Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum
Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as cardamom, is a plant native to India and Sri Lanka. Traditionally, it has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for digestive issues, but no specific traditional uses are recorded for this particular species. Scientific evidence suggests that both peppermint and cardamom extract ice cubes showed trends of improved outcomes over the placebo, though these findings were not statistically significant. Cardamom essential oil demonstrated strong in vitro inhibition against Streptococcus mutans growth and biofilm formation with minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of 2.5% and 5.0% (v/v), respectively. Polyherbal extracts, especially those in hydroethanol and ethanol, showed significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and biofilm-inhibiting properties. Genetic diversity among Guatemalan cardamom accessions was assessed using molecular markers, revealing three genetic groups with potential for marker-assisted selection. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been identified for Elettaria cardamomum.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Both peppermint and cardamom extract ice cubes showed trends of improved outcomes over the placebo but differences were not statistically significant.
- Cardamom essential oil showed strong in vitro inhibition of Streptococcus mutans growth and biofilm formation, with minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of 2.5% and 5.0% (v/v), respectively.
- The study found that polyherbal extracts, especially those in hydroethanol and ethanol, showed significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and biofilm-inhibiting properties.
- This study identified three genetic groups among 288 cardamom accessions from Guatemala, revealing low but existing genetic diversity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cardamom?
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Cardamom?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Cardamom; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Both peppermint and cardamom extract ice cubes showed trends of improved outcomes over the placebo but differences were not statistically significant.
How strong is the evidence for Cardamom?
The strongest finding for Cardamom carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Cardamom safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Cardamom in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Cardamom interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Cardamom in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Cardamom?
Cardamom is also known as: Кардамон настоящий, Cardamome.
Is Cardamom a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Comparison of the effect of ice sucking containing peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) with cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) extract on nausea, vomiting, and drug request after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Genetic Diversity and Differentiation Among Guatemalan Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) Accessions. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Development and characterization of polyherbal formulation from Allium sativum, Cuminum cyminum, Cinnamomum verum, Elettaria cardamomum and Zingiber officinale with therapeutic potential against sinusitis-associated pathogens. literature abstract metadata
- T2 In vitro inhibition of Streptococcus mutans by cardamom essential oil. literature abstract metadata