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Medicinal properties of Elettaria cardamomum

Authors:
  • ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, India

Abstract

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton), a native of high ranges of Western Ghats of India, is an ecofriendly plantation spice crop. Apart from its use as a flavoring agent in food preparations, confectioneries and cosmetics, cardamom is used both in ancient and modem medicines. An attempt is made in this paper to cover the geo-ecological requirements, area and production, ancient uses and history, modern use, medicinal properties, aromatic constituent's etc.
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... References As an abortifacient, diuretic, stomachic, laxative, and carminative; in asthma, hemorrhoids, bronchitis, scabies, strangury, pruritis; diseases of the bladder, kidney, rectum, and throat; earache, snake bite, inflammation, headache, and scorpion sting [38] CNS-depressant and anticonvulsant activities [31] Treating sore throat, asthma, colds, coughs, bladder and kidney diseases, burning sensations, flatulence, scanty urine, heart weakness, indigestion, and piles [39] As an anti-flatulent and to stimulate the appetite [40] Neutralize poisons, reduce Kapha (one of the three doshas in Ayurveda), enhance skin complexion, and alleviate itching [41] ...
... As an abortifacient, diuretic, stomachic, laxative, and carminative; in asthma, hemorrhoids, bronchitis, scabies, strangury, pruritis; diseases of the bladder, kidney, rectum, and throat; earache, snake bite, inflammation, headache, and scorpion sting [38] CNS-depressant and anticonvulsant activities [31] Treating sore throat, asthma, colds, coughs, bladder and kidney diseases, burning sensations, flatulence, scanty urine, heart weakness, indigestion, and piles [39] As an anti-flatulent and to stimulate the appetite [40] Neutralize poisons, reduce Kapha (one of the three doshas in Ayurveda), enhance skin complexion, and alleviate itching [41] ...
... The presence of numerous bioactive compounds in cardamom imparts a pleasant aroma, and chewing the seeds can help alleviate bad breath. Additionally, chewing cardamom seeds provides a cooling effect, which is beneficial for treating sore throat, asthma, colds, coughs, bladder and kidney diseases, burning sensations, flatulence, scanty urine, heart weakness, indigestion, and piles [39]. ...
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Cardamom (cardamum) is a spice produced from the seeds of several Elettaria and Amomum plants of the Zingiberaceae family. Cardamom has been demonstrated to offer numerous benefits, including its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and other metabolic (anti-diabetic) properties, and its potential to reduce cancer risk. Recently, researchers have extracted and tested multiple phytochemicals from cardamom to assess their potential effectiveness against various types of human malignancy. These studies have indicated that cardamom can help overcome drug resistance to standard chemotherapy and protect against chemotherapy-induced toxicity due to its scavenging properties. Furthermore, chemical compounds in cardamom, including limonene, cymene, pinene, linalool, borneol, cardamonin, indole-3-carbinol, and diindolylmethane, primarily target the programmed cell death lignin-1 gene, which is more prevalent in cancer cells than in healthy cells. This review provides the medicinal properties and pharmacological uses of cardamom, its cellular effects, and potential therapeutic uses in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as its use in reducing drug resistance and improving the overall health of cancer patients. Based on previous preclinical studies, cardamom shows significant potential as an anti-cancer agent, but further exploration for clinical use is warranted due to its diverse mechanisms of action.
... This multipurpose food enhancing can be utilized in different desserts and beverages. It contains a sweet and tasty flavor that preferences astounding when utilized in treats and pastries [1]. ...
Chapter
Cardamom, scientifically known as Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, is esteemed as the queen of spices, cherished globally for its distinctive flavor. This chapter delves into the intricate genomics underlying the flavor constituents of cardamom, shedding light on its biochemical composition, aroma profile, and medicinal properties. Variations in these constituents across different genotypes, environmental conditions, and stages of maturity are elucidated, providing insights into the factors shaping cardamom’s flavor profile. Beyond its culinary significance, cardamom holds a revered place in traditional medicine, with documented antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and gastro-protective properties. The biosynthesis of terpenoids, the primary constituents of cardamom essential oil, is elucidated, offering a comprehensive overview of the biochemical pathways involved. Advances in genomic research, including the identification of partial gene sequences and SSR markers, offer promising avenues for enhancing cardamom’s flavor profile through targeted breeding and genetic modification. Ultimately, the convergence of genomic insights and biotechnological innovations holds immense potential for unlocking the full flavor potential of cardamom, paving the way for engineered solutions to meet evolving culinary and medicinal needs.
Chapter
In India, cardamom is one among the important spice crops cultivated. It is one of the most consumed and traded commodities in the world. India holds second position in production of cardamom in the world after Guatemala. In the recent past, there is much fluctuation in the cardamom prices, and it is labor-intensive crop so there is decline in the cardamom area and production. In the world after saffron and vanilla cardamom is third most expensive spice. Cardamom is valued for its flavor and pungency. α-terpinyl acetate and 1,8-cineole are the two important active ingredients which produce characteristic aroma in cardamom. It is one of the important ingredients in many Indian cuisines. It finds place in ancient as well as modern medicines due to its immense medicinal properties. By seeing all the benefits and uses of cardamom, thrust has to be given for increasing the production and productivity of cardamom which ultimately helps India to become world leader in cardamom production.
Chapter
You are invited to a journey full of health and taste! Step into a world full of the miracles of nature and open the doors to a life full of health! The book ""Medical Spices"" is designed for you to discover the magical world of natural spices, which have been used for thousands of years and are known for their health benefits. This book proves that spices that add flavour to your cuisine are not ordinary sweeteners. Because each spice can be an important source for health. ""Medical Spices"" reveals the secrets of these spices to you: it discusses in detail which spices are good for which health problems, which spices are perfect with which dishes, and how they can be used. The book touches on many topics, from recipes to health tips, from the history of medicinal spices to their modern uses. Additionally, the nutritional properties and health benefits of each spice are examined in detail. In addition to being a great resource for those seeking health, the book ""Medical Spices"" will be a reference book for anyone who wants to cook delicious and healthy meals in their kitchens. We invite everyone who wants to discover the healing powers offered by nature and take the first step towards a healthy life to read this book!
Chapter
The majority of drugs used to treat cancer today were originally isolated from natural products. Currently, anticancer properties were reported in much more than 3000 plants across the world. The prevalence of using products made from plants to treat cancer ranges from 10% to 40% globally, reaching 50% in patients from Asia. The most important source has been the kingdom of plants. Podophyllum lignans, Taxus diterpenes, camptotheca alkaloids, and vinca alkaloids are a few of these. Ayurvedic medications now contain pharmacologically active ingredients, and researchers are evaluating their potential for use in drug therapy. Nearly 3000 of the 17,000 species that have been discovered are thought to be used in medicine. For these different types of plants are searched and discussed where cardamom and walnut are found as antiproliferative agents. Cardamom is traditionally known as the “Queen of Spices.” There are generally two types of cardamom, big cardamom and small cardamom, and they have been used in India as a spice since ancient times and also used in medicine such as cancer and, in addition, antioxidant, stomachic, or windiness. Cardamom is frequently used tinctures; used as a carminative, diuretic, stomachic, and stimulant with a strong, pleasant aroma. Cardamom use prevents vomiting and nausea, which contains server types of phytoconstituents such as Methyl eugenol, geraniol, sabinene, β-pinene, α-pinene, myrcene, 1,8, cineole, terpinolene, trans-nerolidol, nerol, citronellol, α-terpinyl acetate, and α-terpineol. Black walnut (Juglans nigra) and English walnut (Juglans regia) are types of walnuts. Walnut is a plant which is important for human health; it contains many nutrients such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, iron, protein, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin E present in Juglans nigra walnut. Walnuts contain different types of chemical components in different parts, which are shown in the table given below. Walnuts have an antiproliferative effect.
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Background The integration of Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) with modern medicine aims to provide a more personalized and effective approach to healthcare. Ayurveda is a traditional medicine system in India that emphasizes the balance between mind, body, and spirit. It is based on the belief that every individual is unique and requires personalized treatment. The fundamental principles of Ayurveda revolve around maintaining equilibrium among three doshas: Vata (air and space), Pitta (fire and water), and Kapha (earth and water). Imbalances in these doshas are believed to cause diseases. Main body of the abstract The integration of Ayurveda with modern medicine seeks to utilize the best of both systems, focusing on using natural remedies and treatments that have been used for centuries in Ayurveda. The integration involves combining the strengths of both systems, including the use of Ayurvedic principles in modern medicine and the incorporation of modern medicine into Ayurvedic practices. Several studies have explored the efficacy of Ayurvedic treatments for various diseases, and the integration of Ayurvedic principles into modern medicine can provide a more comprehensive approach to patient care. Short conclusion Ayurveda is a traditional medical system deeply rooted in Indian culture that offers a holistic approach to healthcare. Its principles emphasize personalized treatment based on an individual's constitution. Integrating Ayurveda with modern medicine can enhance patient care by providing a more comprehensive approach towards health management. However, challenges exist regarding the standardization of Ayurvedic practices due to variations in formulations and the need for more scientific evidence for some treatments. Further studies are needed for validation purposes.
Article
The knowledge on the use of plants of the order Zingiberales by the Malaipandaram tribe inhabited in South India was documented. The data was recorded through questionnaires after proper consultation with the traditional healers and others. The informant consensus factor and use value were analysed. Taxonomic studies were carried out and herbarium specimens were preserved at Catholic Volege Herbarius (CATH) herbarium and live specimens were conserved in the Catholicate College Botanical Garden. A total of 17 ethnobotanically important species were identified in Zingiberales distributed under 5 families, viz., Zingiberaceae, Costaceae, Musaceae, Marantaceae and Cannaceae. The plants were listed with scientific name, local name, family, parts used, preparation methods and use. The commonly used taxa was Curcuma longa with 52 use reports and highest use value of 1.62. In the investigation, endocrinal disorders and tooth pain reported highest F ic of 1. The information collected will be the baseline data for future phytochemical and pharmacological research to develop new drugs and service.
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Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton (cardamom), popularly known as the “Queen of spices,” belongs to the Zingiberaceae family and is one of the world’s most expensive and unusual spices. It is high in phenolic compounds, volatile oils, and fixed oils. Cardamom oleoresin is a non-toxic, non-irritant, and non-sensitizing semi-solid liquid with a sweet and spicy flavor produced from the seeds of cardamom fruit. The oleoresin is prepared using various methods, including solvent extraction and CO2 extraction. It is mainly used in culinary preparations as a condiment or a spice to improve the flavor of a meal. Oleoresin has a high concentration of triglyceride and steroid components. The medicine comprises pharmacologically active ingredients to treat cramps, anorexia, dyspepsia, vomiting, indigestion, and heartburn. Cardamom oleoresins are also utilized in laxative and carminative medicines. The highly referenced publications for the term “Elettaria cardamomum oleoresins” were extracted from multiple standard electronic databases (Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed) published, analyzed , and presented to understand various factors relevant to oleoresins. This chapter provides information on the traditional and therapeutic potential of E. cardamomum oleoresins, the positioning of oleoresin in the domestic and global markets, different extraction processes, phytochemical constituents, newer technology, and its applications, etc. The data is gathered methodically to provide a thorough knowledge of the subject that will be useful to the food processing, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical businesses.KeywordsOilFoodSpiceVolatile oilNutraceuticalsPharmaceuticals
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