis, radiation-damaged DNA appeared as a comet, whereas in non irradiated spices round or conical spots appeared. Shape, length, and intensity of comets were also dose-dependent. Detection was successful in poppy seeds, cardamom seeds, caraway seeds, and nigella seeds, but not in pomegranate seeds, ginger root, and juniper berries, where lysis was insufficient, and also not in black peppercorns, nutmeg seed, and rosemary leaves, where extraction of cells or nuclei failed. Nevertheless, for some irradiated foods the DNA comet assay is a rapid and inexpensive screening test.     

Evaluation of a microbiological method for detection of irradiation of spices

The suitability of a microbiological method, a combination of the direct epifluorescent filter technique (DEFT) and the total aerobic plate count (APC), for the detection of irradiation of spices was evaluated. The evaluation was carried out using different kinds of spices including peppers, paprika, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger; herbs such as thyme, marjoram, basil, and oregano; and garlic powder. Ground spices were tested as well as cut and whole spice samples. Samples were analysed before and after gamma-irradiation mainly with doses of 5 and 10 kGy. Two different methods (centrifugation, filtration) for sample pretreatment were compared. Differences between the DEFT count and the APC with doses of 5 and 10 kGy varied between 3.9 and 6.8 and between 5.7 and 7.5 log units, respectively. The duration of storage after irradiation had no effect on the microbiological results. When applied to fumigated samples, the method might cause confusion in the absence of chemical analyses. The results of the analyses of samples treated by an unknown process indicated that the method could, in fact, detect irradiated samples, although it could not differentiate between irradiated and heat-treated samples.     

Biologically important thiols in aqueous extracts of spices and evaluation of their in vitro antioxidant properties

The levels of the biologically important thiols in aqueous extracts of different spices were determined using a sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The spices analysed: turmeric, ginger, cardamom, mustard, fenugreek, and coriander showed different levels of thiols. Biologically important thiols or biothiols measured in these spices included glutathione (GSH), cysteine (CYS), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), homocysteine (HCYS), and γ-glutamyl cysteine (GGC). Our results showed that thiol levels varied from 4 to 1089 nM/g weight (dry or wet). Furthermore, none of the biothiols analysed were found in cumin, nutmeg, clove or star anise. We also studied the antioxidant abilities of these aqueous extracts using various in vitro antioxidant methods to correlate between the levels of these thiols and their antioxidant effects. Our results suggested that antioxidant activities may be independent of thiol content and may be, in part the combination of all the phytochemicals present. These results may be useful in explaining the effect of spices on thiol levels in in vitro and in vivo studies.     

Heavy metals in spices commonly consumed in Republic of Korea

Levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) were evaluated in 359 samples of commonly consumed spices (cinnamon, parsley, basil, oregano, coriander seed, nutmeg, cumin, bay leaf, fenugreek, rosemary, thyme, fennel, sage, clove, marjoram, tarragon, caraway, dill seed, pepper, and turmeric) from the market in the Republic of Korea. The content of Pb, Cd, and As was assessed by acid wet digestion using a microwave oven and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The content of Hg was analysed using a direct mercury analyzer (DMA). Pb, Cd, As, and Hg mean content in spices ranged from 0.039–0.972 mg kg^?1, 0.013–0.315 mg kg^?1, 0.121–0.861 mg kg^?1, and 0.001–0.025 mg kg^?1, respectively.     

天然香料的抑菌效果及其在酱油中防腐作用的研究

通过试验表明：丁香、白胡椒、豆蔻等天然香料对食品中常见的腐败菌和产毒菌的生长均有不同程度的抑制作用，其中丁香的抑菌作用最佳，０５％就能完全抑制供试菌的生长。用水中蒸馏法从丁香中提取丁香油，经薄层层析法分离，确认其有效抑菌成分为丁子香粉。０３５％的丁香粉末添加到酱油中，可使酱油夏季敞口存放一个月而不产生白花变质，并赋予酱油特殊良好的风味。     

DPPH free-radical scavenging ability, total phenolic content, and chemical composition analysis of forty-five kinds of essential oils

Forty-five kinds of commonly used essential oils were employed to investigate the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl2-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging ability and total phenolic content of major chemical compositions. The free-radical scavenging ability and total phenolic content of cinnamon leaf and clove bud essential oils are the best among these essential oils. One-half milliliter of cinnamon leaf and clove bud essential oils (10 mg mL EtOH) are shown to be 96.74% and 96.12% of the DPPH (2.5ml, 1.52 × 10^-4 M) free-radical scavenging ability, respectively. Their EC50 (effective concentrations) are 53 and 36 (μg mL^-1). One milligram per milliliter of cinnamon leaf, clove bud, and thyme red essential oils were shown to be 420, 480, and 270 (mg g^-1 of GAE) of total phenolic content, respectively. Eugenol in cinnamon leaf and clove bud essential oils (82.87% and 82.32%, respectively) were analyzed by GC-MS. It is clear that the amounts of the phenol compounds in essential oils and the DPPH free-radical scavenging ability are in direct proportion.     

Antioxidant activity of spice extracts in a liposome system and in cooked pork patties and the possible mode of action

Three experiments were conducted to assess the antioxidant efficacy of spice extracts in cooked meat. In experiment 1, antioxidant activity of 13 common spice extracts was screened in a liposome system. Six of the extracts (clove, rosemary, cassia bark, liquorice, nutmeg, and round cardamom), identified to have the greatest total phenolic contents, were strongly inhibitory of TBARS formation. In experiment 2, 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, ferric-reducing power, and metal chelation of these six spice extracts were evaluated. Clove exhibited the greatest reducing power, and all had strong DPPH scavenging activity. In experiment 3, clove, rosemary, and cassia bark extracts were further tested for in situ antioxidant efficacy. Cooked pork patties containing these spice extracts had markedly reduced TBARS formation and off-flavour scores but a more stable red colour, during storage. The results demonstrated strong potential of spice extracts as natural antioxidants in cooked pork products.     

The analysis of essential oils and extracts (oleoresins) from seasonings ‐ A critical review

A critical review of the analytical methods employed for the determination of the relevant components of seasonings is presented. Where the available methods were inadequate, new ones have been devised. Particular emphasis has been placed on those methods of analysis that provide a rapid and sufficiently accurate appraisal of seasoning extracts and essential oils from seasonings under routine control laboratory conditions. At the same time, the margin of error of these methods has been determined. The individual seasoning extracts were assessed according to the following criteria: (1) essential oil — cardamom, laurel leaves, cloves, origanum (marjoram), sage, and thyme; (2) essential oil and nonvolatile lipids — dillseed, coriander, caraway, mace, nutmeg, pimento (allspice), and celery seed; (3) essential oil and/or pungent ingredients — capsicum, ginger, and pepper; (4) essential oil and/or coloring matter — turmeric (curcuma) and paprika; (5) essential oil and other components — garlic, onion, and cinnamon.     

不同浸提条件对植物香辛料抑菌性能的影响

利用滤纸片试验法 ,以假单胞菌、热死环丝菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、大肠杆菌和乳酸菌为供试菌 ,通过 3因子二次正交旋转设计 ,试验表明 ,丁香用有机溶液浸提、桂皮用水溶液浸提的抑菌效果好 ,它们最佳的浸提条件分别为 :6%的丁香粉溶于 3 1 8%的乙醇溶液中 ,70℃水浴 6h ;5 6%的桂皮粉溶于水溶液中 ,70℃水浴 7h。     

Antioxidant activity of some phenolic constituents from green pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and fresh nutmeg mace (Myristica fragrans)

Antioxidant potential of phenolic compounds from green pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and lignans from fresh mace (Myristica fragrans) were evaluated for their ability to scavenge 1,1′-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, inhibit lipid peroxidation and protect plasmid DNA damage upon exposure to gamma radiation. EC₅₀ values of the major phenolic compounds of green pepper namely, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl ethanol glucoside, 3,4-dihydroxy-6-(N-ethylamino) benzamide and phenolic acid glycosides were found to be 0.076, 0.27 and 0.12 mg/ml, respectively, suggesting a high radical scavenging activity of these phenolics. These results were further confirmed with cyclic voltammetry. Acetone extract of nutmeg mace and its subsequent TLC isolated fractions constituted mainly of lignans as revealed by GC–MS analysis. The major compounds were tentatively identified from their mass spectral fragmentation pattern. DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the acetone extract as well as its fractions was comparatively lower than that of green pepper phenolics. In contrast, these fractions had a greater ability to inhibit lipid oxidation than phenolics from pepper as revealed by β-carotene–linoleic acid assay. A DNA protecting role of these compounds even at doses as high as 5 kGy further suggested the potential use of green pepper and fresh nutmeg mace and their extracts as a nutraceutical in preventing oxidative damage to cells.     

Antibacterial properties of plant essential oils

Fifty plant essential oils were examined for their antibacterial properties against 25 genera of bacteria. Four concentrations of each oil were tested using an agar diffusion technique. The ten most inhibitory oils were thyme, cinnamon, bay, clove, almond (bitter), lovage, pimento, marjoram, angelica and nutmeg. The most comprehensively inhibitory extracts were angelica (against 25 genera), bay (24), cinnamon (23), clove (23), thyme (23), almond (bitter) (22), marjoram (22), pimento (22), geranium (21) and lovage (20).     

Evaluation of Garam Masala Spices and Phosphates as Antioxidants in Cooked Ground Beef

ABSTRACT:  This study determined antioxidant effects and sensory attributes of individual ingredients (black pepper, caraway, cardamom, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, fennel, ginger, nutmeg, salt, star anise) of an Indian spice blend (garam masala) in cooked ground beef. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values were measured as an indicator of rancidity for cooked samples on 1-, 8-, or 15-d refrigerated storage. Cooked samples were evaluated by a trained panel ( n = 13) for the intensity of rancid odor/flavor, beef flavor, and spice flavor and correlated with TBA values of same day samples. We also investigated possible additive effects between spice antioxidants and iron binding (type II) antioxidants on lipid oxidation by measuring TBA values. All spices had antioxidant effects on cooked ground beef, compared to controls. Among spices, cloves were the most effective in controlling lipid oxidation, with TBA values of 0.75, after 15-d refrigerated storage. All spices at their recommended levels lowered rancid odor and flavor in cooked ground beef, compared to controls. As expected, most spices also imparted distinctive flavors to cooked ground beef. There was a positive correlation (0.77) between TBA values on 15-d refrigerated storage and rancid odor/flavor. Type II antioxidants (iron-binding phosphate compounds) were more effective than individual type I antioxidants (spices and butylated hydroxytoluene; BHT) for maintenance of low TBA values in cooked ground beef during storage. Additive effects were observed with rosemary + milk mineral or sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) compared to rosemary alone.     

天然植物型抑菌剂的配制及抗菌性能评价

对豆蔻、肉桂、百里香、意大利蜡菊、贯叶连翘、甘草和迷迭香7种香辛料用无水乙醇进行提取,并测定各种提取液对大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli)、金黄色葡萄球菌(Staphyloccocus aureus)、副溶血性弧菌(Vibrio parahaemolyticus)和鼠伤寒沙门氏菌(Salmonella typhimurium)的最小抑菌浓度(minimum inhibitory concentration,MIC)。结果表明,豆蔻提取液的MIC大于0.5%(V/V),肉桂提取液对大肠杆菌和金黄色葡萄球菌的MIC为0.2%(V/V),其余香辛料提取液的MIC均为0.5%(V/V)。根据各种香辛料提取液的MIC,选择除豆蔻以外的6种香辛料作为原材料配制一种天然植物型抑菌剂,其抗菌性能评价试验表明,所配制的天然植物型抑菌剂对6种参试菌均具有显著的抑菌效果,其抑菌率达到99.99%。在对草莓的保鲜试验中,天然植物型抑菌剂显示了较好的保鲜效果,它能有效地将草莓的保鲜期从7 d之内延长至10 d。     

香辛料提取物抗氧化活性及其作用模式的研究

采用不同的抗氧化活性测定体系对丁香、迷迭香、桂皮、甘草、肉豆蔻、白豆蔻6 种香辛料提取物抗氧化活性进行研究,并探讨其抗氧化作用模式。首先采用脂质体氧化体系测定香辛料提取物对TBARS 的抑制作用,进一步测定样品的清除DPPH 自由基能力,还原能力(FRAP),及对Cu2+ 和Fe2+ 的螯合能力,同时与商品抗氧化剂BHA 的抗氧化活性进行比较,并通过福林- 酚法测总多酚含量。6 种香辛料醇提物均有较强的抗脂质氧化活性和较高的总多酚含量;其中总多酚含量与TBARS 值呈显著的负相关性(r ＝－ 0.69,P ＜ 0.05),与DPPH 自由基清除能力呈显著相关性(r ＝ 0.84,P ＜ 0.05),说明香辛料醇提物中的总多酚含量越高,其所具有的抗氧化能力越高。DPPH自由基清除能力与还原能力显著相关(r ＝ 0.84,P ＜ 0.05)。TBARS 与DPPH 自由基清除能力和FRAP 值不相关(P ＞0.05),Fe2+ 螯合活力与TBARS、DPPH 自由基清除能力和FRAP 值均不相关(P ＞ 0.05)。香辛料提取物的抗氧化作用与总多酚含量密切相关,其抗氧化性主要是通过清除自由基,螯合金属离子和还原能力来实现的。