Elettaria cardamomum
Elettaria cardamomum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as cardamom, is a versatile plant whose seeds and flowers are highly valued for their complex chemical profiles. The plant contains significant bioactive compounds, including (1R,4R)-(+)-camphor, 1,8-cineole, fencyl alcohol, and fenchene. Through various preparations such as ethanolic extracts, alcohol extracts, cardamom oil, and essential oil, it exhibits potent antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Furthermore, its medicinal potential extends to physiological effects like (-)-chronotropic and (-)-inotropic activities. Research suggests these properties may play a role in managing conditions such as Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, COPD, blood pressure, and anthropometry.
- Synonyms
- Cardamomum Malabaricum · Cardamomum Officinale · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Elettaria cardamomum is a highly aromatic plant known globally by several different names depending on the region and language. It is most frequently referred to by its common English name, Cardamom, though it is often spelled as Cardamome or Cardamomo in various international contexts. Some people also use the variation Cardamon to identify this fragrant spice. In many culinary circles, it is specifically distinguished as Green Cardamom to highlight its vibrant color and fresh profile. Regardless of the label used, this versatile plant remains a staple in kitchens around the world.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Elettaria cardamomum is a plant that has been identified by several different botanical names throughout history. It is frequently referred to by the synonyms Alpinia cardamomum and Amomum cardamomum in various scientific records. Researchers have also documented the species under the names Amomum ensal and Amomum uncinatum. Furthermore, the plant is recognized by the synonym Cardamomum malabaricum in certain taxonomic contexts. Understanding these multiple designations is essential for accurately tracking the plant's classification across different studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Elettaria cardamomum belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse lineage of life. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the order Zingiberales, which connects it to many other aromatic plants. The plant is a distinguished member of the genus Elettaria, showcasing its unique botanical identity. Finally, it finds its specific biological home within the family Zingiberaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus | Elettaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Elettaria cardamomum is a widely distributed species found across several distinct geographical regions. In Africa, its presence extends through the Western Indian Ocean to include Réunion. The plant also holds a significant presence within the tropical regions of Asia, specifically across the Indian Subcontinent in countries like India and Bangladesh. Furthermore, its range expands into Indo-China, where it is naturally established in nations such as Cambodia and Thailand. This broad distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in diverse tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Elettaria cardamomum is a self-supporting herb characterized by its distinctive growth form. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 3 meters as it matures. Its upright structure allows it to thrive within its natural environment while maintaining a compact presence.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Elettaria cardamomum has demonstrated a diverse range of therapeutic potential through various biological activities. Scientific studies have confirmed its significant antibacterial properties, specifically showing the ability to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis. Furthermore, the plant exhibits strong antioxidant activity, which helps combat cellular damage and oxidative stress. Its antimicrobial capabilities make it a promising candidate in the ongoing search for natural agents to combat infectious diseases. Additionally, research highlights its effective antifungal properties, particularly in its ability to target clinical Candida isolates and reduce their virulence.
Compounds
Elettaria cardamomum is a plant distinguished by a complex profile of both volatile monoterpenoids and bioactive polyphenols. Chemical analysis reveals that the species is a rich source of fenchane-type compounds, specifically containing fenchene, fenchone, and fenchyl alcohol. Beyond these aromatic constituents, the plant also possesses significant antioxidant properties driven by its chemical makeup. Detailed HPLC and FT-IR studies have identified the presence of gallic acid and ferulic acid within its active fractions. These specific compounds are believed to be responsible for the plant's notable pharmacological effects, including its ability to inhibit cellular damage.
Conditions
Elettaria cardamomum demonstrates significant therapeutic potential, such as its ability to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by improving liver function and metabolic markers. The plant's essential oils also exhibit antibacterial properties, specifically showing a synergistic effect in treating B. subtilis. Furthermore, cardamom is used as part of a herbal formulation to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from COPD. In the context of viral infections, it has been identified as an effective add-on plant-based drug for treating COVID-19. Finally, the essential oil of this plant effectively treats various Candida strains by inhibiting their biofilm production and virulence factors.
Preparations
Elettaria cardamomum is prepared as ethanolic extracts to evaluate its significant inhibitory effects on the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis. This plant is also processed into alcohol extracts, which have demonstrated potent quorum quenching effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, Elettaria cardamomum is prepared as cardamom oil to facilitate toxicological studies regarding its safety in animal models. The plant is frequently utilized in the form of essential oil or essential oils to explore its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-biofilm properties. These various preparations, including the essential oil, serve as critical tools for investigating the species' biological activities against diverse pathogens.
Parts used
Elettaria cardamomum is a versatile medicinal plant that is utilized in various ways across the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Research indicates that different parts of the plant, specifically its seeds and flowers, are frequently used to prepare bioactive extracts. For instance, extracts from the seeds of Elettaria cardamomum have demonstrated significant estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, and androgenic activities. Furthermore, ethanolic extracts derived from both its seeds and flowers have shown potential for their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These diverse applications highlight the importance of studying the specific botanical components of the plant to ensure quality and therapeutic efficacy.