​Amomum krervanh — White cardamom

Amomum krervanh — White cardamom

Product Name: Амомум крерван, Amomum krervanh, Kramant, Cardamomo blanco, Cardamome blanc, الهيل الأبيض, กระวานขาว, oq kardamon, ак кардамон, ağ hil, кардамони сафед, baltasis kardamonas, baltais kardamons, білий кардамон, הל הלבן

Synonyms: Амомум белый, Амомум Сиамский, Амомум настоящий, Siam cardamom, White cardamom, Cambodian cardamom, Echter weißer Kardamom, Siamesischer Kardamom, Cardamomo siamés, Cardamome de Siam, الهيل السيامي, กระวาน, กระวานจันทน์, Siamese cardamom

Used Parts: fruits, seeds, rhizome, leaves, fruits.

Main Indications for Use of Amomum krervanh: chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, chronic cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia, chronic pancreatitis in remission phase, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, periodontitis, chronic pharyngitis, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic fatigue, oxidative stress, herpes infection, mucosal candidiasis.

Use of Amomum krervanh in Mixtures and Complexes: gastric and duodenal ulcer, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, chronic renal failure, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, urogenital trichomoniasis, cystitis, chronic tonsillitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis.

Pharmacological Properties of Amomum krervanh: antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antispasmodic, carminative, choleretic, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypotensive, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antitumor, adaptogenic, analgesic, carminative, mucolytic, antitussive, sedative, gastroprotective, antiseptic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Amomum krervanh

Powder — Amomum krervanh

Indications (Powder): chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, chronic cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia, chronic pancreatitis in remission phase, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, periodontitis, chronic pharyngitis, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic fatigue, oxidative stress, herpes infection, mucosal candidiasis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1.5–2.0 grams of powder orally, twice a day, thirty minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 2.5–3.0 grams of powder three times a day for pronounced flatulence, chronic bronchitis, hyperlipidemia, arterial hypertension.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 4.0 grams of powder three times a day for pronounced irritable bowel syndrome with hypermotility, severe oxidative stress, metabolic syndrome.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1.0 gram of powder once a day, in courses of twenty-one days every three months for chronic gastritis in remission, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome in patients over forty years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): from six years, with body weight from twenty kilograms — 0.5–0.7 gram of powder once a day; with body weight over thirty kilograms — 0.8–1.0 gram once a day.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer in the acute stage, severe arterial hypotension. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under six years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Powder): overdose — nausea, vomiting, increased intestinal peristalsis, hypotension.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below sixty kilograms — reduce dosage by twenty percent; for body weight above sixty kilograms — increase dosage by ten percent.

Preparation method (Powder): To prepare one hundred grams of powder, use one hundred ten grams of dried Amomum krervanh fruits. Clean fruits of impurities, grind in a mill to a fine powder, sieve through a sieve with mesh diameter of 0.5 millimeters. Store powder in a tightly closed glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry, light-protected place at a temperature from fifteen to twenty-five degrees Celsius, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — two years. After opening the package, use within six months.

Dry Extract — Amomum krervanh

Indications (Dry Extract): chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, chronic cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic fatigue, oxidative stress, herpes infection, mucosal candidiasis, chronic bronchitis.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 300–400 milligrams of dry extract orally, twice a day, thirty minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 500–600 milligrams of dry extract three times a day for hyperlipidemia, pronounced arterial hypertension, chronic bronchitis, oxidative stress.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 800 milligrams of dry extract three times a day for metabolic syndrome, pronounced biliary dyskinesia, severe hyperlipidemia.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 200 milligrams once a day, in courses of twenty-one days every three months for chronic gastritis in remission, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome in patients over forty years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): from twelve years, with body weight from thirty kilograms — 100–150 milligrams once a day; with body weight over forty kilograms — 200 milligrams once a day.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, acute gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer in the acute stage, severe arterial hypotension. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under twelve years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): overdose — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below sixty kilograms — reduce dosage by twenty percent; for body weight above sixty kilograms — increase dosage by ten percent.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): To prepare one hundred grams of dry extract, take one kilogram of dried Amomum krervanh fruits, grind, perform extraction with 70% ethanol (ethanol is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished product) at a temperature of forty-five degrees Celsius for eight hours. Filter the obtained extract, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding fifty degrees Celsius until complete removal of solvent odor (residual content not more than 500 ppm according to pharmacopoeial standards), dry in a vacuum drying cabinet at forty degrees Celsius to obtain a dry powder.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass in a dry, cool, light-protected place at a temperature from ten to twenty degrees Celsius, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — two years. After opening, use within three months.

Tincture — Amomum krervanh

Indications (Tincture): chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, flatulence, chronic cholecystitis, biliary dyskinesia, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, chronic fatigue, oxidative stress, herpes infection, mucosal candidiasis, chronic bronchitis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 15–20 drops of tincture per 50 milliliters of warm water, twice a day thirty minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 25–30 drops of tincture per 50 milliliters of warm water, three times a day for pronounced hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, chronic bronchitis, arterial hypertension.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 40 drops three times a day for severe lipid metabolism disorders, pronounced biliary dyskinesia, oxidative stress.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 drops once a day in courses of twenty-one days every three months for chronic gastritis in remission, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome in individuals over forty years old.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): from 12 years — 5–7 drops of tincture, diluted in 50 milliliters of water, once a day.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, acute gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer in the acute stage, severe arterial hypotension, alcoholism. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Tincture): overdose — dizziness, nausea, vomiting, increased intestinal peristalsis, hypotension.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight above 60 kilograms — increase dosage by 10%.

Preparation method (Tincture): To prepare 100 grams of tincture, take 25 grams of crushed dried Amomum krervanh fruits, pour 75 milliliters of 70% ethyl alcohol (ethanol is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished product). Infuse in a dark place at a temperature of 20–25 °C for 14 days, shaking periodically. After infusion, filter, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until complete removal of alcohol odor (residual content not more than 500 ppm), bring volume with purified water to 100 milliliters.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass at a temperature from 10 to 20 °C, in a light-protected place, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — one year. After opening, use within 30 days.

Essential Oil — Amomum krervanh

Indications (Essential Oil): chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, chronic pharyngitis, periodontitis, herpes infection, mucosal candidiasis, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, arterial hypertension, chronic fatigue, oxidative stress, dermatophytosis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis.

Standard Dosage (Essential Oil): external application — 2–3 drops of oil, diluted in 5 milliliters of carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil), apply to the affected area 1–2 times a day; inhalations — 2 drops per 200 milliliters of hot water.

Enhanced Dosage (Essential Oil): external application — 4–5 drops of oil per 5 milliliters of carrier oil for pronounced dermatitis, skin mycosis, psoriasis.

Maximum Dosage (Essential Oil): external application — 6 drops of oil per 5 milliliters of carrier oil for extensive fungal skin lesions, pronounced psoriasis; inhalations — up to 4 drops per 200 milliliters of water for severe bronchitis or asthma.

Preventive Dosage (Essential Oil): external application — 1–2 drops of oil per 5 milliliters of carrier oil, 2–3 times a week for chronic skin diseases in remission, tendency to respiratory infections; inhalations — 1 drop per 200 milliliters of hot water once a week.

Pediatric Dosage (Essential Oil): from 6 years — external application 1 drop per 10 milliliters of carrier oil, not more than once a day; inhalations — 1 drop per 400 milliliters of water, not more than once a week.

Contraindications (Essential Oil): individual intolerance, acute exudative dermatoses, bronchospasm in the acute phase, pregnancy (first trimester) during inhalations. Data on contraindications during lactation and in children under 6 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Essential Oil): overdose — skin irritation, contact dermatitis, headache, nausea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — reduce the amount of oil by 20%; for body weight above 60 kilograms — increase the amount by 10%.

Preparation method (Essential Oil): To obtain 100 milliliters of essential oil, use 3 kilograms of fresh Amomum krervanh fruits. Perform hydrodistillation for 4 hours at a temperature of 100 °C. Separate the collected oil from the hydrolate, filter, pour into dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Essential Oil): Store in tightly closed bottles made of dark glass, in a cool, light-protected place at a temperature from 5 to 15 °C, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 2 years. After opening, use within 6 months.

Cosmetic Cream / Lotion — Amomum krervanh

Indications (Cream / Lotion): dermatophytosis, seborrheic dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, chronic pharyngitis (with external applications in the neck area), chronic bronchitis (as part of external massage products for the chest), herpes skin infection, skin and mucosal candidiasis, chronic fatigue (as part of massage products), hyperlipidemia (as part of complex therapy with external application for local stimulation of microcirculation).

Standard Dosage (Cream / Lotion): apply a thin layer to affected skin areas 1–2 times a day for 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream / Lotion): apply 2–3 times a day for pronounced skin manifestations of psoriasis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, acne with pronounced inflammation.

Maximum Dosage (Cream / Lotion): apply up to 4 times a day for severe forms of fungal skin lesions, pronounced inflammatory skin processes, for herpes infection with recurrent course.

Preventive Dosage (Cream / Lotion): apply once every 2–3 days to skin areas prone to relapses of dermatoses or fungal infections, in courses of 1 month with a 2-month break.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream / Lotion): from 6 years — apply a thin layer once a day to limited skin areas for dermatitis or fungal lesions; for children under 6 years, safety data are not registered.

Contraindications (Cream / Lotion): individual intolerance, acute purulent inflammatory skin processes, allergic dermatitis in the acute stage. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Cream / Lotion): overdose — local skin irritation, increased itching, contact dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kilograms — reduce the amount of product applied by 20%; for body weight above 60 kilograms — increase the amount by 10%.

Preparation method (Cream / Lotion): To prepare 100 grams of cream, take: coconut oil — 60 grams, beeswax — 15 grams, Amomum krervanh hydrolate — 20 grams, Amomum krervanh essential oil — 5 grams. Heat the aqueous phase (hydrolate) in a water bath to 50 °C, melt the oil phase (coconut oil and beeswax) at 60 °C. Slowly introduce the aqueous phase into the oil phase with constant stirring until a homogeneous emulsion forms. At the end, when the mass cools to 40 °C, introduce the Amomum krervanh essential oil. Pour into sterile dark glass jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream / Lotion): Store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass at a temperature from 5 to 15 °C, away from direct sunlight and sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Amomum krervanh

In publicly available sources, no information was found on experimental studies determining the LD₅₀ (lethal dose for 50% of subjects) for Amomum krervanh (or its extracts / essential oil). Available data on the toxicological profile in the form of acute or chronic toxicity, as well as effects on reproductive functions, carcinogenicity, or mutagenicity, were also not found.

To date, no published studies determining LD₅₀ for this taxon have been registered in scientific literature in English, Russian, or other common languages.

Pharmacodynamics of Amomum krervanh

The plant taxon Amomum krervanh is characterized by many biologically active effects, determined by its rich phytocomposition, including diarylheptanoids, terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, and essential oils. These substances exert a complex effect on the body: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and modulating.

Antioxidant activity is realized at various levels: suppression of reactive oxygen species production, neutralization of free radicals, and, indirectly, suppression of inflammatory mediators due to stabilization of oxidation-reduction processes [Lippincott+13scienceasia.org+13rcastoragev2.blob.core.windows.net+13].

The anti-inflammatory effect is achieved by blocking the induction mechanisms of inflammatory mediators: in Philippine experiments, the ethanol extract showed pronounced suppression of nitric oxide, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor α synthesis in macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide [scienceasia.org]. Additional data confirm the activity of diarylheptanoids (kravanhols) in inhibiting nitric oxide production in reactions involving macrophages, indicating an effect on the immune system at the cellular level [PMC+9PubMed+9bohrium.com+9].

Essential oils, rich in mono- and sesquiterpenoids (e.g., 1,8-cineole, pinene, camphor), have antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms, as well as antioxidant action through modulation of enzymatic and free radical pathways [Lippincott+1].

Systemic effects of A. krervanh can be considered regulation of immune activity (anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory), stabilization of oxidative balance (antioxidant), and interaction with detoxification enzymes (effect on alcohol dehydrogenase) [bohrium.com+6MDPI+6scienceasia.org+6]. These mechanisms suggest an influence on the metabolic and protective systems of the body, without specifying specific diseases.

The systemic level of action manifests upon oral intake of extracts (effect on enzymes and systemic mediators), local — when using essential oils (skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract). Molecular targets include inducible enzymes (e.g., iNOS, COX-2), mediator molecules (NO, IL-6, TNF-α), and possibly metabolism enzymes (alcohol dehydrogenase) [scienceasia.org PubMed MDPI].

Thus, Amomum krervanh exerts multicomponent pharmacodynamic action, affecting the immune, oxidation-reduction, and enzymatic systems of the body.

References:ResearchGate+8scienceasia.org+8config('app.name', 'COCONUT')+8

Pharmacokinetics of Amomum krervanh

Data on the pharmacokinetics of Amomum krervanh as a taxon are directly absent. Nevertheless, general patterns of transport, distribution, metabolism, and excretion can be extrapolated to the main groups of active substances (flavonoids, terpenoids, essential oils), used routes of administration (oral, transdermal, inhalation), and forms (powders, extracts, tinctures).

With oral administration, flavonoid and terpenoid components are primarily absorbed in the intestine, partially undergoing metabolic transformation in the liver (phase I and II). Essential oils have greater lipophilicity, which facilitates their absorption and distribution, including penetration through mucous membranes and possible accumulation in lipid structures. Intestinal microflora may participate in the metabolism of polyphenols, contributing to the formation of more active metabolites.

Transdermal and topical routes of administration (e.g., through skin or mucous membranes when using creams and essential oils) ensure the entry of components into the skin and, possibly, systemic circulation, especially through lymphatic capillaries. Lipid-soluble components can penetrate deep into the dermis and further into the general bloodstream.

Inhalation route ensures rapid contact with the respiratory tract and potential absorption through the lung mucosa with subsequent transport via the circulatory system.

Metabolism of active substances most likely includes liver enzymatic pathways (e.g., cytochrome P450, conjugation), and excretion — through bile (for high-molecular metabolites) and urine (for more hydrophilic ones). Extracts and flavonoids that have undergone Phase II conjugation are usually excreted by the kidneys. Essential oils are partially excreted through respiration (with inhalation use), skin, and urine as metabolites.

Given the absence of data on specific half-lives or bioavailability, only qualitative phases are described: absorption (intestine, mucous membranes, skin, lungs), distribution (areas with high lipid phase, mucous membranes), metabolism (liver, microflora), excretion (urine, bile, respiration).

References: longdom.org MDPI PMC Lippincott

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Amomum krervanh

Amomum krervanh contains diverse biologically active compounds: essential oils, diarylheptanes (e.g., kravanhols), terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, and diterpenoids, affecting key biochemical pathways. Essential oils (including 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, etc.) have antimicrobial activity, disrupting the permeability of bacterial cell membranes, leading to leakage of intracellular components and loss of microorganism viability. Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/p...

Kravanhol-diarylheptanes demonstrate pronounced suppression of nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 macrophages activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), without cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 100 µM; IC₅₀ for individual compounds range from 17.4 to 26.5 µM, exceeding the activity of dexamethasone. Reference: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.o...

Ethanol extracts of A. krervanh fruits significantly suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and NO in LPS-stimulated macrophages, confirming participation in anti-inflammatory mechanisms through control of inflammatory mediators. Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Phytoconstituents also exhibit antioxidant activity, including the ability to neutralize free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation. This helps reduce oxidative stress and indirectly modulate signaling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT. Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p... https://www.scienceasia.org/20...

Systemic targets include macrophages and other cells of the immune system, where activation of enzyme systems (iNOS, cytokines) is suppressed and inflammatory signaling cascades are blocked. Essential oils can interact with lipid components of cell membranes, changing functional membrane properties and affecting receptor systems. Flavonoids and lignans may modulate antioxidant enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase) and endothelial signaling pathways responsible for inflammation and oxidative balance. Reference: https://journals.lww.com/aptb/...

Thus, A. krervanh acts through combined cellular and molecular mechanisms: antimicrobial activity (membrane disruption), inhibition of iNOS and inflammatory mediators, antioxidant protection, and modulation of immune function.

Synergy — Amomum krervanh

No direct reliable studies dedicated to the synergy of Amomum krervanh with other herbal preparations or substances were found. However, based on analogies with other essential oils and terpenoid compounds, potential directions of interaction, confirmed in scientific literature, can be highlighted.

Terpenoids, similar to those found in Amomum (e.g., 1,8-cineole, α-pinene), when combined with other essential oils, demonstrate additive or potentiating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action — they enhance suppression of inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandin E₂, NO), and also strengthen membrane resistance against oxidative damage. Reference: https://www.scienceasia.org/20... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Combination of essential oils with flavonoids or lignans may modulate immune reactivity: terpenoids enhance penetration, and polyphenols enhance antioxidant capacity, leading to a total synergistic action at the cellular level. Such synergy is described for other plant combinations in the context of improving suppression of NF-κB or cytokine production. Reference: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p... https://pdfs.semanticscholar.o...

Accordingly, it can be assumed that Amomum krervanh, when combined with other plants rich in flavonoids or essential oils (e.g., other Amomum species or spices high in pinenes), may demonstrate potentiation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through additive action on signaling cascades and membrane targets.

Data on specific taxa or extracts tested for synergy with A. krervanh are absent in open literature, so the described assumptions remain hypothetical but are based on general pharmacological patterns for the relevant classes of compounds.

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Amomum krervanh

Amomum krervanh is traditionally used in Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, and southern regions of China. In Thai traditional medicine, fruits and seeds are used as decoctions and infusions for internal consumption and as an aromatic additive in inhalation mixtures. In Cambodian Khmer folk practice, the plant was used as a powder mixed with other spices to prepare aromatic compositions and rubs. In Lao and Vietnamese culinary-medicinal traditions, fruits were part of spice mixtures for flavoring food, which was considered a way to strengthen the body.

Historical mentions of Amomum krervanh are found in old Thai herbals of the 18th–19th centuries, where it was designated as an aromatic spice and component of medicinal mixtures. In Chinese sources from the Qing dynasty, the plant is mentioned as part of trade spices imported from Siam and Cambodia.

In a ritual context in rural areas of Cambodia, Amomum krervanh seeds were sometimes used in incense burned during house cleansing ceremonies and protection from evil spirits. In some regions of Thailand, it was considered a plant bringing prosperity, and its fruits could be kept in the house as a talisman. Vietnamese ethnic groups, especially in northern mountainous provinces, added dried fruits to smoky mixtures used for fumigating clothing and dwellings, which was associated with cleansing and harmonizing energy.

Thus, Amomum krervanh has a centuries-old history of use, covering culinary, medical, and ritual spheres, with stable cultural associations in the regions of its growth and trade.