Health Benefits of Elettaria cardamomum : Insights Into Bioactive Compounds and Therapeutic Mechanisms

Elettaria cardamomum is a medicinally significant spice widely used in traditional healing practices due to its therapeutic potential. It is referred to as “Queen of Spices” which has drawn more scientific attention as scientists continue to work to confirm its health qualities using evidence-based methods. It has an extensive range of bioactive compounds which contribute to its pharmacological effects. This review integrates data on therapeutic properties, phytochemical composition and nutritional value of Elettaria cardamomum . This review aims to critically summarize the phytochemical composition, nutritional value, pharmacological properties, and proposed molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of E. cardamomum . Relevant scientific literature addressing the phytochemical constituents, nutritional properties, biological activities, therapeutic mechanisms, and safety of E. cardamomum was evaluated. The literature was identified through searches of major electronic databases using combinations of terms related to E. cardamomum , cardamom, phytochemicals, bioactive compounds, pharmacological activities, therapeutic mechanisms, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Relevant experimental, clinical, and review literature was considered, with emphasis on studies providing evidence for specific compounds and their biological mechanisms. Relevant scientific literature addressing the phytochemical constituents, nutritional properties, biological activities, therapeutic mechanisms, and safety of E. cardamomum was evaluated. Literature was identified through searches of major electronic databases using combinations of keywords related to E. cardamomum , cardamom, phytochemicals, bioactive compounds, pharmacological activities, therapeutic mechanisms, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Experimental, clinical, and review studies were considered, with emphasis on evidence describing specific bioactive compounds and their associated biological mechanisms. Cardamom’s medicinal and functional usefulness is further enhanced by its nutritional makeup that include its essential vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Its safety, affordability and widespread availability make it a good fit for its use in complementary and alternative medicine approaches. Even with promising results, well designed human clinical studies are still required to support its medicinal claims. It may be easier to incorporate cardamom into pharmacological and therapeutic uses if further future research focus on bioavailability, dose uniformity, and molecular mechanisms of action.