CARDAMOM AS ESSENTIAL OIL

Elettaria cardamomum (Cardamom) is the World’s 3rd most expensive spice and widely famous by the name “Queen of Spices” in the cooking world. (Madhusoodanan and Rao, 2001) Cardamom has a unique, pungent aroma and flavor which is due to the presence of major components 1,8-cineole and α- terpenyl acetate. (Olivero-Verbel et al., 2010).

Common Method of Extraction: 

Steam distillation is the common method used for the production of cardamom oil. (Lewis et al., 1967) In this method, essential oil is steam distilled from the dried seeds of the cardamom fruit. The resulting oil smells spicy, fruity and sweet and it is clear to pale yellow in color.

Chemical Composition: 

Cardamom is generally made up of Monoterpenes which is the primary constituent of essential oil. For example terpinyl acetate, 1,8-cineole, or eucalyptol, ß-phellandrene, limonene, myrcene, menthone, sabinene, linalyl acetate etc.

              Cardamom contains 2.8-6.2% volatile oils (Senthil and Bhat, 2011) Compositions of essential oils vary, depending on their types, variety, region and age of product. (e.g., Mysore and Malabar). Volatile oil is mainly composed of 1,8-cineole (20- 60%) and α-terpinyl acetate (20-55%). (Guenther, 1975; Padmakumari et al., 2010) In addition, Cardamom also contain some other essential oils such as α-terpineol, ß-phellandrene, limonene, myrcene, menthone, sabinene and heptane. (Padmakumari et al., 2010). 

Cardamom Oil Uses and Benefits

• Cardamom essential oil can ease digestion, alleviate stomach discomfort and promote feelings of clear breathing. (Jesylne et al., 2016) 

• Used widely in the culinary world in place of cardamom seeds to enhance the flavor of many recipes.

• Due to its minty flavor, it is a popular ingredient used in traditional Indian sweets and teas to enhance their aroma and flavor. 

• Used as topically for a cooling, refreshing sensation due to its calming and soothing properties

• The cardamom oil having antiseptic, tonic, Antimicrobial, antifungal, Anti-carcinogenic, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-ulcerogenic, Antihypertensive activity. (Verma et al., 2009)  

• Cardamom essential oil exhibits a wide variety of healing properties.