Cardamom Research Articles

Plant Growth Inhibitory Activities and Volatile Active Compounds of 53 Spices and Herbs.

The inhibitory activities of the leachates and volatiles from 53 plant species (spices and herbs) were evaluated against lettuce (Lactuca sativa “Great Lakes 366”) seedling growth using the sandwich and dish pack methods, respectively. With the sandwich method, parsley (Petroselinum sativum) showed the strongest inhibitory effect on lettuce radicle growth (77%), followed by tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) (72%). However, caraway (Carum carvi), dill (Anethum graveolens) (seed), laurel (Laurus nobilis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and sage (Salvia officinalis) were the most inhibitory species (100% inhibition of lettuce radicle and hypocotyl growth inhibition at all distance wells) in the dish pack method. Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) also showed strong inhibitory activity (100% for radicle and hypocotyl growth inhibition at all 41 and 58 mm distance wells). The headspace sampling and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified the main inhibitory active compounds as carvone in caraway and dill (seeds), 1,8-cineole in laurel and cardamom, and borneol in thyme. Both camphor and 1,8-cineole were detected in rosemary and sage, and the total activity evaluation showed that camphor was the major inhibitory compound in rosemary, although both compounds played equal roles in sage.

SHELF-LIFE ASSESSMENT OF DANTASHODHANA PASTE (A POLYHERBAL TOOTHPASTE): A PRELIMINARY STUDY

Objective: Shelf life is the period during which the potency (Virya) of a drug remains unaffected due to environmental factors or from microbial contamination. Considering the growing popularity of Ayurveda products, it becomes important to maintain the quality of all such products. Shelf life is one of the essential components under quality and needs to be evaluated for all products. Dantashodhana paste (DP) is a polyherbal toothpaste containing Vyosha (Zingiber officinale Roxb., Piper nigrum Linn., and Piper longum Linn.), Trijata (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume., Elettaria cardamomum Maton., Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T.Nees and Eberm.), Tejovati (Zanthoxylum armatum DC.), Saindhava (rock salt), and other excipients.
 Methods: DP was prepared with the following standard guidelines. The samples were subjected to accelerated stability study by maintaining temperature and humidity 40±2°C and 75±5%, respectively. Relevant analytical parameters were analyzed at an interval of 0, 1, 3, and 6 months to check the degradation levels in the formulation.
 Results: DP was found to be free from microbial contamination. Heavy metals were within the prescribed limits for toothpaste complying the official standards. There were insignificant changes in physicochemical profiles at different intervals. On extrapolation of the observations, the shelf life of DP was found to be 12.16 years.
 Conclusion: Shelf life of DP is found to be much longer than the standards specified in the D and C act. This prolonged shelf life may be contributed to care taken during drug preparation, storage, and properties of herbal drugs used in the formulation.

Kakule, Ayçiçeği ve Çemen Otu Tohumları Ekstraktlarının Sazan Balığı (Cyprinus carpio L.) Sperm Motilitesine ve Oksidatif Strese In Vitro Etkileri

Bu çalışmanın amacı, üç farklı bitki familyasına ait olan kakule (Trigonella foenum-graecum, Fabaceae), Ayçiçeği (Helianthus annuus, Asteraceae) ve çemen otu (Elettaria cardamomum, Zingiberaceae) tohumu ekstraktlarının in vitro koşullar altında, sazan balığı (Cyprinus carpio L.) sperm hücrelerinin motilite parametrelerine ve oksidatif stres durumlarına etkilerini belirlemektir. Bu amaçla, %0,1, %0,5, %1 ve %2 oranlarındaki tohum ekstratları ile muamele edilen sperm örnekleri 4°C‘de muhafaza edilerek, 2. ve 48. saatte ölçümleri yapılmıştır. Sperm motilite parametrelerinden kavisli hareket hızı (VCL), ortalama hızı (VAP), ileri doğru doğrusal hareket hızı (VSL), doğruluk (STR), doğrusallık (LIN), sperm başı titreşim hareketi (WOB) tayinleri bilgisayar yardımlı sperm analizi (CASA) sistemi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre, Ayçiçeği ve çemen otu tohum ekstraktları, test edilen oranların tamamında motilite parametrelerini azaltıcı yönde tesir etmiştir. Buna karşın, 48. saatte %0,5 kakule tohumu ekstraktı kontrol grubu dâhil tüm gruplara kıyasla motilite parametrelerini yükseltmiştir. Ayrıca bu grupta, oksidatif stres göstergesi olarak ölçülen TBARS değerleri azalmıştır. %2 tohum ekstraktlarının tümü negatif olarak sperm örneklerini etkilemiştir. Özellikle, %2 Ayçiçeği tohum ekstratı grubu yüksek oksidatif strese neden olmuştur. Bu çalışmanın sonuçları, 4°C‘de sazan balığı sperm muhafazasında, ayçiçeği ve çemen otuna göre kakule tohum ekstraktının kullanımının daha uygun olduğunu göstermiştir.

Green cardamom mediated phytosynthesis of ZnONPs and validation of its antibacterial and anticancerous potential

Different conventional methods for synthesizing zinc oxide nano-particles (ZnONPs) significantly involves physical and chemical routes. But, often these synthesis processes are quite expensive and also involve the profuse use of many hazardous reagents. To overcome these problems, we have employed a convenient single step phytochemical synthesis of ZnONPs by using abundantly available bioresource, green cardamom. Aqueous extract of green cardamom served the purpose of reducing agent in the formation of ZnONPs, as the extract contains a high amount of flavonoids which hold great reducing properties. Various characterization analyses such as XRD, UV–vis, FTIR, SEM has been done to confirm the formation of ZnONPs and their size and shape. Antibacterial activity of the green ZnONPs was identified against Gram-positive as well as Gram-negative bacterial strains. Significant growth inhibition was found against all. The further anti-cancerous potential of synthesized nanoparticles was also studied on hepatocellular cell lines showing its potential to be a trustworthy anti-cancerous agent.

A Potential Green Medicine from Sri Lanka against the Major Cariogenic Bacterium, Streptococcus mutans

Dental caries is the most common infectious disease of mankind. S. mutans is the leading cariogenic bacterium involved in the pathogenesis of dental caries. In Sri Lankan folklore, a traditional betel quid (TBQ) which consists of Piper betle (leaves), Syzygium aromaticum (flower buds), Myristica fragrans (seed and mace), Elettaria cardamomum (fruits), Areca catechu (seeds), Kaempferia galanga (rhizomes) and Coriandrum sativum (seeds) is claimed to protect oral health. Recently, we have scientifically proven its antiperiodontopathic and antigenotoxic effects. In this study, we show the anticariogenic effect of this TBQ through its inhibitory effect on S. mutans. In agar well diffusion assay, hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts of this TBQ at a concentration of 100 mg/ml exhibited zones of inhibition with a diameter of 14.5±2.1, 15.5±3.5, 15.5±2.1, 13.8±1.8 mm respectively. Moreover, its ethyl acetate extract showed dose dependant S. mutans inhibitory effects and a MBC of 250 µg/ml. These findings indicate the potential of this TBQ to be developed into a green medicine against S. mutans and prevent dental caries.

Chemical composition and anti-scabies activity of essential oil of elettaria cardamomum maton. leaves

Chemical composition and anti-scabies activity of essential oil of elettaria cardamomum maton. leaves

Climate change impact and water productivity in black pepper and cardamom

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) are shade loving spice crops grown mostly in southern states of India viz. Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu mainly in Western Ghats region. Both the crops perform well in higher altitudes and high rainfall regions compared to lower altitudes and low rainfall regions. Nowadays, climate extremities such as floods and droughts, high temperature etc. have become more frequent in the growing regions leading to crop losses, increased incidence of pests and diseases and low yields. In this review, climate change impact on these crops and a few mitigation strategies are discussed. Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) and small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) are shade loving spice crops grown mostly in southern states of India viz. Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu mainly in Western Ghats region. Both the crops perform well in higher altitudes and high rainfall regions compared to lower altitudes and low rainfall regions. Nowadays, climate extremities such as floods and droughts, high temperature etc. have become more frequent in the growing regions leading to crop losses, increased incidence of pests and diseases and low yields. In this review, climate change impact on these crops and a few mitigation strategies are discussed.

Study the effect of some traditional plant extracts to Escherichia coli on Jeddah province

Plants are a source of chemical compounds such as alkaloids, steroids, essential and fixed oils, which can be used against many diseases. Here, we evaluated the aqueous and solvent extract of four plants (Syzygium aromaticum, Elettaria cardamomum, Nigella sativa, Capsicum annuum), and assessed their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli using will diffusion method after 24 h. The oil crude extract of S. aromaticum showed the highest antimicrobial activity, while the oil crude extract of C. annuum showed the lowest activity. Our study revealed that the utilization of aqueous and solvent extract of some traditional plants against E. coli would be an effective way in the management of some environmental bacterial diseases.

Use of Selected Essential Oils for Controlling Stem-end Rot Disease in Mango (cv. Karuthacolomban)

In Sri Lanka, stem-end rot (SER) caused by Lasiodiplodia sp. is the most common and serious disease that affects the mango cv. ‘Karuthacolomban’. At present, disease control is achieved with chemical fungicides which are hazardous to human health and environment. As such, this research looked into the possibility of using essential oils (EOs) as biological fungicides against Lasiodiplodia sp. in mango (cv. Karuthacolomban). Pure-grade Basil oil (Ocimum basilicum), Cardamom oil (Elettaria cardamomum), Citronella oil (Cymbopogon nardus L.), Lemon oil (Citrus limon), Mustard oil (Brassica juncea) and Orange oil (Citrus sinensis) were selected for the study. The most effective EOs against Lasiodiplodia sp. under in vitro conditions selected by a poisoned food bio-assay, were used in in vivo studies. The effect of the treatment on reducing disease development, organoleptic properties and the edibility of fruits after in vivo application was assessed. Twenty-four hours after artificial inoculation, fruits were dipped in the selected concentration of the EO solutions at room temperature or at 45˚C for 3 minutes and then stored under ambient conditions. Disease development, percentage weight loss, titrable acidity and total soluble solids contents were measured and a sensory evaluation with a taste panel was also carried out for the treated fruits. Results revealed that basil, cardamom (700 μl l-1) and citronella (400 μll-1) oils significantly reduced the growth of Lasiodiplodia sp. under in vitro conditions and cardamom oil (700 μl l-1) in warm water effectively reduced the severity of SER under in vivo conditions with no effect on sensory properties or physico-chemical quality parameters. Thus, plant EOs can serve as safe, eco-friendly and effective alternatives to synthetic fungicides.

Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of sitopaladi churna

Ayurvedic medicines are being used increasingly to fight or prevent common diseases. Sitopaladi churna is a polyherbal formulation containing Piper longum (Piperceae), Elettaria cardamom (Zingiberaceae), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Lauraceae). Methanolic and Aqueous extracts of Sitopaladi Churna was screened for their antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The results of antimicrobial activity of Aqueous and Methanolic extracts of the Sitopaladi churna indicated that methanolic extract inhibited the growth of one or more test pathogens than aqueous extract. Sitopaladi churna formulation extracts showed a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and triterpinoids. This may be due to the multifunctional effect of all the three plant ingredients of Sitopaladi churna.

Systematics Evaluations of Morphological Traits, Chemical Composition, and Antimicrobial Properties of Selected Varieties of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton

Elettaria cardamomum is cultivated in the Southern part of India showed great extinct of differences in their morphotypes and chemical compositions. In the present study, we have selected three varieties of Elettaria cardamomum “Valley Green, Palakuzhi, and ICRI”, to analyze the morphological perturbations, chemical compositions, and antimicrobial activities. The differences in the morphological character of cardamom varieties (Valley Green, Palakuzhi, and ICRI) were carried out on the basis of panicles, capsules shape, plant height, tiller, and seeds per capsule. The GC-MS analysis of the essential oils resulted in the identification of 27, 29, 30 compounds representing over 97.4%, 95.2%, and 98.8% of the Valley Green (VG), Palakuzhi (PAL), and ICRI fruit oils respectively. Monoterpene, α-terpinyl acetate varied from 35.4 to 47.5%, a major constituent while 1,8-cineole (22.8% to 27.4%) observed the second major compounds revealed in oils of these cultivars. Further, the antimicrobial activities of each essential oils were performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The maximum inhibition percentage against the microbes was observed in Valley Green essential oil as compared to oils of other varieties.

Current status of plant parasitic nematodes and their management of major spice crops

Major spices crops such as black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton.) and turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) production in India, is sustained losses due to several reasons. Among them, one of the major constraints are nematode infesting diseases, which causes significant yield losses and affecting their productivity. The major nematode pests infesting these crops include burrowing nematode Radopholus similis; root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica on black pepper. Whereas, lesion nematode, Pratylenchus sp., M. incognita and R. similis infesting cardamom and turmeric crops. Black pepper is susceptible to a number of diseases of which slow decline caused by R. similis and M. incognita or Phytophthora capsici either alone and in combination and root knot disease caused by Meloidogyne spp. are the major ones. Root knot disease caused by Meloidogyne spp. is major constraints in the successful cultivation and production in cardamom. Turmeric is susceptible to a number of diseases such as brown rot disease is caused by Fusarium sp. and lesion nematode, Pratylenchus sp. and root knot disease caused by M. incognita. Adoption of integrated pest management schedules is important in these crops since excessive use of pesticides could lead to pesticide residues in the produce affecting human health and also causing other ecological hazards.

Plant virus interaction mechanism and associated pathways in mosaic disease of small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) by RNA-Seq approach

Small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), grown in limited coastal tropical countries is one of the costliest and widely exported agri-produce having global turnover of >10 billion USD. Mosaic/marble disease is one of the major impediments that requires understanding of disease at molecular level. Neither whole genome sequence nor any genomic resources are available, thus RNA seq approach can be a rapid and economical alternative. De novo transcriptome assembly was done with Illumina Hiseq data. A total of 5317 DEGs, 2267 TFs, 114 pathways and 175,952 genic region putative markers were obtained. Gene regulatory network analysis deciphered molecular events involved in marble disease. This is the first transcriptomic report revealing disease mechanism mediated by perturbation in auxin homeostasis and ethylene signalling leading to senescence. The web-genomic resource (SCMVTDb) catalogues putative molecular markers, candidate genes and transcript information. SCMVTDb can be used in germplasm improvement against mosaic disease in endeavour of small cardamom productivity.Availability of genomic resource, SCMVTDb: http://webtom.cabgrid.res.in/scmvtdb/

A Comprehensive Physical, Chemical and Morphological Characterization of Novel Cellulosic Fiber Extracted from the Stem of Elettaria Cardamomum Plant

ABSTRACT To overcome the environmental regulations adopted across the globe in polymer composites, a natural fiber extracted from the waste stem of Elettaria cardamomum plant (ECF) was investigated for its suitability in polymer composites. Fundamental properties such as chemical, physical, thermal and surface morphology of ECF were evaluated using chemical composition analysis, optical microscope test, X-ray diffraction, Thermo-gravimetric and scanning electron microscope analysis. The chemical analysis outcomes revealed that ECF has a comparatively higher amount of cellulose (63.12 wt. %), lignin (16.5 wt. %) and lower hemicelluloses (13.7 wt. %), wax (1.5 wt. %) which is expected property of a reinforcement. Thermal analysis results demonstrated that ECF has thermal stability (up to 230°C). Surface morphological analysis showed that non-cellulosic materials and impurities existed on the surface of the ECF. So, mild surface treatment was recommended. Higher tensile strength (294 ± 1.62 MPa) and lower density (1470 Kg/m3) of ECF defined this as an appropriate fiber for reinforced composites.

A quantitative documentation of traditionally-used medicinal plants from Northeastern Algeria: Interactions of beliefs among healers and diabetic patients

The aim of the study was to quantitatively document the use of plant-based medicine for the management of diabetes in Northeastern Algeria. Samples of 300 diabetic patients and 20 traditional healers were interviewed in five districts within Northeastern Algeria. The study showed that 4 % of patients used phytotherapy in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), 26.3 % recommended the amalgamation of conventional medicine with phytotherapy as a complementary or alternative medicine against diabetes and 69.7 % preferred the use of drugs. Regarding patient satisfaction, only 107 valid responses were reported. The valid observation percentages (POs) included: good satisfaction (PO = 31.8 %), average satisfaction (PO = 56.1 %) and no satisfaction (PO = 12.1 %). A total of 27.0 % of patients reported adverse effects from the phytotherapy with 73.0 % reporting no adverse effects. Thirty-nine medicinal plants belonging to twenty-one plant families were cited in the treatment of diabetes in this area. The most prevalent plants used were Artemisia herba-alba Asso and Olea europaea L. For the traditional healers, seven species were predominantly recorded, based on their relative frequency citation (RFC) scores. Five medicinal plants are being reported for the first time in Algeria, as hypoglycemic plants (Saussurea lappa (Decne.) Sch.Bip., Origanum vulgare L., Alchemilla xanthochlora Rothm., Crataegus monogyna L., and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton.) The Pearson coefficient between RFC patients and herbalists was 0.685 (p < 0.01), which showed a positive association between the use of antidiabetic plants and their administration by herbalists.This study can be considered as the first attempt to document the commonly used medicinal plants against diabetes in Algeria. Efforts should be made to assess the use of these remedies in primary care through experimentation to improve the clinical practice of plant-based medicine in Algeria.

Decontamination of Bacillus cereus in cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) seeds by infrared radiation and modeling of microbial inactivation through experimental models

AbstractIn this work, infrared (IR) irradiation was used for inactivation of Bacillus cereus in cardamom seeds. The effect of IR power (100, 200, and 300 W), sample distance from radiation source (5, 10, and 15 cm) and holding times (0–11 min) was investigated on B. cereus count, as well as cardamom seeds color and temperature profiles. Inactivation of B. cereus on cardamom seeds during IR processing was demonstrated by experimental models. The highest reduction of B. cereus count (5.11 Log CFU/g) was achieved after 8 min IR irradiation at 300 W power and 15 cm distance. Measurement of temperature profiles revealed that there was a significant difference (p &lt; .05) between surface and center temperatures of the cardamom seeds. The green color (a* value) of cardamom seeds was slightly affected and the highest color change was observed at 200 W IR, 10 cm distance and 10 min irradiation that resulted in an increase of a* from −3.05 ± 0.96 to −0.05 ± 0.44. In conclusion, IR irradiation could be successful for decontamination of cardamom seeds without severe alteration of its quality. Among the experimental models for microbial inactivation during IR processing, the Double Weibull model had the highest coefficient value of determination (R2 = 0.9966).

Multilocus gene-specific characterization of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma australasia' associated with shoot proliferation disease of small cardamom in India.

Symptoms of excessive shoot proliferation were observed in the Njallani cultivar of small cardamom accompanied by stunting of stalks with fewer degenerated capsules at Nedumkandam Panchayat of Idukki district of Kerala in 2017. Five symptomatic Elettaria cardamomum shoot proliferation (ECSP) plant samples were collected and processed for DNA extraction and PCR assays utilizing universal phytoplasma 16S ribosomal-specific primers pair, P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. Sequence comparison analysis of the R16F2n/R16R2 region of 16SrRNA gene showed 100% sequence identity with the 'Candidatus Phytoplasma australasia'- related strain. Phylogeny and virtual RFLP analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed the association of 'Ca. P. australasia' strain subgroup D with ECSP disease. The association of 16SrII group was further established and validated by amplifying phytoplasma-specific multilocus candidate genes by utilizing specific primers of secA, secY, SAP11, and tuf genes. The multilocus gene sequence comparison analysis again confirmed the association of 'Ca. P. australasia' with the ECSP phytoplasma isolate. This is the first report of phytoplasma association with small cardamom.

Coriandrum sativum l. (apiaceae) and elettaria cardamomum (l.) maton (zingiberaceae) for antioxidant and antimicrobial protection

Spice plants are known for their compounds that are useful as foods flavoring, food preservatives, and medicines. This due to the presence of secondary metabolite compounds in plants such as terpenoids, flavonoids, phenols, and saponins. These compounds are known to be potential to inhibit microorganism’s growth causing decay in food and oxidation. The use of these sources for applications in the food sector is relatively safer and environmentally friendly than the use of antibiotics in general. This study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities from Coriandrum sativum L. (coriander) and Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton (cardamom). The essential oil extract from these plants was tested for phytochemical content qualitatively for terpenoid screening and by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS). Furthermore, the antioxidant activity from the oil extracts was tested by DPPH method. Meanwhile, their ability to inhibit gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli were tested by paper disc method. The phytochemical characterization showed a positive result of terpenoid and GC/MS result showed dominant of monoterpenes compounds, such as α-pinene and ß-pinene. The DPPH results revealed that the essential oils have different antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, whereas Coriander tends to have a higher antimicrobial activity, while Cardamom superior in antioxidant activity. These results will become the basis for the development of potential essential oil with the best antimicrobial activity for food active packaging materials.

Behavioral response of Sitophilus oryzae L. to repellent effect frompost-harvest waste of local cardamom

Post-harvest waste of local cardamom plants (Amomum cardamomum Wild.) such as stem and leaves have no economic value but potential as a bioinsecticide. It was known to contain insecticidally active ingredients. This study aimed to analyze the behavioral response of adult Sitophilus oryzae, L. under two shapes extract frompost-harvest wasteof local cardamom as the repellent control. Four doses, ranging from 25% to 100% of each treatment were tested using Y- tube olfactometer.The behavioral responsewas observed by the PreferenceIndex(PI) value and Percentage of Repellency (PR). The PI value was analyzed descriptively, while PR was analyzed by two way ANOVA. The data show that PI value is negativeat 75 and 100% doses both of cardamom plant.PR values were significantly under difference of doses and shape,whilethe optimally doses at 100% (LSD; α<0.05).PRvalue of extract was 57.6%, higher than the powder which was only 52.8%. It is found that rice weevil adult has the ability to respond behaviorally to post-harvest waste of local cardamom plants, but extract shape is more effective than powder. This study provides positive information about the potential that post-harvest waste of local cardamom as an economically-value bioinsecticide.

Botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry and biological activities of cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton] - A critical review.

Small cardamom [Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton. (Family: Zingiberaceae)] capsules (fruits) have been used for traditional medicine applications including for the control of asthma, teeth and gum infections, cataracts, nausea, diarrhea, as well as cardiac, digestive and kidney disorders. The versatile use of cardamom capsules has several other beneficial health effects that are relevant in light of traditional and modern pharmaceutical perspectives. This review aims to provide a critical and comprehensive evaluation of the traditional and current medical uses of E. cardamomum, and compare these applications with modern research studies. This critical review also discusses the botanical distribution, phytochemical constituents and biological activities of cardamom capsule extracts and essential oil. An online survey was conducted of the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological applications of cardamom essential oil (CEO) and extracts. Pertinent data were obtained from several electronic scientific databases (Science Direct, Elsevier, Web of Science, PubMed, Springer, ACS publications, Taylor and Francis, Wiley On-line Library and Google Scholar), and additional information was obtained from textbooks and local prints and scripts. Cardamom fruits (capsules) are used widely as a spice and flavoring ingredient in foods, and are often recognized for their beneficial health properties. They are also used in fragrances. Phytochemical analyses have described important chemical constituents of cardamom including carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, lipids, essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids and carotenoids. CEO has several biological roles including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anticancer, gastro-protective and insecticidal activities. The widespread availability and recommendation of synthetic compounds for addressing human health have several side effects besides higher costs. Hence, examining natural bioactive compounds is imperative. This review investigates and presents the pertinent information on cardamom and its traditional uses, as well as potential pharmacological properties of CEO and extracts. Additional research studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action of bioactive constituents.