Cardamom exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, effectively targeting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi like Candida albicans, with notable action against drug-resistant strains and biofilm-forming pathogens.
Its key bioactive compounds—1,8-cineole and α-terpinyl acetate—disrupt microbial membranes and inhibit quorum sensing, making cardamom a promising natural agent for food preservation and infection control.
Antibacterial activity of 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol bioactive from cardamom against multi-drug-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infections-an in vitro study.
Palakuzhy Abdurahman, A., Varkey, P., Kuruvilla, J., Koncheri Churray, V., Kannanpallil Narayanan, S., Tharakan, M., Elenjickal, N. S., & Kumar Kaleeckal Sadanandan, H. (2024). International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 13(5), 599–604.
This study focuses on the urgent need for alternative approaches to manage urinary tract infections (UTIs), which affect millions globally and are increasingly complicated by antibiotic resistance. It highlights cardamom as a promising natural source, rich in bioactive compounds like 1,8-cineole and α-terpineol. These compounds, identified through GC-MS analysis, possess known antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help combat UTIs. The study supports the potential use of cardamom-derived nutraceuticals as safe, plant-based therapeutic options for UTI prevention and management.
Anti-biofilm Potential of Elletaria cardamomum Essential Oil Against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium JSG 1748.
Abdullah, Asghar A, Algburi A, Huang Q, Ahmad T, Zhong H, Javed HU, Ermakov AM and Chikindas ML (2021) Front. Microbiol. 12:620227
This study evaluated the antimicrobial potential and safety of Elettaria cardamomum (green cardamom) essential oil. GC-MS analysis revealed major bioactives like α-terpinyl acetate and 1,8-cineole, known for their strong antimicrobial effects. The oil effectively inhibited the growth of E. coli and P. aeruginosa and significantly reduced biofilm formation by E. coli and Salmonella Typhimurium at low concentrations. Importantly, it was found to be non-mutagenic, supporting its potential as a natural, safe antimicrobial and preservative for use in food products.
Antimicrobial activity and mode of action of 1,8-cineol against carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae
Chew Li Moo, Mohd Azuraidi Osman, Shun Kai Yang, Wai Sum Yap, Saila Ismail, Swee Hua Erin Lim, Chou Min Chong, Kok Song Lai Sci Rep 11, 20824 (2021).
This study demonstrated that 1,8-cineole (CN), a plant-derived monoterpene, exhibits potent bactericidal activity against carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-KP). CN disrupted the bacterial membrane, increased permeability, and caused leakage of intracellular proteins and nucleic acids. It also induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation, leading to membrane damage and bacterial cell death. These findings suggest that CN acts through a multifaceted antimicrobial mechanism, offering promise as a natural agent to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens.