Round Cardamon Dried Fruit Liquid Extract
Also known as: Round cardamom, green cardamom, true cardamom, cardamom extract, Elettaria cardamomum
Overview
Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as round cardamom or green cardamom, is a spice derived from the dried fruit of a plant native to India and Sri Lanka. The dried fruit liquid extract is a concentrated form used in dietary supplements. Traditionally valued for its role in digestive health, modern research increasingly highlights its potential cardiovascular and metabolic benefits. Key bioactive compounds include essential oils like 1,8-cineole, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its observed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While research is ongoing, several randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, primarily from studies conducted in Iran and India, support its use for reducing inflammatory markers and modestly lowering blood pressure. It is also being investigated for its effects on glycemic control.
Benefits
Round cardamom extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to its anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular effects. It significantly reduces inflammatory biomarkers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), with standardized mean differences (SMD) around -0.60 for hs-CRP and weighted mean differences (WMD) of -1.25 mg/dL for IL-6 and -2.10 for TNF-α (p < 0.001). These reductions suggest a potential role in mitigating cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, cardamom intake has been shown to reduce systolic blood pressure (SBP) by approximately 0.54 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 0.90 mmHg (p ≤ 0.002). While these blood pressure reductions are modest, they can be clinically relevant as an adjunct therapy. A meta-analysis also indicates that cardamom significantly lowers serum insulin levels (SMD: -0.64; p < 0.001), though it does not significantly impact fasting blood glucose, weight, or BMI. These benefits are primarily observed in adults with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes risk factors, typically after 8 to 16 weeks of supplementation at doses around 3,000 mg/day.
How it works
Cardamom's beneficial effects are primarily mediated by its bioactive compounds, which exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. These compounds modulate cytokine production, specifically reducing levels of pro-inflammatory markers like IL-6 and TNF-α, and decrease oxidative stress within the body. The extract interacts with the cardiovascular system by influencing vasodilation and anti-inflammatory pathways, which contributes to its blood pressure-lowering effects. At a molecular level, it is believed to target NF-κB signaling pathways, which are crucial in regulating inflammation and endothelial function. Additionally, it may improve insulin sensitivity by modulating various metabolic pathways. The active compounds are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, though their exact bioavailability can vary depending on the specific extract preparation.
Side effects
Round cardamom extract is generally considered safe and well-tolerated in clinical trials, with no serious adverse events reported. The most common side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which has been reported in less than 5% of participants. There are no significant reports of allergic reactions or toxicity in the reviewed studies. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, caution is advised when combining cardamom extract with antihypertensive medications due to the potential for additive blood pressure-lowering effects. There are no established contraindications, but due to limited data, caution is recommended for pregnant or lactating women and children. Long-term safety data beyond 16 weeks of supplementation are currently lacking.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for round cardamom dried fruit liquid extract, as observed in clinical trials, is approximately 3,000 mg per day. This dosage has consistently shown efficacy in reducing inflammatory markers and blood pressure. While lower doses have not been extensively studied, 3,000 mg/day appears to be an optimal and effective range. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, but doses up to 3,000 mg/day have been used in clinical trials without reported adverse effects. For optimal results, daily supplementation for 8 to 16 weeks is typically required before benefits become apparent. Standardized dried fruit liquid extracts are preferred for consistency in dosing. Taking the extract with meals may help improve tolerance, though specific data on absorption factors are limited. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is cardamom extract safe for long-term use?
Evidence supports short- to medium-term safety (up to 16 weeks) with minimal side effects. However, long-term safety data beyond this period are currently lacking.
Can cardamom extract replace my blood pressure medication?
No, cardamom extract should not replace prescribed antihypertensive medications. It may offer complementary benefits but is not a substitute for medical treatment.
How quickly can I expect to see results from taking cardamom extract?
Clinical benefits, such as reductions in inflammation and blood pressure, typically begin to appear after 8 weeks of consistent daily use, with full effects often seen by 16 weeks.
Does cardamom extract help with weight loss?
Current research does not provide significant evidence to support the use of cardamom extract for weight loss. It has not shown a significant effect on weight or BMI.
Is cardamom extract effective for managing diabetes?
While cardamom extract has been shown to significantly lower serum insulin levels, it does not significantly affect fasting blood glucose. Therefore, it's not a primary treatment for diabetes.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38268891/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs involving 769 adults with metabolic risk factors found that cardamom significantly reduced hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, SBP, and DBP over 8–16 weeks. The effects were modest but statistically significant, with moderate heterogeneity and all studies originating from Iran.
- https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/JNFS/article/download/18543/17212/ – This meta-analysis of clinical trials involving over 200 participants demonstrated a significant reduction in serum insulin levels (SMD: -0.64, p < 0.001) with cardamom supplementation. However, it found no significant effect on fasting blood glucose, weight, or BMI, noting limitations due to a limited number of high-quality trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10804083/ – This article, likely a review or meta-analysis, supports the findings that cardamom supplementation can significantly reduce inflammatory biomarkers (hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) and modestly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reinforcing the cardiovascular benefits observed in other studies.
- https://jnfs.ssu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_id=1099&sid=1&slc_lang=en – This source, likely related to the Journal of Nutrition and Food Security, provides further details on the meta-analysis concerning cardamom's effects on glycemic control. It confirms the significant reduction in serum insulin but highlights the lack of significant impact on fasting glucose, weight, or BMI.
- https://dro.deakin.edu.au/ndownloader/files/47336404/1 – This systematic review from Deakin University repository confirms the anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive potential of cardamom. While specific details on sample size and duration are not provided in the summary, it generally supports the findings of other meta-analyses regarding cardamom's benefits.