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Elettaria Cardamomum

Q: Is cardamom effective for diabetes?

Evidence suggests cardamom can modestly improve fasting glucose and insulin levels, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes, with effects typically observed after 8–12 weeks of consistent supplementation.

Q: Can cardamom help with weight loss?

Yes, studies have shown small but statistically significant reductions in body weight and BMI with cardamom supplementation, contributing to overall weight management efforts.

Q: Is it safe to take with blood pressure medications?

Caution is advised due to potential additive hypotensive effects. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before combining cardamom with blood pressure medications to avoid excessive blood pressure drops.

Q: How soon do benefits appear?

Most clinical studies indicate that significant metabolic and cardiovascular benefits from cardamom supplementation typically begin to appear after at least 8 weeks of consistent daily intake.

Also known as: Green cardamom, True cardamom, Cardamom spice, Elettaria cardamomum

Overview

Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as green cardamom, is a perennial herbaceous plant indigenous to India and Sri Lanka. It is widely recognized as a culinary spice and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The seeds of the plant are the primary source for supplemental use. This botanical is primarily valued for its potential to support metabolic health, including improvements in glycemic control, assistance with weight management, and cardiovascular benefits such as blood pressure reduction. Its health effects are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, essential oils, and flavonoids. Recent research, including several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, has provided moderate-quality evidence supporting its therapeutic applications, particularly in the last five years.

Benefits

Cardamom supplementation offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly for individuals with metabolic disorders: - **Glycemic Control:** Meta-analyses of multiple RCTs consistently show that cardamom significantly reduces fasting blood glucose and serum insulin levels in adults, including those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs specifically highlighted significant attenuation of serum insulin and fasting glucose levels after cardamom intake (p < 0.05), indicating its potential as an adjunct therapy for blood sugar management. - **Weight Management:** The same meta-analysis reported statistically significant reductions in body weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) after 12 weeks of supplementation. While the effect sizes are modest, they suggest clinically relevant improvements in weight parameters, particularly when combined with other interventions. - **Blood Pressure Reduction:** A systematic review and meta-analysis of 8 RCTs involving 769 participants demonstrated statistically significant reductions in both systolic blood pressure (SBP) by approximately 0.54 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 0.90 mmHg (p < 0.01). This suggests a role for cardamom in supporting cardiovascular health, especially in hypertensive individuals. - **Anti-inflammatory Effects:** While less quantified in meta-analyses, some evidence suggests that cardamom may possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially contributing to its overall health benefits. The benefits appear most pronounced in populations with metabolic syndrome, T2DM, or hypertension, with intervention durations typically ranging from 8 to 16 weeks.

How it works

The therapeutic effects of Elettaria cardamomum are primarily attributed to its rich array of bioactive compounds, including various polyphenols and essential oils such as cineole and limonene. These constituents exhibit potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are key to its mechanism of action. Cardamom may improve insulin sensitivity by modulating glucose metabolism pathways and reducing oxidative stress within cells. Furthermore, certain compounds in cardamom are believed to exert vasodilatory effects, contributing to the observed reductions in blood pressure. While specific bioavailability data are limited, the lipophilic nature of its active constituents likely facilitates their absorption into the body, allowing them to interact with various physiological systems.

Side effects

Cardamom supplementation is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse events reported in clinical trials, even at doses up to 3,000 mg/day over durations of 8 to 16 weeks. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a rare but possible side effect. While no significant drug interactions have been definitively documented, caution is advised when combining cardamom with antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications. This is due to the potential for additive effects, which could lead to an excessive reduction in blood pressure or blood glucose levels. Individuals on such medications should consult their healthcare provider before initiating cardamom supplementation to monitor for potential synergistic effects and adjust medication dosages if necessary. Contraindications for use are not well-established, but due to a lack of sufficient safety data, cardamom supplementation is generally not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. Individuals with gallstones or other gallbladder issues should also exercise caution, as cardamom may stimulate bile flow.

Dosage

Effective dosages of cardamom in clinical trials typically range from 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg daily of either cardamom powder or extract. This daily dose is commonly administered in divided doses to optimize absorption and minimize potential gastrointestinal discomfort. To observe significant metabolic effects, intervention durations in studies have ranged from 8 to 16 weeks, suggesting that consistent, long-term use is necessary for benefits to manifest. There is no established maximum safe dose beyond these ranges; higher doses lack sufficient safety data and are not recommended. Supplements are generally advised to be taken with meals, which can further improve the absorption of active compounds and help mitigate any mild gastrointestinal side effects. Adhering to these guidelines ensures both efficacy and safety based on current research.

FAQs

Is cardamom effective for diabetes?

Evidence suggests cardamom can modestly improve fasting glucose and insulin levels, particularly in individuals with type 2 diabetes, with effects typically observed after 8–12 weeks of consistent supplementation.

Can cardamom help with weight loss?

Yes, studies have shown small but statistically significant reductions in body weight and BMI with cardamom supplementation, contributing to overall weight management efforts.

Is it safe to take with blood pressure medications?

Caution is advised due to potential additive hypotensive effects. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before combining cardamom with blood pressure medications to avoid excessive blood pressure drops.

How soon do benefits appear?

Most clinical studies indicate that significant metabolic and cardiovascular benefits from cardamom supplementation typically begin to appear after at least 8 weeks of consistent daily intake.

Research Sources

https://jnfs.ssu.ac.ir/article-1-1099-en.html – This systematic review and meta-analysis (Nikpayam et al., 2025) of 8 RCTs investigated cardamom's effects on metabolic parameters in adults. It found significant reductions in fasting glucose, insulin, body weight, and BMI, highlighting cardamom's potential for metabolic health support despite moderate heterogeneity.
https://publish.kne-publishing.com/index.php/JNFS/article/download/18543/17212/ – This source provides the full text of the Nikpayam et al. (2025) systematic review and meta-analysis, detailing the methodology and results that showed significant improvements in glycemic and weight parameters with cardamom supplementation in adults with metabolic disorders.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35691204/ – This meta-analysis (2022) on metabolic factors, accessible via PubMed, synthesized findings from multiple RCTs on adults with metabolic syndrome. It reported significant improvements in glycemic indices and weight profiles, though it noted some studies had small sample sizes and potential publication bias.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10804083/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Azimi et al. (2022) included 8 RCTs (n=769) and demonstrated statistically significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure with cardamom supplementation. The study was assessed as high quality with a low risk of bias, supporting cardamom's role in blood pressure management.