The effects of Elettaria cardamom supplementation on inflammatory markers and vascular function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A mechanism -based randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background & aimIn patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), endothelial dysfunction appears to be a common condition. Given the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of dried fruits of Elettaria cardamom, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of green cardamom supplementation on serum inflammatory markers and adhesion molecules in patients with T2DM. Materials & methodsIn a parallel, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, eighty-three overweight or obese type 2 diabetic patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-34.9 kg/m² were randomly allocated into an intervention (n = 41) or a control group (n = 42). The intervention and the placebo groups received 3 g of ground green cardamom’s fruit or rusk powder for 10 weeks, respectively. Physical activity level, dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, inflammatory markers [Interleukin 6 (Il-6), and Cluster of Differentiation 163 (CD163)] and serum adhesion molecules levels [intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM), CD62 antigen-like family member (E-selectin) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9)] were measured. ResultsIn per-protocol (PP) analysis, after adjustment for confounders (gliclazide dose and duration of disease), the serum levels of VCAM (-244.5 ng/ml), ICAM (-72.3 ng/ml), E-selectin (-1.92 ng/ml) and IL-6 (-0.41 Pg/ml); (p < 0.05) significantly decreased in cardamom group compared to the controls. In addition, intention to treat (ITT) analysis showed that the serum levels of VCAM (-223.9 ng/ml), ICAM (-72.5 ng/ml), E-selectin (-1.71 ng/ml) and IL-6 (-0.37 Pg/ml); (p < 0.05) significantly reduced in cardamom group compared to the placebo group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in term of the serum MMP-9 and CD163 levels. ConclusionsIn conclusion, the results suggested that cardamom supplementation improved serum levels of adhesion molecules and reduced some inflammatory biomarkers in T2DM patients.