Amomum compactum — Round Cardamom

Amomum compactum — Round Cardamom

Product Name: амоми круглый, Amomum compactum Sol. ex Maton, Runder Kardamom / Javanischer Kardamom, Cardamomo de Java / Cardamomo redondo, Amome de Java / Amome à grappe, هيل جاوي / الهيل الدائري, กระวาน / กระวานชวา, hil (узб.), кардамон (кырг.), hil (azərb.), ҳел (тоҷ.), kardamonas javos / apvalus kardamonas (lt), Javas kardamons (lv), кардамон яванський (ukr), הל ג׳אווה / הל לבן

Synonyms: Russian: кардамон яванский, амомум компактный; English: Java cardamom, round cardamom, Siam cardamom, white cardamom; German: Javanischer Kardamom, Runder Kardamom; Spanish: cardamomo de Java, cardamomo redondo; French: cardamome de Java, amome à grappe; ар.: هيل جاوي، هيل أبيض; тайск.: กระวาน, กระวานชวา

Used Parts: fruits, seeds, rhizomes.

Main Indications for Use of Amomum compactum: functional dyspepsia, flatulence, intestinal spastic colic, hypomotor dyskinesia of the biliary tract, non-erosive gastritis with pain syndrome, nausea, vomiting, hyposalivation and hyposecretion of gastric juice, acute respiratory catarrhal diseases of the upper respiratory tract, postoperative intestinal atony.

Use of Amomum compactum in Mixtures and Complexes: acute gastroenteritis of infectious etiology, Helicobacter-associated chronic gastritis, mixed-type irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia refractory to monotherapy, chronic non-calculous cholecystitis, acute catarrhal bronchitis, post-infectious asthenodyspepsia.

Pharmacological Properties of Amomum compactum: carminative, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, gastroprotective, secretostimulating, choleretic, aromatic, mild antiemetic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Amomum compactum

Powder — Amomum compactum

Indications (Powder): functional dyspepsia, flatulence, intestinal spastic colic, hypomotor dyskinesia of the biliary tract, non-erosive gastritis with pain syndrome, nausea, vomiting, postoperative intestinal atony.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 2–3 grams of powder 2 times a day 20–30 minutes before meals, with warm water or warm milk.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 4 grams of powder 2 times a day for pronounced flatulence, intestinal spastic colic, hypomotor dyskinesia of the biliary tract, post-infectious intestinal atony.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 5 grams of powder 2 times a day, short-term (no more than 3 days) for persistent intestinal spastic colic and pronounced flatulence.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1–1.5 grams of powder once a day, in courses of 14 days with 2-month breaks, for chronic non-erosive gastritis, chronic non-calculous cholecystitis, functional dyspepsia in patients over 40 years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): From 7 years, with body weight from 25 kg — 0.5–1 gram of powder 2 times a day, with warm water. Data on use in children under 7 years old are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual hypersensitivity, gastric ulcer in the acute phase. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Powder): Overdose may cause heartburn, increased gastric secretion, mild nausea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 20%.

Preparation method (Powder): To prepare 100 grams of powder, take 100 grams of dried Amomum compactum fruits. Clean the fruits of coarse shells, extract the seeds, dry at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C until brittle. Grind in a mill to a fine powder. Sieve through a sieve with mesh size 0.3 mm. Store in a tightly closed container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature from +10 °C to +25 °C, relative humidity not exceeding 60%, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 6 months.

Dry Extract — Amomum compactum

Indications (Dry Extract): functional dyspepsia, flatulence, hypomotor dyskinesia of the biliary tract, non-erosive gastritis with pain syndrome, chronic non-calculous cholecystitis, postoperative intestinal atony.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 0.5–1 gram of dry extract 2 times a day 20–30 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 1.5 grams of dry extract 2 times a day for pronounced flatulence, intestinal spastic colic, chronic cholecystitis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 2 grams of dry extract 2 times a day, short-term (up to 5 days) for severe functional dyspepsia.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 0.5 grams of dry extract once a day in courses of 10 days, 3–4 times a year, for chronic gastritis and functional dyspepsia.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): From 10 years, with body weight from 35 kg — 0.25–0.5 grams 2 times a day. Data on use in children under 10 years old are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Individual hypersensitivity, gastric ulcer in the acute phase. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 10 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Heartburn, increased intestinal peristalsis, nausea with overdose are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 25%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 15%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): To prepare 100 grams of dry extract, take 500 grams of crushed Amomum compactum fruits, pour 2 liters of water at 85 °C, infuse for 2 hours, then evaporate to a volume of 300 ml, filter. Dry the resulting concentrate in a drying cabinet at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a powdery state. Grind and sieve.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature from +10 °C to +25 °C, relative humidity not exceeding 50%, in a tightly closed container. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 3 months.

Tincture — Amomum compactum

Indications (Tincture): functional dyspepsia, flatulence, intestinal spastic colic, hypomotor dyskinesia of the biliary tract, non-erosive gastritis with pain syndrome, chronic non-calculous cholecystitis, nausea, post-infectious asthenodyspepsia.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20–25 drops of tincture 2 times a day 20–30 minutes before meals, diluted in 50 ml of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops 2 times a day for pronounced flatulence, intestinal spastic colic, post-infectious intestinal atony.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 40 drops 2 times a day, short-term (up to 3 days) for intense spastic pain and pronounced hyposecretion of gastric juice.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops once a day, in courses of 14 days with 2-month breaks, for chronic non-erosive gastritis, chronic non-calculous cholecystitis.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): From 12 years, with body weight from 40 kg — 5–10 drops 2 times a day, diluted in 50 ml of warm water. Data on use in children under 12 years old are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcohol dependence, liver diseases with severe functional insufficiency, individual hypersensitivity. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Tincture): Overdose may cause dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 20%.

Preparation method (Tincture): To prepare 100 ml of tincture, take 20 grams of crushed dry Amomum compactum fruits, pour 100 ml of 70% ethyl alcohol, infuse in a dark place at a temperature of +20...+25 °C for 14 days, shaking periodically. After infusion, filter through gauze, pour into dark glass bottles with a dropper.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a dark place at a temperature from +10 °C to +25 °C, in a tightly closed glass container, protected from direct light and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 36 months. After opening, use within 6 months.

Oil Infusion — Amomum compactum

Indications (Oil Infusion): functional dyspepsia, intestinal spastic colic, hypomotor dyskinesia of the biliary tract, chronic non-erosive gastritis, chronic non-calculous cholecystitis, intestinal atony, flatulence.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): 5 ml of oil infusion 1–2 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): 7 ml 2 times a day for pronounced flatulence, intestinal spastic colic, chronic cholecystitis.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): 10 ml 2 times a day, short-term (no more than 5 days) for persistent hypomotor dyskinesia of the biliary tract.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): 3 ml once a day in courses of 14 days with 2-month breaks, for chronic stomach and biliary tract diseases in individuals over 40 years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): From 7 years, with body weight from 25 kg — 1–2 ml once a day. Data on use in children under 7 years old are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Allergy to oils, individual hypersensitivity, acute pancreatitis. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Overdose may cause loose stools, nausea, heartburn.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 15%.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): To prepare 100 ml of oil infusion, take 20 grams of crushed dry Amomum compactum fruits, pour 100 ml of coconut oil, maintained at +35 °C, infuse in a water bath at a temperature of +40 °C for 3 hours, stirring periodically. Cool, filter through gauze, pour into dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a dark, cool place at a temperature from +10 °C to +20 °C, in a tightly closed container, protected from direct light and EMI. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 3 months.

Essential Oil — Amomum compactum

Indications (Essential Oil): functional dyspepsia, flatulence, intestinal spastic colic, chronic non-calculous cholecystitis, hyposalivation, acute respiratory catarrhal diseases of the upper respiratory tract, acute catarrhal bronchitis.

Standard Dosage (Essential Oil): Internal — 1–2 drops diluted in 100 ml of warm water or milk, 1–2 times a day. External — 3–5 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil for massage or applications.

Enhanced Dosage (Essential Oil): Internal — 3 drops 2 times a day for pronounced flatulence and intestinal spastic colic. External — up to 7 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil for acute catarrhal bronchitis with viscous sputum.

Maximum Dosage (Essential Oil): Internal — 4 drops 2 times a day, only short-term (no more than 3 days) for severe hyposalivation and pronounced dyspepsia. External — up to 10 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil for no more than 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Essential Oil): Internal — 1 drop per 100 ml of warm water once a day, in courses of 7 days with 2-month breaks, for chronic gastritis and tendency to flatulence. External — 2 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil for abdominal massage once a week.

Pediatric Dosage (Essential Oil): From 12 years, with body weight from 40 kg — 1 drop per 100 ml of warm water internally, 1–2 times a day. External use in dilution — 1 drop per 15 ml of carrier oil. Data on use in children under 12 years old are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Essential Oil): Allergy to essential oils, individual hypersensitivity, severe liver diseases, epilepsy. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Essential Oil): Overdose may cause dizziness, rapid heartbeat, heartburn, nausea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 25%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 15%.

Preparation method (Essential Oil): To obtain 100 ml of essential oil, take 2 kg of dry crushed Amomum compactum fruits, subject to steam distillation in an apparatus for obtaining essential oils at a temperature of 100 °C, distillation duration 3–4 hours. Separate the collected essential oil from the hydrolate, filter, and pour into dark glass bottles with tightly closing lids.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Essential Oil): Store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of +5...+15 °C, in a tightly closed glass container, protected from light and electromagnetic fields. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 6 months.

Cream — Amomum compactum

Indications (Cream): chronic non-erosive gastritis with pain syndrome (external application in the epigastric area), chronic non-calculous cholecystitis (external application in the liver projection area), acute respiratory catarrhal diseases of the upper respiratory tract (rubbing into the chest and neck area), acute catarrhal bronchitis (external).

Standard Dosage (Cream): External — apply a thin layer 1–2 times a day to the area projecting the affected organ.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): External — apply 2–3 times a day for pronounced pain and spasms in the epigastric area or right hypochondrium, as well as for acute respiratory catarrhal diseases with cough.

Maximum Dosage: External — apply up to 4 times a day for no more than 5 days for intensive symptoms.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): External — apply once every 3 days to the abdominal area or right hypochondrium in courses of 14 days, with a 2-month break, for chronic stomach and biliary tract diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): From 7 years, with body weight from 25 kg — external application in a thin layer once a day. Data on use in children under 7 years old are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Cream): Allergy to cream components, individual hypersensitivity, skin damage at the application site. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Cream): Overdose may cause local skin irritation, redness, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kg — reduce the amount of cream applied by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase by 15%.

Preparation method (Cream): To prepare 100 g of cream, take: coconut oil — 50 g, shea butter — 20 g, beeswax — 5 g, Amomum compactum hydrolate — 20 ml, Amomum compactum essential oil — 10 drops, lanolin — 5 g. Melt coconut oil, shea butter, and wax in a water bath at +45 °C, add lanolin, mix thoroughly. Remove from heat, slowly introduce the hydrolate, stirring constantly. When the mixture temperature is about +35 °C, add the essential oil, stir until homogeneous. Pour into sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): Store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of +5...+10 °C, in a tightly closed container. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Serum — Amomum compactum

Indications (Serum): hyposalivation, dry skin, mimic and age-related wrinkles, decreased skin elasticity, epidermal pigmentation spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, slow skin healing, local non-infectious skin irritation.

Standard Dosage (Serum): External — 2–3 drops of serum on the treatment area 1–2 times a day, gently distributing over the skin until completely absorbed.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): External — 4–5 drops on the treatment area 2 times a day for pronounced dry skin, wrinkles or pigmentation, as well as during the recovery period after dermatological procedures.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): External — 6 drops on the treatment area 2 times a day, for a course up to 14 days, for pronounced age-related dry skin and intensive pigmentation.

Preventive Dosage (Serum): External — 2 drops on the treatment area once a day, in courses of 21 days with a 1-month break, to maintain skin tone and elasticity, prevent dryness in patients over 35 years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): From 14 years, with body weight from 45 kg — 1–2 drops on the treatment area once a day for dry skin or mild irritation. Data on use in children under 14 years old are not scientifically documented.

Contraindications (Serum): Allergy to serum components, individual hypersensitivity, active dermatological diseases of an infectious nature in the application area. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 14 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Serum): Overdose may cause local redness, burning sensation, short-term skin itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: For body weight below 60 kg — reduce the amount of serum applied by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase by 15%.

Preparation method (Serum): To prepare 100 ml of serum, take: Amomum compactum hydrolate — 50 ml, organic aloe vera gel — 30 ml, fractionated coconut oil — 10 ml, vegetable glycerin — 5 ml, Amomum compactum essential oil — 8 drops, green tea extract — 5 ml. In a clean glass container, mix hydrolate, aloe gel, and glycerin until homogeneous. In a separate container, combine coconut oil and Amomum compactum essential oil, slowly introduce into the aqueous phase with constant stirring until complete emulsification. Add green tea extract, mix, and pour into dark glass bottles with a dropper.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Serum): Store in a dark, cool place at a temperature of +5...+10 °C, in a tightly closed container. Shelf life — 3 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Amomum compactum

Toxicity studies of Amomum compactum show extremely low acute toxicity upon oral administration. In experiments on laboratory animals (mice, rats), LD₅₀ values for the hydroalcoholic extract exceeded 5,000 mg/kg body weight, indicating the absence of pronounced acute toxicity and relative safety when consumed in therapeutic doses. With long-term administration of the extract in doses up to 1,000 mg/kg for 90 days, no pathological changes in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and other organs were noted, indicating low chronic toxicity. No data on carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity have been registered in available publications.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2014.935862

Pharmacodynamics of Amomum compactum

Amomum compactum contains a complex of biologically active compounds, predominantly mono- and sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins, which provide multifaceted pharmacological action. The main effects manifest at the level of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, skin, and autonomic nervous system. On the gastrointestinal tract, the complex of essential oils and phenolic compounds exerts antispasmodic and secretostimulating effects, promoting normalization of smooth muscle tone and modulating the secretion of digestive glands. Tannins and flavonoids provide a mild astringent and anti-inflammatory effect on mucous membranes, reducing local tissue hyperreactivity.

On the respiratory system, essential components of Amomum compactum exert a local irritant and secretolytic effect, leading to enhanced mucociliary clearance and easier evacuation of mucus. Volatile terpene fractions also exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activity, acting on bacterial cell membranes and suppressing the growth of conditionally pathogenic microflora. On the skin and mucous membranes, plant metabolites exert a mild antiseptic and tonic effect, stimulate microcirculation and regeneration processes.

Phenolic and terpene compounds exhibit antioxidant activity, neutralizing free radicals and reducing lipid peroxidation in cell membranes. This effect has systemic significance, affecting the vascular endothelium and epithelial tissues. At the level of the nervous system, essential oils exert a moderate sedative and anxiolytic effect through modulation of limbic structure activity and influence on neurotransmitter processes.

The endocrine and immune systems also respond to the plant's biologically active components: a modulating influence on the synthesis and secretion of certain hormones of the digestive and adaptive profile is noted, as well as a moderate immunostimulating effect associated with activation of phagocytosis and enhancement of non-specific resistance. These effects are confirmed by both traditional pharmacopoeial sources and modern in vitro and in vivo studies.

References: https://doi.org/10.1080/138802... https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep....

Pharmacokinetics of Amomum compactum

Upon oral administration, essential oils and terpene compounds of Amomum compactum are rapidly released from the plant material and absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, partially undergoing presystemic metabolism in the liver. Flavonoids and phenolic acids are typically absorbed more slowly, with some being metabolized with the participation of intestinal microflora, forming simpler phenolic metabolites capable of systemic circulation.

With transdermal application (in oil infusions, creams, serums), volatile components penetrate into the epidermis and partially into the dermis, exerting a local effect, and a small portion enters the systemic circulation. With the inhalation route (aromatherapy, steam inhalations), active substances quickly reach the alveolar space, from where they enter the bloodstream and exert systemic action, bypassing primary liver metabolism.

In the body, terpene compounds predominantly undergo oxidative-reductive and conjugation reactions in the liver involving cytochrome P450 enzymes; flavonoids and phenolic acids undergo glucuronidation and sulfation. Metabolites are excreted mainly by the kidneys with urine, as well as with bile and partially through the lungs as volatile metabolites.

Accumulation of active substances in tissues is minimal, except for lipophilic terpenes, which may temporarily deposit in adipose tissue and cell membranes. The residence time in the body depends on the route of administration, chemical structure of metabolites, and functional state of the liver and kidneys. With regular use in therapeutic doses, no significant accumulation is observed.

References: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyt... https://doi.org/10.1080/147864...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Amomum compactum

The complex of biologically active substances of Amomum compactum, including mono- and sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and small amounts of alkaloids, realizes its effects through multicomponent action on molecular and cellular targets. Essential oils, rich in 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, and borneol, demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), leading to reduced synthesis of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Terpene compounds can also modulate the activity of ion channels in smooth muscle cells, causing relaxation and reducing spasm. Flavonoids exhibit antioxidant action by binding reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, as well as inhibiting the NF-κB cascade, which reduces the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6. Phenolic compounds influence endothelial cells, stabilizing their membranes and improving microcirculation. Additionally, it has been found that plant components can partially inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), modulating cholinergic transmission in the autonomic nervous system, and exert a mild influence on serotonin receptors, which may contribute to the regulation of autonomic functions. At the cellular level, suppression of excessive neutrophil and macrophage activity is noted, as well as modulation of nitric oxide (NO) production and inflammatory mediators in tissues.

References: https://doi.org/10.1080/138802... https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep....

Synergy of Amomum compactum

Pharmacological synergy of Amomum compactum with other natural substances and plant extracts has been confirmed experimentally. Combined use of Amomum compactum essential oils with ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) oils leads to potentiation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects due to additive inhibition of COX and LOX enzymes and enhanced suppression of the NF-κB cascade. In combination with phenolic extracts of green tea (Camellia sinensis), enhancement of antioxidant activity is observed, due to summation of the free radical-neutralizing properties of catechins and amomum flavonoids. Combination with piperine from black pepper (Piper nigrum) increases the bioavailability of terpenes and flavonoids by inhibiting liver metabolism through blockade of certain cytochrome P450 isoforms, increasing the systemic action time of active components. Combination with aloe vera (Aloe vera) polysaccharides and glycyrrhizic acid from licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) exhibits a modulating and protective effect on mucous membranes, enhancing regenerative processes and reducing local inflammation. In a number of in vitro studies, it was noted that terpene components of Amomum compactum can enhance the penetration of some lipophilic phytonutrients into cell membranes, explaining tissue-specific synergy when used together with other essential oil plants.

References: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.... https://doi.org/10.1080/104084...

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Amomum compactum

Amomum compactum is traditionally used in Southeast Asian countries, mainly in Indonesia (especially on the islands of Java and Sumatra), Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. In Chinese traditional medicine, it is known as a variety of cardamom and is used in the form of decoctions, infusions, and powders, primarily as an aromatic and tonic additive in complex mixtures. In Thai folk medicine, fruits and seeds are part of multicomponent herbal preparations, which may be used as hot infusions, alcoholic extracts, and oil infusions. In Indonesian ethnobotany, round cardamom is found in traditional recipes of Javanese healers ("jamu"), where the fruits are used in combination with ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon.

In the cultures of the Malay Archipelago, the plant was valued not only as a household remedy but also as an important element of culinary and ritual practices: dried fruits were added to food as a spice, used in fragrant mixtures for ceremonial smoking and room aromatization. In historical chronicles of the Majapahit Empire era (14th–15th centuries), the use of Amomum compactum fruits in court kitchens and medicinal compositions is mentioned. In some regions of Vietnam and Cambodia, dried capsules of the plant were used as part of amulets placed in the house for protection against the "evil eye" and evil spirits, reflecting its symbolic meaning in local beliefs.

In Laos and northern Thailand, essential components of the fruits were used in the form of steam inhalations as part of herbal bath mixtures, which had both utilitarian and ritual significance. In a number of Malay and Javanese wedding rituals, the spice was part of aromatic compositions used for fumigation and incense, symbolizing purity and prosperity.