Cardamom Research Articles

Amomum cardamomum L. ethyl acetate fraction protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury via an antioxidant mechanism in rats.

BackgroundMedicinal herb-derived drug development has become important in the relief of liver pathology. Amomun cardamomum is traditionally used therapeutically in Korea to treat various human ailments including dyspepsia, hiccupping, and vomiting. We investigated to assess the protective effect of A. cardamomum on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage through antioxidant activity in hepatic tissues of Sprague–Dawley rats.MethodsAntioxidant properties of different fractions from A. cardamomum from ethanol extracts were evaluated by an in vitro free radical scavenging systems. The protective effect of the ethyl acetate fraction from A. cardamomum (EAAC) against CCl4-induced cytotoxicity was determined by a cell viability assay using HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells. In vivo study, the influence of EAAC concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/kg following CCl4-induced hepatic injury was assessed. Serum levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined, as was lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA). Effect of EAAC on liver detoxification enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), total glutathione (GSH), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity was measured in rat liver homogenates. Liver cytochrome P450 (CYP2E1) expression level was determined by quantification of mRNA.ResultsPhytochemical analysis of A. cardamomum indicated that EAAC was enriched in total polyphenol and total flavonoid. Most of the tannins were confined to the hexane fraction. Hepatoprotective properties of EAAC were evident, with significantly reduced serum levels of GOT, GPT, and ALP compared with the control group. Improved hepatic antioxidant status was evident by increased SOD, GSH, and GST enzymes in rat liver tissue. Liver lipid peroxidation induced by CCl4 was apparent by increased intracellular MDA level. EAAC suppressed lipid peroxidation as evidenced by the significant decrease in MDA production. Expression of CYP2E1 was also significantly decreased at the higher concentration of EAAC, indicating the hepatoprotective efficacy of EAAC on acute liver damage.ConclusionThese results indicated that EAAC has a significant hepatoprotective activity on CCl4-induced acute hepatic injury in rats, which might be derived from its antioxidant properties and CYP2E1 downregulation.

Effect of enzyme pre-treatment on extraction yield and quality of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum maton.) volatile oil

The effect of enzyme pretreatment on extraction yield and quality of volatile oil of cardamom seeds were evaluated using various enzymes viz., Celluclast 1.5L, Pectinex Ultra SP.L, ViscozymeL and Protease. Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM) studies were conducted to visualize the effect of these enzymes on cardamom seed cell walls. The quality of the oil was further evaluated using Gas Chromatography Mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). The enzyme pretreatment resulted in an increase in yield of oil in the range of 7.23–7.83% as against 6.73% of the control sample. The enzyme pretreatment with ViscozymeL was proved to be most effective than all other tested samples. Scanning electron microscopic analysis of cardamom seeds revealed that the cell rupture in enzyme treated seeds are smooth and open due to the hydrolysis of cell wall compounds, whereas water treatment resulted only in structural damage. It was further observed that enzyme pretreatment facilitated the release of oil from oil glands without affecting the physico-chemical properties or flavor profile of the oil. GC–MS studies indicated that the flavor profile of cardamom oil contains the major flavor compounds viz., 1, 8 cineol and terpinyl acetate increased from 34.3 to 37.6% and 40.8–42.3% respectively with enzyme pre-treatment. In economic point of view, the results of the present study could be used effectively in spice industry to increase the extraction yield and quality of volatile oil from cardamom seeds.

Toxicity Bioassay of some Essential Oil Vapour on Various Life Stages of Two-Spotted Spider Mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) under Laboratory Conditions

A comparative efficacy of five essential oils (EOs) of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), Clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.), and Jasmine (Jasminum spp.) was assessed against two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae. The mites were reared under laboratory conditions and oils were procured from market. Fumigation experiment was done in a glass jar making it airtight. The mortality of mites was recorded after 48 hours of treatment. The result showed that the most potent fumigant was cardamom with highest LC50 values 180.57nlcm-3, 199.45 nlcm-3 and 395.36 nlcm-3 for protonymph, deutonymph and adult respectively. Jasmine (354.05 nlcm-3), cinnamon (659.13nlcm-3) and eucalyptus (1033.7 nlcm-3) were least effective oils for protonymh, deutonymph and adult stages accordingly. All the oils used in the current study have a variable degree of toxicity on different stages of TSSM life cycle. In case of all tested oils, protonymph showed 50% mortality at lower doses(range of value was 180.57 to 354.05 nlcm-3) but adult needed two to three fold higher doses (range of value was 395.36 to 1033.7 nlcm-3) than protonymh. The result has revealed that, all these oils have great potentiality to be used as an acaricide in pests control program.

Molecular and phenotypic characterization revealed six Colletotrichum species responsible for anthracnose disease of small cardamom in South India

Small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) is extensively cultivated in the Western Ghats of South India either as a monocrop under the forest trees or as an intercrop along with arecanut and coffee plantations. Colletotrichum species responsible for severe outbreaks of anthracnose on small cardamom in South India are reported. Small cardamom anthracnose, popularly known as “Chenthal”, manifests itself on the foliage as yellowish lesions, which later coalesce to form large blighted areas. In advanced stages, the affected leaves dry up giving a burnt appearance to the plant. Twenty-five isolates of Colletotrichum were isolated from leaves of small cardamom in Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu states of India. The isolates were characterized through morphological studies and multilocus phylogenetic analysis (ITS, ACT, CHS-1, GAPDH, TUB2, CYLH3, GS and ApMat gene regions) to test whether different species are present and identified: C. karstii (2 isolates), C. gloeosporioides (1), C. siamense (7), C. syzygicola (6), Colletotrichum sp (5), and C. guajavae (4), as the cause of anthracnose on small cardamom for the first time. Pathogenicity of the six species was confirmed. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed study of Colletotrichum species which cause anthracnose diseases on small cardamom.

Chemoprotective Effect of Elettaria Cardamomum against Chemically induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats by Inhibiting NF-κB, Oxidative Stress, and Activity of Ornithine Decarboxylase

The chemoprotective effect of Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) extract was studied against DENA (200mg/kg) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in comparison to the effect of geraniol in rats. Cardamom extract or geraniol was orally administered on a daily basis (100 and 200mg/kg) for 1week before HCC induction with DENA and CCl4, with the daily supply of the plant extract up to the end of the experiment. Cardamom or geraniol decreased the levels of TNF, IL-1 and NF-κB, which were induced by the DENA treatment. The levels of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), hepatic malondialdehyde, and liver injury markers; such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), were substantially increased following DENA treatment. However, cardamom or geraniol treatment reduced liver injury and inhibited the elevation effect of DENA of the liver cancer marker (ODC). Cardamom or geraniol also significantly decreased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) in DENA-treated rats. Additionally, cardamom/geraniol also increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes viz., catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase, and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in the liver of DENA-treated rats. Histological observations of the liver confirmed the biochemical observations. HPLC analysis of cardamom showed the presence of gallic, tannic, caffeic and 4,5-dicaffeoyl quinic acid. The results supported the chemo preventive anticancer effect of cardamom through its antioxidant effect and the inhibition of ODC activity and inflammatory markers.

Isolation and characterization of genomic microsatellite markers for small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) for utility in genetic diversity analysis.

Microsatellite markers in small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) were developed using the selective hybridization enrichment method. A total of 140 microsatellite repeats were identified from 270 clones. Primers were designed for 58 microsatellites and 44 primer pairs amplified products of expected size in cardamom. These markers were used for studying the diversity of 20 important small cardamom genotypes, and six markers were found to be polymorphic. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 7 with an average of 3.6 per locus. Polymorphic information content values ranged from 0.14 to 0.38 based on dominant scoring. The two markers ECM 47a and ECMG 28 generated specific banding patterns for the genotypes MCC7 (Pink tiller) and APG434 (MA18) respectively. Dendrogram illustrated the genetic similarity between different genotypes of Kerala and Karnataka regions. It differentiated the closely related genotypes and released varieties into separate groups. Principal coordinate analysis revealed PV1 and ICRI 1 as the most divergent genotypes. The study demonstrated that these markers are informative and can be further utilized for generating reliable molecular data for assisting the crop improvement of small cardamom. Cross generic transferability (71.4%) of the developed primers proved that they are useful for phylogenetic studies in the family Zingiberaceae. This is the first report of de novo isolation, characterisation and utilization of microsatellite markers for the genetic diversity analysis of small cardamom.

Feeding and oviposition deterrent activities of microencapsulated cardamom oleoresin and eucalyptol against Cydia pomonella

Behavioral manipulation of codling moth with spice-based deterrents may provide an alternative control strategy. Microencapsulation technology could lead to more effective use of spice essential oils and oleoresins in the field by extending their residual activity. The feeding and oviposition deterrent potential of the microencapsulated cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum [L.] Maton) oleoresin (MEC-C) and eucalyptol (MEC-E) were evaluated against codling moth, Cydia pomonella Linnaeus, 1758. MEC-C capsules contained both 1,8-cineole and a-terpinyl acetate, whereas MEC-E capsules contained only 1,8-cineole. In larval feeding bioassays, MEC-E exhibited the lowest feeding deterrent activity (33%) while MEC-C at 100 mg mL-1 had the highest (91%). The highest oviposition deterrence activity against gravid females was also shown by MEC-C at 100 mg mL-1 with 84% effective repellency. In 2010 and 2011, two apple orchards were divided into four 1 ha blocks and sprayed with the following treatments in ultra-low volume sprays: (a) MEC-E at 100 g L-1, (b) MEC-C at 50 g L-1, (c) MEC-C at 100 g L-1, and (d) MEC-pyrethrin at 15 mL L-1. Water-treated abandoned orchards were used as negative controls. Moth catches were monitored weekly using Ajar traps baited with the combination of codlemone, pear ester, and terpinyl acetate. Based on pooled data, mean cumulative moth catch per trap per week was significantly higher in the MEC-E blocks (26.3 male and 13.5 female moths) than those in other treatments except the abandoned blocks. At mid-season and pre-harvest damage assessment, the percentage of infested fruits with live larvae in the high dose MEC-C-treated blocks was reduced to 1.9% and 2.3% in 2010 and to 1.1% and 1.8% in 2011, respectively. Since fruit damage exceeded the economic damage threshold of 1%, high-dose MEC-C treatment may only offer supplementary protection against codling moth in integrated pest management programs.

Cardamom – A Crop Cannot Run Away from Its Problems

Cardamom – A Crop Cannot Run Away from Its Problems

Fumigant Toxicity and Nymph Production Deterrence Effect of Five Essential Oils on Adults of the Cabbage Aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

The cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. is one of the most important pests of Brassicaceae family. Plant essential oils contain compounds that showed ovicidial, repellency (anti-feeding), unproductive and toxic effects on insects. In this research, insecticidal activity and nymph production deterrent of five essential oils was studied on the cabbage aphid in the laboratory conditions under 25 ± 2°C, 65 ± 5 % RH and 16L:8D photoperiods. Mortality was evaluated at six different concentrations that ranging from 0.71 to 226.67 µL/L air, and with 6 replications at the interim of 24 hours. The results showed that by increasing dose and time, mortality rate was also increased. The highest and the lowest mortality rate were recorded for Elettaria cardamomum and Citrus sinensis, respectively. Also the highest deterrence percentage is related to LC10 for E. cardamomum and the lowest belonged to LC10 for C. sinensis and Cinnamomum zeylanicum. It can be concluded that essential oil of E. cardamomum is an appropriate mix and can be used for control of the cabbage aphid in integrated pest management methods.

Effect of Indian spices on fibrinolytic activity on man

Background: Spices were one of the valuable items of trade in the ancient India. Herbalist and folk practitioners have used plant remedies for food, beverages, drugs and medicines centuries, but scientific research in needed to explore basic mechanism behind these wonderful natural ingredients. Spices having antioxidant potential and they are also potent inhibitors of tissue injury. spices does not provide extra calorie ,easily available and cheap, some of them like mace, greater cardamom and cinnamon reliable sources of antioxidants and other potential bioactive compounds in diet. This study thus help in establish role of some spices used in the kitchen for its aroma, flavour and taste which are potential to maintain a healthy heart. Methods: This was a cross sectional, observational, descriptive-analytic study and was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Rajasthan, India. The duration of study was 12 months, sample size was 30. Thirty patients without being any medical or systemic disease. Patients of age less than eighteen years were excluded from the study. All those who denied participation in the study. Approval from Institutional Ethics Committee was taken before starting the study. The study was explained to them in brief in a language they can understand. Consent of participants was taken in written informed consent form. All data collected were analysed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: Patients were having decreased fibrinolytic activity when they were subjected to bread and butter, while mean fibrinolytic activity increased by 48.21%, 41 %, 67% when combined with mace, cinnamon, greater cardamom, respectively. Conclusions: In present study we can conclude that administration of fatty diet decrease fibrinolysis to a significant extent while, administration of mace, greater cardamom and cinnamon along with fatty meal leads to significant increase in fibnolysis is activity in healthy subjects. The effect on fibnolysis is more pronounced with greater cardamom than cinnamon and mace.

Effect of Extractant and Temperature on Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Spices

Ten spices marketed in Jordan, (Syzygium aromaticum L., Coriadrum sativum L., Cuminum cyminum L.,Zingiber officinale Rosc., Elettaria cardamomum, Curcuma longa, Rhus coriaria L., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, Foeniculum vulgare Mill and Laurus nobilis L.) were investigated for their phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. The influence of different extractants (methanol, ethanol and acetone) at different temperatures (20, 40 and 60&degC) was examined. Results showed at 60&degC using methanol, cloves had the highest level of total phenolics (781.0 mg GAE/100g using acetone). At 40&degC, sumac and cloves had the highest amounts of total phenolics (343.9 mg/100g and 342 mg GAE/100g respectively). At 20&degC, cloves continued to have the highest amount of total phenolics (394.7 mg/100g) using methanol as extactant. Ethanol as extractant, cloves gave the highest level of phenolics (548 mg GAE/100g, 493.4 mg GAE/100g) at 60&degC, while at 20&degC cloves and sumac showed the highest concentrations of phenolics (350.8 mg GAE/100g and 342.8 mg GAE/100g respectively). Acetone as extractant at 60&degC, cloves had the highest levels of phenolics (781 mg GAE/100g) while at 40&degC and at 20&degC, sumac contributed the highest levels of total phenolics (583.2 mg GAE/100g and 754.5 mg GAE/100g). The total phenolics concentration varied significantly among the spices. Their values varied according to the extractant and extracting temperature. IC50 (radical scavenging activity) reflecting the antioxidant activity was presented. Results showed that cloves had the highest antioxidant activity while the cinnamon, turmeric and sumac had a appreciable level of antioxidant activity. Green cardamom and coriander had the lowest antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity was positively correlated with total phenolic compounds content of the investigated spices.

Temperature and Acidified Solvent Effect on Total Anthocyanins and RP-HPLC Phenolic Acids Determination in Selected Spices

Total anthocyanins of spices (Syzygium aromaticum L., Coriadrum sativum L., Cuminum cyminum L., Zingiber officinale Rosc., Elettaria cardamomum, Curcuma longa, Rhus coriaria L., Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, Foeniculum vulgare Mill and Laurus nobilis L.) were determined using acidified (1% HCl) solvents (methanol, ethanol and acetone) at three temperatures (20℃, 40℃ and 60℃). Also phenolic acids were separated and identified by RP-HPLC. Results showed that sumac and cinnamon had the highest levels of anthocyanins, while for the acetone the cinnamon indicated the highest amount of anthocyanins when methanol and ethanol were used as extracting solvents at 20℃. At 40℃ using ethanol, sumac showed the highest level of anthocyanins whereas acetone solvent yielded the highest anthocyanin contents for cinnamon. At 60℃, cinnamon showed the highest level of anthocyanins when methanol and acetone were the solvents, while sumac had the highest anthocyanins level using ethanol as solvent. HPLC results showed ten phenolic acids found in those spices and varied in their concentrations. Gallic acid had the highest level (1642.3 mg/100g) (cloves). Gentisic acid had the lowest level (1.2 mg/100g) in ginger. Also sumac showed the highest level of chlorogenic acid (1528.7 mg/100g). Some acids were not found in some spices, for instance, benzoic acid was not found in coriander, cumin, ginger, green cardamom, cinnamon and sweet laurel.

Dissipation kinetics and effect of processing on imidacloprid and its metabolites in cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton).

Dissipation behaviour of the chloronicotinyl insecticide, imidacloprid (Tatamida 17.8 % SL), in fresh and cured cardamom capsules was studied following application at doses 20 and 40 g a.i. ha(-1) in a cardamom plantation of Indian Cardamom Hills (ICH), Idukki, Kerala, India. A single-laboratory ultra performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the estimation of imidacloprid and its six metabolites (5-hydroxy, olefin, guanidine, urea, 6-chloronicotinic acid and nitrosimine) in fresh and cured cardamom. At the lower dose, the initial deposits of total imidacloprid residues were 1.91 and 7.23 μg g(-1), respectively, in fresh and cured cardamom. At the higher dose, the initial residues were 3.94 and 14.72 μg g(-1), respectively, in fresh and cured capsules. The residues dissipated below the quantitation level of 0.01 μg g(-1) after 21 and 28 days at lower dose and after 28 days for both at higher dose. The half-lives of imidacloprid in fresh and cured cardamom were 4.02 and 3.63 days, respectively, at lower dose and 3.61 days for both at higher dose. The waiting periods of imidacloprid on fresh and cured cardamom at lower and higher doses were 21.40, 27.10, 23.85 and 30.70 days, respectively. The mean processing factor of imidacloprid was 3.96 at 20 g a.i. ha(-1). Amongst metabolites of imidacloprid, urea had maximum residues in fresh and cured cardamom followed by 5-hydroxy and guanidine. Other metabolites such as 6-chloronicotinic acid, olefin and nitrosimine were not detected either in fresh or cured cardamom.

Identification of Cardamom Encapsulated Alginate–Whey Protein Concentrates Microcapsule Release Kinetics and Mechanism during Storage, Stew Process and Oral Consumption

AbstractIn this paper, cardamom (CM) encapsulated alginate–whey protein concentrates microcapsule was fabricated using emulsification/internal gelation technique. Release profile was obtained at different conditions, including storage, stew processing and simulated mouth situations. Release kinetic was investigated by various kinetic models, and then diffusion coefficient was obtained for all conditions. Finally, release behaviors of CM through microcapsule were investigated via the agent‐based modeling in NetLogo platform. It was found that the release media temperature, pH and shear force were significantly affected by the release rate and diffusion coefficient. The CM release data fit well to the First‐order model, Korsmeyer–Peppas model and First‐order models at consumption, storage time and stew process conditions, respectively, with correlation coefficient values greater than 0.93. Our findings corroborated that classical Fickian diffusion is the main mechanism for CM release at all conditions. Results also showed that we can easily use designed agent‐based model for flavor release.Practical ApplicationsCardamom has antiviral, antispasmodic, analgesic, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal activities; it is used for flavoring, drug or perfume. Because the availability and stability of cardamom essential oils are affected by processing, storage and consumption condition it is important to encapsulate cardamom essential oil in order to increase the stability and limit the degradation. The ultimate purpose of this research is to investigate the CM release from microcapsule at the special product (especially black tea, sour tea, green tea, cowslip tea, etc.) during a stew process or drug delivery. In summary, this research suggested that this microcapsule can protect cardamom essential oil for a long time in aqueous phase; on the other hand, the better release of CM occurred at above temperatures.

Addition of Cardamom and Ginger for the Flora of Maharashtra

Addition of Cardamom and Ginger for the Flora of Maharashtra

Application of Seed Treatments to Increase Germinability of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) Seeds under in vitro Conditions

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) has great commercial value as a spice in Sri Lanka. Due to the presence of hard seed coat, cardamom has low seed germination potential. Therefore the present study was conducted to study the potential to improve the seed germination by applying different mechanical, physical and chemical treatments and to develop a cost effective and rapid seed germination method in in vitro conditions.Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with ten replicates was used for the study. The seeds of cardamom were treated with 40 different seed treatments and surface sterilized by using 20% clorex. MS basal medium was used without plant growth regulators and solidified by 0.6% agar. Anova (DMRT) test showed that there were significant effects at p<0.05 level on seed germination of cardamom seeds with different seed treatments.According to the results 50% HNO3 for 15 min exposure was the best treatment to obtain higher number of germinated seeds (90%) within 6 weeks upto 0.6 cm height. The second and third best treatments were 75% HNO3 for 15 min and 75% HNO3 for 10 min which showed 80% and 65% seed germination percentages respectively. This experiment showed chemical treatment (HNO3) is the best to induce seed germination of E. cardamomum in in vitro conditions. The results obtained in this study will be important for plant breeders and farmers who cultivate these species commercially.

DETERMINATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF SOME IMPORTANT SPICES

Wide range of plant extracts are used for medicinal purposes as they are very cheap, efficient, harmless and do not cause any side effects. Spices are parts of different plants and they add special aroma and taste to the food preparations. The aim of the study was to determine the antimicrobial activity of some important naturally grown spices against gram positive and gram negative pathogenic bacteria. Antibacterial activity of the spices was tested against gram positive bacteria Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus and gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using aqueous, ethanolic, methanolic and liquid nutrient extracts. Among all the extracts tested alcoholic extracts of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamom), clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) and lemongrass (Cymbopogoncitratus) showed maximum antimicrobial activity against gram negative bacteria while alcoholic extract of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamom) and lemongrass (Cymbopogoncitratus) showed maximum activity against gram positive bacteria. All the spices tested in this study proved that they have antibacterial activity and the maximum activity index (1.39) was exhibited by the ethanol extract of cardamom against E.coli.

Green and Black Cardamom in a Diet-Induced Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome

Both black (B) and green (G) cardamom are used as flavours during food preparation. This study investigated the responses to B and G in a diet-induced rat model of human metabolic syndrome. Male Wistar rats were fed either a corn starch-rich diet (C) or a high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet with increased simple sugars along with saturated and trans fats (H) for 16 weeks. H rats showed signs of metabolic syndrome leading to visceral obesity with hypertension, glucose intolerance, cardiovascular remodelling and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Food was supplemented with 3% dried B or G for the final eight weeks only. The major volatile components were the closely related terpenes, 1,8-cineole in B and α-terpinyl acetate in G. HB (high-carbohydrate, high-fat + black cardamom) rats showed marked reversal of diet-induced changes, with decreased visceral adiposity, total body fat mass, systolic blood pressure and plasma triglycerides, and structure and function of the heart and liver. In contrast, HG (high-carbohydrate, high-fat + green cardamom) rats increased visceral adiposity and total body fat mass, and increased heart and liver damage, without consistent improvement in the signs of metabolic syndrome. These results suggest that black cardamom is more effective in reversing the signs of metabolic syndrome than green cardamom.

1,8-cineol-rich Cardamom Seed (Elettaria cardamomum) Extracts Using Green Technologies and Conventional Extractions: Process Analysis, Phytochemical Characterization, and Food Application

Extract from cardamom seeds (Elettaria cardamomum) having highest content of 1,8-cineol was obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) with a sample size of 25 g at 50°C, 200 bar after 90 min at a flow rate of 2 L/min of gaseous CO2, compared to those obtained by hydro-distillation, organic solvent, liquid CO2, and subcritical CO2 extractions. This extract had the best combination of phytochemical properties such as phenolic content, reducing power, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potency. Cardamom extract-enriched custard was formulated using this extract which showed promise as a nutraceutical product.

Assessment of hormone-like activities in Ginkgo biloba, Elettaria cardamomum and Plantago ovata extracts using in vitro receptor-specific bioassays

Medicinal plants are widely used for the treatment of diseases and for the development of new drugs. This study was designed to determine the presence of hormone-like activities dependent on the activation of human estrogen receptor alpha (hERa) and/or androgen receptor (hAR) in methanol extracts prepared from three medicinal plants historically and currently used for therapeutic purposes: Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBL), Elettaria cardamomum seeds (ECS) and Plantago ovata seeds (POS). After a solid–liquid extraction (SLE) step, their effects on hERa function were assessed in MCF-7 breast cancer cells using the E-Screen bioassay, and their ability to induce hAR-mediated reporter gene expression was evaluated using the androgen-sensitive stable prostatic PALM cell line. Unlike POS extracts, GBL and ECS extracts showed estrogenic (0.07 and 0.20 nM E2Eq mg–1, respectively) and anti-estrogenic (0.01 and 0.02 μM ICI182780Eq mg–1, respectively) activities. ECS extracts evidenced androgenic activity (0.30 nM R1881Eq mg–1) and POS extracts anti-androgenic activity (22.30 μM ProcEq mg–1). According to these findings, these plant extracts may interfere with the endocrine system via one or more hormonal receptors, and further investigation is warranted into their role as endocrine disrupters in humans.