Ela
Elettaria cardamomum
Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) is a plant used in Ayurveda, from the Zingiberaceae family. Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) and referenced in traditional Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine systems.
| Botanical name | Elettaria cardamomum |
|---|---|
| Family | Zingiberaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Also known as | Ela, Elettaria cardamomum, Cardamom, Green Cardamom, Elaichi, Sukshma Ela |
| Pharmacopoeia status | Listed in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API) and referenced in traditional Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha medicine systems. Historical use documented since 4th century BCE. Not currently listed as a standalone WHO monograph; recognized by Indian pharmacopoeia standards for digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 2759871 · Wikidata Q33466 · NCBI Taxonomy 105181 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Ela |
| Latin/Botanical | Elettaria cardamomum |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol, 45.6% of essential oil)
- alpha-Terpinyl acetate (33.7%)
- Sabinene (3.8%)
- Terpinen-4-ol (2.4%)
- Myrcene (2.2%)
- Limonene
- Quercetin and Kaempferol (flavonoids)
- Rutin (flavonoid glycoside)
How does it work?
- 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol) exerts anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 production via NF-kB pathway suppression
- Antihypertensive mechanism through diuretic action, calcium channel blocking, and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibition
- Antioxidant activity via polyphenol-mediated free radical scavenging and enhancement of endogenous antioxidant defense systems (SOD, catalase)
- Anticancer mechanisms include induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inhibition of cell migration through modulation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways
- Antimicrobial action of 1,8-cineole and terpinen-4-ol through disruption of microbial cell membrane and interference with cellular respiration
Which traditional uses are supported by research?
- Digestive aid for nausea, flatulence, and indigestion - confirmed by pharmacological studies showing carminative and antispasmodic effects
- Respiratory relief for asthma and bronchitis - validated by studies demonstrating bronchodilatory effects of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol)
- Oral health for teeth and gum infections - confirmed by RCTs showing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity against periodontal pathogens
- Blood pressure lowering - validated by meta-analysis of RCTs showing significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure
- Anti-inflammatory for metabolic disorders - confirmed by RCTs demonstrating significant reduction in TNF-alpha, hs-CRP, and IL-6
What do recent clinical trials show?
- Heydarian A, Tahvilian N, Shahinfar H and others 2024. Effect of cardamom consumption on inflammation and blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Food science & nutrition. PMID 38268891 · doi:10.1002/fsn3.3738
Meta-analysis of 8 RCTs (595 patients) showed cardamom supplementation significantly reduces inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, hs-CRP, IL-6) and blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders. - Yahyazadeh R, Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar M, Razavi BM and others 2021. The effect of Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) on the metabolic syndrome: Narrative review. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences. PMID 35317114 · doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2021.54417.12228
Confirmed lipid-modifying, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antithrombotic properties of green cardamom attributed to polyphenol compounds, with therapeutic potential for metabolic syndrome. - Kazemi S, Yaghooblou F, Siassi F and others 2017. Cardamom supplementation improves inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in hyperlipidemic, overweight, and obese pre-diabetic women: a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Journal of the science of food and agriculture. PMID 28480505 · doi:10.1002/jsfa.8414
Double-blind RCT in 80 pre-diabetic women showed 3 g/day cardamom for 8 weeks significantly improved inflammatory markers and oxidative stress biomarkers compared to placebo. - Souissi M, Azelmat J, Chaieb K and others 2020. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) extracts: Potential therapeutic benefits for periodontal infections. Anaerobe. PMID 31430531 · doi:10.1016/j.anaerobe.2019.102089
Validated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of cardamom extracts with specific therapeutic potential for managing periodontal infections.
1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Generally considered non-toxic and safe for culinary use; no mortalities observed in animal studies up to doses of 2 g/kg extract and 0.75 mL/kg essential oil
- Neurotoxicity observed at high doses (1.5 g/kg extract, 0.75 mL/kg essential oil) in rotarod tests in animal studies; excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal disturbances
- Limited number of human clinical trials with small sample sizes; further large-scale prospective studies with longer treatment durations needed to establish complete safety profile for therapeutic use
What is it made of?
Key Active Markers
- Cineole
- Sabinene
- Myrcene
- Limonene
- Quercetin
- Kaempferol
- Flavonoids
- Rutin
Analytical Methods: HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Churna (seed powder), Essential oil, Tablet, Capsule, Arka (distillate), Tincture, Confectionery/culinary preparations
Standard Dosage: 1-3g seed powder twice daily; 500mg extract capsule twice daily; essential oil: 1-2 drops in warm water or carrier; 2-5ml tincture
Bioavailability: Elettaria cardamomum (green cardamom) essential oil (2-8% in seeds) contains 1,8-cineole (20-50%) and alpha-terpinyl acetate (30-40%) as major components. These small monoterpenoids have excellent oral bioavailability (>60%) due to high lipophilicity and small molecular size. Rapid absorption from GI tract with peak plasma levels at 30-60 minutes. First-pass metabolism is moderate. The volatile nature means hot preparations lose significant active content - cold or warm (not boiling) preparations preferred. Enhancement not typically required due to inherent good bioavailability; however, enteric coating of essential oil capsules prevents gastric volatilization.
Optimal Timing: After meals as digestive aid; chewed directly after meals (traditional); with warm milk at bedtime for sleep quality
Standardized Extract: Essential oil: standardized to NLT 35% alpha-terpinyl acetate and NLT 20% 1,8-cineole by GC-MS. Oleoresin: 50-55% volatile oil. Seed extract: NLT 4% essential oil by distillation assay.
Shelf Life: Whole pods: 2-3 years; Powder: 6-12 months (volatile loss); Essential oil: 3-5 years (sealed amber bottle); Capsule/tablet: 2 years
Storage: Whole pods in airtight containers at room temperature - most stable form. Powder: airtight, nitrogen-flushed, opaque containers, use quickly. Essential oil: amber glass, cool dark place, tightly sealed. Avoid heat and light exposure.
Marker Compounds: 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol), Alpha-terpinyl acetate, Linalool, Linalyl acetate, Limonene, Alpha-terpineol, Myrcene
Extraction Methods
- Steam distillation of crushed seeds for essential oil
- Supercritical CO2 extraction (superior quality, higher alpha-terpinyl acetate retention)
- Hydrodistillation (traditional Arka)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40) for non-volatile constituents
- Cold-pressing of seeds (low yield)
Synergistic Combinations
- With Sunthi (ginger) and Twak (cinnamon) in Trikatu-related digestive formulations
- With Yashtimadhu for gastric soothing and carminative combination
- With Lavanga (clove) for oral care formulations
- With Jatiphala (nutmeg) for digestive and anti-emetic synergy
- As Prakshepa Dravya (flavoring agent) in many Ayurvedic formulations
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses3
- 2024. The favorable impacts of cardamom on related complications of diabetes: A comprehensive literature systematic reviewDiabetes & metabolic syndrome. PMID 38325073 · doi:10.1016/j.dsx.2024.102947
- 2023. The effect of green cardamom on blood pressure and inflammatory markers among patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trialsPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 36181264 · doi:10.1002/ptr.7648
- 2020. A systematic review of the efficacy of alternative medicine in the treatment of nausea and vomiting of pregnancyJournal of obstetrics and gynaecology : the journal of the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. PMID 31215276 · doi:10.1080/01443615.2019.1587392
Randomised controlled trials4
- 2025. Comparison of the effect of ice sucking containing peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) with cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) extract on nausea, vomiting, and drug request after laparoscopic cholecystectomyExplore (New York, N.Y.). PMID 40967081 · doi:10.1016/j.explore.2025.103261
- 2017. Cardamom supplementation improves inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in hyperlipidemic, overweight, and obese pre-diabetic women: a randomized double-blind clinical trialJournal of the science of food and agriculture. PMID 28480505 · doi:10.1002/jsfa.8414
- 2017. The effects of green cardamom on blood glucose indices, lipids, inflammatory factors, paraxonase-1, sirtuin-1, and irisin in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity: study protocol for a randomized controlled trialTrials. PMID 28592311 · doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1979-3
- 2010. In vivo enhancement of natural killer cell activity through tea fortified with Ayurvedic herbsPhytotherapy research : PTR. PMID 19504465 · doi:10.1002/ptr.2889
Other clinical studies and reviews5
- 2025. Cardamom seed bioactives: A review of agronomic factors, preparation, extraction and formulation methods based on emerging technologies to maximize spice aroma economic value and applicationsFood chemistry. PMID 39213971 · doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141009
- 2025. Preliminary Assessment of Essential and Potentially Toxic Elements in the Most Common Spices in a Developing Country: Health Hazard ImplicationBiological trace element research. PMID 40316790 · doi:10.1007/s12011-025-04625-x
- 2024. Deciphering the Potentials of Cardamom in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: From Kitchen to ClinicBiomolecules. PMID 39334932 · doi:10.3390/biom14091166
- 2024. Effect of cardamom consumption on inflammation and blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trialsFood science & nutrition. PMID 38268891 · doi:10.1002/fsn3.3738
- 2021. The effect of Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) on the metabolic syndrome: Narrative reviewIranian journal of basic medical sciences. PMID 35317114 · doi:10.22038/IJBMS.2021.54417.12228
Available from Age Ayurveda
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Acid ReliefTraditionally used to support comfortable digestion after meals.
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