Health Benefits of
green cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum, is commonly called green, small, or true cardamom. Green cardamom is famously known as the queen of spices and is cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and Central America. Green cardamom is not only used in the preparation of sweet and savory dishes but also has numerous therapeutic benefits. [1]
Anti-inflammatory Property of Green Cardamom
The anti-inflammatory activity of green cardamom is found in three main compounds known as 9-hexacosene, alpha-terpinol, and linalool. 9-hexacosene alleviates swelling and edema, alpha-terpineol suppresses the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly IL-6. Linalool also plays an important role in regulating inflammation by hindering neutrophil activation and release of TNF-alpha. [2]
Antimicrobial Property of Green Cardamom
The major bioactive chemicals found in green cardamom are alpha-terpinyl acetate, linalool acetate, 1,8-cineole, linalool, and sabinene. These chemicals play a crucial role in the inhibition of quorum sensing in micro-organisms. This suppresses the production and release of virulence factors. Quorum sensing inhibition is achieved by inhibiting microbial peptidoglycan synthesis, changing the structure of the microbial membrane, and the formation of biofilm. Henceforth, cardamom essential oil is beneficial for protecting against a variety of pathogenic micro-organisms. [3]
Figure 2 demonstrates the effects of cardamom and turmeric on the concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines. As per the graphs, cardamom has more potent activity against the cytokines. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC8467221/
Green Cardamom for Atopic Dermatitis
Green cardamom contains a chemical known as cardamonin, responsible for reducing cytokine production of helper T cells, thus suppressing the inflammatory response. Cardamonin also maintains the integrity of skin connective tissue. Cardamonin promotes the gene expression of NRF2. NRF2 is an anti-inflammatory protein that modulates the inflammatory response. This makes green cardamom an effective component of the treatment regimen of atopic dermatitis. [4]
Antioxidant Property of Green Cardamom
Cardamom contains numerous phytochemicals that have chemopreventive properties. These include indole-3-carbinol, terpenoids, and polyphenols. These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in the reduction of the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, enzymes, free radicals, and reactive oxygen species. They also promote the activity of anti-inflammatory enzymes, thus protecting cellular proteins and DNA from oxidative damage. [5]
Green Cardamom Enhances Drug Delivery
Green cardamom oil is beneficial for promoting skin permeation so that the pharmacologic formulations are delivered effectively. Cyclic monoterpenes such as d-limonene present in green cardamom enhance skin permeability by making the skin dry and altering the skin barrier. [6]