Cardamom Research Articles

Potential action of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) against triple-negative breast cancer

Potential action of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) against triple-negative breast cancer

Enhancement of seedling quality in small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton.) through inoculation of VAM fungi and liquid microbial inoculants as PGPR

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of liquid microbial inoculants on quality seedlings production in small cardamom at ZAHRS, Mudigere, Karnataka during 2020-21with nine treatments and three replications in CRD. The results of study revealed that, among the different treatments studied, combined inoculation of liquid PGPR (Azotobacter chroococcum, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus mucilaginosus) and VAM recorded significantly maximum pseudostem height, pseudostem girth, number of leaves, leaf area, leaf area index, total chlorophyll content, total dry matter production, number of primary and secondary roots, root length, root thickness, root volume, total dry matter production, tillering percentage, Dickson quality index and volume index at 150 days after inoculation in the secondary nursery. Similarly, significantly higher microbial population in terms total bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were observed in the nursery media with conjuctive use of liquid microbial inoculants and VAM.

Formulation of Herbal Tea from Nepalese Medicinal Plants: Phenolic Assay, Proximate Composition and In-vivo Toxicity Profiling of Medicinal Plants with Nutritive Benefits

Herbal tea, also known as tisane, is a beverage made from the infusion or decoction of plant material in hot water. True tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, while tisane (herbal tea) comes from a water-based infusion of herbs, spices, flowers, leaves etc. This study aimed to formulate and determine the nutraceutical value (proximate analysis), phytochemical value (total phenolic content) and in-vivo toxicity of the different medicinal plants used to prepare three different types of herbal tea formulations. Natural Product Research Laboratory (NPRL)-1 [Asparagus officinalis L., Phyllanthus emblica L., Mentha piperita L., Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze], NPRL-2 [Ocimum tenuiflorum L., Bergenia ciliate (Haw.) Sternb., Elettaria cardamom (L.) maton and Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze] and NPRL-3 [Salvia rosmarinus Spenn., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Senegalia catechu (L.f.) P.J.H.Hurter & Mabb. Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton and Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal] herbal tea formulations were prepared from these selected medicinal plants. They were respectively tested for their properties. All the plants included were highly nutritional and none were found toxic. The results suggested that herbal tea made up of these potent plants’ parts can be a good choice for health-promoting benefits. These formulations could further be studied for their other beneficial activities.

Kakule Ekstraktının Adjuvan Kombinasyonu ile Meme Kanseri Hücre Hattı Üzerinde İmmünostimülan/Sitotoksik Etkisinin İncelenmesi

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women and is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths. It is caused by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the breast tissue as a result of various factors. For the treatment of breast cancer, chemical drugs are utilized generally. However, chemical cancer drugs have a cytotoxic effect on healthy cells. That causes dose limitation and a decrease in the effectiveness of the treatment. For this reason, herbal-based studies in the treatment of breast cancer become popular day by day. In the literature, the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of many plants have been analyzed and their effectiveness has been proven. Diindolylmethane (DIM) and indole-3-carbinol (I3C) molecules found in Elettaria Cardamomum (E. Cardamomum, Cardamom) plant, reduce metastasis, tumorigenesis, immunomodulation. It has been shown in the literature that they play a role in preventing the development of breast cancer via inducing apoptotic pathways in the breast cancer cell. Herein, it is aimed to prevent breast cancer development by applying cardamom extract and cardamom Extract-Freund's adjuvant combination to THP-1 human macrophage cell line and MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and to increase the efficiency of cardamom extract with the use of an adjuvant. As a result, it was determined that the cytotoxic effect of the cardamom Extract-Freund’s adjuvant combination on breast cancer cells was higher than the alone cardamom extract application. At the same time, it was determined that the toxic effect of Freund's adjuvant could be reduced by increasing the plant extract concentration.

Elettaria Cardamomum Ekstraktının Proleukin İlacı Kombinasyonu ile Mide Kanseri Hücre Hattı Üzerindeki İmmünostimulan/Sitotoksik Etkilerinin İncelenmesi

Kanser, hücrelerin kontrolsüz çoğalması sonucunda meydana gelmektedir. Farklı kanser türleri olmakla birlikte mide kanseri dünyada en çok görülen kanser türleri arasında yer almaktadır. Mide kanserine karşı birçok tedavi yaklaşımı geliştirilmiştir. Ancak günümüzde kullanılan tedavi yöntemleri, kanser hücrelerini öldürmekle birlikte sağlıklı hücrelere de zarar vermektedir. Kullanılan tedavi yöntemlerinin dezavantajlarından dolayı bitkisel tedavi yaklaşımları kullanılmaya başlanmıştır. Elettaria Cardamomum (E. Cardamomum) (kakule) ekstraktında bulunun Diindolilmetan (DIM) ve indol-3-karbinol (I3C) molekülleri hormon yolaklarını baskılayarak kanser hücrelerini öldürdüğü literatürde belirtilmektedir. Bu çalışmada, E. Cardamomum ve proleukin ilaç kombinasyonlarının AGS, J774, THP-1 hücre hatları üzerindeki etkisi araştırılmıştır. Sonuç olarak, kakule ekstraktında bulunan I3C ve DIM molekülleri sayesinde AGS mide kanseri hücre hattında yüksek sitotoksik etkiye sahip olduğu düşünülmektedir. Kakule ekstraktı ile kombine edilen proleukin ilacının ise AGS hücrelerinde kakule ekstraktının tek başına kullanımına göre daha fazla öldürme oranına sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir.

Review on agronomic investigations on cardamom and cardamom-based cropping systems in Karnataka

Small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton), an eco-friendly high value spice and foreign exchange earner, is a native of Western Ghats of South India. India enjoyed near monopoly in its production till the seventies, but with the emergence of Guatemala as the main competitor, it has been relegated to second position both in production and export. The low production of cardamom up to eighties was due to lack of sound location specific agronomic package of recommendations. Hence, after a detailed survey of entire small cardamom growing areas in India and interaction with cardamom growers and other stake holders, a comprehensive location specific research programme was finalised and carried out for over 25 years. As a consequence of detailed agronomic investigations on cardamom and cardamom-based cropping systems, various agro techniques such as selection of elite lines of cardamom, rapid clonal multiplication technique, nursery techniques, systems and season of planting, irrigation, shade and weed management, apiculture, harvest and post harvest techniques, multistoried cropping system involving cardamom, coffee, arecanut, coconut etc. evolved. These high production technologies were effectively transferred to the cardamom growers based on local specificity which resulted in higher yields (average of 750 kg dry capsules ha-1 and a potential yield of 1945 kg dry capsules in demonstrations in farmers fields in Kodagu, Karnataka) from an initial benchmark average yield of 120-140 kg dry capsules ha-1.

Ethnomedicinal plants used by Kani tribals to treat Rheumatism in Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: The search for safe and alternative remedy for rheumatic disorders from herbal resources is increasing nowadays hence the medicinal plants constitute a promising role in modern medication system due to the presence of several bioactive compounds. The people inhabiting in the forest areas are often affected with several skeleton-muscular disorders especially with rhematic problems, hence the present study was undertaken to document the plants used to treat such diseases. Methods: The present study was carried out to document the traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used in treating rheumatism by Kani tribes who live in the KMTR region in the Southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. Extensive field studies were conducted in five hamlets of Kani tribes focusing on the plants used in treating rheumatism. The data was collected using questionnaires, interviews and discussions among the traditional practitioners and other people of the hamlet. Results: The present ethnobotanical survey has led to the documentation of 59 species of medicinal plants belonging to 33 families. Of these, 26 species are the major utilized plants while 33 plant species are used in least quantity. Leaves are widely utilized against rheumatic problems. The medicinal formulations are prepared in the form of decoction, paste and powder which are administered topically or orally based on the disease condition. Conclusion: The medicinal plants were documented with the focus on conserving the ethnic knowledge of Kani tribes as documentary evidence for plant-based natural product research. Among the documented plants, Cardiospermum halicacabum, Elettaria cardamomum, Elephantopus scaber, Cymbopogon citratus, Allium cepa, Sida acuta, Pergularia daemia, and Lawsonia inermis were frequently cited and requires further pharmacological studies to develop an effective drug against chronic illnesses. Keywords: Ethnic community, Folk medicine, Rheumatism, Western Ghats

Defluoridation potential of indigenous thirst-quenching herbal products commonly used in Kerala, India

Background: Drinking fluoride-contaminated water is a severe health hazard problem. Fluorosis -both skeletal and dental- is an important clinical and public health problem in about 24 countries including India. The best method to overcome the problem of excess fluoride in drinking water is defluoridation. Adsorption methods are simple, economical, and globally pursued techniques. Thirst-quenching herbal products locally called ‘Dahashamini’ are plant parts that are used during boiling drinking water. Possessing a defluoridation potential is an added benefit. Methods: Two grams of each of dried and ground Zingiber officinale, Elettaria cardamomum, Eugenia caryophyllus, Coriandrum sativum, Acacia catechu, Caesalpinia sapans, Vetiveria zizanioides, Cuminum cyminum, and Hemidesmus indicus, were added to 100 millilitres of fluoridated water of baseline concentrations of 5 and 10 ppm, boiled till its boiling point, and cooled. The samples were then filtered and analyzed for fluoride content using fluoride ion specific electrode method. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for pair-wise comparison. Results: Caesalpinia sapans, Vetiveria zizanioides, Acacia catechu, Eugenia caryophyllus, and Coriandrum sativum, had a significant ability to adsorb fluoride from fluoridated water, with an efficiency ranging from 12% to 56% (at a baseline concentration of 10 ppm) and 19% to 82% (at a baseline concentration of 5 ppm). Conclusion: The study indicates the possibility of the use of five ingredients in developing a cost-effective and acceptable method of defluoridation based on the adsorption method.

Effect of green cardamom on the expression of genes implicated in obesity and diabetes among obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a double blind randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disease in which related to obesity, metabolic disorders and is considered as one of the main causes of infertility in women. This trial was investigated the effects of green cardamom on the expression of genes implicated in obesity and diabetes among obese women with PCOS.MethodsOne hundred ninety-four PCOS women were randomly divided two groups: intervention (n = 99; 3 g/day green cardamom) and control groups (n = 95). All of them were given low calorie diet. Anthropometric, glycemic and androgen hormones were assessed before and after 16-week intervention. The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method was used to measure fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO), peroxisome proliferative activating receptor- (PPAR-), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), acetyl-CoA carboxylase beta (ACAB), leptin receptor (LEPR), ghrelin, and lamin A/C (LAMIN) genes expression in each group.ResultsAnthropometric indices were significantly decreased after intervention in both two studied groups. Glycemic indices and androgen hormones were significantly improved in the intervention group compared to the control group. The expression levels of FTO, CPT1A, LEPR, and LAMIN were significantly downregulated compared to control group (P < 0.001), as well as, PPAR-y was significantly upregulated in the intervention group after intervention with green cardamom compared to control group (P < 0.001).ConclusionThis current study showed that the administration of green cardamom is a beneficial approach for improving anthropometric, glycemic, and androgen hormones, as well as obesity and diabetes genes expression in PCOS women under the low-calorie diet.Trial registrationThis trial was registered with the Iranian Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: IRCT20200608047697N1). 1 August, 2020; https://www.irct.ir/trial/48748

Evaluation of In vitro anti urolithiasis activity of herbal drugs

Urinary stone disorder has afflicted human kind since antiquity and can persist, with serious medical consequences, throughout a patient’s lifetime. The common component of urinary stone is calcium oxalate (CaOx). In spite of tremendous advances in the field of medicine, there is no truly satisfactory drug for the treatment of renal calculi. In the indigenous system of medicine, the leaves Mentha piperita (family- Labiatae) Elettaria cardamom (zingiberaceae) and Syzygium cumini (family-Myrtaceae) are reported to be useful in the treatment of urinary stones. Hence, in the present study, the Mentha piperita, Elettaria cardamom and Syzygium cumini have been selected for their In vitro Antiurolithiatic activity on experimental kidney stones of calcium oxalate crystals.

GC, GC/MS Analysis, and Biological Effects of Essential Oils from Thymus mastchina and Elettaria cardamomum

Spanish marjoram (Thymus mastichina) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) are traditional aromatic plants with which several pharmacological properties have been associated. In this study, the volatile composition, antioxidative and antimigratory effects on human breast cancer (MDA-MB-468 cell line), antimicrobial activity, and antibiofilm effect were evaluated. Results obtained via treatment of human breast cancer cells generally indicated an inhibitory effect of both essential oils (EOs) on cell viability (after long-term treatment) and antioxidative potential, as well as the reduction of nitric oxide levels. Antimigratory effects were revealed, suggesting that these EOs could possess significant antimetastatic properties and stop tumor progression and growth. The antimicrobial activities of both EOs were determined using the disc diffusion method and minimal inhibition concentration, while antibiofilm activity was evaluated by means of mass spectrometry. The best antimicrobial effects of T. mastichina EO were found against the yeast Candida glabrata and the G+ bacterium Listeria monocytogenes using the disc diffusion and minimal inhibitory concentration methods. E. cardamomum EO was found to be most effective against Pseudomas fluorescens biofilm using both methods. Similarly, better effects of this oil were observed on G- compared to G+ bacterial strains. Our study confirms that T. mastichina and E. cardamomum EOs act to change the protein structure of older P. fluorescens biofilms. The results underline the potential use of these EOs in manufactured products, such as foodstuffs, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

From kitchen to clinic: Pharmacotherapeutic potential of common spices in Indian cooking in age-related neurological disorders

Aging is described as an advanced time-related collection of changes that may negatively affect with the risk of several diseases or death. Aging is a main factor of several age-related neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and dementia), stroke, neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, brain tumors, oxidative stress, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Currently available medications for age-related neurological disorders may lead to several side effects, such as headache, diarrhea, nausea, gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, dyskinesia, and hallucinosis. These days, studies on plant efficacy in traditional medicine are being conducted because herbal medicine is affordable, safe, and culturally acceptable and easily accessible. The Indian traditional medicine system called Ayurveda uses several herbs and medicinal plants to treat various disorders including neurological disorders. This review aims to summarize the data on the neuroprotective potential of the following common Indian spices widely used in Ayurveda: cumin (Cuminum cyminum (L.), Apiaceae), black cumin (Nigella sativa (L.), Ranunculaceae), black pepper (Piper nigrum (L.), Piperaceae), curry leaf tree (Murraya koenigii (L.), Spreng Rutaceae), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum (L.), Fabaceae), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill, Apiaceae), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, Zingiberaceae), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry, Myrtaceae), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum (L.), Apiaceae) in age-related neurological disorders.

Cardamom Extract Alleviates the Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Apoptosis Induced during Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatic Toxicity via Modulating Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1 Pathway.

Aqueous CARD extract was subjected to LC-TOF-MS analysis to separate and elucidate some of its components. In vivo animal experiments involved five groups of animals. In the normal and cardamom groups, mice were administered either saline or CARD (200 mg/kg), respectively, orally daily for 16 days. In the APAP group, the animals were administered saline orally daily for 15 days, and on the 16th day, animals were administered APAP (300 mg/kg) IP for the induction of acute hepatic failure. In the CARD 200 + APAP group, mice were administered CARD (200 mg/kg) for 15 days, followed by APAP on the 16th day. The aqueous extract of CARD showed several compounds, belonging to polyphenol, flavonoids, cinnamic acid derivatives and essential oil components. In the in vivo investigations, APAP-induced impaired liver function, several histopathological alterations, oxidative stress and inflammatory and apoptotic status signified severe hepatic failure. Whereas, pretreatment with the CARD extract prior to APAP administration diminished serum levels of the hepatic function test and augmented Nrf2 nucleoprotein and HO-1 and NQO-1. CARD down-regulated MDA, inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB) and apoptotic markers (caspase 3 and 9 and Bax) and amplified the activities of SOD, catalase, GSH-Px and GSH-R in hepatic tissue samples. CARD extract mitigated the hepatic toxicity induced by APAP. The underlying mechanism of action of such hepato-protective action may be through upregulation of the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO-1 pathway with subsequent alleviation of the oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis induced by APAP. Many of the compounds identified in the CARD extract could be attributed to this pharmacological action of the extract.

Development and Evaluation of Sorghum and Little Millet Based Ladoo

Millets are called Nutri-cereals which are nutritionally superior when compared to that of staple cereals like rice and wheat and have numerous health benefits in improving the overall health of consumers. In spite of their multiple health benefits, millets are only consumed by people who are of low income group. The present study was done to develop and analyse the nutritional value, physiochemical properties and shelf life studies of millet ladoo as readymade snack which is developed through standardization process by blending the major millet i.e Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and minor millet i.e. Little millet (Panicum sumatrense), Tamarind kernel powder (Tamarindus indica), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Bengal gram flour (chick pea) ghee and palm jaggery powder. Millet ladoo that was highly accepted by thirty semi-trained panel members through nine point hedonic scale by formulating sorghum, little millet and other ingredients showed total carbohydrates, protein, fat and fibre about 55.68, 7.54, 20.2 and 2.88% respectively. The sensory evaluation of the acceptable ladoo revealed that the texture, appearance, color, aroma, taste and all quality parameters were in acceptable range during storage. The product shelf life was found to be 30 days with addition of preservative i.e. food grade potassium sorbate followed by packaging of millet ladoo by using polyethylene terephthalate tray as primary packaging material and multilayer plastic laminate pouch as a secondary packaging material. The shelf life of millet ladoo was 15 days without addition of preservative when packed in polyethylene terphthalate tray that was placed in multilayer plastic laminate pouch at room temperature. The sensory parameters of millet ladoo packed in polyethylene terphthalate tray without multilayer plastic laminate pouch was not acceptable for further studies. The work done was an attempt to develop value added products of major and minor millets and increase consumption of millet products for better nutrition of consumers.

Microencapsulation of Green Capulaga (Elettaria cardamomum) Essential Oil with Maltodextrin and Its Applications in Coffee Drink

Microencapsulation of green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) essential oils and its application is considered an innovative technique to improve the functional properties of coffee drinks. This study aims to determine the best formulations (M) of combination of maltodextrin and cardamom essential oil, parameters such as microcapsule yields, water content, and solubility were measured. To find out whether the microcapsule was applicable for coffee drink, antioxidant activity and taste and aroma of coffee drink mixed with the best formulation were analyzed. Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with four replications was used; the data were analyzed by ANOVA and further tested by the LSD test with a level of 5%. The results showed that formulations significantly affected the yields and solubility of cardamom essential oil microcapsules. The best formulation treatment was formulation M3 with a yield score,water content and solubility of 89.03%, 11.85%, and 93.50%, respectively. Antioxidant activity, aroma and taste scores of ground coffee mixed with M3 were 77.61±0.23%, 4.31 (typical of cardamom, little coffee), and 4.88 (typical of cardamom, little coffee), respectively. While ground coffee only has antioxidant activity of 76.32±0.31%. In conclusion, ground coffee mixed with microencapsulated cardamom essential oil has the potential as a herbal coffee drink. Keywords: Cardamom, Essential oil, Herbal coffee drink, Microencapsulation

The effect of green cardamom on blood pressure and inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Research shows that herbal spices, including seeds of Elettaria cardamomum, may exert beneficial effects on unhealthy metabolic status. This study is a systematic review of the effect of green cardamom in patients with metabolic syndrome and its related disorders. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched to identify the relevant randomized clinical trials. The data were pooled using the random-effects model, and weighted mean difference (WMD) was considered as summary effect size. Of 625 clinical trials, eight reports with 595 patients (299 in intervention group and 296 in control group) were included. The findings indicated that green cardamom significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure (WMD: -0.91 mmHg, 95%CI; -1.19, -0.62), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (WMD: -1.21 mg/L, 95%CI; -2.18, -0.24), interleukin 6 levels (WMD: -2.41 ng/L, 95%CI; -4.35, -0.47). However, cardamom supplementation did not significantly affect systolic blood pressure. This meta-analysis demonstrated that green cardamom could improve blood pressure control and exert antiinflammatory effects which could help patients with unhealthy metabolic profile better manage their health. Importantly, there were few eligible randomized trials with quite a low number of participants. Further prospective studies on larger sample sizes and longer duration of supplementation are warranted for its widespread use.

Recent advances in the extraction, chemical composition, therapeutic potential, and delivery of cardamom phytochemicals.

Dietary phytochemicals including plant-derived alkaloids, carotenoids, organosulfur compounds, phenolics, and phytosterols, are health-promoting bioactive compounds that help in the prevention and mitigation of chronic diseases and microbial infections beyond basic nutrition supply. This article covers recent advances in the extraction, chemical composition, therapeutic potential (nutraceutical and antimicrobial), and delivery of black and green cardamom-derived phytochemicals. In recent years, advance extraction techniques (e.g., enzyme- assisted-, instant controlled pressure drop-, microwave- assisted-, pressurized liquid-, sub- critical-, supercritical fluid-, and ultrasound-assisted extractions) have been applied to obtain phytochemicals from cardamom. The bioactive constituents identification techniques, specifically GC-MS analysis revealed that 1,8-cineole and α-terpinyl acetate were the principle bioactive components in black and green cardamom. Regarding therapeutic potential, research findings have indicated desirable health properties of cardamom phytochemicals, including antioxidant-, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-hypertensive, and gastro-protective effects. Moreover, antimicrobial investigations revealed that cardamom phytochemicals effectively inhibited growth of pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), biofilm formation inhibition (Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria) and bacterial quorum sensing inhibition. Encapsulation and delivery vehicles, including microcapsules, nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and nanoliposomes were effective strategies to enhance their stability, bioavailability and bioefficacy. In conclusion, cardamom phytochemicals had promising therapeutic potentials (antioxidant and antimicrobial) due to polyphenols, thus could be used as functional additive to increase shelf life, inhibit oxidative rancidity and confer pleasant aroma to commercial edibles as well as mitigate oxidative stress and lifestyle related chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases). A future perspective concerning the fabrication of functional foods, nutraceuticals and antibiotics to promote cardamom phytochemicals applications as biotherapeutic agents at large-scale requires thorough investigations, e.g., optimum dose and physical form of supplementation to obtain maximum health benefits.

CONCEPTUAL STUDY ON EFFECT OF ELA IN VISHAJANYA ALLERGIC SKIN REACTION W.S.R. TO URTICARIA

According to Ayurveda Visha means the substance which causes Vishada (sorrow, depression). Drugs which act against toxic substances are called as Vishaghna (Antitoxic). Acharya Charaka had described ten drugs having anti-toxic property in Vishaghna Mahakashaya. It includes Haridra (Curcuma longa), Manjishtha (Rubia Cardifolia), Suvaha (Pluchea Lanceolata), Sukshma Ela (Elettaria Cardamomum), Palindee (Operculina Turpethum), Chandan (Santalum Album), Kataka (Strychnos Potatorum), Shireesh (Albizzia lebbeck), Sinduvara (Vitex Nigundo), and Shlemantaka (Cordia Dichotoma). Sukshma Ela is one of them. The main objective of this article is to discuss the pharmacological properties and therapeutic uses of Sukshma Ela on allergic skin reactions i.e. Urticaria. This article highlights on those pharmacological properties of Ela which can be used in various allergic skin reactions i.e. Urticaria.

Evaluation of analgesic effect of hydroalcoholic extract of cardamom fruit in male rat

Due to the significance of pain management and the adverse effects of synthetic analgesic drugs, the use of herbal medicine for pain relief has gained popularity worldwide. This study investigated the analgesic effects of hydroalcoholic extract of cardamom fruit in male rats. In this experimental-laboratory study, male Wistar rats were divided into 7 groups (6 rats in each group): the control group (treated with normal saline) and the groups treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of cardamom fruit, control group receiving morphine (1 mg/kg), control group receiving naloxone (2 mg/kg), and a group receiving “naloxone (2 mg/kg) + extract (200 mg/kg)”. Tail flick and writhing tests were used to evaluate the analgesic effects of the extract. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. 200 and 400 mg/kg of hydroalcoholic extract of cardamom fruit significantly reduced pain level compared to the control group in the tail flick test and all three doses of the extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced pain level in the writhing test. From the results, it can be concluded that the hydroalcoholic extract of green cardamom fruit has analgesic effects and can reduce the sensation of pain caused by central and environmental factors. The use of green cardamom extract as an analgesic substance can be considered by researchers in the clinical field.

Variability in Essential Oil Constituents, Antioxidant Activities and Yield of Elite Small Cardamom Lines (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) Under Moisture Deficit Stress

A field study was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Regional Station, Madikeri, Karnataka during 2018 and 2019 to evaluate elite lines of small cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) for capsule yield, essential oil constituents, photosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme activities under moisture stress condition. Eight small cardamom lines were selected for the study and were grown under irrigated and moisture stress conditions adopting all the package of practices. Photosynthetic gas exchange, relative water content, total soluble proteins and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined at panicle initiation stage during summer. Yield and essential oil components were recorded after harvest. The results showed that moisture stress significantly reduced the soluble protein content and stomatal conductance in the leaves thereby lowering net photosynthetic rate, thus inhibiting growth and yield. Antioxidant enzyme activities viz. catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and polyphenol oxidase were significantly influenced by moisture stress. Among the genotypes, IC584058 showed bold capsules, higher and less reduction in yield under irrigated and moisture stress condition, respectively. It is suggested that the soluble protein and antioxidant enzymes in leaves play important role in maintaining cell water content and photosynthetic gas exchange during panicle initiation stage leading to less reduction in yield under moisture deficit condition. The essential oil components of three lines namely IC584058, IC584078 and IC584090 showed drastic variation under moisture stress. Though the α-terpinyl acetate content decreased (P<0.05), the oxygenated monoterpenes significantly increased in stress tolerant genotype IC584058 which influences antioxidant and antimicrobial activities leading to plant adaptive defense mechanism under moisture.