Diversity, Chemical Compositions and Beneficial Effects of Some Spices and Aromatic Leaves Consumed in Benin and in the World: Critical Review

Spices and aromatic plants are products of plant origin used in food. They are used for the preparation of remedies, for seasoning dishes or for preserving food. This review takes stock of the diversity of spices and aromatic herbs, the chemical composition, the different properties and forms of use of six spices and aromatic herbs commonly used in Benin and around the world. These are Zingiber officinalis (ginger), Curcuma longa (curcuma), Syzygium aromaticum (clove) and three aromatic herbs Petroselinum crispum (parsley), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary), and Laurus nobilis (laurel). The methodology used is that of documentary research oriented towards the consultation of previous scientific documents that have highlighted the different pharmacological activities of the different species of spices and aromatic plants targeted. It is important to note that more than twenty plant species are used as spices and aromatic plants in Benin and around the world. Chemically, these different spices and aromatic herbs contain certain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, alkaloids, steroids, terpenes, saponins, and polyphenols. This diversity of secondary metabolites alone or in a possible synergy may be responsible for many beneficial properties attributed to spices and aromatic herbs.

SPICES评估工具在住院患者老年综合征护理实践中的应用

目的探讨SPICES评估工具(sleep disorders,problem with eating or feeding,incontinence,confusion,evidence of falls,skin breakdown)在住院患者老年综合征护理实践中的应用效果。方法选取2018年5月至6月本院老年医学科收治的102例老年患者,采用SPICES评估工具对患者老年综合征情况进行评估,针对老年综合征发生症状采取针对性的干预。结果干预后患者的睡眠障碍、进食问题、失禁、跌倒风险4种老年综合征发生率较干预前低,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.05);意识模糊、压伤及伤口的发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。干预前Bathel得分为(53.18±14.72)分,干预后得分为(64.42±12.18)分,干预前后比较,差异有统计学意义(t=-8.310,P<0.001)。结论采用SPICES评估表可准确评估老年综合征发生情况并针对其不同临床表现或问题采取针对性的护理干预,可避免护理工作的盲目性,从而降低老年综合征的发生率并提高其生活能力。

SPICES评估表在老年COPD患者中的应用与护理干预

目的将SPICES评估表应用于COPD老年患者，并依据评估内容结果，分析原因，结合专科特点进行针对性护理干预，探讨护理效果。方法选择2008年3～7月呼吸内科收治的32例老年COPD患者，依据SPICES进行评估，进行专科护理干预。结果经过干预后，患者SPICES各项评估有明显改善。结论运用SPICES对COPD老年患者进行评估，可行、全面、针对性强，效果较好。

Spices, herbal xenobiotics and the stomach: Friends or foes?

Spices and herbal remedies have been used since ancient times to treat a variety of disorders. It has been experimentally demonstrated that spices, herbs, and their extracts possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, lipid-lowering, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, antimutagenic and anticancer activities, besides their gastroprotective and anti-ulcer activities. Despite a number of reports on the toxicity of herbs and spices, they are generally accepted as safer alternatives to conventional therapy against gastric ulcers. To this end, it is also believed, that excessive consumption of spices may favor the pathogenesis of gastric and duodenal ulcer and some studies have substantiated this common perception. Based on various in vivo experiments and clinical studies, on the effects of spices and herbs on gastric ulcers, it has indeed been shown that certain spices do possess remarkable anti-ulcer properties mediated by antisecretory, cytoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-Helicobacter pylori effects and mechanisms regulated by nitric oxide, prostaglandins, non-protein sulfhydryl molecules and epidermal growth factor expression. Accordingly, their consumption may attenuate and help prevent peptic ulcer disease. In the present review, the beneficial effects of spices and herbal nutritive components on the gastric mucosa are discussed against the paradigm of their deleterious potential.

Proximate Composition, Mineral and Vitamin Content of Some Wild Plants Used as Spices in Cameroon

The aim of this work was to contribute to our knowledge of the proximate composition, mineral and vitamin content of 20 edible wild plants used as spices in Cameroon. The plant species were collected from 3 different markets in the West Region of Cameroon and analysed for their content of crude proteins, and lipid, ash, moisture, available sugars, total phenols, carotenoids, minerals (Ca, Zn, K, Na, Mg, Al, Mn, Cu and Se), and vitamins (A, E and C) as well as for their pH and colour. Results revealed that all the plants were low in moisture (7.7 to 10.5 g/100 g) but high in ash content (7.7 to 10.5 g/100 g). Hua gabonii (bark) (1594.5 mg/100 g) was relative source of calcium, Echinops giganteus (206.4 mg/100 g) exhibited the highest level of iron and Scorodophleus zenkeri (310.0 μg/100 g) the highest level of selenium. Generally all the plants were found to contain low levels of Zn, Cu and Mg. Wide variations were observed for the pro- teins and available sugars among the samples. The lipid content of some of the plants were surprisingly relatively high as was the case with Monodora myristica (53.4 g/100 g), Xylopia aethiopica (33.7 g/100 g), Fagara leprieuri (32.1 g/100 g), and Aframomum daniellii (23.1 g/100 g). All the plants were rich in phenols, carotenoids, vitamin E and C. They are dark in colour and in solution they tended to provoke a fair acidification.

Antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts and powders of some Cameroonian spices during accelerated storage of soybean oil

The efficacy of methanolic extracts and powders of 12 spices (Pimpinella anisum, Scorodophleuszenkeii, Xy- lopiaparviflora, Eugenia caryophyllus, Fagara leprieurii, Fagara macrophylla, Monodora myristica, Olax subscorpioidea, Xylopiaaethiopica, Allium sativum, Zinziber officinale and Cinnamomum zeylanicum) in stabilizing crude soyabean oil during accelerated storage was assessed. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenols in all the spices except that of Allium sativum. Total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH radical scavenging activity of the extracts varied significantly (p < 0.01) ranging from 1.34 to17.72 gGAE/100 gand 18.91% to 96.39% respectively. Extract of Zinziber officinale, Olax subscorpioidea, Fagaramacrophylla, Eugenia caryophyllus and Xylopia parviflora, which offered the highest TPC, exhibited superior antioxidant activity with regard to the DPPH. Furthermore, the antioxidant effectiveness of the extracts and powders was assessed using crude soyabean oil (CSO) as the oxidation substrate. CSO samples stabilized with extracts at a concentration of 500 ppm (w/w) and powders at a concentration of 1000 ppm were subjected to accelerated storage (65?C, oven heating, 24 days, 8 h heating cycle per day), and analyzed periodically for the extent of oxidative alterations following the measurement of iodine and peroxide value. CSO + BHT at 200 ppm served as standards besides the control. Results?reveal Zinziberofficinale, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Scorodophleuszenkerii, Monodora myristica, Xylopiaaethiopica, Allium sativum, Fagara leprieurii extracts and powders and the powder of Pimpinella anisum to be potent antioxidants for stabilization of crude soyabean oil.

Temperature and Acidified Solvent Effect on Total Anthocyanins and RP-HPLC Phenolic Acids Determination in Selected Spices

Total anthocyanins of spices (Syzygium aromaticum L., Coriadrum sativum L., Cuminum cyminum L., Zingiber officinale Rosc., Elettaria cardamomum, Curcuma longa, Rhus coriaria L., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, Foeniculum vulgare Mill and Laurus nobilis L.) were determined using acidified (1% HCl) solvents (methanol, ethanol and acetone) at three temperatures (20℃, 40℃ and 60℃). Also phenolic acids were separated and identified by RP-HPLC. Results showed that sumac and cinnamon had the highest levels of anthocyanins, while for the acetone the cinnamon indicated the highest amount of anthocyanins when methanol and ethanol were used as extracting solvents at 20℃. At 40℃ using ethanol, sumac showed the highest level of anthocyanins whereas acetone solvent yielded the highest anthocyanin contents for cinnamon. At 60℃, cinnamon showed the highest level of anthocyanins when methanol and acetone were the solvents, while sumac had the highest anthocyanins level using ethanol as solvent. HPLC results showed ten phenolic acids found in those spices and varied in their concentrations. Gallic acid had the highest level (1642.3 mg/100g) (cloves). Gentisic acid had the lowest level (1.2 mg/100g) in ginger. Also sumac showed the highest level of chlorogenic acid (1528.7 mg/100g). Some acids were not found in some spices, for instance, benzoic acid was not found in coriander, cumin, ginger, green cardamom, cinnamon and sweet laurel.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity of Two <i>Ocimum</i>Species Consumed Locally as Spices in Nigeria as a Justification for Increased Domestication

The antioxidant activities of Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratissimum consumed as spices in Nigeria were evaluated in a bid to provide better scientific basis for increased domestication efforts on them. Total phenol and flavonoid contents of the spice extracts ranged from 9.09 - 27.41 μg GAE/mg and 5.38 - 22.88 μg RE/mg respectively. The DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of the spice extracts ranged from 58.43% - 92.37% and 6.27% - 16.67% respectively. The total antioxidant capacities and reducing powers of the extracts (measured as absorbance values) ranged from 0.137 - 0.160 and 0.130 - 0.158 respectively. Generally, Ocimum basilicum maintained superior antioxidant activities to O. gratissimum in all the test assays, and all the extracts showed dose-dependent antioxidant activities. Ascorbic acid, Gallic acid and Rutin used as reference compounds generally showed higher antioxidant activities to the spice extracts except in the hydroxyl radical scavenging assay. Put together, these results confirm that Ocimum basilicum and O. gratissimum extracts possess appreciable natural antioxidant potentials, thereby providing good justification for their increased domestication and consumption.

Inhibition of glucose-and fructose-mediated protein glycation by infusions and ethanolic extracts of ten culinary herbs and spices

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory activity of ten culinary herbs and spices namely on glucose-mediated glycation(GMG) and fructose-mediated glycation(FMG) of bovine serum albumin.Methods: Fluorescence was used as an index of albumin glycation using glucose and fructose as substrates in the presence of infusions and ethanolic extracts of ten culinary herbs and spices. Antioxidant activity of the extracts was evaluated using reducing power,metal ion chelating and superoxide radical scavenging assays. Phytochemicals profile was analysed using 13 standard methods.Results: FMG was found to be significantly higher than GMG(95 and 84 AU,respectively; P < 0.05). Infusions and ethanolic extracts showed significant(P < 0.05)inhibitory activity on both GMG and FMG when compared to appropriate controls. No significant difference(P > 0.05) was found in the percentage glycation inhibitory activity of infusions compared to ethanolic extracts. The mean percentage inhibitory activity of the extracts for GMG(45.9%) and for FMG(45.1%) was not significantly different(P > 0.05). Qualitative phytochemical analysis showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, anthraquinones, steroids, reducing sugars, proteins, phenols,saponins, phlobatannins, and cardiac glycosides.Conclusions: The higher rate of fluorescence generation by fructation suggests that glycation by fructose deserves much attention as a glycating agent. Data herein showed that the extracts inhibited GMG and FMG. Thus, these edible plants could be a natural source of antioxidants and anti-glycation agent for preventing advanced glycation endproducts-mediated complications.

Chemical and Microbiological Characterization of Egyptian Cultivars for Some Spices and Herbs Commonly Exported Abroad

The present study highlighted some chemical, nutritional, microbiological and essential oil characteristics of the Egyptian traditional cultivars for seeds of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) and coriander (Coriandum sativum) spices as well as for basil whole herb (Ocimum basilicum) collected from different Egyptian export centers as being ready for export. The found values for humidity in dry seeds of cumin (7.4%) and coriander (6.4%) as well as total ash and ash insoluble in acid (in cumin 7.7% and 0.74%, but in coriander 5.3% and 0.55%, respectively) were lower than the maximum limits indicated by the Egyptian Specification Standards (ES) and by International Standards Organization (ISO) for cumin and coriander seeds. Analysis of essential minerals in seed spices and herbs indicated that they were are rich in K, Ca, Na, Fe and Zn. Total bacterial count was low content in seeds of cumin and coriander as well as fresh whole basil herb. The microbiological load in all tested seed spices and herbs was found lower than those indicated by the ES and ISO for cumin and coriander seeds. Yields in hydro-distilled essential oils (EOs) were the highest in cumin seeds (3.762%), while both coriander and basil herb had lower amounts (0.285% and 0.686%, respectively). EOs contents were found higher than the maximum limits for cumin (1.5% - 2.5% on dry weight basis), but the within the limits for coriander (0.1% - 0.5% on dry weight basis) as indicated by the ES and ISO for cumin and coriander seed oils. Gas chromatography of extracted EOs from seeds of cumin and coriander as well as basil herbs indicated the presence of 41, 35 and 47 compounds, respectively, where cuminaldehyde was the major component in cumin volatiles, but was linalool in volatiles of both coriander seeds and basil herbs. EOs of basil herbs grown in Egypt, were of the high linalool-chemotype which were characterized by high contents of linalool and relatively lower amounts of eugenol. However, the major compounds in the three tested EOs from seeds or herbs grown in Egypt are in accordance with literature reports from different parts of the world. Volatile oil components in EOs of the three tested Egyptian spices and herbs were classified into groups, based on the relative area (%). The proportion of the major and the other main components in EOs from seeds of cumin and coriander cultivars were within the ranges indicated by both the ES and ISO for cumin seed oils (cuminaldehyde between 15% - 46%) and for coriander seed oils (linalool between 65% - 78%). No Egyptian Specification Standards are established yet for fresh basil herbs and for basil oil of Linalool chemotype, but only present for basil oil of methylchavicol-chemotype.

Potentials of Two Nigerian Spices—<i>Piper nigrum</i>and <i>Monodora myristica</i>as Sources for Cheap Natural Antioxidants

Two commonly consumed spices in Nigeria—Piper nigrum (leaf and seed) and Monodora myristica (seed) were evaluated for natural antioxidant potentials in complementary in vitro assay systems. Extracts of the tested plant parts contained low amounts of antioxidant compounds: 4.00 - 6.65 μg GAE/mg and 2.50 - 10.38 μg RE/mg for phenols and flavonoids respectively. The extracts scavenged DPPH and hydroxyl radicals in the range of 4.32% - 37.37% (inferior to ascorbic acid and gallic acid used as standards) and 6.43% - 17.10% respectively. In the reducing power and phosphomolybdenum assays, the extracts showed ability to reduce Fe (III) and Mo (VI) ions to their lower valence states of Fe (II) and Mo (V) respectively, although these activities were inferior to those of the standards used. Comparatively, Monodora myristica seed extract was superior to Piper nigrum leaf and seed extracts in antioxidant potential, but all the extracts generally showed dose-dependent antioxidant activities. Evidently, the studied spice plants are not without some natural antioxidant capacity and would contribute appreciably in combating free radical damages when consumed.

Effect of Spices on Consumer Acceptability of Purple Tea (<i>Camellia sinensis</i>)

Spices have been used by consumers worldwide to improve flavours of food including tea. A study was done to determine the effect of selected spices on consumer acceptability of spiced purple tea, their antioxidant properties and economic impact. TRFK 306 (purple tea Variety) was used. Flavored teas were developed by blending the un-aerated purple tea with selected spices including ginger, lemon grass, nutmeg, cinnamon, tea masala (spice mix), and rosemary at different ratios and resulting products brewed and assessed by a sensory panel. Antioxidant activity, catechin analysis and sensory evaluation were done and results showed that all the spices had low antioxidant activities as compared to un-aerated tea from TRFK 306. Cinnamon had an antioxidant capacity of 89.89%, ginger 69.23%, rosemary 89.47%, tea masala 55.79%, nutmeg 46.99% and Purple tea (TRFK 306) 92.53%. Spices had a positive effect on consumer acceptability of purple tea at various threshold ranges. The three best rated spices included cinnamon at 10%, lemongrass at 10% and nutmeg at 25% with mean values of 6.88, 6.24 and 6.92 respectively on a hedonic scale. The results showed that some spices are preferred more with tea than others and some have lower threshold detection values than others. Overall, addition of suitable spices to the purple tea led to an increase acceptability of tea. Economic evaluation of purple tea blended with nutmeg showed a significant increase in cost, from Ksh 56.00, Ksh 58.07 and Ksh 61.17 for 0%, 10% and 25% spice to tea ratio respectively.

Microbiological Status and Nutritional Composition of Spices Used in Food Preparation

The present study showed significant initial microbial load, as well nutritional value of ten spices used widely across the world in food preparation. The microbiological tests demonstrated that sumac and cloves had the highest antimicrobial activity with respect to total plate counting and spore forming count. Results showed that chemical composition of the spices and herbs varied significantly. Dry matter content ranged between 83.6% and 92.4%. The highest ash content 10.4% was found in sweet cumin, protein 21.2% in cumin, fat 19.7% in sumac, fiber 59.2% in turmeric and carbohydrates 27.3% in sumac. These spices were also differing in their minerals content. Substantial amounts of Ca, Na, K and Mg were found, while Cu, Fe, P, Mn and Zn were present in trace amounts in all investigated spices.

Inhibitory Effects of Several Spices on Inflammation Caused by Advanced Glycation Endproducts

Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Inhibiting the formation of AGEs and interfering with AGEs-mediated inflammation are two practicable strategies for developing a dietary adjuvant against diabetic complications. This study evaluated the protective capacities against diabetic complications of several spices based on their inhibition of the formation of AGEs in an in vitro BSA/glucose system and on the AGEs-induced production of proinflammatory cytokine in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Among the tested spices, cinnamon exhibited most strongly inhibited both the formation of AGEs and the AGEs-induced production of nitric oxide, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α. Additionally, correlative results revealed that the capacity of spices to inhibit the formation of AGEs is attributable to phenolic compounds and, in contrast, the capacity to inhibit AGEs-induced inflammation is attributable to condensed tannin. This investigation demonstrates the potential of cinnamon to serve as a dietary adjuvant against diabetic complications.

Vegetables, Herbs and Spices: The Importance of Family and Tasting

Objective: To explore why and how consumers utilize vegetables, herbs and spices. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with adult participants (n = 54) to determine attitudes, self-efficacy, and behaviors related to liking and usage of vegetables, herbs and spices as well as strategies to increase vegetable intake. Results: Seasonal availability, and family-centered memories and practices were motivation for vegetable intake. A diverse number of vegetables (n = 39) were listed as favorites based on taste and versatility, but seasonings were not commonly included in responses regarding preparation. Participants felt that vegetable dish names should reflect ingredients explicitly;that seasonings enhanced vegetable flavors;and that salt and pepper were most commonly used seasonings. The preferred strategy to increase vegetable consumption was through tasting or sampling opportunities;seasoning use was not mentioned. However, participants perceived that suggestions or demonstrations on how to prepare vegetables at home would be helpful. Personal gardens were mentioned frequently, but were not connected to strategies for increasing intake. Conclusions and Implications: Vegetable intake has a family focus that should be emphasized to increase intake. Efforts to increase intake could emphasize flavor and versatile preparation methods through tasting opportunities or educational demonstrations.

Proximate, Mineral Composition and Phytochemical Screening of Some Selected Spices of Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Southwest, Nigeria

Spices which are widely used in Southwest Nigeria have aroma, enhance taste of food and possess medicinal values. Proximate, mineral composition and phytochemical screening of ten randomly selected spices were carried out. Recommended procedures were used for the analyses. Mineral composition was determined using flame photometer, colorimeter and （Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer）. The proximate composition showed that protein was high at 12.04% in Zingiber officinale and low at 2.1% in Xylopia aethiopica. Ocimium gratissium contained high moisture content at 82.1%, while Tetrapleura tetraptera had the least value of 3.5%. High ash content was recorded in Ocimum gratissium at 13.68% and lowest 0.98% in Allium cepa. For carbohydrate, Allium cepa had the highest value of 78.36%, while Allium setiva had the least value of 19.48%. Mineral composition showed high value of calcium 712 mg/100g, magnesium 172.2 mg/100g, potassium 868.5 mg/100g, sodium 75.85 mg/100g, and manganese 95.38 mg/100g in Allium sativa, Xylopia aethiopica, Momodara myristica, Ocimum gratissimum, Tetrapleura tetraptera respectively. Aframomium meleghueta had high value of iron and zinc at 85 mg/100g and 97 mg/100g respectively and also high presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins and tarmis. High values of saponins and triterpenoids were observed in Zingiber officinale and Ocimum gratissimum respectively. This study showed that spices have greater use in medicine and as food supplement.

Influence of Medicinal Spices on the Acid Tolerance of a Health Beneficial Bacterium <i>Streptococcus thermophilus</i>ST-M5

There is a great deal of public interest in the use of herbal remedies. Garlic is said to antiviral and antifungal and along with ginger;they are antibacterial and preventatives for cardiovascular diseases. Ginger is very effective against nausea and has analgesic properties. Onion reduces the risk of developing diabetes and like garlic, has anticancer properties. Streptococcus thermophilus is a lactic acid bacterium that produces lactase, which facilitates the digestion of lactose in milk, decreases the symptoms of malabsorption, and reduces the risk of antibiotic associated diarrhea. Acid tolerance is an important probiotic characteristic and it is an indication of the ability of the microorganism to withstand the acidic pH of the stomach. Freshly thawed culture was inoculated in acidified MRS broth at pH 2 and 1% v/v of freshly ex-tracted spice juice was added. Control was without spice juice. Growth was determined hourly during 2 hours of incu-bation at 37?C. Bacterial culture treated with all three spices individually showed a significant increase in counts at 0 and 1 hours of incubation when compared to control. After 2 hours of incubation, culture exposed to ginger showed no significant difference compared to control, while there were slight yet significantly lower counts for culture exposed to garlic and onion individually. Among the spices, ginger had the best overall effect. These three spices can be used with Streptococcus thermophilus enabling health benefits from both sources.

Effect of Extractant and Temperature on Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Spices

Ten spices marketed in Jordan, (Syzygium aromaticum L., Coriadrum sativum L., Cuminum cyminum L.,Zingiber officinale Rosc., Elettaria cardamomum, Curcuma longa, Rhus coriaria L., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, Foeniculum vulgare Mill and Laurus nobilis L.) were investigated for their phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The influence of different extractants (methanol, ethanol and acetone) at different temperatures (20, 40 and 60°C) was examined. Results showed at 60°C using methanol, cloves had the highest level of total phenolics (781.0 mg GAE/100g using acetone). At 40°C, sumac and cloves had the highest amounts of total phenolics (343.9 mg/100g and 342 mg GAE/100g respectively). At 20°C, cloves continued to have the highest amount of total phenolics (394.7 mg/100g) using methanol as extactant. Ethanol as extractant, cloves gave the highest level of phenolics (548 mg GAE/100g, 493.4 mg GAE/100g) at 60°C, while at 20°C cloves and sumac showed the highest concentrations of phenolics (350.8 mg GAE/100g and 342.8 mg GAE/100g respectively). Acetone as extractant at 60°C, cloves had the highest levels of phenolics (781 mg GAE/100g) while at 40°C and at 20°C, sumac contributed the highest levels of total phenolics (583.2 mg GAE/100g and 754.5 mg GAE/100g). The total phenolics concentration varied significantly among the spices. Their values varied according to the extractant and extracting temperature. IC50 (radical scavenging activity) reflecting the antioxidant activity was presented. Results showed that cloves had the highest antioxidant activity while the cinnamon, turmeric and sumac had a appreciable level of antioxidant activity. Green cardamom and coriander had the lowest antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity was positively correlated with total phenolic compounds content of the investigated spices.

Nutritional Analysis and Determination of Heavy Metal Content of Some Spices from the Northern Region, Bangladesh

Spices are generally consumed because of their medicinal properties, taste, and add flavor to food. Objectives: To determine the nutrient contents and heavy metals of five commonly consumed spices, namely turmeric (Curcuma longa), bay leaf (Laurus nobilis), red chili (Capsicum annuum), coriander (Coriander sativum), and black cumin (Nigella sativa) were collected from the local market of Northern zone, Bangladesh and were analyzed. Methods: Nutrient composition was assessed by proximate analysis, trace and heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry while the indophenol method was used to determine vitamin C. Result: The results revealed that spices are good sources of carbohydrate, fiber, and fat. The highest levels of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein, and fat were observed in turmeric (71.1%), black cumin (40.0%), red chili (16.77%), and coriander (17.8%) respectively. Vitamin C was present in trace amounts ranging from 0.04 to 0.1 mg/100g, except black cumin (35.0 mg/100g). Essential trace minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron were significantly present in black cumin and bay leaf. Most of the heavy metal levels in the spices were appreciable amounts i.e. much lesser than the statutory safe limit approved by WHO and FAO for some of the samples. Conclusion: The current study concluded that the investigated spices are nutritionally rich, and heavy metal levels in the examined samples are safe for human consumption.

SPICES模式在高级健康评估优质课程中的应用

目的探讨SPICES模式在护理硕士专业学位研究生高级健康评估课程中的实施效果。方法选取湖南省某高校2020级60名护理硕士专业学位研究生为研究对象,教师采用SPICES模式,即以学生为基础(student-based)、以问题为基础(problem-based)、整合课程(integration)、以社区为基础(community-based)、选修(elective)、系统化(systematic)进行高级健康评估教学。与2019级50名护理硕士专业学位研究生就评判性思维倾向、综合测试成绩和教学满意度进行对比。结果2020级与2019级学生评判性思维倾向得分为(264.48±10.26)和(252.08±11.39),t=6.00,P<0.001;平时成绩为(86.45±4.72)和(84.69±5.23),t=1.858,P=0.066;理论考核成绩为(86.48±3.79)和(82.43±3.95),t=5.444,P<0.001;综合成绩为(84.44±3.54)和(81.87±3.13),t=3.996,P<0.001;2020级学生的教学满意度为(45.33±3.00),高于2019级学生的为(41.86±2.25),t=6.928,P<0.001。结论在高级健康评估课程中应用SPICES模式有利于提高学生的评判性思维能力、学习成绩和教学满意度,具有一定的推广价值。