These results indicate the potential cardio protective effect of cardamom.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic influence of the spice cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) in experimental rats.

Shamarao Nagashree, Kottangada K Archana, P N B S Srinivas, Krishnapura Srinivasan, H B Sowbhagya

J Sci Food Agric

Nov 26, 2016

Sources

0:00 / 0:00

Sign in to access this feature

Create a free account or sign in to use AI summaries, listen to articles, download PDFs, and save to your library.

231 views

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is an aromatic seed spice grown extensively in India and used as a flavoring in sweets. The anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of cardamom was evaluated in Wistar rats by inducing hypercholesterolemia with a high cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Dietary interventions were made with (a) Cardamom powder (50 g.kg(-1) ), (b) Cardamom oil (3 g.kg(-1) ) (equivalent to 50 g.kg(-1) cardamom), and (c) de-oiled cardamom powder (50 g.kg(-1) ). RESULTS: Significant reduction in the blood total cholesterol (31%) and LDL cholesterol (44%) was observed by oral administration of cardamom oil in hypercholesterolemic rats accompanied by a marked decrease in serum triglycerides by 42%. Cholesterol content of cardiac muscle was beneficially lowered by 39% with administration of cardamom oil in hypercholesterolemic rats. Liver triglycerides were reduced by 33%. Incorporation of cardamom oil/powder in diet did not alter the feed consumption in rats. Compromised activities of hepatic antioxidant enzymes under hypercholesterolemic situation were generally countered by dietary cardamom. Treatment with de-oiled cardamom as well as cardamom oil countered the diminished activity of catalase in hypercholesterolemic animals. Cardamom also enhanced the activity of heart superoxide dismutase in hypercholesterolemic situation. Ascorbic acid concentration in circulation was significantly increased by dietary cardamom or its fractions in hypercholesterolemic situation. CONCLUSIONS: This animal study has thus established the potential of cardamom oil in restoring the alteration in lipid homeostasis in conditions of hypercholesterolemia. Significant reduction of atherogenicity index by dietary intervention with cardamom powder and cardamom oil indicates the potential cardio protective effect of cardamom.