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Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton originated in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats of South India. In order to compare the percentage of essential oil and its components of selected small cardamom landraces, the study was conducted at the Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Myladumpara, Idukki Dt. of Kerala. Essential oil components of nine farmer's varieties such as Njallani Green Gold, Thiruthali, Panikulangara Green Bold No.1, Wonder Cardamom, Elarajan, Arjun, Pappalu, PNS Vaigai, Pachaikkai; and ICRI-5 as control were compared to evaluate the quality of genotypes. Essential oil content was significantly higher in Najllani Green Gold (9.18%), followed by Wonder Cardamom (8.36%). GC-MS profiling identified twenty-five compounds contributing to 90-93% of essential oil. The higher percentage of 1,8-cineole was observed in PNS Vaigai (38.04%) and the control ICRI-5 (38.99%), while Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 had the lowest percentage (24.30%). a-terpinyl acetate was higher (43.39%) in Panikulangara Green Bold No.1 followed by Thiruthali (39.21%), and was lowest in ICRI-5 (35.97%). Panikulangara Green Bold 1 had a higher percentage of a-terpineol, Geranyl acetate, Geraniol and Linalyl acetate than other genotypes. The percentage of sabinene was higher in Njallani Green Gold (7.56%), and in the genotype, Elarajan (5.46%) was lowest. Due to the medicinal and flavour-contributing properties, the essential oil components can be used in medicinal and food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria has remained the most dreadful vector-borne disease; hence, vector control is the most affordable and achievable approach to mitigate the disease burden. Due to the emergence of resistance and environmental pollution, herbal larvicides are considered an alternative to chemical types. Also, nanotechnology has been proposed as a promising solution to improve the efficiency of plant larvicides. This study aimed to develop an effective herbal larvicide. Methods: The chemical composition of Elettaria cardamomum essential oil (EO) was first investigated. Nanoliposomes containing the EO were then prepared using the ethanol injection method. After that, the larvicidal efficacy of the EO and its liposomal state were compared against Anopheles stephensi in laboratory conditions. Results: Alpha-terpinyl acetate (77.59%), eucalyptol (4.38%), nerolidol (2.96%), linalool (1.77%), and limonene (1.69%) were the five major compounds of the EO. Nanoliposomes containing the EO with a particle size of 73±5 nm and a zeta potential of -16.3±0.8 mV were prepared. Additionally, the ATR-FTIR analysis verified the successful loading of the EO into nanoliposomes. The larvicidal activity of nanoliposomes exhibited remarkable potency, with an LC50 value of 14.35 (10–18) µg/mL, significantly more potent than the non-formulated EO, which had an LC50 value of 33.47 (28–39) µg/mL against Anopheles stephensi larvae. Conclusion: The nanoliposomes containing E. cardamomum EO showed promising efficacy against An. stephensi larvae. It could thus be considered for further application against other species of mosquitoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic and antibacterial properties of essential oils and hydroalcoholic extracts from Elettaria cardamomum fruit (E. cardamomum). Methods Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) was used as the test subject for the agar diffusion test in this in-vitro investigation to determine the antibacterial effect of the extract and essential oil. The broth microdilution method was used to calculate their minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to assess their cytotoxicity against human gingival fibroblasts. Tukey's test (alpha=0.05) and ANOVA were used to evaluate the data. Results The E. cardamomum hydroalcoholic extracts and essential oil demonstrated strong antibacterial activity on A. actinomycetemcomitans. E. cardamomum essential oil (91.5±1.1 mm) and E. cardamomum extract (9.5±0.4 mm) had the highest and lowest growth inhibition zones, respectively. For E. cardamomum essential oil, the MIC and MBC were 1.45%, and for E. cardamomum extract, they were 11.5% (v/v). The essential oil exhibited appreciable cytotoxicity at low doses, while the extract did not. Conclusion Because of its antibacterial properties and low cytotoxicity at low concentrations, the hydroalcoholic extract of E. cardamomum, one of the compounds examined, may have applications as an organic mouthwash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is an outspread spice native to Asia, which is well appreciated for its sensory characteristics, delicate aroma, and unique taste. Currently, the main cardamom extracts are essential oils (EOs), and regarding current market tendencies, this market is in high growth. For this reason, technologies such as the instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) have been applied to reach higher yields and better quality of EO. Then, this study explores the impact of DIC as a pretreatment before hydrodistillation (HD) on the EO yield and their antioxidant activity. Obtained results showed that the coupling of DIC-HD increased the yield of essential oil and also had a positive impact on their antioxidant capacity. The EO yield of DIC-HD (140 °C and 30 s) was 4.43% vs. 2.52% for control; the AOX of DIC-HD (165 °C and 30 s) was 86% inhibition vs. 57.02% for control, and the TEAC of DIC-HD (140 °C and 30 s) was 1.44 uMTE/g EO vs. 13.66 uMTE/g EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genus Amomum with 108 currently accepted species is distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia. This article is a comprehensive review of the chemical profiles of Amomum essential oils (EOs) and their spice and flavor properties. In genus Amomum, chemical profiles of EOs of only 29 species and 1 variety are studied so far. EOs of Amomum subulatum, A. tsao-ko, A. kravanh, A. aromaticum, A. compactum, A. korarima and A. verum are rich in 1,8-cineole. These Amomum species are used as spices and flavors. Bornyl acetate, camphor, methyl chavicol, trans-p-(1-butenyl) anisole, santolina triene, α-pinene and β-pinene are other major constituents in EOs of various Amomum species. The quality of EOs is decided by factors such as plant genotype, plant part, collection season, ecological and edaphic factors, isolation and analytical techniques. Studies on the chemical profiles and spice and flavor assessments of EOs of hitherto uninvestigated Amomum species are the future priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cocoa butter and olive oil were used to produce cardamom essential oil (CEO) loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The developed NLC formulations had small size (<150 nm) and high entrapment efficiency (>90%). Scanning electron microscopy showed the round shape of NLC particles. During storage time, the particle size stayed under 150 nm, and zeta potential was almost unchanged (P > 0.05). FTIR analysis revealed no new significant chemical interaction between CEO and the NLC components. According to the in vitro release study, a large amount of CEO was encapsulated inside NLC particles (40 to 55% release in 40 days). Also, results confirmed that encapsulation of CEO by NLC was able to protect its antioxidant activity as compared to CEO emulsion (5.7 and 12.32% reduction after 30 days, respectively). CEO release from NLCs was fitted well with the Rigter–Peppas model (R2 > 93%). The results confirmed that CEO-loaded NLC could be used as a food supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volatile oil of cardamom capsules is an expensive ingredient in food preparation, beverages, perfumery and traditional medicines. The capsules of 65 promising cardamom accessions were used to evaluate the volatile oil content estimation. The volatile of cured capsules were extracted by hydro-distillation method and it was ranged from 2.2 % - 9.6%. Five cardamom accessions were observed highest volatile oil content, which was HY-3 and HY-4 (9.6 %), S1 x GG (Type 2) and SAM-5 (9.3%) and PPK-2 (9.1%). This higher volatile oil content is due to the more number of seeds per capsule, capsule maturity and curing period. The number of seeds per capsules was ranged 6.1 in SAM-3 and 17.8 in HY-3 and HY-4. In this study, we have identified 5 high volatile oil content cardamom accessions that could be used for future breeding programs for developing varieties with high yielding as well as high volatile oil content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton prestigiously called as Indian cardamom and is mostly cultivated in south India at higher altitudes ranging from 900 to 1400 msl. The chemical composition of dry capsules essential oil of the four distinct varieties was chemo-profiled by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results revealed a higher concentration of major monoterpene 1, 8-Cineole ranging between 28.94% and 34.91% in PV 1 and PV 2 varieties respectively. Other monoterpenes like α-Pinene, Sabinene, Linalool, α-Terpineol and Nerol were present considerable quantities in all of the four cardamom varieties. Two sesquiterpenic constituents namely, ç-Elemene and 1,6,10-dodecatrien-3-ol (Nerolidol) were identified in all varieties. Three ester constituents were also obtained in PV 1 in which α-Terpinyl acetate (26.68%) exhibited as a major ester constituent followed by Ocimenyl acetate (0.80%) and E5-Dodecenyl acetate (0.30%). This is the first published report on the phytochemical concentration of recent varieties of Indian cardamom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian spices like black pepper, cardamom, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon are valued for their culinary and nutraceutical properties. The quality attributes that impart these properties are essential oil, oleoresin and the aroma/pungent principles. Variability in essential oil constituents of black pepper, relevance of bulk density, codex standards and role of phenolics in deciding quality traits possess great relevance in academic and industrial applications. Curing of turmeric and maturity at harvest play a crucial role in drying and curcumin content. Geographical location has great relevance in deciding the curcumin content of turmeric. Coumarin content of cinnamon and cassia has implications in industrial application. This article provides an introspection in to the research programmes on quality attributes of spices carried out at ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research for the last three decades in comparison with international scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Anisakidosis is caused by the ingestion of raw or undercooked fish or cephalopods containing viable Anisakis larvae. Several natural extracts, oils, essential oils, and their compounds have been tested against Anisakis. In this study the effectiveness of Tunisian olive oil with different spices or plants (cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, laurel, and rosemary) was tested against Anisakis larvae type 1. RESULTS: For the in vitro test, larvae were submerged separately in the oils mentioned above and observed to check viability. Cinnamon oil was the most effective against parasites with lethal time (LT) scores being LT50 = 1.5 days and LT100 = 3 days, followed by rosemary. Laurel, cardamom, and ginger oils were less effective. For the ex vivo experiment, cinnamon, and rosemary oils were tested in anchovy fillets, previously artificially parasitized. Cinnamon was the most effective against parasites (dead after 4 days) as compared to rosemary (7 days). CONCLUSION: The use of cinnamon and rosemary‐flavored olive oil in the industrial marinating process can be considered as an efficient alternative to the freezing process required by European Regulation EC No 853/2004 to devitalize Anisakis. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cardamom essential oil (CEO) loaded nanoliposomes were developed by thin layer hydration method coupled with homogenization and sonication. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that the size (<150 nm) and zeta potential (−10.9 to −17.4 mV) of nanoliposomes were constant for 30 days. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the size of nanoparticles obtained by DLS. Differential scanning calorimetry results showed the possible formation of hydrophobic interaction between CEO and non-polar head of phosphatidylcholine. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the formation of hydrogen bounding between water molecules and CEO constituents and phosphatidylcholine which was more pronounced in CEO loaded nanoliposome. Encapsulation was able to protect antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of CEO after one month which shows its potential as a food preservative. Also, results showed the potential application of nanoliposomes as carriers for CEO delivery in aqueous-based foods to improve CEO stability and overcome to its limited application. Highlights • Nanoliposome was used to encapsulate cardamom essential oil (CEO). • Possible formation of hydrophobic interaction between CEO and lecithin by DSC. • Nanoliposomes showed high physical stability after 30 days. • Nanoliposome preserved the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of CEO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ginger family (Zingiberaceae) includes plants that are known worldwide to have a distinctive smell and taste, which are often used as spices in the kitchen, but also in various industries (pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic) due to their proven biological activity. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the chemical composition and antioxidant activity (AA) of essential oils (EOs) of four characteristic ginger species: Elettaria cardamomum L. Maton (cardamom), Curcuma Longa L. (turmeric), Zingiber Officinale Roscoe (ginger), and Alpinia Officinarum Hance (galangal). Furthermore, the total phenolic content (TPC) and AA of crude extracts obtained after using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and different extraction solvents (80% ethanol, 80% methanol and water) were evaluated. A total of 87 different chemical components were determined by GC-MS/MS in the EOs obtained after hydrodistillation, 14 of which were identified in varying amounts in all EOs. The major compounds found in cardamom, turmeric, ginger, and galangal were α-terpinyl acetate (40.70%), β-turmerone (25.77%), α-zingiberene (22.69%) and 1,8-cineol (42.71%), respectively. In general, 80% ethanol was found to be the most effective extracting solvent for the bioactivities of the investigated species from the Zingiberaceae family. Among the crude extracts, ethanolic extract of galangal showed the highest TPC value (63.01 ± 1.06 mg GA g−1 DW), while the lowest TPC content was found in cardamom water extract (1.04 ± 0.29 mg GA g−1 DW). The AA evaluated by two different assays (ferric-reducing antioxidant power-FRAP and the scavenging activity of the cationic ABTS radical) proved that galangal rhizome is the plant with the highest antioxidant potential. In addition, no statistical difference was found between the AA of turmeric and ginger extracts, while cardamom rhizome was again inferior. In contrast to the crude extracts, the EOs resulted in significantly lower ABTS and FRAP values, with turmeric EO showing the highest AA.

Cardamom is one of the most important commercial spices grown and exported from India. More than 80% of production in India is from Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) of Idukki district in Kerala, India. There has been a demand to study the quality attributes of cardamom produced in CHR of Idukki district comprising of A, B and C zones. Highest essential oil content was recorded in cardamom samples from zone A. Maximum litre weight was recorded from zone C. The percentage of bold capsules (> 7 mm) was maximum in A zone compared to B & C zones. Number of seeds/ capsule from A and C zones were significantly higher when compared to B zone. Seed: Husk ratio and weight of one capsule did not vary significantly among the three zones. Chemical profiling of essential oil from the three zones revealed the highest content of 1,8-cineole(ether) and α-terpinyl acetate(ester) in cardamom from zone A followed by zone B and zone C. The intrinsic quality of cardamom is mainly attributed to these two compounds. The proportion of 1,8-cineole and α-terpinyl acetate did not vary among different zones and the mild spicy flavor attributed to α-terpinyl acetate is prominent in cardamom capsules from Idukki irrespective of zones when compared to camphory odor due to 1,8-cineole. Physical and chemical quality parameters of cardamom from three zones are compared and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antimicrobial activity of essential oils and extracts of fruits of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) against pathogenic (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Salmonella sp. (clinical isolate), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P, Proteus vulgaris G) and saprophytic (Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae) microorganisms was examined by disc-diffusion and well-diffusion methods. The essential oils and the extracts inhibited the growth of pathogenic and saprophytic microorganisms causing gastrointestinal diseases. Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to the extracts and oils (inhibition zones between 9.5 and 20 mm) and the minimum inhibitory concentration was more than 600 ppm. The tested Gram-negative bacteria were less sensitive (zones of inhibition between 8 and 12 mm) with a minimum bactericidal concentration more than 600 ppm. The obtained essential oils and extracts are suitable for use as biopreservative agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to test the ability of some essential oils to dissolve three types of commercial gutta-percha brands which are commonly used in Egypt. The chemical composition of three commercially available gutta-percha brands (Hygenic, Maillefer and Meta) was determined using X-ray, FTIR and elemental microanalysis. Essential oils from thirty medicinal plants representing the six most famous families of aromatic plants growing in Egypt were extracted by steam distillation and tested for dissolving the gutta-percha brands. Essential oils from the peels ofCitrus x sinensis(L.) Osbeck (Navel orange),C. deliciosaTenora (Common mandarin) andC. x aurantiumL.(Bitter orange)(Rutaceae) showed the highest dissolution rate. The essential oils from the aerial parts ofOriganum syriacumL. andLavandula hypridaReverchon cv. Grosso (Labiateae) showed complete dissolution at 40oC, also essential oils from the seeds ofElletaria cardamomum(Cardamom) Matonvar. minisculaBurkill (Zingibraceae) showed similar dissolution at 40oC. GC-MS analysis was performed on six essential oils representing the three effective families in order to correlate their composition with their dissolution efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oil content and chemical composition of the volatiles from whole capsule, decorticated seed and husk of four varieties of cardamom viz. Malabar, Mysore, Vazhukka, and Guatemala were studied. The differences in the aroma of cardamom from different sources were attributed to the ratio of esters and 1,8-cineole in the oil. The main constituents of the oils were found to be terpinylacetate and 1,8-cineol. The study revealed that the oil obtained from a whole capsule of the Malabar variety was superior in quality compared to the oil from other varieties. Thein vitrototal antioxidant capacity of the oils from whole capsules by two different methods was also carried out, and it was found that the Malabar variety has the highest antioxidant activity compared to other varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The influence of ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) followed by hydrodistillation of Elettaria cardamomum L. seeds was investigated. The yield, volatile components and sensory characteristics of the extracted essential oils (EO) were evaluated. Power of ultrasonic and time of sonication were optimized. The chemical composition of the EO was identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Results revealed that the major components of cardamom essential oils varied between 26.59% and 39.34% for 1,8-cineole, and between 22.94% and 40.56% for α-terpinyl acetate, depending on the extraction conditions. The UAE technique facilitated short time extraction, improved extraction efficiency and produced good quality cardamom essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of microencapsulating cardamom essential oil (CEO) in whey protein isolate (WPI) alone and combined with guar gum (GG) and carrageen (CG) on microencapsulation efficiency, oil chemical stability, and microcapsule structure were investigated. Freeze-dried microcapsules were prepared from emulsions containing (w/w): 15% and 30% WPI; 0.1% GG, and 0.2% CG as wall materials with CEO (at 10% of polymer concentration) as core material, and physical properties and chemical stability were compared. Bulk density of microcapsules was highest in WPI without GG or CG and in 30% WPI + GG microcapsules, and was more affected by moisture content ( r = −0.6) than by mean particle diameter ( d43; r = −0.2) and span ( r = 0.1). Microcapsules containing only WPI had the highest entrapped oil (7.5%) and microencapsulation efficiency (98.5%). The concentrations of 1,8-cineole and d-limonene were used as indicators for microcapsule chemical stability since they were the main components of CEO. Microcapsules retained higher ( P ≤ 0.05) concentrations of both components than non-microencapsulated CEO during 16 wk storage at 20 ºC, but higher loss of both components was noted at 35 ºC. Microencapsulated d-limonene was reduced faster than 1,8-cineole regardless of temperature. The 30% WPI and 30% WPI + GG microcapsules retained CEO best throughout storage at both storage temperatures. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that WPI microcapsules had smooth surfaces, were relatively homogenous and regular in shape, whereas GG and CG addition increased visual surface porosity and reduced shape regularity. It was concluded that the best formulation for encapsulating CEO was 30% WPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of supercritical CO2(SCCO2) extraction conditions (pressure and temperature) on the system performance as well as the antiradical efficiencies of the essential oils from Japanese pepper (Xanthoxylum piperitum DC.), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomumMaton), and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds were investigated. A control study with the conventional Soxhlet extraction and hydrodistillation was also conducted to compare the performance of those processes. Antiradical efficiencies were investigated by utilizing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay with a UV-vis spectrophotometer. Higher pressure and temperature had positive effects on the supercritical process performance due to higher CO2density and substrate solubility in SCCO2. Antiradical efficiencies of cardamom and pepper were almost the same, being significantly higher than that of fennel seeds. However, this effect decreased dramatically for all the spices when the extraction method was changed to Soxhlet extraction and hydrodistillation. SCCO2extraction was found to yield more quality and effective essential oils than Soxhlet extraction and hydrodistillation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The chemical composition of extract from the seeds of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, obtained by extraction with tetrafluoroethane was analyzed using GC and GC/MS. The major compounds (concentration higher than 3%) of extract were: terpinyl acetate (36.8%), 1,8-cineole (29.2%), linalyl acetate (5.2%), sabinene (3.9%) and linalool (3.1%). The studied extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity against pathogenic species Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Salmonella abony and was inactive against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extract possessed low antioxidant activity against DPPH radicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response surface methodology was employed to investigate the effects of operating conditions and predict the optimal conditions for supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of essential oil from Amomum krevanh Pierre. The factors investigated were operating temperature (33-67°C), the operating pressure (91-259 bar), and the extraction time (20-70 min). The main effect of the operating pressure and the interaction effect between the operating temperature and the extraction time were found to be significant factors. From the response surface model, an optimal condition for essential oil content within the range of experimental study was found to be at 33°C, 175 bar, and 70 min, which gave the oil yield of 17.3 mg/g dry wt. The essential oil yield obtained at all conditions were higher than that obtained by organic solvent extraction (9.74 mg/g dry wt.) while the composition of the extract was similar, which were 1,8-cineole (70.87%), β-pinene (8.89%), and limonene (4.81%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The solvent-free microwave extraction (SFME) of cardamom essential oil (Elletaria cardamomum L.) was studied. A multivariate study based on a central composite design (CCD) was used to evaluate the influence of three major variables affecting the performance of the solvent-free microwave extraction of cardamom seed. The yield and the composition of the essential oils from the dry cardamom seeds obtained by SFME were determined, and compared with those obtained by the traditional hydro-distillation (HD). Statistical treatment of the results provided by the CCD revealed that the selected parameters: extraction time, irradiation power and moisture content of the seeds were significant. The essential oils were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Essential oils provided by SFME are dominated by the oxygenated fraction which is the more valuable and composed of highly odoriferous aromatic compounds. Cardamom seeds treated by SFME and HD were observed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Micrographs provide more evidence of the destruction of cardamom seeds treated by SFME, in contrast to conventional hydro-distillation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ginger family (Zingiberaceae) includes plants that are known worldwide to have a distinctive smell and taste, which are often used as spices in the kitchen, but also in various industries (pharmaceutical, medical, and cosmetic) due to their proven biological activity. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the chemical composition and antioxidant activity (AA) of essential oils (EOs) of four characteristic ginger species: Elettaria cardamomum L. Maton (cardamom), Curcuma Longa L. (turmeric), Zingiber Officinale Roscoe (ginger), and Alpinia Officinarum Hance (galangal). Furthermore, the total phenolic content (TPC) and AA of crude extracts obtained after using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and different extraction solvents (80% ethanol, 80% methanol and water) were evaluated. A total of 87 different chemical components were determined by GC-MS/MS in the EOs obtained after hydrodistillation, 14 of which were identified in varying amounts in all EOs. The major compounds found in cardamom, turmeric, ginger, and galangal were α-terpinyl acetate (40.70%), β-turmerone (25.77%), α-zingiberene (22.69%) and 1,8-cineol (42.71%), respectively. In general, 80% ethanol was found to be the most effective extracting solvent for the bioactivities of the investigated species from the Zingiberaceae family. Among the crude extracts, ethanolic extract of galangal showed the highest TPC value (63.01 ± 1.06 mg GA g−1 DW), while the lowest TPC content was found in cardamom water extract (1.04 ± 0.29 mg GA g−1 DW). The AA evaluated by two different assays (ferric-reducing antioxidant power-FRAP and the scavenging activity of the cationic ABTS radical) proved that galangal rhizome is the plant with the highest antioxidant potential. In addition, no statistical difference was found between the AA of turmeric and ginger extracts, while cardamom rhizome was again inferior. In contrast to the crude extracts, the EOs resulted in significantly lower ABTS and FRAP values, with turmeric EO showing the highest AA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small cardamom [ Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton. (Family: Zingiberaceae)] capsules (fruits) have been used for traditional medicine applications including for the control of asthma, teeth and gum infections, cataracts, nausea, diarrhea, as well as cardiac, digestive and kidney disorders. The versatile use of cardamom capsules has several other beneficial health effects that are relevant in light of traditional and modern pharmaceutical perspectives. This review aims to provide a critical and comprehensive evaluation of the traditional and current medical uses of E. cardamomum , and compare these applications with modern research studies. This critical review also discusses the botanical distribution, phytochemical constituents and biological activities of cardamom capsule extracts and essential oil. An online survey was conducted of the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological applications of cardamom essential oil (CEO) and extracts. Pertinent data were obtained from several electronic scientific databases (Science Direct, Elsevier, Web of Science, PubMed, Springer, ACS publications, Taylor and Francis, Wiley On-line Library and Google Scholar), and additional information was obtained from textbooks and local prints and scripts. Cardamom fruits (capsules) are used widely as a spice and flavoring ingredient in foods, and are often recognized for their beneficial health properties. They are also used in fragrances. Phytochemical analyses have described important chemical constituents of cardamom including carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, lipids, essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids and carotenoids. CEO has several biological roles including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, anticancer, gastro-protective and insecticidal activities. The widespread availability and recommendation of synthetic compounds for addressing human health have several side effects besides higher costs. Hence, examining natural bioactive compounds is imperative. This review investigates and presents the pertinent information on cardamom and its traditional uses, as well as potential pharmacological properties of CEO and extracts. Additional research studies are needed to understand the mechanism of action of bioactive constituents. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil from the seeds of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. Characterisation of the essential oil identified 37 components accounting for > 99% of its composition, with terpineol acetate (> 35%) and 1,8‐cineole (> 20%) being the most prevalent compounds. In the absence of toxicological data of the feed additive itself, a component‐based approach was applied to assess the safety of the essential oil as a mixture. Based on structural and metabolic similarity, the components of cardamom oil were allocated to seven assessment groups. Assuming the absence of toxicologically relevant interactions among components, dose addition was applied within each assessment group by calculating the combined margin of exposure as a basis for risk characterisation. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive under assessment is safe at the proposed use level of 5 mg/kg in feed for all animal species. A concentration of 5 mg/L water for drinking is considered safe for all animal species. The use of cardamom essential oil in animal feed is considered safe for the consumer. In the absence of studies, the Panel cannot conclude on the safety for the users when handling the additive. The use of the essential oil under assessment in animal production is not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since the seeds of E. cardamomum and their preparations are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no further demonstration of efficacy is considered necessary. The Panel made a recommendation to limit the content of methyleugenol in the oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]