Cardamomi fructus

Cardamomi fructus, also known as cardamom fruit, is a drug monographed by Commission E and used in herbal medicinal products for the treatment of dyspeptic complaints. It is popularly used as a spice in gingerbread.

Commission E monograph: Dyspeptic complaints

Cardamomi fructus contains 2-8% essential oil, about 10% fatty oil with 26% to 41% 1,8-cineol, Borneol, up to 34% alpha-terpineol, camphor, up to 7% terpenylacetate, limonene.

Cardamomi fructus has an antimicrobial effect; it also increases gastric juice secretion. In vitro the extract has antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects.

Cardamomi fructus is used for dyspeptic complaints, especially flatulence.

The average daily dose is 1.5 g, with a tincture 1 to 2 g.

There are no known adverse effects.

There are no known interactions with other drugs.

In everyday life, the whole cardamom fruits are used for strong bad breath and to cover up the smell of alcohol.

1. Jamal A et al.(2006) Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum Maton. fruits in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 103:149-153.
2. Majdalawieh AF et al (2010) In vitro investigation of the potential immunomodulatory and anti-cancer activities of black pepper (Piper nigrum) and cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). J Med Food 13:371-381.
3. Verma SK et al (2009) Blood pressure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and antioxidant activities of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). Indian J Biochem Biophys 46:503-506.