Oxidation of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids results in generation of free radicals in an organism which is the major cause of onset of various degenerative diseases. Antioxidants scavenge these free radicals, thereby protecting the cell from damage. The present study was designed to examine the free radical scavenging potential and oxidative DNA damage preventive activity of traditionally used spices Trachyspermum ammi L. (carom) and Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel). The aqueous, methanolic, and acetonic extracts of T. ammi and F. vulgare seeds were prepared using soxhlet extraction assembly and subjected to qualitative and quantitative estimation of phytochemical constituents. Free radical scavenging potential was investigated using standard methods, namely, DPPH radical scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay along with the protection against oxidative DNA damage. The results stated that acetonic seed extracts (AAcSE and FAcSE) of both the spices possessed comparatively high amount of total phenolics whereas methanolic seed extracts (AMSE and FMSE) were found to have highest amount of total flavonoids. At 1 mg/mL concentration, highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was shown by FMSE (96.2%), AAcSE was recorded with highest FRAP value (2270.27 ± 0.005 μmol/L), and all the seed extracts have been shown to mitigate the damage induced by Fenton reaction on calf thymus DNA. Therefore, the study suggests that T. ammi and F. vulgare seed extracts could contribute as a highly significant bioresource of antioxidants to be used in our day-to-day life and in food and pharmaceutical industry.

Background: Free radicals provoke chain reactions within the cell and cause damage to the cell. Oxidation of bio molecules such as carbohydrate, protein, lipid and nucleic acid leads to the production of free radicals which induce the onset of disease. Antioxidants scavenge these free radicals, thereby protecting the cell from damage. Phenolic compounds found in varieties of seeds and fruits are thought to have antioxidant activities. Aim: The present study was designed to examine the in vitro antioxidant activity of Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain) essential oil. Materials and Methods: The antioxidant activity of the oil was assessed by using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), H 2 O 2 radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The values were compared with those obtained with standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid. Results: It was determined that the essential oil possessed a high degree of FRAP followed by a good DPPH radical scavenging activity and a moderate H 2 O 2 radical scavenging activity. Conclusion: This study concludes that the essential oil of Ajwain could contribute as a highly significant bio resource of antioxidants to be used in our day-to-day life in food and pharmaceutical industry.

Phytochemicals present in plant foods have been linked to reduce several chronic diseases including cancer. They have gained popularity as safer and cheaper alternative to conventional drugs. We studied the antimutagenic and anticarcinogenic activity of Trigonella foenum graecum (L.) seed (TFGS) extract using Salmonella microsomal assay and two stage skin papilloma model in mice, respectively. Different concentrations (2.5, 5, 10 and 20 g/100 ml of distilled water) of the aqueous seed extract of fenugreek were screened against the potent mutagens to evaluate its antimutagenicity using Salmonella assay. Besides, the above mentioned antimutagenicity method, the anticarcinogenicity study was carried out at chromosomal aberration and micronuclei level in Swiss Albino mice by mouse two stage papillomagenesis. The dose level of the study was 400 mg/kg body weight of the seed extract. Significant reduction in revertant colony count in the seed extract treated group compared to positive control group was obtained. At 20 g/100 ml concentration of TFGS, a strong inhibition rate was observed in both TA98 and TA100 strains of Salmonella against different mutagens. A clear dose dependent fall on chromosomal aberration in bone marrow cells of mice and micronuclei count was recorded in the treated group. Animals treated with TFGS extract at 400 mg/kg/day throughout all the stages of papillomagenesis showed a significant reduction in the total chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei score.

In tropical and sub-tropical countries, spices have a long history in traditional food preparations. Several spices are described to have medicinal effects. Among them are Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Trachyspermum ammi L. belonging to the Apiaceae family are the most common spices known for their highly aromatic nature and flavor with culinary and traditional uses. F. vulgare seeds increase urine flow, improve the digestive system, promote menstruation and improve milk flow. Various pharmacological activities of F. vulgare such as antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, estrogenic, acaricidal, antihirutism, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic, have been reported in the literature. T. ammi seeds are used for relieving flatulence, dyspepsia, spasmodic disorders, common cold, acute pharyngitis, sore and congested throat, dipsomania, and hysteria. T. ammi seeds are reported to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, nematicidal, antihelmintic, and gastroprotective activities. The review presents an overview of the traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, and pharmacological properties of F. vulgare and T. ammi seeds.