Background
Stress, Insomnia, headache and migraine are quickly becoming an epidemic in India. The increased incidence of these conditions has been attributed to fast life style coupled with low intake of Anti-oxidants, Vitamin C, Potassium and other nutritionally important compounds. Now a days the number of health problems related to chewing tobacco are increasing. These are: • Addiction: Withdrawal symptoms include such as intense cravings, increased appetite, irritability and depressed mood. • Cancer: Risk of certain types of cancer including esophageal cancer and various types of oral cancer, including cancers of mouth, throat, cheek, gums, lips and tongue, pancreas etc. • Cavities: Chewing tobacco cause tooth decay and gum diseases. • Heart disease by increase heart rate and blood pressure. • Precancerous mouth lesions. • There is a need to quit chewing tobacco. Technology Details
One of the prevention techniques is by providing alternative chew having healthy effect. These allow the consumer to continue the behavior and but without the danger of tobacco. Dill is a noted herb in the cuisines of Scandinavia, Central Europe, North Africa and the Russian Federation. The curative properties of dill have been honoured throughout history. The unique health benefits of dill come from two types of healing components: monoterpenes, including carvone, limonene, and anethofuran; and flavonoids, including kaempferol and vicenin. These provide Protection Against Free Radicals and Carcinogens. The monoterpene components of dill have been shown to activate the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which helps attach the anti-oxidant molecule glutathione to oxidized molecules that would otherwise do damage in the body. The activity of dill's volatile oils qualify it as a "chemoprotective" food (much like parsley) that can help neutralize particular types of carcinogens, such as the benzopyrenes that are part of cigarette smoke, charcoal grill smoke, and the smoke produced by trash incinerators. Drinking dill tea is recommended for those suffering from insomnia. Dill weed contains the carminative agent and aids with digestion by relieving intestinal gas. Dill is said to promote lactation in nursing mothers and has been historically used as a weak tea given to babies to ease colic, encourage sleep, and get rid of hiccups. Dill Weed and Health Teas made with dill seed relieve indigestion and nausea, and produce a lulling effect. Dill seed is a very good source of calcium, dietary fiber, as well as the minerals manganese, iron, and magnesium. When chewed, dill seeds can be highly effective in curing bad breath. Dill is reported to cure insomnia, hiccups, diarrhea, dysentery, menstrual disorders, respiratory disorders, and cancer. It is also good for oral care, and can be a powerful boost for immune system and can protect from bone degradation. Aonla (Emblica officinalis) or Indian gooseberry is indigenous to Indian sub-continent. India ranks first in the world in area and production of this crop. Apart from India naturally growing trees are found in different parts of the world like Sri Lanka, Cuba, Puerto Rico, USA (Hawai & Florida), Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, China, Malaysia, Bhutan, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Trinidad, Panama and Japan. The fruit is a good source of vitamin C. The fruit is having medicinal value. It has acrid, cooling, diuretic and laxative properties. Dried fruits are useful in haemorrhages, diarrhea, dysentery, anaemia, jaundice, dyspepsia and cough. Aonla is used in the indigenous medicines (Ayurvedic system) viz. trifla and chavanprash. Fruits are commonly used for preserve (murabbas), pickles, candy, jelly and jam. Besides fruits, leaves, bark and even seeds are being used for various purposes. Aonla juice is popular because of high vitamin C content. Till now, there is no report available on preparing a Dill and aonla bended herbal chew formulation having high nutraceutical properties and acceptable organoleptic quality. ICAR-CISH have developed a herbal chew formulation including dill, aonla and other Indian herbs having established nutraceutical and medicinal value having taste resembling Gutka /pan masala. The product has been found acceptable in taste and effective as a healthy alternative to pan masala.