§ · Glossary
The compounds inside the spice
What turmeric actually does. Why pepper makes it work. The molecules behind the rituals — explained by AI Naani and AI Daadi, indigenous knowledge first, peer-reviewed science second.
polyphenol
phenolic
alkaloid
essential oil
Eugenol
The aromatic phenylpropanoid in clove and cinnamon, prized in dentistry and traditional remedies for its anaesthetic and antimicrobial action.
Cinnamaldehyde
The compound that gives cinnamon its signature scent and most of its blood-sugar and antimicrobial effects in trials.
Cuminaldehyde
The aromatic aldehyde that defines cumin's smell and drives much of its digestive and antimicrobial reputation.
Anethole
The sweet, liquorice-like compound in fennel and star anise, traditionally used as a digestive carminative.
Myristicin
The defining aromatic of nutmeg — warming and psychoactive at high doses, gently calming at culinary doses.
adaptogen
terpene