title: Spice extracts as dose-modifying factors in radiation inactivation of bacteria.
abstract: Three spices, chili, black pepper, and turmeric, were tested for the effect of their aqueous extracts on the sensitivity of three bacteria, Escherichia coli, Bacillus megaterium, and Bacillus pumilusspores, to gamma-radiation. It was found that the extracts of the three spices offered protection to these organisms against inactivation by gamma-radiation. These spice extracts were also tested for their protection of naked plasmid DNA. Radiation-induced degradation of plasmid pUC18 DNA was reduced in the presence of the spice extracts. The maximum protection was offered by the chili extract followed by that of black pepper and turmeric. The two known antioxidants, curcumin and piperine from turmeric and black pepper, respectively, were shown to protect the plasmid DNA from the degradation by gamma-radiation. Experiments with the plasmid pUC18 DNA indicated that the spice extracts probably protected microorganisms by protecting their DNA. These studies indicated the importance of spices among ingredients in food as dose-modifying factors during radiation processing.
authors.affiliation: Food Technology Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India. ksarun@apsara.barc.ernet.in
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gautam
authors.forename: S S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Jadhav
mesh_terms: D000470:Alkaloids; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001407:Bacillus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D001410:Bacillus megaterium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D052117:Benzodioxoles; D030024:Curcuma; D003474:Curcumin / Q000494:pharmacology; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005720:Gamma Rays; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010957:Plasmids / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D053284:Polyunsaturated Alkamides; D011836:Radiation Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects*; D017365:Spices
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D000975:Antioxidants; D052117:Benzodioxoles; D010880:Piperidines; D010936:Plant Extracts; D053284:Polyunsaturated Alkamides; C012596:turmeric extract; D003474:Curcumin; C008922:piperine