Indian Spices with Medicinal Properties

On a background of this, let us see, “How Indian Kitchen Pharmacy” can help to manage these issues. In Indian Kitchen, following Spices are used. I have compiled all evidence based researched reports and sharing with you for better understanding.

1. Coriander Seeds: (Dhane): J of Molecules 2023: excellent Anti-inflammatory, Anti-Oxidant, Essential oils are active against E coli and Staphylococcus infection, Linalol in coriander useful as Potent anxiolytic and it is sedative and neuroprotective. Seeds extract is found to be useful in Type 2 DM and obesity management (Uses- Cough, UTI, Stress, Anxiety, Insomnia and for improving memory)
2. Jeera seeds (Cuminum cyminum): possess extensive, evidence-based medicinal properties validated by multiple PubMed-indexed journal studies, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic gastroprotective, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in human and animal models
3. Turmeric + Amla: A randomized, Placebo controlled, comparative, proof-of-concept study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Nisha-Amalaki capsules in prediabetic patients for preventing progression to diabetes. Published in pubmed indexed international j of Ayurveda, Nov 2023, and study done at Nair hospital concluded that – The combination reduced Hba1c, HOMA- IR, improves metabolic functions, Reduced Oxidative stress.
4. Ginger: Effect of the Consumption of Species from the Zingiberaceae or Berberidaceae Family on Glycaemic Profile Parameters: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, done by Faculties of pharmacy and Nutritionist from UCAM, Spain, Published in international j of Molecular science 2025 Concluded based on 58 studies out of 1269 that: Zinzebar and Berberine significantly reduce HOMA- IR index(Optimal Below 1, Normal – 1.0- 1.9, Early IR- 2.0- 2.9, Beyond 3- severe IR) Reduce Fasting Insulin, PLBS, and Hba1c. results were better and consistent in combination of Berberine and Zanzibar (Dry Ginger powder can cause acidity heart burs so to be avoided in Pitta Patients).
5. Effect of 12 Weeks of Yoga Therapy on Quality of Life and Indian Diabetes Risk Score in Normotensive Indian Young Adult Prediabetics and Diabetics: Randomized Control Trial Published in J of Clinical Diagnosis and research, 2027: Concluded that Qol and Diabetes control was much better than the group receiving standalone conventional treatment. Done at JIPMER Puducherry.
6. Arjuna: A comprehensive review of the medicinal properties of Terminalia arjuna and its major constituent Arjunolic acid: a natural product source for new drug leads, Article published in the j of Royal society of Chemistry March 2026 Showed that: The Decoction of Bark helped to reduce BP, Angina, Cholesterol, IL 18 INDUCED ATHEROSCLEROSIS VIA NFk b / PPAR gama pathways, Improved LV ejection Fraction  Improved Anti-oxidants, Reduced Cardiomyopathy, Reduced heart attack rates  reduced ischamic Mitral valve regurgitations, reperfusion injury, and best part is it did not impact liver and kidney functions. The bark decoction also significantly lowered body mass index and systolic blood pressure in angina patients without affecting normal kidney or liver function. Significantly reduced the frequency of angina in both ischemic cardiomyopathy and post-myocardial infarction angina. This treatment improved the left ventricular ejection fraction. It reduced left ventricular mass, providing relief from coronary heart failure, and long-term use of the drug did not alter normal kidney or liver physiology. It was observed that the ethanolic extract of the bark reduced total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol, and LDL/HDL ratios, without impacting renal or hepatic function. May cause constipation, so avoid taking at night time
7. Cinnamomum zylenica: Effects of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Ceylon cinnamon) extract on lipid profile, glucose levels and its safety in adults: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial Published in plos one 2025 Says That: Both FPG and HbA1c significantly declined in the CZ extract groups compared to baseline, accompanied by reduced insulin resistance and improved β-cell function (p < 0.05). At four months, total and LDL cholesterol were significantly lower in the 500 mg CZ extract group (p < 0.05). Regression analyses identified CZ extract treatment as a significant predictor of changes in both FPG and HbA1c.
8. Turmeric (Wonder herb): Due to pleotropic effects, it is useful in Joint health, Metabolic health, brain health, allergies, Gut health and cancer- but has Poor absorption, so add black pepper and ghee. Safety Dose-escalating studies have indicated the safety of curcumin at doses as high as 12 g/day over 3 months in Phase 1 clinical trial done at St. Anderson Cancer Centre, Houston, Texas, USA: Published in J. AAPS 2012 (American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists)
9. Kesar (Crocus Sativus): Meta analytical studies showed protective and Usefulness in Alzheimer’s Dementia, Parkinson’s Age-related Macular degeneration (AMD), Diabetic maculopathy, Open angle Glaucoma, up-to certain point and if started early, Erectile dysfunction – Dose is High 200 mg per day along with saffron gel for local application
10. Fenugreek Seeds: Another wonderful herb from kitchen useful for cholesterol especially for triglyceride, Sugars, PCOD, Anti-inflammatory and EDF. It improved endothelial function, slows down the breakdown of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, so free testosterone levels are increased, testicular Leydig cells are stimulated which improved testosterone production, Ref: Land mark study (J Food Nutrition 2024): Fenugreek extract improves diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction viathe arginase 1 pathway. So Nitric Oxide production is enhanced. Funugreek also Improves Lactation, improve muscle strength, does not cause liver injury. (But Avoid In breast cancer and prostate cancer: a statement of Caution from Memorial Sloan keterring cancer institute) Eating culinary forms of fenugreek is safe but consuming in extract form or high concentrated form is dangerous, as it may interfere with chemotherapy, Blood thinners like warfarin, Anti-depressants
11. Curry leaves: Activates digestive juices to break down food easily. High fibre content prevents constipation, Plant compounds and alkaloids improve insulin sensitivity to control glucose levels. Extracts help shield the liver from toxins and oxidative stress. Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial traits help heal acne and soothe irritations. Helps restore natural pigment to hair follicles.
12. Flax seeds: The regular consumption of flaxseed may help to improve lipid profile and lower blood pressure, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Moreover, flaxseed is characterized by anticancer and antioxidant properties and can significantly reduce the intensity of symptoms associated with menopause, constipation, and mental fatigue, improve skin condition, and accelerate wound healing. For best results eat in grounded form and roasted form as it inactivates Phytic acid, Cyanogenic acid which are toxic and inhibit absorption of nutrients
13. Black pepper: Once called as “Indian Black Gold and nurtured many emperors in the past because of its huge export from India to other countries} It has Anti-oxidant properties, it Improves Mitochondrial (cellular Bio fire) Functions Helps to reduce fat, Research also emphasizes its unique ability to increase the absorption and bioavailability of various drugs and nutrients. Caution: avoid taking extract of it as it may interfere with the absorption of drugs.
14. Fennel Seeds: Research shows fennel seed extracts may reduce inflammatory signalling via the STAT pathway, showing potential value for gut barrier function and colitis models. Animal models indicate fennel extracts help mitigate markers of metabolic syndrome, lower blood sugar, and protect against liver injury.