Queen of Spices, Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton, Zingiberaceae)-In Vitro Assessment of Biological Potential.

Cardamom represents one of the world's most famous spices, which is also applied in the traditional medicine of numerous cultures. Modern research aims to elucidate its therapeutic potential in various diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition of essential oil of cardamom seeds, as well as to assess the biological and pharmacological potential of aqueous and ethanolic extracts. The essential oil composition was evaluated using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts were analyzed for the total phenolic and flavonoid content, and further evaluated in vitro regarding antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic activity, and additionally antimicrobial activity for the ethanolic extract. The essential oil was abundant in monoterpenes, with α-terpinyl acetate as a predominant compound. The content of total phenolics and flavonoids in extracts was low. Antioxidant potential was moderate. Extracts displayed potent activity in tests of anti-inflammatory potential, with the ethanolic extract being more active. Regarding the antihyperglycemic activity, the extracts displayed inhibitory activity against α-amylase and no activity against α-glucosidase. Antimicrobial activity was observed against Candida albicans and Prototheca zopfii in high concentrations. The present study suggests preliminary in vitro potential of cardamom in mediating carbohydrate metabolism and pro-inflammatory conditions.