Premium
Spice‐infused palmyra palm syrup improved cell‐mediated immunity in Wistar Albino rats
Author(s) -
Somasekharan Nair Rajam Suja,
Neenthamadathil Mohandas Krishnakumar,
Vellolipadikkal Habeeba,
Viswanathan Leena Syamnath,
Kollery Suresh Veena,
Natakkakath Kaliyathan Raveena,
Sreedharan Nair Rajasekharan,
Lankalapalli Ravi Shankar,
Mullan Velandy Reshma
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of food biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.507
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1745-4514
pISSN - 0145-8884
DOI - 10.1111/jfbc.13466
Subject(s) - pepper , nutraceutical , traditional medicine , piperine , medicine , immunity , food science , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , pharmacology , immune system , immunology
Abstract Spices attract tremendous attention in the management of viral infections. However, scientific validation is vital to recommend spices as nutraceuticals or functional foods. In the present work, we have selected three spices based on Ayurvedic knowledge and developed a nutraceutical for immunomodulation. Trikatu, a blend of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper, is used in the Indian Ayurvedic system, along with many herbs, for various ailments. We formulated a “Trikatu syrup” (TS) using these three spices and palmyra palm neera. Carbon clearance assay, neutrophil adhesion test, and sheep red blood cell (SRBC)‐induced delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction was performed to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of TS in Wistar Albino rats. The rats fed with TS showed a dose‐dependent increase in footpad thickness compared to control rats, suggesting cell‐mediated immunity. The major bioactive piperine in TS was isolated and quantified. Practical applications Spices are consumed worldwide as a flavor enhancer in food. Besides, spices have an array of bioactive molecules with a multitude of health benefits. In the backdrop of COVID‐19, immunomodulation and antiviral properties of spices are discussed widely. The present study is intended to explore the potential of three selected spices (ginger, black pepper, and long pepper) beyond its application in typical food preparations. The syrup formulated in this study by using these three spices improved cell‐mediated immunity in Wistar Albino rats. The study warrants further validation studies of the formulated product for providing indisputable claims for the immunomodulation properties.