Elletaria Cardamomum Research Articles

Anti-biofilm Potential of Elletaria cardamomum Essential Oil Against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium JSG 1748.

Foodborne pathogens, microbial recurrent infections, and antibiotic resistance have driven researchers to explore natural compounds as safe alternative antimicrobials. In this study, the chemical profile, antimicrobial, and mutagenic activities of the Elletaria cardamomum essential oil were investigated. GC-MS analysis identified the major bioactive components as α-terpinyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, linalool acetate, and sabinene, at concentrations of 34.95, 25.30, 8.13, and 5.48% respectively, of the essential oil’s content. Regarding antimicrobial activity, the minimum inhibitory concentration of green cardamom essential oil was 1% against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 14213. Green cardamom essential oil, when used at concentrations of 0.015, 0.031, 0.062, and 0.125% (v/v) prevented biofilm formation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by 64.29, 65.98, 70.41, and 85.59%, respectively. Furthermore, these concentrations inhibited 6.13, 45.50, 49.45, and 100%, respectively, of the Salmonella Typhimurium JSG 1748 biofilm. A mutagenicity assay confirmed that green cardamom essential oil has no demonstrable mutagenic activity against the tested strains. The study’s findings suggest that green cardamom derived bioactive compounds are safe organic antimicrobials, effective in controlling biofilm formation by Gram-negative pathogens. Moreover, such compounds could possibly be used in the food industry (e.g., bakery, dairy, meat, and other food products) as a safe alternative to chemical preservatives (antimicrobials) to enhance shelf life by improving the antimicrobial status while at the same time imparting a pleasant and appealing aroma for consumers.

IMMUNOENHANCING POTENTIALS OF SIDDHA MEDICINAL PLANTS-A REVIEW

Background: Rapid spread of coronavirus infection and increased mortality rate in people with weaker immunity and co-morbidities has made the world petrified. Immunity plays a dominant role in fighting against COVID19. Siddha medicine, an indigenous system not only indicates curative but also preventive medicines that have immune-enhancing potential. Materials and Methods: In Siddha literature, 20 medicinal plants have been indicated for fever, cough, throat infection, lung infection, respiratory diseases which can be correlated with the symptoms of COVID19. The following plants possessing rejuvenating potency were selected and reviewed for its immune-enhancing potentials. Terminalia chebula, Phyllanthus niruri, Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, Piper longum, Curcuma longa, Elletaria cardamomum, Cuminum cyminum, Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera, Vitex negundo, Alpinia galanga, Phyllanthus emblica, Syzigium aromaticum, Alstonia scholaris, Andrographis paniculata, Euphorbiahirta, Allium sativum, Aloe barbadensis, Trigonella foenum graecum. Results: Reviewed medicinal plants exhibited a good remedy for respiratory infections, inhibited the inflammatory cytokines, induced proliferation of lymphocytes, and enhanced both the innate and adaptive immunity thus improve host resistance. Conclusion: 20 medicinal plants revealed immune-enhancing potentials. Among 20 medicinal plants Alpinia galanga, Allium Sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Curcuma longa, Phyllanthus emblica, shows profound effects on inflammatory cytokines, lymphopenia, decreases NLR (Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio) a marker of systemic inflammation in COVID19. Hence, these medicinal plants can alleviate the symptoms, improves the immune response, and might lower the mortality rate of COVID19. In the future, to establish a Polyherbal drug formulation for COVID19, these medicinal plants should undergo various research studies to explore its possible effects. Results: Reviewed medicinal plants exhibited a good remedy for respiratory infections, inhibited the inflammatory cytokines, induced proliferation of lymphocytes, and enhanced both the innate and adaptive immunity thus improve host resistance. Conclusion: 20 medicinal plants revealed immune-enhancing potentials. Among 20 medicinal plants Alpinia galanga, Allium sativum, Andrographis paniculata, Curcuma longa, Phyllanthus emblica, shows profound effects on inflammatory cytokines, lymphopenia, decreases NLR (Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio) a marker of systemic inflammation in COVID19. Hence, these medicinal plants can alleviate the symptoms, improves the immune response, and might lower the mortality rate of COVID19. In the future, to establish a Polyherbal drug formulation for COVID19, these medicinal plants should undergo various research studies to explore its possible effects.

Direct analysis of essential oils by means of TXRF spectrometry

Direct analysis of essential oil has been performed for estimation of the elemental content in five different extracted essential oils from the leaves of different plants, namely, Mentha longifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis, Ocimum basilicum, Elletaria cardamomum, and Lavandula hybrida. A benchtop total reflection X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer with a maximum power of 40 W was used for this purpose. Fourteen elements have been quantified in most of the extracted essential oil samples, and their limits of detection were determined. The detected elements are P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Ni, and Hf. The validity of the present method was demonstrated using a standard reference material of organometallic oil sample. Two extraction methods of essential oils from leaves of the mentioned plants are evaluated, namely, classical hydro‐distillation and microwave‐assisted hydro‐distillation. The quantitative elemental analysis of the extracted essential oils using the two extracted methods was studied and compared.

Comparative phytochemical analysis and total phenolic content of indige-nous spices

The necessity of culinary herbs in human life, spices plays a major role as they are versatile in feature. Indigenous spices, the spices which is cultivated and developed naturally in its own place (India). This current research was to compare and analyse the phytochemical and total phenolic content of indigenous spices. The major indigenous spices which we are using in day to day life such as Elletaria cardamomum (cardamom), Cinnamomum vernum (Cinnamon), Cuminum cyminum (Cumin), Trigonella foenum-graecum (Fenugreek), Coraindrum sativum (Corainder). The phytochemical analysis tests such as test for carbohydrates, flavanoids, alkaloids and terpenoids were done using the extract of above mentioned spices. The phenolic content was measured using folin ciolcaletu’s reagent. The phytochemicals such as phylobattaninns, carbohydrates, flavanoids, alkaloids and terpenoids were present in the collected indigenous spices. The comparative phytochemical analysis and total phenolic content of selected indigenous spices was found and its uses were compared.

ВЛИЯНИЕ МНОГОКОМПОНЕНТНОГО РАСТИТЕЛЬНОГО СРЕДСТВА НА ФИЗИЧЕСКУЮ ВЫНОСЛИВОСТЬ В ТЕСТЕ ВЫНУЖДЕННОГО ПЛАВАНИЯ

The effect of preventive administration of the complex phytopreparation "tetraphyton" has been studied in experiments on rats. Tetraphyton developed on the base of Tibetan formula is the dry extract derived from species of plant material: roots of Inula helenium L., roots of Zingiber officinale Roscoe, fruits of Elletaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, offshoots of Caragana spinosa (L.) Wall. ex Hornem., characterized for the content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, terpenoids. The preventive course introduction of tetraphyton in a dose 100 mg/kg for 7 days before experiment increases the potential for physical performance, increasing overall physical endurance against a background of intense physical exertion by 73 % (p < 0.05), prevents fatigue. It is shown that increase in the physical performance of rats in the experimental group is due to increase in the efficiency of the energy supply system in skeletal muscles and myocardium: a significant increase in the content of ATP (by 13 % and 2.5 times); decrease in lactate and pyruvate content (by 33 and 30 %; p < 0.05); increased glycogen content in the liver by 23 %, blood glucose by 19 %. The increase in catalase, SOD, and gSh levels (5 %, 19 %, 79 %; p < 0.05) indicates an increase in the power of the antioxidant defense of the organism and causes the cytoprotective effect of tetraphyton, confirmed by a decrease in fermentemia (lactate dehydrogenase, kreatinphosphokinase - 49 % and 43 %; p < 0.05). The main molecular-cellular mechanisms of the actoprotective action of the phytoadaptogen is the inhibition of the lipid peroxidation of cell membranes and a significant increase in the capacity of the endogenous antioxidant enzyme system that promotes the preservation of the integrity of skeletal muscles and the myocardium. This is due to the presence of phenolic compounds in the chemical composition that have direct antiradical action and increase the power endogenous antioxidant system.

A Review of Herbal Medicines for Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy in Traditional Persian Medicine

Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) is one of the prevalent pregnancy complaints. This study was conducted to review the medicinal plants mentioned in Traditional Persian Med­icine (TPM) for the treatment of NVP. A literature research was conducted on a number of main references of TPM, including the books of al-Qanun fī al-Teb, Zakhireye Kharazmshahi, Tadbir-al-Habali al- Atfal al-Sabiban and Makhzan-al-Adviah. Then, medicinal plants mentioned in TPM for treatment of NVP were determined and searched in electronic databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar to find studies that confirmed their efficacy. The search terms were ‘‘vomiting’’ or ‘‘nausea’’ or “emesis” and “pregnancy” and the name of each herb. Data were collected for the years 1990–2016. The findings included 10 plants. Citrus limon (Lemon), Citrus medica L. (Citron), Cydonia oblonga (Quince), Elletaria cardamomum (Cardamom), Mentha spicata L. (Spearmint), Menatha piperita (Mint), Myristica fragrans Houtt (Nutmeg), Pistacia lentiscus Linn. (Mastic), Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate), Malus domestica Borkh (Apple), and Piper cubeba L. are the most recommended medications for NVP. There is evidence in human studies for some of these medicinal plants (Mentha Piperita L., Citrus limon, Elletaria cardamom, and Cydonia oblonga Mill). The other mentioned herbs have not been evaluated during pregnancy. There is limited evidence to safely recommend these plants for NVP. Although some human studies have suggested the antiemetic effects of TPM remedies, their safety is not sufficiently documented in modern literature. Scientific studies on these medicinal plants during pregnancy are warranted to determine their safety. [GMJ.2017;6(4):281-90] DOI: 10.22086/gmj.v0i0.809

Evaluating the antimicrobial potential of green cardamom essential oil focusing on quorum sensing inhibition of Chromobacterium violaceum.

Spices are well known for their taste and flavor imparting properties. Green cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum), a herb spice belongs to family Zingiberaceae. In current study, GC-MS analysis of green cardamom essential oil (CEO) resulted in identification of twenty-six compounds with α-terpinyl acetate (38.4%), 1,8-cineole (28.71%), linalool acetate (8.42%), sabinene (5.21%), and linalool (3.97%) as major bioactive components. Present study also described the antimicrobial properties like zone of inhibition, minimum inhibitory concentration against microbial strains with special emphasis on quorum sensing inhibition. Disk diffusion assay showed that C. albicans and S. mutans were the most sensitive microorganisms followed by S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, B. cereus and S. typhimurium sensor strains, respectively. Whilst P. aeruginosa was found most resistant strain as CEO did not inhibited its growth. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of CEO against tested strains were 10±0.00mg/mL against S. typhimurium, S. aureus and 5±0.00mg/mL against S. mutans, C. albicans strains, respectively. Regarding quorum sensing inhibition the tested concentrations 0.625 and 0.313mg/mL of CEO inhibited violacein production with very little effect on growth of C. violaceum. Conclusively, study proved that quorum sensing inhibition values of CEO were much lower compared to MIC revealed values. Hence, cardamom bioactive constituents can effectively be used to develop novel antimicrobial drugs against conventional antibiotics.

Effect of Certain Essential oils on Dissolution of Three Commercial Gutta-percha Brands

The purpose of this study was to test the ability of some essential oils to dissolve three types of commercial gutta-percha brands which are commonly used in Egypt. The chemical composition of three commercially available gutta-percha brands (Hygenic, Maillefer and Meta) was determined using X-ray, FTIR and elemental microanalysis. Essential oils from thirty medicinal plants representing the six most famous families of aromatic plants growing in Egypt were extracted by steam distillation and tested for dissolving the gutta-percha brands. Essential oils from the peels of Citrus x sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Navel orange), C. deliciosa Tenora (Common mandarin) and C. x aurantium L.(Bitter orange)(Rutaceae) showed the highest dissolution rate. The essential oils from the aerial parts of Origanum syriacum L. and Lavandula hyprida Reverchon cv. Grosso (Labiateae) showed complete dissolution at 40oC, also essential oils from the seeds of Elletaria cardamomum (Cardamom) Matonvar. miniscula Burkill (Zingibraceae) showed similar dissolution at 40oC. GC-MS analysis was performed on six essential oils representing the three effective families in order to correlate their composition with their dissolution efficiency.

Antifungal activity of essential oils and their volatile constituents against respiratory tract pathogens causing Aspergilloma and Aspergillosis by gaseous contact

Aspergillosis is an acute chronic and rapidly fatal disease which is not contagious. Invasive Aspergillosis is often found in severely immuno-suppressed patients, and is characterized by invasion of blood vessels which can result into dissemination to other organs. Aspergilloma is a fungal ball that develops in previous cavitary lung lesions. Essential oils and their volatile constituents have been used as antifungal, anti-infectious and antimicrobial agents. Inhalation of vapours of the essential oils kill invaders attached to the inner respiratory lining and worksynergistically with the body defences. In this study, 16 essential oils were used against Aspergillus niger and A. fumigatus of which about 14 oils proved to be effective. Results showed that the most effective oils against both Aspergillus species were found to be of Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon), Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Carum carvi (Caraway), Cymbopogon citrates (Lemongrass), Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel) and Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg). Moderately effective oils were of Gaultheria procumbens (Wintergreen), Pinus palustris (Turpentine), Sesamum indicum (Sesame), Trachyspermum ammi (Ajowain) and Origanum vulgare (Oregano). The oils of Lavandula augustifolia (Lavender), Elletaria cardamomum (Cardamon) and Cymbopogon nardus (Citronella) showed minimum activity. Azadirachta indica (Neem) and Linum usitatissimum (Linseed) showed no activity giving no inhibition zones.

Investigatins of Essential Oil and N-Hexane Extract of Elletaria cardamomum Seed

GC-MS analysis of the essential oil of Elletaria cardamomum seeds purchased from the Egyptian market (Guatemala origin) and prepared by hydrodistillation (sample I) and n-hexane extraction (sample II) revealed the presence of 63 compounds. Both were found respectively rich in monotrpenes (46.40 % and 39.74 %), esters (38.92 % and 12.36 %), aromatic hydrocarbons (21.61 % only in sample II), sesquiterpenes (2.73 % and 3.59 %), sesquiterpene alcohols (12.64 % and 10.73 %), aldehydes (2.34 % only in sample II) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (0.27 % and 2.36 %). 1, 8-cineole, terpineol, terpinyl ester were the major constituents in the oil samples. MS analysis of the five compounds isolated from the waxy residue of the n-hexane extract indicated the presence of: cholest-8(14)-en-ol acetate, 3β-hydroxy-5,7,22-ergostatriene, β-sitosterol, isopalmitic acid (14-methyl pentadecanoic acid) and palmitic acid. The effect of the essential oil on CCl4-induced liver damage in rats showed a reduction in lipid peroxidation and levels of serum enzymes alanin transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). On the other hand, there was a significant increase in the trace minerals (copper, zinc and selenium) and glutathione.

Solvent free microwave extraction of Elletaria cardamomum L.: A multivariate study of a new technique for the extraction of essential oil

The solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) of cardamom essential oil ( Elletaria cardamomum L.) was studied. A multivariate study based on a central composite design (CCD) was used to evaluate the influence of three major variables affecting the performance of the solvent-free microwave extraction of cardamom seed. The yield and the composition of the essential oils from the dry cardamom seeds obtained by SFME were determined, and compared with those obtained by the traditional hydro-distillation (HD). Statistical treatment of the results provided by the CCD revealed that the selected parameters: extraction time, irradiation power and moisture content of the seeds were significant. The essential oils were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Essential oils provided by SFME are dominated by the oxygenated fraction which is the more valuable and composed of highly odoriferous aromatic compounds. Cardamom seeds treated by SFME and HD were observed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Micrographs provide more evidence of the destruction of cardamom seeds treated by SFME, in contrast to conventional hydro-distillation.

A trial of a mixture of three essential oils in the treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting

Summary The management of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) that occurs in 30% of all surgical cases is indispensable for a rapid recovery, patient comfort and the overall image of general anaesthesia. Currently, allopathic drugs proposed in surgery include major drugs such as morphine as well as analgesics of class IIB such as Nefopam and Tramadol. We wanted to demonstrate that it is possible to treat these negative effects of anaesthesia with a mixture of three essential oils via percutaneous application on the anterolateral aspect of the neck. This study comprised of 73 cases and used a mixture of Zingiber officinale (ginger), Elletaria cardamomum (cardamom) and Artemisia dracunculus (tarragon) essential oils in equal parts. The results were collected approximately 30 min following application as soon as the symptoms appeared in the theatre recovery room. Seventy five percent of cases had a favourable outcome. The best results were obtained with patients who had received a single drug that provoked the symptoms. In all other cases, results were reduced to a 50% success rate.

Bioactivities of essential oil from Elletaria cardamomum (L.) Maton. to Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky and : Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

Contact and fumigant toxicities and antifeedant activity of the essential oil of cardamom, Elletaria cardamomum, to two stored-product insects, Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum, were investigated. Topical application was employed for contact toxicity studies, and filter paper impregnation was used for testing fumigant action. The adults of S. zeamais and T. castaneum were equally susceptible to the contact toxicity of the oil at the LD 50 level, with LD 50 values of 56 and 52 μg mg −1 insect respectively. However, S. zeamais was more susceptible than T. castaneum at the LD 95 level. For fumigant toxicity, S. zeamais adults were more than twice as susceptible as T. castaneum adults at both LD 50 and LD 95 levels. Furthermore, 12-day larvae of T. castaneum were more tolerant than the adults to the contact toxicity of the oil, but 14- and 16-day larvae had the same susceptibility as the adults. The susceptibility of the larvae to contact toxicity increased with age. In contrast, all the larvae (12–16 days old) of T. castaneum were much more tolerant than the adults to the fumigant action, and larvae of different ages had similar susceptibility. Cardamom oil applied to filter papers in the concentration range 1.04–2.34 mg cm −2 significantly ( P<0.05) reduced the hatching of T. castaneum eggs and the subsequent survival rate of the larvae. Adult emergence was also drastically reduced by cardamom oil. When applied to rice or wheat, the oil totally suppressed F1 progeny production of both insects at a concentration of 5.3×10 3 ppm. Feeding deterrence studies showed that cardamom oil did not have any growth inhibitory or feeding deterrence effects on either adults or larvae of T. castaneum. However, it significantly reduced all the nutritional indices of the adults of S. zeamais, but with very slight feeding deterrence (27%) at a concentration of 1.44×10 4 ppm.

Shoot initiation by humic acids of selected tropical crops grown in tissue culture

The effect of humic acid on shoot development from nodal segments in tissue culture was tested. The species wereGnetum gnemon, Elletaria cardamomum, andPogostemon cablin. Humic acids were extracted from a peat soil sampled from South Sumatra, Indonesia. Alkaline extraction was conducted on two series of 12-hour agitations followed by centrifugation and sedimentation at pH below 2. Explants were 1-cm long single nodes ofG. gnemon andP. cablin, and lateral buds ofE. cardamomum on MS medium. Benzyladenine was added at 0.1 mg/L for the first two and at 0.3 mg/L for the latter. The treatments included six, seven, and eight levels of humic acid concentrations for the respective species in a completely randomized design with 10 replicates. Effect of the treatment was evaluated on the basis of the initiation period of shoots and/or roots, and the number and height of the shoots. The initiation period of the shoots was significantly shortened in the presence of humic acids. Root initiation was significantly induced especially when humic acids were used in liquid medium. In combinations with BA, the addition of humic acids at 400 mg/L, 40 mg/L, and 300 mg/L yielded the fastest growth ofG. gnemon, E. cardamomum, andP. cablin, respectively.

Thin Layer Chromatographic Detection of Amomum subulatum Roxb in Elletaria cardamomum Maton

Abstract A thin layer chromatographic method has been developed that distinguishes and differentiates true cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum Maton) and greater cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb). Extracted volatile oils are chromatographed on silica gel G with n-hexanediethyl ether (80+20) solvent system and visualized with a saturated solution of antimony trichloride in chloroform. The chromatographic pattern permits the detection of adulteration of one by the other at levels as low as 5%.

Ovicidal Activity of Essential Oils against Red Flour Beetle, &lt;i&gt;Tribolium castaneum&lt;/i&gt; (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Context: The essential oils are being tried as potential candidates for pest and disease management. Several essential oils of botanical origin have been reported for their repellant, toxic and developmental inhibitory activities. The ovicidal effect of essential oil is probably the major factor in the suppression of the development of adults from treated eggs.Objectives: To investigate the ovicidal effect of vapours of five essential oils viz., cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum L.), cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), clove (Sygium aromaticum L. Merrill. et. Perry), Eucalyptus spp. and neem (Azadirectica indica A. juss) against the eggs of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst).Materials and Methods: Ten eggs (24 h old) of T. castaneum were placed in each petridish with wheat flour as food medium and without flour medium and then the petridish were kept inside 650 ml jars with screwed lids. Aliquots of 0.5 ml of each dose of essential oils were applied on filter paper attached to the lower side of the lids. The exposure periods were 24, 48, 72 and 96 h, respectively. After treatment periods, petridishes were taken out of the jars and the final mortality counts were made after 11 days. Mortality data were subjected to probit analysis. Results: The oils had high-fumigant activity against eggs and toxicity progressively increased with increase in exposure time and concentration. At the highest concentration of 5.769 mg/l air and exposure period of 24 h, cinnamon oil achieved 100% mortality in flour and without flour media. The vapours of essential oils from cardamom and clove resulted in 100% mortality of the eggs. Neem oil achieved mortalities as high as 51.66 and 50% mortality at the highest concentration and exposure period in with-flour and without flour medium respectively. At a concentration of 5.769 mg/ l air cardamom oil, the LT90 values were 50.80 and 62.78 h for with-flour and without flour medium respectively.Conclusion: The essential oils of cinnamon and clove, proved to be promising as control agents against stored-product insects, especially T. castaneum.Key words: Essential oil; Fumigant toxicity; Ovicidal activity; Tribolium castaneumDOI: 10.3329/jbs.v17i0.7102J. bio-sci. 17: 57-62, 2009

Toxicity of Essential Oils Against Red Flour Beetle, &lt;i&gt;Tribolium castaneum&lt;/i&gt; (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Contact and fumigant toxicity of the three essential oils, viz., cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum Maton), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees), and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and Petry) were tested against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) larvae and adults. Residual film bioassay was employed in Petri dish (5 cm dia.) for contact toxicity studies and 6cm × 1.8cm glass vials were used for testing fumigation actions. Three day old adults and 10- day old larvae were equally susceptible to the contact toxicity of cinnamon oil, with LD50 values of 0.074 and 0.196 mg cm-2 respectively. Cardamom oil provided higher toxicity to 14-day and 18- day old larvae having LD50 value of 0.10mg cm-2. In fumigation bioassay cinnamon oil provided the highest toxicity to adult and 10-, 14-, and 18-day old larvae, with LD50 values of 0.03, 0.05, 0.088 and 0.09 mg cm-3 respectively. Furthermore, 10-day old larvae were more tolerant than the adults to the contact toxicity of the essential oils, but 14- day old larvae had the same susceptibility as the adults. In contact and fumigation toxicity adults and all stages of larvae were more resistant to clove oil. &#x0D; &#x0D; Key words: Bioassay; cardamom; clove; toxicity; essential oil&#x0D; &#x0D; J. bio-sci. 14: 1-9, 2006