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Spices and condiments are natural plant products or mixtures used in whole or ground form as food adjuncts, mainly for imparting flavour, aroma and pungency to foods. It is also used for seasoning of foods and flavouring of beverages, liquors, and pharmaceutical, cosmetic and perfumery products. From time immemorial, India has been known as the ’Land of Spices’. Most of the plantation crops are export oriented (Cashew nut, beetle vine, areca nut, tea, coffee etc.). Plantation crops earn foreign exchange for the country and they occupy 75% of the total earnings from the export of the agricultural produce. They support many ofthe ancillary industries and rural cottage industries.

1.1. Origin and distribution • Originated in Western Ghats and Eastern Himalayas. • Cultivated in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, North Eastern States, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • It is the king of spices. 1.2. Economic importance • Spiciness is due to the chemical compound piperine • In foods, used as a spice. • High in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. • May benefit for brain. • May improve blood sugar control and lower cholesterol levels. • May have cancer fighting properties.

2.1. Origin and distribution • Queen of spices, native to East Indies/ India, originating in the forests of the Western Ghats in Southern India. • Also grows in Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Indo China and Tanzania. • Cultivated in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 2.2. Economic importance • Used for flavouring various preparations of food, confectionery, beverages and liquors. • Used as whole pod, seeds or ground. • Used in garam masala • Spice mixture seasons meat and vegetable dishes, and masala chai and Turkish coffee. • Antioxidant and diuretic properties • May lower blood pressure. • May contain cancer-fighting compounds. • May protect from chronic diseases due to anti-inflammatory effects. • May help with digestive problems including ulcers.

3.1. Origin and distribution • Native to the Moluccas Islands of Indonesia. • Although Indonesia is the largest producer of cloves, Zanzibar and Madagascar are the major exporters, • In India, grown in the hilly tracts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. 3.2. Economic importance • Clove taste is imparted by eugenol and quantity of pice required is small. • Pairs well with cinnamon, allspice, vanilla, red wine, basil, onion, citrus peel, star anise, and pepper corns.

4.1. Origin and distribution • Originated in the central hills of Sri Lanka and Malabar Coast. • Distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of North America, Central America, South America, Asia, Oceania • Cultivated in Sri Lanka, Malagasy Republic and Seychelles. • In India, it is grown in one or two locations in Kerala 4.2. Economic importance • Commercial products are ? Quills: Scraped peel of inner bark of mature cinnamon shoots, joined together with overlapping tubes, hollow of which has been filled with smaller pieces of cinnamon peels. ? Quillings: Broken pieces and splits of all grades of cinnamon quills.

5.1. Origin and distribution • Native to the Moluccas of Spice Islands of Indonesia. • In India, cultivated in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Kottayam districts of Kerala, and parts of Kanyakumari and Thenkasi, Nilgiris (Kallar, Buraliar) districts in Tamil Nadu. 5.2. Economic importance • Fleshy arils surrounding the nutmeg seed are the source of the spice mace. • Used to flavour many kinds of baked goods, confectionaries, puddings, potatoes, meats, sausages, sauces, vegetables, and beverages such as eggnog. • Fresh husks are used for making jelly. • Nutmegs act as stimulant and carminative.

.1. Origin and distribution • Native of South and South East Asia, from there it is spread to Indonesia, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Pacific Islands 6.2. Economic importance • Used as condiments. • Rhizomes are boiled in water, dried, ground into a deep orange yellow powder and used as a colouring and flavoring agent in many Asian cuisines, especially for curries, as well as for dyeing. • Has a warm, bitter, black pepper like flavor and earthy, mustard like aroma. • Yellow color is due to curcumin (3-9%) • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties • Protect against heart disease • May prevent cancer • Ease symptoms of osteoarthritis • Treat or prevent diabetes • Treating depression

7.1. Origin and distribution • Originated from Tropical South East Asia. • Cultivated in India, China, Jamaica, Australia, Mexico, North and West Africa and Taiwan, Fiji, Mauritius, Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and Bangladesh. • In India, cultivated in Gujarat, Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. • Karnataka, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Gujarat together contribute 65 per cent to the country’s total production. 7.2. Economic importance • India, China and the Japanese people use ginger as food • Used as drug in cold, cough, vomiting, dizziness, hypertension, impaired vision problems, digestion, fever and stomach diseases. • Dry ginger and pepper along long pepper tea helps to remove mucus in the body for a long time and helps to protect health.

8.1. Origin and distribution • Native land is Central Asia, Middle Asia and Northeastern Iran. • China produces 80% of the world’s supply • India, Korea, Spain, Egypt, USA, Thailand and other countries are growing garlic. • In India, cultivated in Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan • India exports fresh and chilled garlic, dried garlic, dehydrated garlic flakes, dehydrated garlic powder, and garlic oil to Bahrain, Bangladesh, Germany, Japan. 8.2. Economic importance • It contains amino acid allicin. • Used both as a food flavoring and as a traditional medicine • Allicin, antibacterial substance, the principle of amoebic dysentery. • The garlic odour is due to diallyl disulfide.

9.1. Origin and distribution • Originate from North America, in particular Central Mexico. 9.2. Economic importance • Paprika contains capsanthin and capsorubin. • Used to season and color rice, stews, and soups, such as goulash, and in the preparation of sausages, mixed with meats and other spices. • There are six paprika American, Bulgarian, Hungarian, Moroccan, Spanish and Yugoslavian. • In US, sprinkled raw on foods as a garnish. 9.3. Types and varieties • Types of bell pepper ? Green pepper: Can be a little bitter, but it is very useful, such a fruit reduces the level of cholesterol in the blood. And it has the least calories. ? Red pepper: Is the sweetest and contains the most vitamin C. ? Orange pepper: It is also very tasty, but it contains slightly less vitamin C than red.

10.1. Origin and distribution • Native of Tropical Africa and cultivated throughout South East Asia, Australia, America and India. • Cultivated in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha. 10.2. Economic importance • The fruits are used as condiment or as acidulant. • Fruits that contain a sweet, tangy pulp, which is used in cuisines around the world. • Used as an acidic/flavouring agent in the Indian cookery. • High in tartaric acid, sugar, B vitamins, and calcium. • Used in traditional medicine and as a metal polish. • Used for woodworking and oil can be extracted from the seeds. • Seeds are astringent, aphrodisiac useful in giddiness, vertigo.

11.1. Origin and distribution • Native of Atlantic Coast from Mexico to Brazil. • Vanilla comes from orchids of the genus vanilla. • Originally came from Mesoamerica, including parts of modern day Mexico and Guatemala. • Major vanilla producing countries are Java, Mauritius Tahiti, Seychelles, Madagascar, Indonesia, Mexico, Cameroon and Reunion. • Madagascar and Indonesia produce two thirds of the world’s supply of vanilla. • In India, vanilla cultivation is gaining importance in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu since early 1990s. 11.2. Economic importance • Second most expensive spice after saffron

12.1. Origin and distribution • Indigenous to West Indies (Jamaica), Central and South America. Jamaica is the main producer of allspice. • In India, there are few trees in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. • Available in the Mahendragiri hills of Kanniyakumari, and Kallar and Burliar of the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu; Ambalavayal in Kerala. 12.2. Economic importance • It combines the odour and flavour of nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and pepper and hence, called all spice. • Berry, berry oil, oleoresin, leaf oil are the products of economic use. • Used in food industry (65 to 70%), domestic use (5 to 10%), production of berry oil (20 to 25%), extraction of oleoresin (1 to 2%), and pharmaceutical and perfume industry. • Has, anti-microbial, insecticidal, nematicidal, anti-oxidant and deodorant properties.

1.1. Origin and distribution • Native to Southern Europe and Northern Africa to Southwestern Asia. • Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh are major producers of coriander in India. 1.2. Economic importance • All parts of plant are edible, but fresh leaves and dried seeds are used in cooking. • May help to lower blood sugar. • Rich in immune boosting antioxidants. • May benefit heart health. • May protect brain health. • May promote digestion and gut health.

2.1. Origin and distribution • Native to South Eastern Europe, West Asia and Mediterranean region. • Cultivated in Central and Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, India, and Northern Africa. • In India, cultivated in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Punjab. 2.2. Economic importance • Culinary use in smaller quantities. • Used as an herb (Dried or fresh leaves), spice (Seeds) and vegetable (Fresh leaves, sprouts, and micro greens). • Seeds are used both whole and powdered in the preparation of pickles, vegetable dishes, dal and spice mixes such as panch phoron and sambar powder. • Balance cholesterol. • Soothe upset stomach and digestive problems. • Reduce menstrual cramps. • Seeds are aphrodisiac effect. • Reduce appetite.

3.1. Origin and distribution • Originated in the Southern Europe, Mediterranean region and grows throughout Northern, Eastern, and Western hemispheres specifically in Asia, Rumania, North America, Europe, India, Russia, Germany and France. • In India, cultivated in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Haryana. 3.2. Economic importance • The leaf stalks are used both as vegetable and salad. • A common practice in most Indian households is to have few fennel seeds at the end of every meal to freshen the mouth. • Used for various digestive problems including heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating, loss of appetite and colic in infants. • Source of copper, potassium, calcium, zinc, manganese, vitamin C, iron, selenium and magnesium. • The seeds are used as condiment • Seeds yield 4-5% volatile with anethole as major constituent.

4. 1. Origin and distribution • Native to Egypt, Syria, Middle East and stretching east to India. • In India, cumin is mainly cultivated in Western Indian states like Rajasthan and Gujarat. 4.2. Economic importance • Important spice used in Indian kitchens for flavoring various food preparations. • The flavor is due to chief constituent cuminol (Cuminaldehyde) • Volatile oil is up to 2.5-3.5 %. • Used in various ayurvedic medicines especially for the conditions like obesity, stomach pain and dyspesia. • Many Latino, Vietnamese, United States and Thai foods recipes have cumin and many chilli recipe includes cumin. • In India, cumin is a traditional ingredient not only curry, but also kormas, masalas, soups and other recipes. • Used in some cheeses like Leyden cheese as well as some French breads.

5.1. Origin and distribution • True or black mustard: Brassica nigra Koch-Self sterile • White mustard (Yellow mustard) : Brassica compestris, Syn: Sinapsis alba- Self sterile • Indian or brown mustard: Brassica juncea (L.) Czern • These three species are commonly used as condiment. • White mustard is indigenous to Southern Europe, whereas brown mustard is from China introduced to Northern India. • Black mustard is endemic in Southern Mediterranean region. • White mustard is widely cultivated in Australia, China, Chili, Denmark, Italy, Japan, UK, Netherlands, North Africa, Canada and USA.

6.1. Origin and distribution • The plant originated in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh, India, and at present it is cultivated in Burma, Ceylon, China, Australia and the Pacific Islands. 6.2. Economic importance • Curry leaves are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin B2, calcium, and iron, apart from a heavy distinctive odor and pungent taste. • It helps in the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, diabetes, morning sickness, and nausea by adding curry leaves to your meals. 6.3. Varieties • Sen Kaampa, Dharwad-1 and Dharwad-2 6.4. Soil and climate • Red sandy loam soils with good drainage are ideal for better leaf yield. • Optimum temperature is 26° to 37°C.

7.1. Pepper 7.1.1. Pollu beetle: Longitarsus nigripennis Symptoms • Grub feeds on growing tip, tender stem, leaf petiole, spikes and berry. • Tunneling of tender stem causes drying up of shoot. • Spikes tunneled by grubs turn black and cause dropping of spikes due to rotting. • Grubs bore into the berries and feed on entire internal contents. • Exit holes could be seen on dry berries and turn dark - called ’Pollu’ berries.

8.1. Pepper 8.1.1. Phytophthora foot rot / quick wilt: Phytophthora capsici Symptoms • Die back • Discoloration occurs and rotting progress upwards and downwards resulting in die-back. • Lateral branches of affected vines break off at nodes and fall off. • Foot rot or collar rot • Stem near ground level get infected and rotting and death of vine within 2-3 weeks. • Affected portion emits bad odour. • Root rot • Infection starts at main root or at feeder root. • Leaves become yellow and defoliate.

1.1. Origin and distribution • The oldest known beverage, tea is native of China (Between China and Burma) in South East Asia. • Known to the Chinese as early as 2737BC, but it was a popular drink in England in 1664 AD. • Original species, which produce tea, were C.assamica (Assam jats), C.sinensis (China jats) and their natural hybrid, C.assamica subspecies lasiocalyx (Indo China or cambod type). • Chinese (Small leaf) tea - C. sinensis var. sinensis: Originated in southern China possibly with hybridization of unknown wild tea relatives • Chinese Western Yunnan Assam (Large leaf) tea • Indian Assam (Large leaf) tea- C. sinensis var. assamica: Originated from Camellia taliensis in the area where southwestern China, Indo-Burma, and Tibet meet • Chinese Southern Yunnan Assam (Large leaf) tea: Hybridized with the closely related species Camellia taliensis • Difference between Assam and China types

2.1. Chromosome number • Basic chromosome number for the genus Coffea is n=11 • Coffea canephora-diploid (2n=2x=22) • Coffea arabica (2n=4x=44 ) 2.2. Origin and distribution • Original domesticated coffee plant is said to have been from Harar and native population is derived from Ethiopia (Abyssinia Plateau) with distinct nearby populations in Sudan and Kenya. • From where, it was taken to Arabia in 11th century. • From Arabia, its seeds were brought to India by Baba Budan in the 17th Century and were raised in the Baba Budan Hills of Karnataka. • British planters established large coffee estates near Chikmagalur (Karnataka) in 1826, in Manantody (Wynad) and Shevoroys in 1830 and Nilgiris in 1839. • Almost the entire production is shared by Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, smaller production in Andhra Pradesh, north eastern states and Madhya Pradesh. • Karnataka is the largest producer accounting for 70% of total coffee production and 60% of the area • Kozhikode, Waynad, Malappuram, Kollam, Kannur and Palakkad are the chief producing districts in Kerala.

3.1. Origin and distribution • Origin is in South Asia - Malaysia, Pacific. • In the Pacific, cultivated on islands in Southeast Asia - Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia. • In the Indian Ocean, centre of cultivation is southern periphery of India including Sri Lanka, Maldives and Laccadives. • In India, coconut palms are grown on the entire coastal belt of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu followed by Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. • Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are the major coconut producing states accounting for more than 90% of area and production

4.1. Origin and distribution • Native to Indian ocean, Malaysia or Philippines • Grows in tropical Pacific, Asia, and parts of east Africa. • Areca is derived from a local name from Malabar Coast of India and catechu is from Malay name caccu. • Karnataka (40%), Kerala (25%), Assam (20%), Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya and West Bengal are major arecanut growing states. • India is the largest producer and consumer.

5.1. Origin and distribution • Indigenous tree of tropical rainforest of Amazon basin of Brazil and introduced in Asia in 1876 • Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Africa are the main rubber producing countries. 5.2. Economic importance • Natural rubber is available from Manihot glaziovii (Cera rubber), Ficus elastica (India rubber), Castiolla elastica (Panama rubber), Parthenium argenatum (Guayul), Taraxacum koksaghyz and Hevea brasiliensis (Para rubber). • Hevea brasiliensis is the most important commercial source of natural rubber. • After proper chemical treatment, rubber wood provides enough strength and durability of any semi-hard wood available in India • U sed for the manufacture of useful articles like door and window components, furniture, wall paneling, interior decoration, tool handles etc.

6.1. Origin and distribution • Native of America and Brazil. • Introduced in India during later half of the Sixteenth Century. • In 2017, Vietnam, India, and Ivory Coast were the major producers. • Cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal; also in few pockets of Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura. • Cashew is called gold mine of waste lands. 6.2. Economic importance

7.1. Origin and distribution • Native to Tropical America, the Amazon Basin. • Domesticated in Mexico and Central and South America. • Cultivated in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu mainly as intercrop and multi-storey crop with arecanut and coconut from 1970 onwards. 7.2. Economic importance • Cocoa is a cauliflorus beverage crop. • Chocolate, hot chocolate, cocoa powder and dry powder are made • Cocoa butter (the fat) can be extracted. • Used in Mesoamerican foods including tejate and Mexican drink that also includes maize.

8.1. Origin and distribution • Originated in South and South East Asia. • Cultivated mostly from Pakistan to Papua New Guinea. 8.2. Economic importance • In India and Sri Lanka, sheaf of betel leaves are traditionally offered as a mark of respect and auspicious beginnings like greeting elders at wedding ceremonies, celebrating the New Year, and offering payment to Ayurvedic Physicians and Astrologers (To whom money and/or areca nut placed on top of the sheaf of leaves are offered in thanks for blessings). • Consumed in Asia as betel quid or paan with arecanut and/or tobacco. • Used in cooking usually raw for its peppery taste. • Medicinal use over a 300 years history in China.

.1. Origin and distribution • Originated from West Africa. • Cultivated in Malaysia, Indonesia, USA, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo, Angola and Congo. • Commercial scale plantation in Malaysia was found in 1917. 9.2. Economic importance • Produces edible palm oil as well as palm kernel oil. • Maj or constituent of oil is mono unsaturated oleic acid; rich in carotenoids. • Unrefined palm oil is a significant source of tocotrienol, part of vitamin E. • Oil content is 17 to 27% for palm oil, and 4 to 10% for palm kernels.

10.1. Origin and distribution • Native to the tropical Africa and grows in the Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. • Palm is widespread in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka and Maharashtra. • In Tamil Nadu, it is present in Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, Thenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram Madurai, Theni, Salem, Namakkal, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore districts. • Palm is dioecious in nature. • Palmyrah was declared as “State Tree of Tamil Nadu” by the Government of Tamil Nadu.

11.1. Tea 11.1.1. Tea mosquito bug: Helopeltis theivora Symptoms • Adults and nymphs suck sap from buds, young leaves and tender stems. • Punctures appear as reddish brown spots. • Leaves curl up, badly deformed and shoots dry up. Management • Spray clothianidin 50 WDG 120 g/ha or thiacloprid 21.7 SC 375 ml/ha or thiamethoxam 25 WG 100g/ha or bifenthrin 8 SC 500 ml/ha.

12.1. Tea 12.1.1. Algal leaf spot: Cephaleuros virescens Symptoms • Leaves develop lesions that are roughly circular, raised and purple to reddish brown. Management • Removal of infected portions and spraying of Bordeaux mixture • Improving soil nutrient status by application of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium 12.1.2. Brown blight, grey blight: Colletotrichum sp., Pestalotiopsis sp.

An Abstract on Production Technology of SpicesAn Abstract on Production Technology of Spices and Plantation Crops    

1.1. Origin and distribution • Native of Yemen, South Arabia, Sudan and Sinai. • Introduced into Tamil Nadu in eighteenth century grown as an annual crop (5 to 7 months). • C. angustifolia (Tirunelveli senna) • Indigenous to Somalia, Southern Arabia, part of Sindh (Pakistan) and Kutch area of Gujarat. • Cultivated in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu (Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Salem, Tiruchirapalli) • C. acutifolia (Alexandrian senna) • Indigenous to Sudan and Sinai. • Cassia abovata • Common all over India. • C. italica • Grows in west Rajasthan and Saurashtra (Gujarat) • New source of the senna drug

2.1. Origin and distribution • Native of Madagascar and spread to India, Indonesia, Indo-China, Philippines, South Africa, Israel, USA and other parts of the world. • In India, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Assam are the major states that cultivate periwinkle. • USA - world’s largest user as raw material. • Germany, Italy, Netherlands and the UK are interested in roots. 2.2. Economic importance • Economic parts: Leaves, stem and roots • Used as an abortificent, purgative, antidiabetic, diuretic, hemorrhagic antimalarial, antidysentric and against skin diseases

3.1. Origin and distribution • Native of South East Asia • Distributed all over tropical and sub-tropical regions of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, tropical east Africa, Brazil. • In India, sub-tropical Himalayan regions from Kumaon to Nepal. • Cultivated in parts of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. 3.2. Economic importance • Dried roots - rich source of forskholin (Coleonol) (0.10 to 0.80%) • Used for treating hypertension, glaucoma, asthma, congestive heart failures and certain types of cancer. • Tuberous roots, resembles carrot in shape and brown in colour - commercial part. • Useful against cholesterol and activating the cardio vascular system

4.1. Origin and distribution • It is called as Indian ginseng. • Native of Africa, India and Mediterranean region. • Wild in grazing grounds in Mandsaur and forest lands in Bastar district of Madhya Pradesh, all over foothills of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and Western Uttar Pradesh, in Himalayas. • Also wild in Mediterranean regions in North Africa. 4.2. Economic importance

5.1. Origin and distribution • Native of tropical Asia and Africa. • Tropical India, from North-west Himalayas to Assam and Deccan plateau. • In Karnataka, it is grown along Western Ghats. • Important species in India - Gloriosa superba and G. rothschildiana. • Tamil Nadu leads in production of glory lily in India • State flower of Tamil Nadu 5.2. Economic importance • Economic part: Seed • Rhizomes are used as a tonic, antiperiodic, antihelminthic and also against snake bites and scorpion stings. • Used for promoting labour pains and an abortifacient.

6.1. Origin and distribution • Indigenous to moist deciduous forest of south East Asia (Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Andaman Islands) • In India, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, North Bengal, Parts of Western Ghats and Assam are the major cultivators. 6.2. Economic importance • Economic part - Root. • Used in treatment of snake bite, stings, nervous disorders etc., • Root bark - 40-60% alkaloids helps in reducing high blood pressure and sedative or tranquilizing agent. • Fresh roots - Emit acrid aroma very bitter.

7.1. Origin and distribution • Native of South East Asia, Central America. • Mexico - largest producer of diosgenin. • In India, it is grown in North eastern states and Goa • Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea esculenta - edible tubers. • Dioscorea floribunda, Dioscorea villosa, Dioscorea composita - widely grown • Major producing countries - Mexico, Guatamala, Costa Rica, India and China.

8.1. Origin and distribution • Indigenous to Eastern and Southern Africa, the Canary Islands and Spain. • Spread to Mediterranean basin, West Indies, India, China. • Also cultivated in India. It is the miracle plant. 8.2. Economic importance • Source of drug aloe; aloe gel is a mixture of glucoside aloin, main constituent of atom is barbation. • Commercially important species - A. barbadensis, A. ferox, A. africana and A. spicata • Yellow bitter juice from leaves consists of aloin and gel. • Other products - dehydrated aloe powder, concentrates.

9.1. Origin and distribution • Originates in Tropical America • Distributed in all tropical and sub-tropical regions 9.2. Economic importance • Economic part - Whole plant • Phyllanthin (0.4-0.5%) and hypophyllanthin • Antioxidant with free radical scavenging properties due to presence of high levels of super oxide dismutase. • Effective in treatment of peptic ulcer, dyspepsia, diabetes etc. • Treatment of Hepatitis B and j aundice

10.1. Origin and distribution • Native of India and tropical South East Asia. • Distributed throughout plains of India from Uttar Pradesh to Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. 10.2. Economic importance • King of bitters. • Economic part - Dried leaves and tender shoots (Whole plant) • Leaves contain three bitter principles: Deoxy andrographolide, Andrographolide and Neo andrographolide. • Roots contain flavonoids like andrographin, panicothin, aplegenin etc.

11.1. Origin and distribution • Originates in India • Sikkim, West Bengal, Odisha, Upper Gangetic Plains and in Nilgiris, ascending to altitude of 1600 m. • North-east, North-west, Southern as well as Central India, and extends into Myanmar and China. 11.2. Economic importance • Economic part - Whole plant • Raw materials for production of steroidal drugs, steroid bearing solanum • Yields a glyco alkaloid, solasodine, a nitrogen analogue of diosgenine.

12.1. Origin and distribution • Native of Persia and neighbouring tracts of Western and Southern Asia • In India, North Guj arat, Raj asthan, Haryana and Bihar are the maj or states. • Husk and peel - exported to USA, Germany, UK and France 12.2. Economic importance • Psyllium from Greek meaning flea, in reference to colour, size and shape. • Economic part - Seed coat, husk used in indigenous medicine. Seeds contain glucoside and tannin. • Works as an anti-diarrhoea drug. • Seed - Pentose, a sugar is isolated.

13.1. Origin and distribution • Native to Turkey Western Mediterranean region. • Cultivation in India - Confined to states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh 13.2. Economic importance • Opium and codeine - important medicines used for analgesic and hypnotic effects. • A semi-synthetic derivative of drug from morphine - Heroin. • Seeds contain linoleic acid which lowers blood cholesterol. • License from Government is mandate for cultivation

14.1. Origin and distribution • Originated from Africa and distributed throughout warmer regions of world • Naturally grown in hilly areas of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh 14.2. Economic importance • Economic part - Root • Roots of safed musli contains 2-15% saponin having medicinal property of enhancing vitality and immunity to human beings. • Also helps in correcting gynecological disorders. • Dried tubers - Used as curative for pre-natal and post-natal illness, arthritis, restorative and a health tonic • Known as divya aushadhi and ayurvedic anori.

15.1. Origin and distribution • Also known as Cheeni tulsi or Mou tulsi. • Originated from Seirra Amambay in North eastern Paraguay and adjacent areas in Bolivia and Brazil. • Widely distributed in U SA and Brazil. 15.2. Economic importance • Economic part - leaves • Candy leaf • Major constituents-Stevioside (3 to 10%), rebaudiside-A (13%), rebaudiside- B and C

16.1. Origin and distribution • Native of Asia • Widely distributed in tropical regions of Asia and Pan tropics • Most part of India up to 1000m elevation includes Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 16.2. Economic importance • Economic part - Seed, roots. • Black seed variety contains L - DOPA CL - 34 dihydroxy phenylalanine non-protein amino acid. • Used as tonic, aphrodisiac and treatment of Parkinson’s disease • Used in rheumatic ailments.

17.1. Origin and distribution • Native of India, China, Indonesia, Madagascar and Africa. 17.2. Economic importance • Economic part - Whole plant mainly leaves and roots. • Cures leprosy, skin diseases, diarrhoea, anti-tumor and anti-ulcer activity. • Fresh herb - Aromatic odour when crushed. • Nauseous bitter taste • Kitchen herb - Chutneys, pickles, refreshing drinks • Possess insecticidal properties • Used as a nerve tonic for improving memory and in insanity.

18.1. Origin and distribution • Native of wetlands of Southern and Eastern India, Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America • Cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical India. 18.2. Economic importance • Economic part - Whole plant • Chemical constituents: Bacosides • Used as a nerve tonic and for epilepsy and insanity. • Used as diuretic and for treating rheumatisim, asthma and hoarseness.

19.1. Origin and distribution • Native to Eurasia and introduced in America, Australia and South Africa. • Grown throughout dry parts of India 19.2. Economic importance • Whole plant - Useful for rheumatalgia, swellings, cough, asthma, bronchitis, wounds, ulcers, flatulence, dyspepsia, hepatomegaly, otalgia, hiccough, opthalmopathy, vomiting • Used in cardiopathy, leprosy, skin diseases, fever, splenomegaly, emollient • As an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, anodyne, vulnerary, digestive, laxative, diuretic, cardiotonic, depurative, diaphoretic, febrifuge, rejuvenating, sedative, alterant and tonic. 19.3. Climate • Well in tropical and subtropical climate

20.1. Origin and distribution • Native of Indo-Malayan region • Grown in all southern states and extends northwards to Odisha and Bengal. • In India, it is cultivated in gardens and nurseries as live fence in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. 20.2. Economic importance • Economic part - Wood, leaves, pods and seeds. • Sappan wood or East Indian red wood - Multipurpose tree, yielding valuable natural dyes with medicinal properties. • Source of commercial redwood or Brazil wood. • Used for inlaying work, cabinet making, violin bows and for walking sticks • Stem produces gum, tannin or dye stuff

21.1. Origin and distribution • Native to tropical Asia and China • Widely growing in tropics of Africa, Asia and Malaysia. • In India, it is grown in forests of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Bihar. • Due to raising demand in South East Asia, plant is endangered particularly in Tamil Nadu. 21.2. Economic importance • Madhunashini - Important medicinal climber acclaimed for its anti-diabetic properties. • Preparations - Profound actions on the modulating taste suppressing sweet taste sensations.

22.1. Origin and distribution • Queen of herbs • Native to India • Wide distribution covering entire Indian sub-continent up to 1800m in Himalayas and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. • Ocimum tenuiflorum (Ocimum sanctum) - Holy basil • Ocimum basilicum (2n=48) - Culinary or ornamental basil 22.2. Economic importance • Have a religious attachment and grown in shrines and homes as an aromatic perennial shrub. • Part of routine worship and scientific background as antimicrobial and antiviral properties and purifies the air.

23.1. Origin and distribution • Native from South Eastern Asia (Indonesia) to Australia • Indian mulberry 23.2. Economic importance • Widely used for health restorative properties, over years popularity diminished due to unpleasant smell from ripened fruit. • Helps in reducing high blood pressure and cures heart disease and stroke due to presence of scopoletin which dilate blood vessels resulting in lower blood pressure. • Stimulates body’s production of nitric oxide, a chemical which allows the blood vessel to dilate more easily and more elastic. • Anti-inflammatory and histamine inhibiting effects, excellent for promotion of smooth joint movement.

  24.1. Origin and distribution • Originated in hills of South Western India, Indo-Malaya region. 24.2. Economic importance • Used to improve appetite and digestion and treat stomachache, heart burn, indigestion, intestinal gas, diarrhoea and cholera. • Fruits are stomachic and carminative. • Used for lung problems including Asthma, bronchitis and cough. 24.3. Varieties • Vellanikara -1 (Visvum tippili) and Yercaud (Pl) - 9. 24.4. Climate • Elevation between 100 and 1000 m. • Shade intensity: 20-25%. • Lower elevations with high humidity  

  25.1. Origin and distribution • Native to Western and South Western Europe, Western and Central Asia and Erstwhile USSR countries. 25.2. Economic importance • Dried leaves constitute the drug, digitoxin and gitoxin. • Used to treat congestive heart failure and heart rhythm problems. • Increase blood flow throughout the body and reduce swelling in hands and ankles. 25.3. Varieties • Strain E.C. 115996 - Higher foliage yield with high glycoside content 25.4. Climate • Requires a cool and mild climate (20-30°C) • Well in hill slopes at elevation of above 1250 m above msl 25.5. Soil • Well drained sandy soil rich in organic matter and slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5)  

26.1. Origin • Native to Dalmatia (Yugoslavia), Herzegovina and Montenegro. 26.1. Economic importance • Natural insecticide from dried flower heads. • Seed or achene contains Pyrethrin I, II, Cinerin I, II, Jasmolin I, II collectively called Pyrethrins. 26.2. Varieties and types • KKL-1 released from TNAU. • Hansa and Jhelum released from CIMAP, Lucknow. • Sel-2 - developed at the Kodaikanal Centre of CIMAP. • Two types ? Dalmatian pyrethrum: C. cinerariaefolium, grown on the Easte Coast of the Adriatic Sea. ? Japanese pyrethrum also derived from C. cinerariaefolium.

1.1. Origin and distribution • Native to South East Asia especially India • In India, it is cultivated in MP, Maharashtra and AP 1.2. Economic importance • Oil of palmarosa - rusa or rusha or rosha • Oil obtained from C. martini var. sofia - ginger grass oil. • Essential oil - Geraniol- East Indian Geranium. • Motia grass - fine yellow stem with dark green leaves and height 1.80-2.40 m. • Sofia grass - purple stem, shorter (90-120 cm) • Used as base for fine perfumery

  2.1. Origin and distribution • Native to India and Sri Lanka. • Widely cultivated in tropics and subtropics. 2.2. Economic importance • Cochin grass or Malabar grass or East Indian or True Lemon grass; perennial and multi cut aromatic grass. • Lemon like odour due to presence of 70-90% citral, a cyclic monoterpene. • Other compounds are geraniol, citronellal etc.

3.1. Origin and distribution • Originated from Sri Lanka. • Cultivated throughout tropics. • Presently maj or producers - China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Argentina, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar and India. 3.2. Economic importance • Two types of citronella oil: Java citronella oil obtained from Cymbopogon winterianus which is superior. • Another is Ceylon citronella oil which is obtained from Cymbopogon nardus inferior type oil. • Citronella oil - essential oil containing citronellal, geranial and hydroxy citronellal and high value perfumery bases obtained on steam distillation of citronella grass. • Used for perfuming soaps, detergents, cosmetics, agarbattis and for making mosquito repellent creams.

4.1. Origin and distribution • Indigenous to Indian sub-continent. • Native of Tropical Asia and introduced into tropics of both hemispheres. 4.2. Economic importance • Economic part-roots up to 30-40 cm, cooling properties • Maj or constituents - vetivone, vetiverols and vetivernate; obtained by steam distillation of roots • One of finest oriental perfumes with persistent fragrance. • Used in manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, perfumery, agarbattis, soft drinks, pan masala etc. • Acts as excellent fixatives for volatile compounds.

.1. Origin and distribution • Native of the Cape Province in South Africa. • Grown in India, South Africa, Belgium, China, Congo, Egypt, France, Madagascar, Morocco, Reunion Islands, Spain, former USSR countries. • Commercially cultivated mainly in Nilgiris and Kodaikanal hills of Tamil Nadu, and in and around Bangalore in Karnataka. 5.2. Economic importance • Very profound and strong rose like odour. • Also known as rose geranium. • Chief constituent of oil - geraniol and citronellol.

6.1. Origin and distribution • Grows wild in temperate Himalayas. • Common in Kashmir Valley, Shimla and Nainital Hills. • Commercially cultivated in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh 6.2. Economic importance • Sweet worm wood or annual worm wood • Chemical constituents - Artimisinin • Commonly used in garlands, bouquets and religious offerings in most part of the country. • Leaves and flowers contain essential oil valued for its exquisite and delicate aroma and is used in high grade perfumes and cosmetics.

7.1. Origin and distribution • Originated in the Mediterranean basin and spread to rest of world by both natural and artificial means. • USA - major producer of pepper mint and spear mint • Bergamot mint - native of Europe and naturalized in eastern USA • Grows successfully in temperate and subtropical region of India. • India - Japanese mint - Terai region, extending to parts of Indo Gangetic plains and parts of Punjab in North-Western India. 7.2. Economic importance 7.2.1. Japanese mint or corn mint or field mint (M. arvensis), 2n: 36, 72.

8.1. Origin and distribution • Native of Mediterranean regions of Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa. • Grown in Spain, Italy, France, Algeria, Morocco and Portugal for its essential oil. • Cultivated to a limited extent in Nilgiris in South India. 8.2. Economic importance • Economic part - leaves and flowering tops • Oil is valued for its use in culinary, medicine, perfumery and cosmetic industries. • Excellent fixative material and oil also contributes a strong fresh odour • Also serves to mask unpleasant smell. • Rosemary oil - antimicrobial activity against certain gram positive and gram negative organisms.

9.1. Origin and distribution • Originated in Southern Mediterranean. • Distributed in India, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Spain, USA 9.2. Economic importance • Commonly called as common thyme or garden thyme. • The active principle alkaloid is thymol. • Constituents - triterpinoid saponins, flavones, ursolic acid (1.5% in tops), coffeic acid, tannins and resins. • Oil of thyme - colourless, yellow or red liquid with a characteristic pleasant odour, and a pungent taste.

10.1. Origin and distribution • Native of Philippines • Grows wild in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. • Natural habitat extends across Paruguay, Penang, East and West Indies, sub-tropical Himalayas and Deccan peninsula. • Introduced into India by Tata Oil Mills • Cultivated in Bangalore and coastal areas of South India, Bengal, Odisha and Assam. 10.2. Economic importance • Oil of patchouli is called patchoulol. Oil contains benzaldehyde, eugenol and cinnamic aldehyde etc.

11.1. Origin and distribution • Indigenous to Mediterranean region, growing wild in higher hills of Southern France, Italy and Bulgaria. 11.2. Economic importance • True lavender (Lavendula angustifolia Mill sub. sp augustifolia) • Spike lavender (Lavendula latifolia Mill sub. sp spica) • True lavender - used in perfumery industry. • Lavandin - hybrid between true and spike lavender • Lavender oil - delightfully clean, refreshing and sweet odour. • Main constituent - ester, linalyl acetate 30 to 60% • Another compound - ethyl-n-amyl ketone. • Free linalool - major component

12.1. Origin and distribution • Native of Australia and Malaysia. • Introduced by British people in Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu for fuel and timber. • Commercially grown in Seychelles, Java, South Africa, Guatemala, Congo and Brazil. • Eucalyptus tereticornis - Commercial species • Major growing states - UP, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. 12.2. Economic importance • Known as spotted gum tree. • Source of citronellol, hydroxycitronellal and menthol. • Contains 0.5-4% essential oil; rich in citronella. • Essential oil - Therapeutic and ayurvedic benefits. • Used in soaps, mouth wash liquids, massage oils, air fresheners and bug repellents

1.1. Introduction • Horticulture contributes 30% GDP from 11.73% of its arable land area. • Fruits and vegetables ? Second largest producer ? Immense significance to man. ? Given place of honour on being offered to God at every festival and also mentioned in epics like Mahabharata, Ramayana and writings of Sushrutha and Charaka. ? Rich source of carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins and dietary fibres ? Provide variety in taste, interest and aesthetic appeal. • Benefits kidney functions, prevention of cancer and cardiac disorders through contribution of ascorbic acid, p-carotene and non-starch polysaccharides besides biochemical constituents like phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. • Very high post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables (20-40%).

2.1. Structure of fruits and vegetables 2.1.1. Fruit • Fruit is a part of a flowering plant that derives from specific tissues of the flower, mainly one or more ovaries (Fig. 1). Plant product with aromatic flavors, which are either naturally sweet or normally sweetened before eating. 2.1.2. Vegetables • It exhibits wide verity of plant structure like edible seeds, roots, stems, leaves, bulbs (Fig. 2), tubers and non-sweet fruits of herbaceous plants. • Vegetables are grouped into 3 main categories ? Seeds and pods-contain natural wax coating. Eg. Many legumes ? Bulbs, roots and tubers with no coating, but tuber has suberisation ? Flowers, buds, stems and leaves having low shelf life

3.1. Maturity • During process of maturation, fruit receives regular supply of food material from plant. • When mature, abscission or corky layer forms at stern end stops inflow. • Afterwards, fruit depends on own reserves, carbohydrates dehydrated and sugars accumulate until sugar acid ratio form. • In addition, typical flavour and characteristic colour also develop. • Stage of maturity at the time of picking influence storage life and quality of fruit • Fruits harvested over mature or full ripe are easily susceptible to microbial and physiological spoilage and storage life reduction. • Necessary to pick up fruits or vegetables at correct stage of maturity to facilitate proper ripening, distant transportation and maximum storage life. • Principles of harvest maturity ? Harvested commodity should have its peak acceptable quality when it reaches the consumer. ? Produce should develop an acceptable flavour or appearance. ? Produce should have optimum size and shape required by the market.

4.1. Quality of post-harvest product • Post-harvest quality - market, edible, transport, table, nutritional, internal and appearance qualities • Consumers consider good quality in relation to colour, flavour and nutrition. • Final manifestation of inter relation between commodity and its environment. • Genetic characteristics and physiological status of commodity determine typical post-harvest behaviour and quality of the produce • Temperature, RH, water potential, light, cultural practices and pest management techniques determine the quality. 4.2. Pre-harvest factors 4.2.1. Related to plants • Crops: Quality varies from crop to crop E.g. jackfruit, bael, potato, onion, pumpkin, garlic etc. having good quality in relation to shelf life

4.1. Fruit ripening • Genetically programmed stage of development overlapping with senescence. • Ripe when attains full flavour and aroma • Optimum ripening condition for fruits• Conditions for controlled ripening of fruits at RH of 85-90% 5.1.1. Climacteric fruits • Apple, apricot, avocado, banana, ber, cherimoya, fig, guava, kiwifruit, mango, melons, pear, peach, plum, persimmon, papaya, tomato, sapota and passion fruit 5.1.2. Non climacteric fruits • Carambola, cherries, citrus, grape, litchi, loquat, olive, pineapple, pomegranate and strawberry Difference between climacteric and non-climacteric fruits

• Different steps involved in post-harvest processing of horticultural produces are depicted in Fig. 1. Fig. 1. Flow chart on post-harvest processing of horticultural produces. 6.1. Pre sorting • Done to eliminate injured, decayed and unwanted produce before cooling and handling. 6.2. Pre cooling • Removal of field heat after harvest at 32°C for 1 h. 6.2.1. Advantages • Reduces rate of respiration and ripening, moisture, bruise damage during transits, production of ethylene and growth of spoilage organisms • Eases load on cooling system (Refrigeration) of transport or storage chamber

7.1. Storage • Helpful in checking market glut, providing wide selection of fruits, vegetables and flowers to consumer through most part of year i.e. especially during off season. • Helps in orderly marketing and increases profit to producers/farmers. • Done to maintain freshness, quality, reduce spoilage and extend their usefulness. • Huge post-harvest losses due to lack of proper storage facilities. • Basic principle of storage - to reduce rate of physiological processes like respiration, transpiration, ripening and other biochemical changes. • Proper storage aims to control disease infection and preserve best quality for consumers. • Chemical used to extend the shelf life and quality of produce

8.1. Packaging • One of the important steps in long and complicated j oumey from grower to consumer. • Bags, crates, hampers, baskets, cartons, bulk bins, and palletized containers are convenient containers for handling, transporting, and marketing fresh produces. 8.2. Packaging points • Recyclability / Biodegradability • Variety • Sales appeal • Shelflife • Containment • Protection • Identification ? To provide information on produce name, brand, size, grade, variety, net weight, count, grower, shipper, and country of origin. ? Universal Product Codes (UPC or bar codes) is included as part of labelling. ? UPC is used in food industry which consists of a ten digit machine readable code.

9.1. Principles of food preservation by heat • Pasteurization temperature at below 100°C • Heating at about 100°C • Sterilization temperature at above 100°C 9.1.1. Pasteurization • Heat treatment kills part, but not all microorganisms present and temperature below 100°C. • Heating by means of steam, hot water, dry heat or electric current and cooled after heat treatment. • Surviving microorganisms are inhibited by low temperature or some other preservative method, if spoilage prevented. • Preservative methods used to supplement pasteurization include ? Refrigeration, e.g. milk ? Keeping out microorganisms usually by packaging the product in a sealed container

10.1. Preservation through canning • Process of sealing food stuffs hermetically in containers and sterilizing them by heat for long storage • In 1804, Appert in France invented this process. • Also known as appertizing. • Saddington in England - First to describe a method of canning of foods in 1807. • In 1810, Peter Durand obtained first British Patent on canning of foods in tin containers. • In 1817, William Underwood introduced canning of fruits on commercial scale in U.S.A. • Fruits and vegetables are canned in season when raw material is available in surplus. • Canned products are sold in off season for better returns to grower. 10.1.1. Principles and process of canning

1.1. Mango 1.1.1. Mango squash Step 1 : Selection of fruits Step 2 : Washing Step 3 : Pulping Step 4 : Preparation of syrup (sugar + water + acid, heating just to dissolve) Step 5 : Straining Step 6 : Mixing with juice Step 7 : Addition of preservative (0.6 g KMS (Potassium metabisulfite)/litre squash) Step 8 : Bottling Step 9 : Capping Step 10 : Storage 1.1.2. Mango RTS (ready-to-serve) Step 1 : Fruit (pulp/juice) Step 2 : Mixing with strained juice

2.1. Tomato 2.1.1. Tomato paste Steps in tomato paste preparation Step 1 : Tomato juice (strained) Cooking to desired consistency (Kettle/vacuum pan) Step 2 : Judging the end point for puree or paste (Tomato solids by hand refractometer or reduction in volume by measuring stick) Step 3 : Filling hot into bottles or canes (82-88°C) Step 4 : Pasteurization in boiling water for 20 minutes Step 5 : Cooling Step 6 : Storage at ambient temperature Step 7 : Packing and storage 2.1.2. Tomato sauce / ketchup • It is made from strained tomato juice or pulp and spices, salt, sugar and vinegar, with or without onion and garlic and contains not less than 12 per cent tomato solids and 25 per cent total solids.

• Aromatic food substances, which enhance flavour are classified into spices. • Spices are usually dried roots, barks and seeds used whole or crushed, powdered. • Spices add a glorious touch to food with its flavour and fragrance. • Spices add flavour, colour to food and make the food palatable. • Stimulates salivation and acid secretion of digestive enzymes like amylase. • Has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. • Reduces cholesterol levels useful in preventing heart diseases. • Kerala is considered as the land of spices. 3.1. Different types of spices and their use • All spice or Pimento ? A small berry, size of the pea dried to a dark brown colour. ? Flavouring component is a volatile oil present at 3 -4% levels containing eugenol and other closely related phenols.

4.1. Coconut • Coconut water is a refreshing drinks which also hygienic and nutritive. • White flesh is a calorie rich extensively used for cookery in South India. • From grated wet coconut kernel, good quality oil as well as protein and carbohydrate can be extracted to prepare coconut honey. • Undesirable flavour changes in desiccated coconut are due to oxidative rancidity of the oil. • Residual cake after the oil extraction is used as cattle food. • Dried coconut meat is known as copra and is the source of coconut oil, which is used in enormous quantities for making fats for baking and confectionery. • An important product used in the chocolate and confectionery industry is desiccated coconut. • Nut is removed from hard shell and thin brown rind pared off.

5.1. Aonla • Fruit of this deciduous tree found mainly in India. • Aonla is rich in natural vitamin C. • Aonla has cooling, diuretic and laxative properties. • It helps in cleansing the mouth, and strengthens teeth and bones. • It increases the red blood cell count and helps to promote good health. • It also has an antioxidant properties. • The dried aonla fruit is useful in the treatment of hemorrhage, diarrhoea, and dysentery. • Aonla has laxative properties and therefore, useful in the treatment of constipation and piles. • It also has antibacterial properties and helps in preventing infections and healing ulcers. • It also helps in preventing skin infections. • Aonla has cell rejuvenating properties and therefore, used in maintaining good health of skin and hair. • Aonla helps to keep the hair glossy and shining.