With the help of codes given below select the pair(s) of spices/condiments :
A. Cinchona officinalis and cinnamomum zeylanicum
B. Piper nigrum and Plantago ovata
C. Elettaria cardamomum and cinnamomum zeylanicum
D. Rauwolfia serpentina and Plantago ovata
E. Myristica fragrans and Ferula asafoetida

Question

With the help of codes given below select the pair(s) of spices/condiments : 
A. Cinchona officinalis and cinnamomum zeylanicum 
B. Piper nigrum and Plantago ovata 
C. Elettaria cardamomum and cinnamomum zeylanicum 
D. Rauwolfia serpentina and Plantago ovata 
E. Myristica fragrans and Ferula asafoetida

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3: C and E

This multiple-choice question tests your ability to correctly identify the economic use of plants based on their scientific names, specifically distinguishing between a spice/condiment and a medicinal plant. A spice or condiment is a plant part used primarily to enhance the flavour, colour, or preservation of food, whereas a medicinal plant is used for therapeutic purposes. The correct option, C and E, refers to the codes where *both* plants in the pair are well-established spices or condiments. Code C correctly identifies *Elettaria cardamomum* (Green Cardamom) and *Cinnamomum zeylanicum* (Cinnamon), both of which are globally recognized and consumed spices for flavouring. Code E correctly pairs *Myristica fragrans* (Nutmeg and Mace) and *Ferula asafoetida* (Asafoetida or Hing), where the former provides two spices from one fruit and the latter is a pungent resin, all used essentially for culinary purposes. Thus, selecting the pair C and E ensures that only spices/condiments are included.

The incorrect option is 1: A, C and E

This option is incorrect because it includes Code A, which contains one plant that is not a spice or condiment. While *Cinnamomum zeylanicum* (Cinnamon) is correctly a condiment, *Cinchona officinalis* is a major medicinal plant. Its bark is the commercial source of the alkaloid Quinine, which is a vital anti-malarial drug. Since its primary economic use is pharmaceutical and not culinary flavouring, Code A is not a pair of spices/condiments, making this combined option invalid.

The incorrect option is 2: A, B and C

This option is incorrect because it incorrectly includes Code A and Code B. As established, Code A is incorrect because *Cinchona officinalis* is a medicinal plant. Code B is also incorrect because while *Piper nigrum* (Black Pepper) is a true spice, *Plantago ovata* is primarily utilized as a source of dietary fiber. The husks of *Plantago ovata*, commonly known as Psyllium or Isabgol, are widely used as a bulk-forming laxative to treat constipation. Because *Plantago ovata* is predominantly categorized as a medicinal/nutraceutical agent, Code B is not a pure spice/condiment pair.

The incorrect option is 4: B and D

This option is incorrect because both Code B and Code D contain plants whose primary commercial application is not as a spice or condiment. Code B includes *Plantago ovata* (Psyllium), which is medicinal/nutraceutical. Code D is invalid for two reasons: it includes *Plantago ovata* again, and it also features *Rauwolfia serpentina* (Sarpagandha). *Rauwolfia serpentina* is another key medicinal plant whose roots are the source of the alkaloid reserpine, historically used in treating hypertension and central nervous system disorders. Since all three distinct non-spice plants (*Cinchona officinalis*, *Plantago ovata*, and *Rauwolfia serpentina*) are present across the invalid options, C and E remain the only correct groups.