The inhibitory activity of cardamom extract was studied on human platelets. Platelet aggregation and lipid peroxidation were evaluated with platelet rich plasma (PRP) and platelet membranes, respectively, obtained from blood of healthy volunteers. Human platelets were subjected to stimulation with a variety of agonists including ADP (2.5 mM), epinephrine (2.5 mM), collagen (10 mM), calcium ionophore A 23187 (6 microM) and ristocetin (1.25 microg/mL). The IC50 were 0.49, 0.21, 0.55 and 0.59 mg with ADP, epinephrine, collagen and calcium ionophore A 23187, respectively, and no inhibition with ristocetin. The inhibitory effect was dose dependent with concentrations varying between 0.14 and 0.70 mg and time dependent at IC50. Lipid peroxidation induced by iron--ascorbic acid system in platelet membranes was analysed with malondialdehyde (MDA) as an index. An increase in concentration of cardamom has decreased the MDA formation significantly. Hence, it may be said that aqueous extract of cardamom may have component(s), which protect platelets from aggregation and lipid peroxidation.

Thrombosis, an important event in cardiovascular diseases, can be fatal if platelet aggregation takes place in the narrowed lumen of arteries, causing an impairment of blood flow to the heart. Attempts have been made to study the antiplatelet activity of leaf spice extracts, as these are rich sources of natural antioxidants. Aqueous extracts of coriander leaf and curry leaf were tested on human platelets over a wide range of concentrations with agonists like adenosine diphosphate (ADP) (61 mM), epinephrine (76 mM), and collagen (0.005% in 0.1 N acetic acid). Both these leaf spice extracts inhibited human platelet aggregation. The IC 50 values were 0.94, 0.65, and 0.58 mg for curry leaf and 0.55, 0.66, and 0.57 mg for coriander leaf with ADP, epinephrine, and collagen, respectively. A decrease in the malondialdehyde formed was used as a mechanism for accessing the function of the cyclooxygenase pathway in arachidonic acid metabolism at IC 50 values of these extracts.

There is a growth trend in buckwheat consumption, as it has high nutritional value. Buckwheat is the main form consumed, although the consumption of buckwheat sprouts is increasingly popular in the world. Buckwheat grains were germinated at 30°C for 48 hours with 12 hours of soaking in BOD incubator followed by drying at 60°C. Germination process has increased moisture, protein and crude fiber (11.03% - 12.77%, 10.22% - 12.14% and 0.92% - 1.44%). Minerals such as sodium and potassium were also increased. Total and reducing sugars were increased and starch content has decreased with the germination process. Germinated buckwheat flour can be used in the formulations of nutraceutical foods.

Blending vegetable oils can be one of the potential solutions for optimum fatty acids composition and good storage stability. The present study was conducted to identify the best oil blend ratio in terms of physico-chemical, functional and sensory properties of cottonseed and soyabean oil.

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