Learn how 23 food spices work for cold and related ailments.

Discover how to Spice up your life with local spices, and how 23 local spices have been successfully used to beat cold-related ailments. AS the rains and winter gather momentum, the weather will become bitterly cold, giving rise to cold-related ailments like cough and catarrh, among others. However a total of 23 plant species and condiments are successfully used to beat the cold. The spices include: Pepper fruit; African pepper; Scent leaf; Thyme; Onion; Garlic; Nutmeg; B, pepper; Black pepper; Wild pepper; Curry leaf; Chilli pepper; Red pepper; Grains of paradise; and Ginger. The etnomedicinal aspects of plants used as spices and condiments found plant species to have varying therapeutic application communities. Their uses in ethnomedicine include acting as stimulants, antiseptic carminatives, expectorants, laxatives, purgatives, anticonvulsant, antihelmintic, and sedatives to the treatment of diarrhoea, malaria, rheumatism, asthma, catarrh and bronchitis. The botanical name of the plants and its common names, parts used, ailment cured and method of its preparation and treatments. Indeed, spices have been extensively used for flavouring and seasoning foods, beverages and medicines. But apart from the use of these plants as spices and condiments, they have several other wide applications in the treatment and management of many diseases. The value of the plants are more for their ethnomedicinal uses than for spicing foods. For instance, ginger is more valued for its treatment of coughs, asthma, colds and hypertension than as condiment. The use of preparations of Xylopia aethiopica, Piper guineense, Piper nigrum and Murraya Koenigii in post-partum treatment and restorative soup after childbirth is certainly of more value than as a mere seasoning or flavouring agent. The trade and commercial utilisation of the plants, though informal, constitute dominant enterprise of the spices. Top on the list is Pepper fruit botanically called Denniettia tripetala and belongs to the plant family Annonaceae. The leaves, fruits and seeds are chewed for cough and enhancing appetite. Another Fruits justifies the use of D. tripetala fruits as food and a drug in herbal medicine. The "Mineral and nutritive value of Dennettia tripetala fruits" showed that D. tripetala contained crude protein {15.31 per cent}, total carbohydrate {62 per cent}, crude fibres {9.84 per cent}, crude lipids {3.47 per cent} and moisture {8.0 per cent}. It had a calorific value of 480.24 g cal 100 g-1 of fresh fruit, and mineral content comprised: calcium {1.80 per cent}, phosphorus {0.33 per cent}, potassium {2.50 per cent} and magnesium {0.42 per cent}. Trace elements included iron, copper, zinc and cadmium, but chromium was not detected. The water-soluble vitamins include ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin. African pepper or Black pepper {Xylopia aethiopica} is of the plant family Annonaceae. The stem bark, fruits, seeds and roots are used for stomach aches; dysentery; bronchitis; cancer; ulcers; fever and debility; rheumatism; post-partum management and fertility-enhancing; and vermifuge. Fruit extract or decoction of the bark is drank for the treatment of bronchitis and dysenteric conditions; and also as a medicine for biliousness and febrile pains. The powdered root is used as a dressing for sores and rubbed onto gums for pyorrhea and in the treatment of cancer. Powdered bark is dusted onto ulcers to enhance healing. The decoction of the leaves and roots is used generally as tonic and often mixed with salt to cure constipation. Extracts of the pungent leaves are used as an emetic, carminative, purgative and revulsive against pains and rheumatism. The powder of the seeds is used to prepare special pepper food sauces given to lactating mothers. The fruit extract is also used to aid conception and as a vermifuge for round worms. Pergularia daemia of the plant family Asclepiadaceae. The leaves, stem and root barks are used for cough, fever, catarrh and diarrhoea in infants. Sweet basil, Hairy basil, Tea bush, or Scent leaf {Ocimum species} belong to the plant family Labiateae. The species include: Ocimum basilicum; O. Canum; O. gratissimum; O. americanum; O. guineense; and O. viride. The whole plants and leaves are used as an anticonvulsant, diaphoretic and carminative. It cures cough, catarrh, cold, fever, chest pains and diarrhoea. Others are earache, ringworm, nasal bleeding, anti-spasmolytic and relief of pains of the colon. The leaves are chopped up and eaten as a febrifuge. Powdered form of the leaves is taken internally for catarrh. A paste of the leaves is applied topically against ringworm and skin diseases. Seed infusion is prepared to treat gonorrhoea, nephritic and urinary infections, diarrhoea and chronic dysentery. The warm extract of the leaves is used in instillations for otitis media, sinusitis and in fumigations for cough and headache. The roots of these species together with the leaves of Jatropha curcas and fruit of Xylopia aethiopica is boiled and given to children as a strengthening tonic. The leaves of these species are usually very aromatic. They are thus used for seasoning and flavouring sauces, salads and soups. The scent of the plant is also used to protect against snakes. Thyme {Thymus vulgaris} of plant family Labiateae. The leaves and fruits are used as antiseptic, antihelmintic, expectorant, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogic and sedative. Thyme leaves and fruits are rich in thymol. The powdered form of the foliage is prepared and used in food for both seasoning and curative purposes. Tetrapleura tetraptera {Leguminoseae}. The stem bark and fruit pod are used for flatulence, fever, convulsions, bone fractures, rheumatism and gonorrhoea. The pod is ground with palm oil and used in the stretching of fractured bones. Aqueous extract of the pod is used as anticonvulsant and molluscide. A decoction of the pod and the bark is used as emetic and to wash the affected organ in the cure for gonorrhoea. The paste of the pods mixed with the roots of Citrus lemon, Olax subscorpiodes, Chenopodium ambrosioides and the bulb of Allium ascalonicum in treatment of rheumatism. Red Onion {Allium cepa} is of plant family Liliaceae.The leaves and bulb are used for asthma, convulsion, hypotension, ulcers, cough, cold and skin infections. Onion bulb serves as a stimulant and expectorant. Generally antimicrobial, it is usually crushed and its juice used against skin infections and insect bites. The roasted onion or its compress is used as poultice for tumours, ulcers, earaches and piles. Juice of onion is mixed with honey in the treatment of asthma, cough, cold convulsion and hypotension. Fresh onion leaves is mostly used to eat roasted meat as a carminative and to reduce cholesterol level. Onion bulb is mostly used for flavouring and garnishing foods. Garlic {Allium sativum} of plant family Liliaceae. The bulb is used for fevers, coughs, constipation, asthma, nervous disorders, hypertension, ulcers and skin diseases. Highly bacteriostatic, fungicidal and antihelmintic. Crushed garlic is used against microbial infection, asthma cough and respiratory problems. The juice of the bulb is given as ear drops against earaches. As a seasoning and flavouring agent, garlic is principally taken against fevers and chills. A cold infusion serves as a body wash for infants as protection against chills. The bulb also serves as effective remedy for hypertension, muscular pain, giddiness and sore eyes. It is digestive and carminative and removes pains of the bowels. When powdered with nation it is applied as a dressing on ulcers and skin diseases. Nutmeg or mace {Myristica fragans} is of plant family Myristicaseae. The seeds are used to cure diarrhoea, rheumatic pains. Powdered seeds or decoction of the seeds are used in the treatment of diarrhoea, and as carminative, rubefacient and rheumatism. The powder of the seeds is also added as a flavouring agent to conceal the unpleasant taste or odour of several local herbal preparations. Climbing black pepper or B pepper {Piper guineense} is of plant family Piperaceae. The fruits and leaves are used to cure vomiting, worm infestation, tonsillitis, rheumatism and stomach aches. The warm extract of the fruits are used as antivomiting and antihelmintic. Ripe fruits together with the seeds of Parica biglobosa and root bark of Rauwolfia vomitora are boiled with snail, the sauce orally taken to treat rheumatic pains. Powder from the dried fruits mixed with honey acts as carminative and relieves stomach aches. The ground formulation from the fruits of P. guineense, Dioscorea bulbifera, Aframomum melegueta and Capsicum frutescens is mixed with aqueous extract of Citrus aurantifolia {lime} against tonsillitis. The fruits and leaves are used as spice for preparing sauce for post-partum women. Black pepper; white pepper {Piper nigrum} is of plant family, Piperaceae. The fruits and seeds are used to cure dyspepsia, diarrhoea, cholera, piles, urinary problems, boils, rheumatism, toothaches and headaches. The fruits are highly aromatic. They are used for carminative, diuretic, diaphoretic and antiperiodic purposes. Paste made from ground seeds is applied locally against boils, rheumatic pains, headaches and toothache. Powder of the fruits is mixed with honey in the treatment of dyspepsia, debility, diarrhoea, cholera, piles and urinary tract problems. The extracts of the fruits is given as an antidote in arsenic poisoning. Wild pepper {Piper umbellatum} is of plant family Piperacea. The roots, leaves and fruits are used to cure rheumatism; inflammatory tumours; stomach pains, ascites and anasarea. The fruits are used for diuretic and rubefacient purposes, and also against rheumatic pains. Leaves are boiled with palm kernel oil as a laxative for pregnant women. Leaf infusion is used as a remedy for stomach pains, anasarea and ascites in adults. A decoction of the root in local dry gin {alcohol} is used against inflammatory tumours and rheumatism. Curry leaf {Murraya Koenigii} belongs to the plant family Rutaceae. The stem bark, roots and leaves are used to cure diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting, fevers, herpes and bruises, post-partum pains. The stem bark and roots are taken as stimulants. The leaves are eaten against diarrhoea and dysentery. And infusion of the leaves stops vomiting. A decoction of the leaves mixed with bitter kola {Garcinia kola} treats fever. The poultice of the leaves when applied to boils and bruises brings relief. Cayenne, African pepper, Guinea pepper, Bir pepper and Chilies {Capsicum species} are of the plant family Solanaceae. The three main species are widely in use. They are: Capsicum annuum {Red pepper or chilies}; Capsicum frutescens {Red pepper}; and Capsicum minimum {African pepper}. The fruits and seeds are used to cure cold, fever, dysentery, malaria and gonorrhoea. The fruits and seeds of pepper are highly pungent. They are used as stimulants and enhancing the circulation of blood, especially in cold conditions. They also serve as carminatives and rubefacients. Preparations of the fruits are taken against fever and dysentery. Powdered chilies are mixed with palm oil in treating cuts, wounds and dog bites. For the treatment of malaria, the unripe fruits of C. frutescens together with the roots of Securidaca longipedunculata {violet tree}, whole plant of Allium ascalonicum seeds of Aniphyllea species; old leaves of Carica papaya {pawpaw}, roots of Citrullus vulgaris {cucumber}, roots of Elais guineensis {oil palm} are powdered, then mixed with hot pap of Zea mays and taken orally for 3-4 days. For the treatment of gonorrhoea, a mixture of hot pap and powdered mixture of unripe fruits of C. frutescens, whole plant of Allium ascalonicum, leaves of Glyphaea lateriflora and tuber of Manihot esculenta are taken in the mornings for at least seven days. Grains of paradise, Guinea grains or Alligator pepper {Aframomum melegueta} is of the plant family Zingiberaceae. The leaves, fruits and seeds are used to cure worms, small pox, chicken pox, catarrh, congested chest, fractures, hypertension and cholera. The fruits and seeds are commonly used as an ingredient of many local herbal preparations. They are usually used as stimulants, carminatives and in vermifuge. The powdered rhizome with table salt is specially given as vermifuge for round worms. The decoction of the leaves together with the leaves of Momordica charantia and Sorghum arundinaceum cereal in dry gin {alcohol} is recommended to be taken one dose daily against cholera. The decoction of the leaves is used for small pox and chicken pox. When the decoction of the leaves is mixed with leaves of lime, lemon grass and mango it is used as remedy for catarrh while the steam from the decoction is inhaled for congested chest. Ginger {Zingiber officinale}. The rhizome is used to toothache, congested nostrils, cough, colds, influenza and flu, asthma, stomach problems, rheumatism, piles, hepatitis and liver problems. The raw ginger is often masticated as a stimulant, stomach tonic, relief of congested nostrils and toothaches. Decoction of the rhizome is used as stimulant, carminative, expectorant and rubefacient. It is also used against problems of the digestive systems. The paste made from the rhizome is used in treating infective hepatitis and related liver problems. Ginger tea is commonly taken against coughs, colds and flu.

New Discoveries Of Hiv And Aids Prevention.

The has been two major breakthroughs that have brightened the hope of an effective vaccine against the Human Immunodeficiency Virus {HIV} and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome {AIDS}. First is the discovery of how HIV evades the human body's immune system. The second is the identification of cellular proteins recruited by HIV to compromise CD4+T cell {essential immune cells} function and enhance viral replication. The more in-depth understanding of the ways in which HIV mutates to avoid the human immune system will help with the design of an HIV vaccine and new class of drugs to combat it. Though HIV type 1 {HIV-1} causes AIDS by depleting essential immune cells called CD4+T lymphocytes in infected individuals, resulting in a compromised immune system. "At the centre of this process is the HIV protein, viral protein R {Vpr}, which stops infected CD4+T cells from dividing and as a consequence compromises their immune function. In addition, by arresting cell division, Vpr helps HIV to harness the infected cell's resources to enhance viral replication. The way Vpr exerts this effect is by interacting with cellular proteins that control cell division". The first breakthrough is a pioneer methods to how the HIV mutates escape the body's immune system. A controlling part of the human immune response - can influence HIV genetic sequence, as well as the first characterization of changes in multiple HIV genes in response to HLA-associated evolutionary pressure. The second is a novel cellular protein complex targeted by HIV-1 Vpr to stop infected cell from dividing. This protein complex, designated DDB1-CUL4-VprBP, is involved in a process called ubiquitination. Ubiquitination is a mechanism by which a small protein called ubiquitin is conjugated to cellular proteins in order to modulate their biological activity or induce their degradation. The Vpr with this ubiquitinating complex, also called an E3 ubiquitin ligase complex, is essential for the defect in cell division induced by Vpr. Further characterisation of this protein complex as well as the elucidation of the mechanism by which it affects cell division may open new avenues for therapeutic intervention against HIV. Meanwhile, "Achieving a more in-depth understanding of the ways in which HIV mutates to avoid the human immune system will help with the design of an HIV vaccine." Indeed, the ability of HIV to escape recognition by HLA class 1 leaves the body incapable of finding and fighting the virus. particulary HIV genes with variations can improve the virus' ability to escape immune recognition, showing this is predictable based upon the HIV patient's on individual HLA class 1 profile. "This is a novel and advanced description of how the human immune system attacks the virus, and how it responds. While the body attacks the virus and the virus changes to dodge pressure.