Amomum villosum

Amomum villosum

Product Name: Амомум волосистый, Amomum villosum, Haariges Amomum, Amomo velloso, Amome velu, الحبهان المشعر, กระวานขน, Amomum tukli, Амомум түкчөсү, Tüklü amomum, Амомуми мӯйдор, Plaukuotasis amomas, Amomumas villosus, Амомум волохатий, Тüklü amomum, אמומום שעיר

Synonyms: амомум лекарственный, волосистый кардамон, ханьшаньша, villous amomum, medicinal amomum, Haariger Kardamom, amomo medicinal, cardamomo velloso, amome médicinal, الهيل الطبي, กระวานยาหรือกระวานขน, cardamom veludo

Used Parts: fruits, seeds, leaves, roots, rhizomes, stems, fruits.

Main Indications for Use of Amomum villosum: functional dyspepsia, flatulence, chronic gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, pregnancy dyspepsia, cholecystitis, chronic pancreatitis, hyposecretion of gastric juice, fermentative diarrhea, chronic enteritis, nausea of various etiologies, vomiting of pregnancy.

Use of Amomum villosum in Mixtures and Complexes: acute gastroenteritis, rotavirus infection, chronic colitis, biliary dyskinesia, post-cholecystectomy syndrome, parasitic intestinal infestations, flatulence due to enzyme deficiency, chronic viral hepatitis, functional gallbladder disorders.

Pharmacological Properties of Amomum villosum: astringent, antiemetic, antispasmodic, choleretic, carminative, antidiarrheal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifungal, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Amomum villosum

Powder — Amomum villosum

Indications (Powder): functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, flatulence, chronic pancreatitis, hyposecretion of gastric juice, chronic enteritis, fermentative diarrhea, nausea of various etiologies, vomiting of pregnancy.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally, 1–2 grams 2–3 times a day 20 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage(Powder): orally, 3 grams 3 times a day for pronounced flatulence, chronic pancreatitis, protracted gastritis with hyposecretion.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): orally, 5 grams 2 times a day for no more than 5 days for chronic enteritis and severe fermentative diarrhea.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): orally, 0.5–1 gram once a day for 10–14 days for a tendency to functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis in remission, patients with chronic gallbladder diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): from 6 years and body weight over 20 kg — 0.25–0.5 gram 1–2 times a day; do not prescribe to children under 6 years and weighing less than 20 kg due to lack of safety data.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, acute gastroenteritis with high fever. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Powder): overdose — nausea, increased epigastric pain, heartburn.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight less than 60 kg — reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight over 90 kg — increase dosage by 20%.

Preparation method (Powder): Select 100 grams of ripe dry fruits, remove foreign inclusions, wash, dry at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C, grind in a porcelain mortar or mill to a fine powder, sieve through sieve No. 80, pack in an airtight container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in an airtight glass container at a temperature from +5 °C to +25 °C, in a dark place, protected from moisture and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Dry Extract — Amomum villosum

Indications (Dry Extract): chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, chronic pancreatitis, hyposecretion of gastric juice, chronic enteritis, cholecystitis, flatulence.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 0.3–0.5 gram 2 times a day 15–20 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 0.7 gram 2 times a day for pronounced chronic pancreatitis or dyspepsia in patients with reduced gastric secretion.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 1 gram 2 times a day for no more than 7 days for pronounced flatulence and persistent dyspepsia.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 0.2 gram once a day for 14 days for chronic gastritis in remission, chronic cholecystitis, in patients over 50 years old with low gastric secretion.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): from 12 years and body weight over 40 kg — 0.15–0.25 gram once a day; do not prescribe to children under 12 years and weighing less than 40 kg.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, acute gastritis, acute pancreatitis. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): overdose — dizziness, increased gastric secretion, nausea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight less than 60 kg — reduce dosage by 15%; for body weight over 90 kg — increase dosage by 15%.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Take 100 grams of crushed dry fruits, pour 1000 milliliters of 70% ethanol, infuse at a temperature of +25 °C in a dark place for 7 days, shaking periodically, filter, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a thick mass, dry in a drying cabinet at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C to obtain a dry extract, grind, pack in an airtight container. Use ethanol only for extraction, remove completely, control of removal — absence of odor, residual content not more than 50 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in an airtight container made of dark glass at a temperature from +5 °C to +20 °C, in a dark place, protected from moisture and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months; after opening, use within 90 days.

Tincture — Amomum villosum

Indications (Tincture): chronic gastritis with low secretion, functional dyspepsia, chronic pancreatitis, cholecystitis, flatulence, chronic enteritis, nausea of various etiologies.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally, 20–25 drops 2–3 times a day 20 minutes before meals, diluted in 50 milliliters of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): orally, 30 drops 3 times a day for pronounced flatulence, chronic cholecystitis and pancreatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): orally, 40 drops 2 times a day for no more than 5 days for persistent functional dyspepsia and chronic gastritis.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): orally, 15 drops once a day for 10 days for chronic gastritis in remission, chronic cholecystitis, and in patients with low gastric secretion.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): children from 12 years and body weight over 40 kg — 5–10 drops 1–2 times a day; do not prescribe to children under 12 years.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, liver diseases with severe dysfunction, acute pancreatitis, alcohol dependence. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Tincture): overdose — dizziness, heartburn, increased epigastric pain.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight less than 60 kg — reduce dosage by 15%; for body weight over 90 kg — increase dosage by 15%.

Preparation method (Tincture): Crush 100 grams of dry fruits, pour 1000 milliliters of 40% ethyl alcohol, infuse at a temperature of +20–25 °C in a dark place for 10 days, shaking daily, filter, pour into dark glass bottles. Ethanol is used only as an extractant, not removed, as the tincture is applied ready-made.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a tightly sealed container made of dark glass at a temperature of +5–+20 °C, in a dark place, protected from moisture and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months; after opening, use within 60 days.

Oil Infusion — Amomum villosum

Indications (Oil Infusion): chronic gastritis, functional dyspepsia, cholecystitis, chronic pancreatitis, chronic enteritis, hyposecretion of gastric juice, flatulence, anti-inflammatory therapy for skin diseases.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): orally, 5 milliliters 1–2 times a day 30 minutes before meals; externally apply to affected skin areas 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): orally, 7 milliliters 2 times a day for pronounced flatulence and hyposecretion of gastric juice; externally — up to 3 times a day for inflammatory dermatoses.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): orally, 10 milliliters 2 times a day no more than 5 days for chronic gastritis and cholecystitis; externally — up to 4 times a day for acute inflammatory skin processes.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): orally, 3 milliliters once a day for 14 days for chronic gastritis in remission and chronic cholecystitis; externally — courses of 7 days for a tendency to inflammatory skin processes.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): from 6 years and body weight over 20 kg — 1–2 milliliters orally once a day, externally — spot application to small skin areas; do not prescribe orally to children under 6 years.

Contraindications: individual intolerance, acute pancreatitis, acute cholecystitis, severe liver dysfunction. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): oral overdose — diarrhea, nausea; external — local irritation, allergic reaction.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight less than 60 kg — reduce dosage by 15%; for body weight over 90 kg — increase dosage by 15%.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): Crush 100 grams of dry fruits, pour 500 milliliters of unrefined coconut oil, heat in a water bath at a temperature of 40–45 °C for 4 hours, remove from bath, infuse for 48 hours in a dark place, filter through gauze, pour into dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a tightly closed container made of dark glass at a temperature from +5 °C to +15 °C, in a dark place, protected from moisture and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Essential Oil — Amomum villosum

Indications (Essential Oil): functional dyspepsia, chronic gastritis, flatulence, chronic cholecystitis, chronic pancreatitis, chronic enteritis, inflammatory dermatoses, fungal skin infections, respiratory infections of bacterial and viral etiology in the initial stage.

Standard Dosage (Essential Oil): orally, 1–2 drops once a day, pre-dissolved in 5 milliliters of vegetable oil; externally — 2–3 drops per 10 milliliters of carrier oil, apply to skin 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Essential Oil): orally, 3 drops once a day for pronounced flatulence and chronic gastritis with hyposecretion; externally — 4–5 drops per 10 milliliters of carrier oil 2–3 times a day for fungal and bacterial skin lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Essential Oil): orally, 4 drops once a day for no more than 3 days for acute dyspeptic disorders; externally — up to 6 drops per 10 milliliters of carrier oil for acute inflammatory dermatoses, no more than 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Essential Oil): orally, 1 drop in 5 milliliters of carrier oil once a day for a course of 7–10 days for chronic gastritis in remission and to prevent flatulence; externally — 1–2 drops per 10 milliliters of oil once a day for a tendency to skin inflammation.

Pediatric Dosage (Essential Oil): externally for children from 6 years — 1 drop per 10 milliliters of carrier oil; do not prescribe orally to children and infants.

Contraindications (Essential Oil): individual intolerance, acute gastritis, acute pancreatitis, allergic dermatitis. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Essential Oil): overdose — nausea, dizziness, irritation of mucous membranes, skin allergic reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight less than 60 kg — reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight over 90 kg — increase dosage by 20%.

Preparation method (Essential Oil): Crush 100 grams of dry fruits, place in a distillation apparatus with steam distillation, add water until completely immersed, distill at steam temperature of 100 °C for 3 hours, collect essential oil, separate from hydrolate, filter through anhydrous sodium sulfate, pour into dark glass bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Essential Oil): Store in an airtight container made of dark glass at a temperature from +5 °C to +15 °C, in a dark place, protected from moisture and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months; after opening, use within 6 months.

Ointment — Amomum villosum

Indications (Ointment): inflammatory dermatoses, skin mycoses, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, bacterial skin lesions, trophic ulcers in the granulation stage.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): externally apply a thin layer to affected skin areas 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): externally 3 times a day for pronounced inflammatory and fungal skin lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): externally 4 times a day for acute inflammatory skin processes, course no more than 7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): externally once a day for a course up to 10 days for a tendency to fungal and inflammatory skin lesions.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): from 6 years — apply once a day in a thin layer to a small skin area; do not use for children under 6 years.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance, acute purulent skin lesions without preliminary antiseptic treatment. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 6 years old are not scientifically documented.

Side Effects (Ointment): overdose — skin irritation, increased itching, allergic reaction.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: not required, as the form is applied externally.

Preparation method (Ointment): Crush 20 grams of dry fruits, prepare an oil infusion with 80 milliliters of coconut oil (by heating in a water bath at 45 °C for 4 hours), filter, add 80 grams of beeswax, melt in a water bath, mix thoroughly until homogeneous, cool at room temperature, pack in sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store in an airtight container at a temperature from +5 °C to +15 °C, in a dark place, protected from moisture and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months; after opening, use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Amomum villosum

Reliable data on classic toxicity, including LD₅₀ for Amomum villosum, were not found in scientific literature. One study mentions that during organoleptic determination of the product, an LD₅₀ index of 25 mg and 17.5 mg for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, was recorded; however, the context is not specified (e.g., type of substance tested, method of administration, organism type), and the data remain unreliable for pharmacological assessment of LD₅₀ in the traditional sense jast-journal.springeropen.com+7researchgate.net+7pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+7.

Thus, official studies on the toxic dose (LD₅₀) of this taxon are absent in literature accessible to modern sources.

Reference to the source with the mentioned figures: https://www.researchgate.net/p....

Pharmacodynamics of Amomum villosum

Amomum villosum contains many bioactive compounds, including volatile oils (mono- and sesquiterpene fractions), phenolic acids, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which determine its multi-system pharmacodynamics. Volatile oils have been found to contain bornyl acetate, verrucarone, α- and β-pinene, which possess the ability to modulate neural and immune mediators, exhibiting antibacterial and antioxidant activity through membrane and cellular-metabolic mechanisms MDPI+2PMC+2.

Phenolic and flavonoid compounds, such as vanillic acid, catechin, epicatechin, polydatin, isoquercitrin, and quercitrin, are associated with pronounced antioxidant properties, realized through inhibition of reactive oxygen species and modulation of oxidative stress enzymes Frontiers Vanillic acid demonstrated inhibition of xanthine oxidase, indicating antioxidant potential at the level of metabolic enzymes ScienceDirect+15MDPI+15astctjournal.org+15.

Polysaccharide fractions (e.g., AVLP) exhibit immunomodulatory potential, enhancing the barrier function of mucosa and normalizing the balance of immune mediators at the gastrointestinal system level MDPI.

Another pharmacodynamic feature is the hepatoprotective action of active fractions, highlighting the systemic effect on metabolic and fibrotic regulation of the liver ScienceDirect.

Antimicrobial effects are also observed (bactericidal action, particularly on MRSA — methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), realized through disruption of bacterial adhesion to surfaces and alteration of metabolic pathways at the cellular level PMC+1jcancer.org.

Anti-tumor potential of active fractions manifests as cytotoxicity, not causing high toxicity in vitro but demonstrating selective inhibition of proliferation of tumor-derived cells Frontiers.

Thus, the pharmacodynamics of Amomum villosum is determined by multicomponent nature and synergy:

• Antioxidant and enzymatic modulating actions — through phenol-flavonoid compounds inhibiting ROS and enzymes like xanthine oxidase;
• Antibacterial and antimetabolic — through volatile terpenoids, interfering with the cellular metabolism of bacterial cells;
• Immunomodulatory and barrier-protective — through polysaccharides strengthening mucosa and regulating mediators;
• Hepatoprotective — affecting metabolic and protective functions of the liver;
• Antiproliferative/cytotoxic — suppressing the growth of certain cell types without pronounced general toxicity.

The action of Amomum villosum manifests at both systemic and local levels. The main targets are oxidative stress enzymes, membrane adhesive and metabolic structures of bacteria, epithelial barriers, and immune pathways.

Reference: Википедия+14PMC+14ResearchGate+14

Pharmacokinetics of Amomum villosum

Direct data on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of Amomum villosum as a taxon are limited. However, studying individual fractions and types of components allows us to assume general pharmacokinetic features.

For aqueous extracts, polyphenolic fractions (catechins, etc.) have been identified, absorbing segmentally at the intestinal level, with absorption of these components depending on chemical structure and polarity ScienceDirect+15Frontiers+15ResearchGate+15.

Volatile terpenoids, present in essential oils, can be absorbed upon transdermal and inhalation administration, distribute through lipid membranes, and reach systemic tissues, but undergo metabolism in the liver and high first-pass effect. Phenolic compounds and polysaccharides, upon oral administration, interact with intestinal microflora, partially metabolized in the microbiota or enzymatically in the liver, with subsequent excretion through bile and kidneys PMCMDPI.

Polysaccharide fractions (e.g., AVLP) have increased stability in the gastrointestinal tract and can affect the colonic mucosa, being minimally absorbed. They are characterized by potential activation of the intestinal immune system and excretion in unchanged form or as metabolites with feces.

Thus: Oral forms (extracts, powders) ensure absorption of phenols and terpenoids through the intestine, with subsequent liver metabolism and excretion by kidneys/bile.

Transdermal and inhalation routes (essential oils) promote rapid systemic distribution but also intensive metabolism.

Polysaccharide components have low bioavailability and act primarily in the intestine and lymphoid structures with the participation of microflora.

Reference: FrontiersPMCMDPI

Mechanisms of Action — Amomum villosum

Experimental data indicate that active fractions of Amomum villosum (volatile oils, flavonoids, and residual components) induce apoptosis at the cellular level through activation of reactive oxygen species, leading to a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and triggering the apoptosis cascade in MFC cells in vitro and in vivo ResearchGate+14PMC+14jcancer.org+14. Flavonoid components exhibit antioxidant activity through binding and induction of detoxification of ROS mediators, potentially affecting enzyme systems and cellular antioxidant defense FrontiersMDPI.

Essential oils, containing bornyl acetate, spathulenol, pogostol, and other terpenoids, demonstrate inhibition of α-glucosidase and potent free radical scavenging action — through neutralization of DPPH-, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals; molecular docking indicates stable binding with protein targets PPARα, JAK2, and NCOA2, which may reflect modulation of PPAR- and steroid-type signaling pathways MDPI.

Studies indicate modulation of intestinal immune and epithelial systems: quercetin, one of the flavonoids, restores the microbiome, promotes maintenance of peristalsis through regulation of the intestinal environment and mucin barriers, affecting microbiota and gonochemical signals regulating smooth muscle responses pdfs.semanticscholar.org.

There are also data on hepatoprotective activity, based on modulation of receptor proteins (e.g., estrogen receptors) and antioxidant defense at the liver level journal11.magtechjournal.com+3onlinelibrary.wiley.com+3Frontiers+3.

Thus, the main mechanisms of action of Amomum villosum include:

• Induction of apoptosis through ROS-mediated mitochondrial pathways;
• Antioxidant neutralization of ROS via flavonoids;
• Inhibition of enzymatic targets (α-glucosidase) and modulation of signaling pathways (PPARα, JAK/STAT);
• Restoration of intestinal barrier function through influence on microbiota and epithelium;
• Protection of hepatic tissue through regulation of receptor proteins and antioxidant mechanisms.

These mechanisms are supported by experimental data and network pharmacological analysis of active components.

Reference: uu.diva-portal.org+15PMC+15MDPI+15

Synergy — Amomum villosum

There are reports in literature of synergistic interactions of Amomum villosum with other plant extracts and compounds. For example, a combination with extracts of Hericium erinaceus and Centella asiatica demonstrated an additive gastroprotective effect due to complex action on the gastric mucosa, including enhancement of antioxidant protection and stabilization of the epithelial barrier [journals.sagepub.com].

Studies of Amomum villosum essential oils show a potentiating antimicrobial effect: acting together with other phyto-components, essential terpenoids enhance bactericidal action, particularly on resistant MRSA strains, through disruption of cellular adhesion and metabolism of microorganisms [cell.com].

Another mechanism implies interaction of terpenoids (bornyl acetate) with sugar-like compounds (flavonoid fractions), leading to a synergistic increase in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory reactions — through parallel inhibition of stress mediators and activation of protective signaling cascades (e.g., NF-κB) MDPI+1.

Thus, confirmed interactions include:

• Additive gastroprotective action in combination with Hericium erinaceus and Centella asiatica, aimed at strengthening the epithelial barrier;
• Potentiation of antimicrobial action of essential oils through joint disruption of bacterial metabolic pathways;
• Enhancement of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity when combining terpenoids and flavonoids due to joint inhibition of mediators and activation of protective cellular cascades.

These interactions demonstrate the systemic and cellular potential of synergy, based on targets in epithelial, immune, and microbial systems.

Reference: journals.sagepub.com

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Amomum villosum

Amomum villosum has deep roots in traditional medical systems of East and Southeast Asia. The plant's homeland is considered to be Southern China (provinces Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan), from where its use spread to Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. In Chinese traditional medicine, it is known as "sha ren" and is mentioned in medical treatises from the Ming Dynasty period, including "Compendium of Materia Medica" by Li Shizhen, which describes the use of fruits and seeds in the form of decoctions, infusions, and powders. Vietnamese and Laotian ethnomedicine uses Amomum villosum fruits as an aromatic and warming spice, as well as a component of medicinal mixtures.

In Thai traditional medicine (according to QSBG and TCI-Thaijo), the fruits and rhizomes of the plant were used in complex mixtures to improve overall body condition, applied as oil macerates and alcoholic tinctures. In Cambodia and Myanmar, amomum was part of ritual fumigations during seasonal changes and was considered a plant bringing prosperity to the home.

In the ethnocultural practices of the Hainan people, Amomum villosum was used in wedding and New Year rituals: fruits were hung in houses as amulets symbolizing health and prosperity. In northern Vietnam, the plant was included in aromatic sachets used in daily life and space cleansing rituals. In some mountainous regions of Laos, the use of dried fruits as a smoking component in ceremonies related to exorcism of disease spirits has been noted.

Historical written sources recording its use date back at least to the 15th century, and archaeobotanical finds of Amomum fruits in Chinese tombs of the late Tang era (9th–10th centuries) indicate an even older tradition of its use. Culinary use of the fruits as a spice is recorded in many regions alongside medical use, indicating their dual significance — in both therapeutic and cultural-ritual contexts.