Preservative of Essential Oil Blends: Control of Clostridium perfringens Type a in Mortadella

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the essential oils of cinnamon, cardamom, clove, oregano, and thyme and their synergism on vegetative cells and endospores of Clostridium perfringens type A inoculated in meat sausage (mortadella), as well as the influence of blends on the color, and lipid oxidation through the determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS index). The anticlostridial action of the oil blends was established. The two added oil blends (Treat. 1: oregano, clove, and thyme; Treat. 2: oregano, clove, and cinnamon) in combination with reduced nitrite content (75 ppm) promoted a lower growth of C. perfringens in mortadella stored at 15 °C for 21 days in comparison to treatments containing only 75 ppm of nitrite. The essential oil blends showed antioxidant action and did not alter food color, thus possessing potential application as a preservative for the meat products industry.

Synergistic interactions of polyphenols and their effect on antiradical potential

The aim of the current study was to evaluate interactions among polyphenols from different plants and their effect on antioxidant potential. Different mixtures of plant extracts of Crataegus oxyacantha [C], Elettaria cardamomum [Cr], Terminalia arjuna [T] and Rauvolfia serpentina [R] were prepared and evaluated for total phenolics, flavonoid contents, and antioxidant activity. A correlation was also established between total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Comparative evaluation revealed that phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were found high in plant extracts mixtures than individual plants. Highest phenolics [580+/-1.12mg GAE/g], flavonoids [67.10+/-0.11mg CE/g] and antioxidant activity [IC[50] 0.109mg/ml] was observed with ratio 1:1:1:2 of plant mixture C, Cr, T, R. A weak linear positive correlation was found between antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents. A negative correlation was observed among IC[50] value, total phenolics and flavonoid contents. Investigation through RP-HPLC revealed the presence of different potent phenolics in plants understudy. More antioxidant potential of extracts in combinations as compared to that of individual plants was clear corroboration of synergism. The ratio [1:1:1:2] of the studied plants in combination, that showed the highest free radical potential, was another expected better pharmacological prospect. This formulation can bring maximum relief against free radical-associated diseases

Comparative study of the antihypertensive effects of hexane, chloroform and methanol fractions of essential oil of Alpinia zerumbet in rats Wistar / Estudo comparativo do efeito anti-hipertensivo das frações hexânixa, clorofórmica e metanólica do óleo essencial da Alpinia zerumbet

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to characterize components of the EOAz and its hexane (HFEOAz), chloroform (CFEOAz) and methanol (MFEOAz) fractions, and its antihypertensive effect. EOAz was extracted from leaves by hydrodistillation. Aliquot was subjected to selective desorption with silica gel column and eluted with hexane, chloroform and methanol. The components of the EOAz and fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of hydrogen. Experiments of vascular reactivity were performed with isolated aortic rings of male Wistar rats. Antihypertensive effect was evaluated in hypertensive rats submitted to the inhibition of synthesis of nitric oxide. Blood pressure was measured indirectly by tail plethysmography. MFEOAz showed the lowest EC50 (150.45 µg/mL), 1,8-cineole (27.81%) and terpinen-4-ol (57.35%) as main components. Single administration by nasogastric tube of EOAz, fractions and captopril significantly reduced the blood pressure of hypertensive rats, when compared to animals of the negative control group with distilled water. In conclusion, the potency of the MFEOAz was higher than that of EOAz and other fractions. The antihypertensive effect of EOAz and fractions was similar, higher than the negative control and lower than that of captopril.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os componentes do óleo essencial das folhas de Alpinia zerumbet (OEAz) e suas frações hexânica (FHOEAz), clorofórmica (FCOEAz) e metanólica (FMOEAz), e seu efeito anti-hipertensivo. OEAz foi extraído das folhas por hidrodestilação. Uma alíquota foi submetida à desadsorção seletiva com coluna de gel de sílica e eluída com hexano, clorofórmio e metanol. Os componentes do OEAz e fracções foram analisadas por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à detector de massa e por espectros de ressonância magnética nuclear de hidrogênio. Experimentos de reatividade vascular foram realizados com anéis aórticos isolados de ratos Wistar machos. Efeito anti-hipertensivo foi avaliado em ratos hipertensos submetidos à inibição da síntese de óxido nítrico. A pressão arterial foi medida indiretamente por pletismografia de cauda. FMOEAz mostrou a menor CE50 (150,45 μg/mL), 1,8-cineol (27,81%) e terpinen-4-ol (57,35%) como componentes principais. A administração em dose única por sonda nasogástrica de OEAz, frações e captopril reduziu significativamente a pressão arterial de ratos hipertensos, quando comparados aos animais do grupo controle negativo com água destilada. Em conclusão, a potência da FMOEAz foi maior que a do OEAz e outras frações. O efeito anti-hipertensivo de OEAz e frações foi semelhante, maior do que o controle negativo e menor do que o captopril.

Histological and ultrastructural studies on the toxic effect of pan masala and its amelioration by Elettaria cardamomum / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To investigate the histological and ultrastructural changes observed in pan masala intoxicated mammalian testes under the effect of cardamom.@*METHODS@#Male Swiss mice were given pan masala orally at a dose of 2% of the feed and cardamom at a dose of 0.2% of the feed. They were divided into three groups, control (Group I), pan masala-treated (Group II), and a combination of pan masala and cardamom-treated group (Group III). Histologically, the testes of Group II mice displayed degeneration of tubular epithelium, disruption of spermatogenesis, and a marked reduction in germ cells.@*RESULTS@#When cardamom was given, damage was less with fewer distorted cells and also improvement with normal tubules and spermatid differentiation in Group III. Ultrastructurally, pan masala-treated testes showed cytoplasmic vacuolation, shrinkage and pyknotic nuclei of spermatogonia, and abnormal acrosomal granules.@*CONCLUSION@#When cardamom was given, the amelioration process was more evident showing a comparable morphology with control.

Protective effect of Eleteria cardamomum (L.) Maton against Pan masala induced damage in lung of male Swiss mice

OBJECTIVE@#To study the potential ameliorating properties of cardamom Elettaria cardamomum (E. cardamomum) L. Maton against pan masala induced damage in lung of male Swiss mice.@*METHODS@#The experimental animals were divided into 3 groups (control, pan masala treated group and pan masala with cardamom treated group) to evaluate pan masala toxicity. The observations were substantiated with profound changes in the lung tissue as revealed in the histologic and transmission electron microscopic examinations.@*RESULTS@#Lung of pan masala treated group showed adenocarcinoma, edema, and inflammation with increased activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase. The deleterious effects were seen to be less in cardamom treated group and the enzymatic activity also decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the ameliorating group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Thus, the present experiment exciting results are observed when cardamom is supplemented with pan masala, or when given alone.

Molecular modeling and conformational analysis of native and refolded viral genome-linked protein of Cardamom mosaic virus.

The viral genome-linked protein (VPg) of Potyviruses is covalently attached to the 5’ end of the genomic RNA. Towards biophysical characterization, the VPg coding region of Cardamom mosaic virus (CdMV) was amplified from the cDNA and expressed in E. coli. Most of the expressed VPg aggregated as inclusion bodies that were solubilized with urea and refolded with L-arginine hydrochloride. The various forms of CdMV VPg (native, denatured and refolded) were purified and the conformational variations between these forms were observed with fluorescence spectroscopy. Native and refolded CdMV VPg showed unordered secondary structure in the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum. The model of CdMV VPg was built based on the crystal structure of phosphotriesterase (from Pseudomonas diminuta), which had the maximum sequence homology with VPg to identify the arrangement of conserved amino acids in the protein to study the functional diversity of VPg. This is the first report on the VPg of CdMV, which is classified as a new member of the Macluravirus genus of the Potyviridae family.

Evaluación de plántulas de cardamomo (Elettaria cardamomum (L. ) Maton) por su resistencia in vitro al filtrado de cultivo de Fusarium oxysporum Link / Seedlings of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L. ) Maton) evaluation by resistance in vitro at culture filtrates of Fusarium oxysporum Link

El Fusarium oxysporum Link es el causante de la pudrición basal en el cardamomo. En el presente trabajo se evalúa el efecto fitotóxico del filtrado crudo del hongo, para seleccionar variantes somaclonales de cardamomo resistentes al mismo en pruebas de patogenicidad en invernadero. Mediante los resultados de mortalidad se seleccionaron el clon 5 y el aislado 4 como los de mayor interacción de susceptibilidad – virulencia. De plántulas madres mantenidas en medio de crecimiento acelerado, se inocularon mensualmente 25 plántulas con diferentes concentraciones del filtrado, causando mortalidad en las primeras semanas. A partir de la semana 6, sólo un 32% resistieron el incremento de concentración. Para el décimo ciclo de inoculación, el 100% de plántulas permanecían en el filtrado crudo sin diluir, demostrando que a más tiempo en medio de crecimiento acelerado y mayor presión de selección, incrementando la concentración del filtrado, mayor probabilidad habrá de obtener variantes somaclonales con resistencia in vitro a Fusarium oxysporum.

Fusarium oxysporum Link is the cause of basal rotting in cardamom. The present article evaluates the phytotoxical effect of of the fungus crude filtrate, for selecting somaclonal variations of cardamom that showed resistance in greenhouse pathogenicity tests. According to mortality test results clone 5 and the isolated 4 were pointed with the most susceptibility-virulence interaction. From accelerated growth media seedlings there were selected 25 and inoculated with different concentrations of filtrate, causing mortality on the initial weeks. By the sixth week only a 32% resisted the concentration increment. By the tenth cycle of inoculation 100% of seedlings remained in the crude filtrate without dilutions. The more time the seedlings remain in accelerated growth media and the more selection pressure increasing filtrate concentration show increased probability of getting somaclonal variants with in vitro resistance of Fusarium oxysporum.

mutagenic and antimutagenic activity of Lavandula angustifolia and Elettaria cardamomum essential oils in the bacterial reverse mutation assay

Essential oils from Elettaria cordamomum [cardamom oil] and Lavandula angustifolia [Lavender oil] are used a lot in food and Drug Industry. Cardamom oil traditionally used as spice in food now is increasingly used as diuretic, sedative and for gastrointestinal disease. Lavender oil, traditionally used as an antiseptic agent, is now widely used as a relaxant, carminative, and sedative in aromatherapy. They both are used as flavouring additives in food and medical industry. It's very important to know their mutagenic potential. Meanwhile, the growth of cancer disease and insufficient chemical treatments are among main reasons for the antimutagenic effect of essential oils to be assessed. In this study we investigated the mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of cardamom oil and lavender oil by the bacterial reverse mutation assay in salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains with and without S9 [microsomal mutagenesis assay] for 7 dilutions of each essential oils. The mutagenicity effects were not seen in all dilutions of each essential oils, and antimutagenicity effect was seen in 0.40 and more concentration [mg/plate] of Elettaria cordamomum by the bacterial reverse mutation assay in salmonella typhimurium TA98 strains without S9. Assessment of genotoxic potential and identification of mutagenic components of essential oils has been considered widely after their increasing consumption rate, in order to investigate possible new activities of herbal essential oils like antimutagnic effect possibly leading to new and safer products. Although the antimutagenic activity of lavender oil is an interesting finding, further studies are required to identify the components responsible for its antimutagenic action

Blood pressure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and antioxidant activities of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum).

Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton. (Small cardamom) fruit powder was evaluated for its antihypertensive potential and its effect on some of the cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with stage 1 hypertension. Twenty, newly diagnosed individuals with primary hypertension of stage 1 were administered 3 g of cardamom powder in two divided doses for 12 weeks. Blood pressure was recorded initially and at 4 weeks interval for 3 months. Blood samples were also collected initially and at 4 weeks interval for estimation of lipid profile, fibrinogen and fibrinolysis. Total antioxidant status, however, was assessed initially and at the end of the study. Administration of 3 g cardamom powder significantly (p<0.001) decreased systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure and significantly (p<0.05) increased fibrinolytic activity at the end of 12th week. Total antioxidant status was also significantly (p<0.05) increased by 90% at the end of 3 months. However, fibrinogen and lipid levels were not significantly altered. All study subjects experienced a feeling of well being without any side-effects. Thus, the present study demonstrates that small cardamom effectively reduces blood pressure, enhances fibrinolysis and improves antioxidant status, without significantly altering blood lipids and fibrinogen levels in stage 1 hypertensive individuals.

effects of garlic and cardamom extracts on morphology and physiology properties methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus [MRSA] and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Garlic has been known as an important medicinal plant for centuries and belonging to the Liliaceae family. Cardamom is the dried fruit of the tall perennial herbaceous plant, Elettaria cardamomum Maton, and belonging to the Zingiberaceae. family. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of garlic and methanolic extract of cardamom on MRSA and P. aeruginosa. Dry garlic bulbs [l00g] were peeled and homogenized distilled water [1:1 w/v], using a blender and 50% juice of garlic is obtained, centrifuged and then the supernatant of garlic juice is collected and passed through a 0.45 micro m filter and stored at 4 for further experiments. Also after collecting cardamom seeds, drying and making it powder, extracts were obtained by using percolation method with methanol. for evaluating the antibacterial activity of the extracts or garlic and cardamom, the microbial suspension was prepared by direct colony suspension method and different dilutions of extracts [1:2, 1:4, 1:8,. .., 1:64 v/v for garlic; 800, 650, 400,. .., 50 micro g/ml for cardamom] were prepared and tested against of MRSA ATCC 33591 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Minimum Inhibition Concentration [MIC] was obtained via Disc diffusion and Broth dilution and well diffusion method. We also analyzed morphological changes of MRSA and P.aeruginosa by light microscopy [LM] and biochemical properties was studied by inoculation of low concentrations of garlic and cardamom extracts to bacterial culture. The results showed that cardamom extract has no effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa but garlic extract is effective on P. aeruginosa. Garlic extract [1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, containing 220, 110, 55, 27.50 micro g/ml allicin] inhibited the growth of MRSA and concentrations of 1:2 to 1:8 [v/v] inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Further more MRSA is sensitive to cardamom extract in 800 to 200 micro g/ml. In general, the minimal inhibitory concentration for MRSA [garlic MIC 1:16; allicin mean MIC 7.50 micro g/ml] were lower than for P. aeruginosa [garlic MIC 1:8; allicin mean MIC 55 micro g/ml].The treatment group with garlic extract showed a changed form of morphology such as cellular swelling, partially distored shape and changes in the size of bacteria, but cardamom extract dose not reveal any changes compared to the control. It was also observed in low concentrations of garlic, production of catalase enzyme and pyocyanine pigment by P.aeruginosa were decreased but it increased strain hemolysis ability, and acid production from saccharose, manitol by MRSA changed to negative. This research showed that garlic and cardamom extracts have different antibacterial properties against 2 tested bacteria

Effect methods of making arabic coffee in different regions of saudi society on some biochemical parameters and histological changes in the heart

Arabic coffee in Saudi and Arabic societies is symbol of munificence and entertainment pedigreed. Today the scientific search improvement about coffee regard, and then occurrence [Coffee Science], which look for wholly flank relative to it specially to healthy flank, but not spectacle to Arabic coffee. In this search I concentrate to three methods of making Arabic coffee for three regions in Saudi Arabia. In West region add cardamom, Central and North region add cardamom and saffron, and, South region add a mixture of cardamom, saffron, ginger, ajwan, clove to the coffee. The aim of this study was compare the effect of different methods of making Arabic coffee in Saudi regions on some biochemical parameters and histological changes in the heart. The period of this study was 30 days, and included 36 Mail Wister Albino rats were divided into four groups, the first one is control group, the other three groups took coffee orally from first day to the end of the experiment according to regional difference. The animal were killed at 10, 20, 30 of the study and blood was test for some biochemical parameters which include cholesterol, triacylglycerols, bilirubin. Part of heart tissue was used to determine the level of biochemical parameters, Lactate dehydrogenase, Xantine oxidase, Nitric oxide and the other part of the heart after 30 days was use for histological examination. This study showed that coffee with cardamom only had the least undesirable effects on heart compared with other groups

Purification of elastase-like chymotrypsin from cardamom shoot and Capsule borer [corrected]

An elastase-like chymotrypsin was purified by aprotinin-agarose affinity chromatography from the midgut extract of cardamom shoot and capsule borer, Conogethes punctiferalis. The purified enzyme had a Vmax of 687.6 +/- 22.1 nmole pNA released/min/mg protein, Km of 0.168 +/- 0.012 mM with SAAPLpNA as substrate and gave a single band on SDS-PAGE with a molecular mass of 72.1 kDa. Casein zymogram revealed one clear zone of proteolytic activity, which corresponded to the band obtained with SDS-PAGE indicating that this could be a single-polypeptide enzyme.

Inhibition of lipid peroxidation and enhancement of GST activity by cardamom and cinnamon during chemically induced colon carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice.

Globally, colorectal cancer is the third commonest cancer in men since 1975.The present study focuses on the preventive strategies aimed at reducing the incidences and mortality of large bowel cancer. Chemoprevention of colon cancer appears to be a very realistic possibility because various intermediate stages have been identified preceding the development of malignant colonic tumors. Several studies have demonstrated that generous consumption of vegetables reduces the risk of colon cancer. This idea has prompted the present investigation to search for some novel plant products, which may have possible anticarcinogenic activity. It has already been proved from various experiments that chemopreventive agents, by virtue of their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, apoptosis-inducing activity, act at various levels including molecular, cellular, tissue and organ levels to interfere with carcinogens. Previous studies from our laboratory have already reported the inhibitory effect of cinnamon and cardamom on azoxymethane induced colon carcinogenesis by virtue of their anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic activity. This particular experiment was carried out to assess the anti-oxidative potential of these spices. Aqueous suspensions of cinnamon and cardamom have been shown to enhance the level of detoxifying enzyme (GST activity) with simultaneous decrease in lipid peroxidation levels in the treatment groups when compared to that of the carcinogen control group.

Effect of adding cardamom, thyme and clove essential oils on some properties of white soft cheese made from goats' milk

This study aimed to improve the properties of white soft cheese made from goats' milk by adding spice essential oils at concentrations of 75 and 90 ppm cardamom, 50 and 75 ppm thyme and 40 and 60 ppm clove to goats' milk. All resultant cheeses were compared aganist that made from buffalos' milk [control I] and goats' milk [control II]. The quality of resultant cheeses was evaluated for their chemical composition, microbiological and organoleptic properties during storage at 6 +/- 1°C for 45 days. The results revealed that additives at two concentrations of essential oils insignificantly affected percentages of moisture, salt/ moisture and fat/dry matter. Moisture% significantly decreased [P

Comparative biochemical study on different types of red meat commonly consumed by Saudi population in Riyadh

Rred meat such as camel, cow, goat and sheep, contain many essential nutrients necessary for healthy growth and development of children, as well as for good health and well-being in adults. In the present work the biochemical characteristics of different types of meats commonly consumed in Saudi Arabia will be investigated in an attempt to determine their nutritive values. Levels of glutathione, vitamins C and E as important antioxidants were measured in the studied meat extracts. In addition, lipid peroxides, glycogen, cholesterol and nitric oxide were also measured. The data show that camel meat has the highest nutritive value being the richest with antioxidants and has the lowest levels of lipid peroxides and cholesterol. Variation in the different measured parameters in camel, goat, cow and sheep meats was discussed in relation to the low incidence of colorectal cancer and to the high rate of cardamom consumption in Saudi Arabian population

Experimental study of antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of clove and cardamom in ethanol induced hepatotoxicity

Long-term use of ethanol results in serious liver damage. The contribuling mechanism still remains uncertain. However, there is accumulating evidence that alcohol toxicity may be associated with increased free radical production, increased oxidative stress and increased lipid peroxidation. The present study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective and anlioxidant effects of clove [Fugenia Caryophyllata-Syzygium aromaticum] and cardamom [Amomum Subulatum.] against ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Forty white albino rats were classified into four groups: Group 1 served as control. Group II received ethanol [3gm/kg] for three weeks, whereas Group III and IV received extract of cardamom and cloves [500mg/kg] for one week followed by extract of cardamom and cloves one hour before ethanol administration for three weeks. The hepatotoxic of ethanol and the hepato-protecive effect of cardamom and clove were estimated by their effects on the liver function test, serum lipid profile, levels of lipid peroxidation product malonaldehyde [MDA], the acivity of two liver antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase [SOD], and glutathione reductase [GSH-Rd] and liver trace element levels. Our results showed that ethanol feeding caused elevation of serum liver enzymes and serum total lipid, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Also, there was significant increase in lipid peroxidation product, malonaldehyde [MDA], and decrease in anlioxidant enzyme, trace element levels in liver homogenate. On the other hand, the hepatoprotective effect of cardamom and clove was reflected by the significantly lower level of liver enzymes and serum lipid profile in rats pretreated with their extract before ethanol. On the other hand, MDA level was significantly reduced as compared to ethanol fed group, whereas, levels of SOD, and GSH-Rd activity and trace element level were significantly increased by clove and cardamom pretreatment. All these effects were more pronounced with clove compared to cardamom reflecing its potent antioxidant activity compared to cardamom. It can be concluded that ethanol induced hepatotoxic effect can be counteracted by clove and cardamom feeding and the anlioxidant effect of clove is more powerful than cardamom

Spices Mycobiota and Mycotoxins Available in Saudi Arabia and Their Abilities to Inhibit Growth of Some Toxigenic Fungi

The prevalence and population density of the mycobiota of 50 samples belonging to 10 kinds of spices (anise, black pepper, red pepper, black cumin, peppermint, cardamom, clove, cumin, ginger and marjoram) which collected from different places in Jeddah Governorate were studied. The natural occurrence of mycotoxins in those samples was also investigated. Fifteen genera and thirty - one species of fungi in addition to one species variety were isolated and identified during this study. The most common genera were Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium. Aflatoxins (12~40 microg/kg) were detected in the extract of 5 samples of each of anise seeds and black pepper fruits; three samples of black cumin seeds and on sample only of each of peppermint and marjoram leaves out of 5 samples tested of each. Sterigmatocystin (15~20 microg/kg) was detected in some samples of red pepper, cumin and marjoram. The inhibitory effects of 10 kinds of powdered spices were tested against 3 toxigenic isolates of fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A. versicolor and Penicillium citrinum). Clove proved to be antimycotic compounds. It inhibited the growth of the tested toxigenic fungi. Black pepper, peppermint, cardamom, cumin and marjoram completely inhibited aflatoxins production, while black pepper and cardamom also completely inhibited sterigmatocystin production.

Dietary cardamom inhibits the formation of azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci in mice and reduces COX-2 and iNOS expression in the colon.

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on identifying naturally occurring chemopreventive compounds capable of inhibiting, retarding, or reversing the multi-step carcinogenesis. The primary aim of the present study was to identify the effects of a commonly consumed spice, viz., cardamom against azoxymethane (AOM) induced colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in Swiss Albino mice. The secondary aim, was to explore the ability of cardamom to modulate the status of proliferation and apoptosis, and to understand its role in altering cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. Male Swiss albino mice were injected with AOM (dose: 5mg/Kg body weight) or saline (Group 1) weekly once for two weeks. The AOM-injected mice were randomly assigned to two groups (Groups 2 and 3). While all the groups were on standard lab chow, Group 3 received oral doses of 0.5% cardamom, in aqueous suspension, daily for 8 weeks. Following treatment, significant reduction in the incidences of aberrant crypt foci (p<0.05) was observed. This reduction in ACF was accompanied by suppression of cell proliferation (mean Brdu LI in carcinogen control =13.91+/-3.31, and 0.5% cardamom =2.723+/-0.830) and induction of apoptosis (mean AI in carcinogen control=1.547+/-0.42 and 0.5% cardamom = 6.61+/-0.55). Moreover, reduction of both COX-2 and iNOS expression was also observed. These results suggest that aqueous suspensions of cardamom have protective effects on experimentally induced colon carcinogenesis. Cardamom as a whole and its active components require further attention if the use of this spice is to be recommended for cancer prevention.

Pharmacological and safety evaluation studies on cardamom elettaria cardamomum: an important ingredient of gahwa [arabian coffee]

An aqueous suspension of cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum was tested for its ability to inhibit gastric secretion and to protect gastric mucosa against the injuries caused by pylorus ligation, indomethacin and cytodestructive agents [80% ethanol, 0.2 M NaOH and 25% NaCI] in rats. The cardamom suspension at doses [250 and 500 mg/kg] exhibited significant decrease in basal gastric secretions and ulcers induced by Shay rats and indomethacin in rats. The suspension also significantly protected gastric mucosal against necrotizing agents. Histopathological evaluation revealed no significant pathological changes in the stomach of rats after 80% ethanol challenge. The LD[50] of cardamom was found to be 26.0 g/kg in mice. A large margin of safety was observed in animals in acute and chronic toxicity tests. Treatment with cardamom suspension did not induce any significant changes in the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes [PCE] and the ratio of PCE and normochromatic erythrocytes [NCE] at both doses used as compared to control group. In conclusion, cardamom showed a significant antisecretory and antiulcer activities without causing any deleterious effects in acute, prolong administration and genotoxicity in the animals