Cardamom’s Antioxidant Power: Combating Inflammation Naturally - Zum Heilen: One Health

Natural Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Support

Cardamom’s Power Against Inflammation

Cardamom’s antioxidative compounds help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, supporting your body’s natural defense against chronic inflammation.

Overview

Cardamom’s antioxidant compounds—such as flavonoids, phenolics, and essential oils—play a key role in neutralizing free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress that triggers chronic inflammation.

This antioxidant action directly supports its anti-inflammatory effects, helping downregulate key markers like TNF-α, IL-6, and COX-2, making cardamom a powerful natural agent against inflammation-driven diseases.

Research & Publications

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Cardamom (Elettaria repens (Sonn.) Baill) and its phytochemical analysis by 4D GCXGC TOF-MS

Hemanth Kumar Kandikattu , P Rachitha , G V Jayashree , K Krupashree , M Sukhith 1, Abdul Majid , Narayanappa Amruta , Farhath Khanum, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 91. 191-201. 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.04.049.

This study investigated the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Elleteria repens (large cardamom) hexane extract (ERH). In vitro assays showed notable free radical scavenging and metal chelating activity, linked to the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids. ERH protected DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage and, in animal models, reduced inflammation by downregulating COX-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS. It also restored antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase, and GSH, highlighting its potential in managing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Protective Role of Phenolic Compounds from Whole Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) against LPS-Induced Inflammation in Colon and Macrophage Cells

Sreedharan S, Nair V, Cisneros-Zevallos L. Nutrients. 2023 Jun 29;15(13):2965. doi: 10.3390/nu15132965. PMID: 37447289; PMCID: PMC10346154.

This study explored the anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic extracts from whole cardamom, identifying 11 phenolics and 16 terpenoids, many newly reported. In LPS-stimulated colon and macrophage cells, the extract significantly reduced the expression of inflammatory genes (NFkβ, TNFα, IL-6, COX2) by lowering ROS levels. In macrophages, it also boosted anti-inflammatory nuclear receptors LXRα and PPARγ, and reduced nitric oxide levels. The extract was non-toxic at tested doses and showed strong multifunctional activity due to its rich phenolic content. These findings suggest cardamom may help counter low-grade inflammation linked to chronic diseases.

Antioxidant Activity and GC-MS Profile of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) Essential Oil Obtained by a Combined Extraction Method-Instant Controlled Pressure Drop Technology Coupled with Sonication

Castillo, N., Teresa-Martínez, G., Alonzo-Macías, M., Téllez-Pérez, C., Rodríguez-Rodríguez, J., Sosa-Hernández, J., Parra-Saldívar, R., Melchor-Martínez, E., & Cardador-Martínez, A. (2023). Molecules, 28.

This study demonstrated that combining instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) significantly enhanced the antioxidant activity of cardamom essential oil (CEO). The DIC 2 treatment (165 °C, 30 s) exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity (79.48%) and the strongest Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), outperforming the control. These improvements are linked to better extraction of bioactive compounds like α-terpinyl acetate and geranyl oleate. Enhanced porosity of seeds after DIC treatment also contributed to greater release of antioxidants. Overall, the findings support DIC-UAE as a green, efficient method for maximizing the antioxidant potential of CEO.

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