DOES THE 'QUEEN OF SPICES' LIVE UP TO ITS NAME? THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF CURRENT EVIDENCE AND MOLECULAR MECHANISMS

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Background: Green cardamom is the dried fruit of the herbaceous plant Elettaria cardamomum, originating from India. Due to its rich heritage in Ayurvedic medicine, mostly as a respiratory and digestive aid, as well as its distinct flavour, it has been historically known as the „Queen of Spices”. Despite its comprehensive pharmacological profile, green cardamom is frequently overshadowed by other functional spices, such as turmeric or cinnamon. Purpose: This narrative review aims to evaluate current evidence on green cardamom’s clinical therapeutic efficacy, with emphasis on metabolic, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health, as well as potential anti-cancer and neuroprotective properties. Methods: A comprehensive review of literature was performed, using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. Relevant articles were found, including human clinical trials, animal models, in vitro studies, meta-analyses and systematic reviews. Results: Current evidence suggests that green cardamom’s therapeutic effects are primarily mediated through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. In metabolic and cardiovascular contexts, cardamom consistently improves insulin resistance, endothelial function, triglyceride levels and provides cardioprotection during ischemic events. However, human clinical data regarding its effects on obesity indexes and total cholesterol remain inconsistent. Gastrointestinally, the spice acts as both a spasmogenic and spasmolytic agent and offers protection against gastric ulcers. Oncological research highlights cardamom’s selective cytotoxicity, particularly against triple-negative breast cancer. In in vitro and animal models, the spice has shown promising results in management of Alzheimer’s disease and anxiety. Furthermore, its essential oil exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.