Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM (LINN.) MATON (ELA): INTEGRATING CLASSICAL CATEGORIZATION, PHARMACOPOEIA MONOGRAPH, AND MODERN META-ANALYSIS

*Dr. Ushasi Ghosh Chaudhury, Dr. Harsha Thanvi, Dr. Sumita Ghosh, Dr. Poonam

Abstract

Background: Elettaria cardamomum (Linn.) Maton, known as Ela in Ayurveda, is a highly valued spice and medicinal plant. Despite extensive classical documentation and emerging modern evidence, a critical review integrating traditional pharmacopoeial standards with contemporary quantitative findings is lacking.[1,2,16] Objective: To present a comprehensive review of Ela by consolidating its classical categorization (Rasapanchaka, synonyms, indications), proposing a standardized Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia monograph, and validating its therapeutic actions with modern pharmacological and meta-analytic evidence. Methods: Data were compiled from classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Astanga Hridayam), seven major Nighantus (Dhanvantari to Priya Nighantu), and modern scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar) up to 2025. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews on cardamom's clinical effects were specifically analyzed.[3-12,13,14] Results: Classical texts categorize Ela under Eladi, Pippalyadi, and Karpuradi Vargas. Rasapanchaka shows Katu-Madhura Rasa, Laghu-Ruksha Guna, Sheeta Virya, and Madhura Vipaka, indicating Tridoshahara action with Kaphahara and Pittahara predominance.[3-12,16] Recent meta-analyses (2023–2025) confirm significant reductions in serum insulin (SMD: -0.64), diastolic blood pressure, and inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6).[13,14] Conclusion: This review bridges classical Ayurveda and modern evidence, supporting Ela's traditional uses in digestive, respiratory, and metabolic disorders. The proposed pharmacopoeial framework provides a quality control reference. Future research should focus on clinical trials for classical formulations and safety studies in pregnancy.

Keywords: Elettaria cardamomum, Ela, Lesser Cardamom, Ayurveda Pharmacopoeia, Rasapanchaka, Meta-analysis.