Blood pressure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and antioxidant activities of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum).
Indian J Biochem Biophys
;
2009 Dec; 46(6): 503-506
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-135234
ABSTRACT
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.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Time Factors
/
Blood Pressure
/
Humans
/
Single-Blind Method
/
Adult
/
Elettaria
/
Lipid Metabolism
/
Fibrinolysis
/
Hypertension
/
Middle Aged
Type of study:
Controlled clinical trial
Language:
English
Journal:
Indian J Biochem Biophys
Year:
2009
Type:
Article
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