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Cumin

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Antioxidant Properties of Spices, Herbs and Other Sources

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Abstract

Cumin is a small, slender, erect glabrous annual herb with strong antioxidant activity, and is cultivated all over the world. This chapter describes the botany, history, producing regions, flavor and aroma, parts used, and active constituents. The chapter also highlights the uses of cumin in different recipes around the world. It is a major ingredient and flavoring agent in curry and chili powders. Cumin has been reported to have antibacterial, antispasmodic, stomachic, carminative, antimicrobial, antifungal, larvicidal, antiseptic, antidiabetic, anticarcinogenic, cholesterol-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Finally the medicinal uses, functional properties, and antioxidant properties of cumin are discussed in great detail.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Frontier Natural Products Co-op, Norway, IA, USA

    Denys J. Charles

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  1. Denys J. Charles
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Charles, D.J. (2012). Cumin. In: Antioxidant Properties of Spices, Herbs and Other Sources. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4310-0_22

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