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

Cardamom consumption may improve cardiovascular metabolic biomarkers in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The bioactive compounds in cardamom have been found to enhance cardiovascular health by improving blood lipids and inflammation. We hypothesized that cardamom consumption might ameliorate cardiovascular metabolic biomarkers in adults; however, there is still debate regarding its impact on cardiac metabolism. This research was therefore designed to determine if cardamom consumption had a favorable impact on lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress indices as they related to cardiovascular diseases. A comprehensive search was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library on July 4, 2023. Using a random-effects model pooled the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The final 12 trials containing 989 participants were included. The results illustrated that cardamom consumption could improve total cholesterol (WMD = -8.56 mg/dL; 95% CI, -14.90 to -2.22), triglycerides (WMD = -14.09 mg/dL; 95% CI, -24.01 to -4.17), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (WMD = -1.01 ng/mL; 95% CI, -1.81 to -0.22), and interleukin-6 (WMD = -1.81 pg/mL; 95% CI, -3.06 to -0.56). However, it did not have significant influences on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and some indicators of oxidative stress. In conclusion, cardamom consumption can improve specific cardiovascular metabolic biomarkers and potentially confer protective effects on cardiovascular health. However, more large-scale clinical research with better designs would further validate the findings, which will offer substantial evidence of cardamom as nutritional and functional products.

Ayurvedic Herbal Medicines: A Literature Review of Their Applications in Female Reproductive Health

Ayurveda, an ancient holistic and personalized healing system originating from the Indian subcontinent, has been gaining increasing attention as a complementary and alternative medical practice for treating various health conditions, including those related to women's reproductive well-being. This comprehensive literature review examines a wide array of experimental and clinical studies exploring the diverse facets of Ayurvedic interventions in addressing issues such as menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), infertility, and menopausal symptoms. The paper specifically focuses on discussing the available data regarding the efficacy of Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), ginger (Zingiber officinale), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), which have traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. The synthesis of literature not only highlights the potential benefits of these Ayurvedic interventions, but also critically assesses the methodological rigor of existing studies, identifying research gaps, and proposing directions for future investigations. While acknowledging the need for further rigorous research and clinical trials, the review emphasizes the benefits of collaborative and integrative healthcare. This review aims to serve as a valuable resource for healthcare practitioners, researchers, and individuals seeking holistic and natural alternatives for female reproductive health management.

Effect of cardamom consumption on inflammation and blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Cardamom has the potential to offer anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive advantages, but the findings from clinical trials have been inconsistent. To address this knowledge gap, the present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive effects of cardamom in adults. We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Sciences, for papers published up to October 2022 to identify clinical studies. Eight eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis. A fixed model was used to estimate weighted mean difference (WMD), standardized mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The results showed that cardamom significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory factors, including hs-CRP (SMD: -0.60 mg/dL; 95% CI: -0.78 to 0.42), IL-6 (WMD: -1.25 mg/dL; 95% CI: -1.48 to -1.03), TNF-α (WMD: -2.10 kg; 95% CI: -2.36 to -1.84, p < .001), and measures of systolic (WMD: -0.54 mmHg, 95% CI: -0.88, -0.19, p = .002) and diastolic (WMD: -0.90 mmHg; 95% CI: -1.07 to -0.73) blood pressure. The current meta-analysis showed that cardamom can help reduce inflammation and improve blood pressure. However, due to the limited number of studies, caution must be exercised when interpreting the current results.

Black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) extract improves growth potential, antioxidant status, immune parameters and response to crowding stress in Catla catla

Natural herbs are excellent alternatives to synthetic compounds to enhance the growth performance and health status of fish. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of black cardamom (Amomum subulatum) extract (BCE) as an herbal supplement in improving the growth, antioxidant status, haematology, and serum biochemistry of Catla catla. The acclimatized fish (N = 900; average initial weight = 14.44 ± 0.33 g) were allocated into five groups (60 fish/group in triplicate) in hapas (4 × 2 × 2.5 ft) and provided with feed containing 0 (control), 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 g/kg BCE for 90 days before being subjected to 8 days of crowding stress. After 90 days, significantly higher feed utilization and growth were observed in all BCE-fed treatments compared to the control; however, the maximum values of these parameters were noted in the 2 g/kg BCE-fed treatment. Moreover, the BCE-fed groups exhibited a significant increase in antioxidant indices (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase), with a significant reduction in malondialdehyde levels, indicating a higher antioxidant capacity compared to the control. Significant improvements in haematological parameters, such as an increase in haematocrit, haemoglobin and red blood cells and a decrease in white blood cells, were observed in BCE-fed treatments compared to the control. Furthermore, BCE-fed groups showed a significant decrease in serum glucose, cortisol and triglycerides, while total protein, globulin and albumin levels were significantly higher compared with the control. During the feeding trial of 90 days, no mortality was observed; however, the lowest cumulative mortality was noted in the 2 g/kg BCE group after crowding stress of 8 days. In conclusion, the use of BCE in feed can enhance the growth performance, antioxidant status, haematology, and serum biochemistry of C. catla and improve the resistance against crowding stress. The optimum levels of BCE for C. catla were estimated based on weight gain % (1.78 g/kg; R2  = 0.97), feed conversion ratio (1.65 g/kg; R2  = 0.98), MDA content (1.66 g/kg; R2  = 0.93) and serum lysozyme activity (1.72 g/kg; R2  = 1) using broken-line regression analysis.

Effects of solid lipid ratio in curcumin loaded emulsions on its gastrointestinal fate: Colloidal stability and mucus absorption efficiency

Emulsions offer a promising approach for enhancing the bioavailability of lipophilic active compounds when administered orally. Nonetheless, the impact of lipid matrix composition on the efficacy of penetration and bioavailability remains uncertain. This research investigated the effects of solid lipid ratio in emulsions on colloidal stability, mucus permeability, and bioavailability in vivo. To assess colloidal stability in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), Turbiscan was employed. The results indicated that an elevated solid lipid ratio improved intestinal stability through the formation of aggregations that resisted pancreatic absorption, as confirmed by TEM. The absorption in various intestinal sections was tested using the Ussing Chamber model. Notably, emulsion with 0 % solid lipid (G0M10) exhibited the highest cumulative permeation across the duodenum (221.2 ± 21.19 ng), jejunum (713.1 ± 20.93 ng), and ileum (1056.3 ± 392.06 ng) due to its higher in vitro release rate (>60 %) and smaller particle size. The cumulative permeation decreased with increasing solid lipid ratio. CLSM revealed that emulsions with a solid lipid ratio exceeding 50 % exhibited poor mucus permeability within 15 min due to aggregation during the passage in the GIT. However, over an extended penetration time (30 min), higher permeability was observed, reaching approximately 30 μm. In vitro release studies indicated that a higher solid lipid ratio resulted in a reduced release rate of curcumin (<60 %) compared to G0M10 (66.9 ± 3.58 %). Correlation analysis unveiled a positive link between bioavailability and in vitro release rate, while a negative correlation emerged with the solid lipid ratio. This work underscores the significance of solid lipid ratios in emulsions for optimizing bioavailability through their influence on stability, permeability, and release of lipophilic compounds in the GIT.

Antioxidant Activity in Extracts from Zingiberaceae Family: Cardamom, Turmeric, and Ginger

An increase in life expectancy leads to a greater impact of chronic non-communicable diseases. This is even more remarkable in elder populations, to whom these become main determinants of health status, affecting mental and physical health, quality of life, and autonomy. Disease appearance is closely related to the levels of cellular oxidation, pointing out the importance of including foods in one's diet that can prevent oxidative stress. Previous studies and clinical data suggest that some plant-based products can slow and reduce the cellular degradation associated with aging and age-related diseases. Many plants from one family present several applications that range from the food to the pharmaceutical industry due to their characteristic flavor and scents. The Zingiberaceae family, which includes cardamom, turmeric, and ginger, has bioactive compounds with antioxidant activities. They also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, and antiemetic activities and properties that help prevent cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. These products are abundant sources of chemical substances, such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and diarylheptanoids. The main bioactive compounds found in this family (cardamom, turmeric, and ginger) are 1,8-cineole, α-terpinyl acetate, β-turmerone, and α-zingiberene. The present review gathers evidence surrounding the effects of dietary intake of extracts of the Zingiberaceae family and their underlying mechanisms of action. These extracts could be an adjuvant treatment for oxidative-stress-related pathologies. However, the bioavailability of these compounds needs to be optimized, and further research is needed to determine appropriate concentrations and their antioxidant effects in the body.