Cardamom Extract Shows Potential as Natural Antiviral Agent

Research from **Shinshu University** in Japan has revealed that an extract from cardamom seeds may act as a natural antiviral treatment. The study indicates that compounds found in cardamom can stimulate the body’s virus-detecting systems, potentially leading to advancements in treatments for common illnesses like colds and flu.

Type I interferons (IFNs) play a crucial role in the immune response to viral infections. These proteins act as the body’s first line of defense, signaling infected and uninfected cells to produce hundreds of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), which create an antiviral state and inhibit viral replication. The research, spearheaded by **Takeshi Kawahara**, an Associate Professor at the university’s School of Science and Technology, examined the effectiveness of cardamom seed extract in enhancing IFN production.

Kawahara noted the increased societal focus on the antiviral properties of food due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We have been researching food ingredients that can prevent viral infections in our daily life since before the emergence of the novel coronavirus,” he stated.

To conduct the study, researchers used human lung epithelial cells, which are integral to respiratory defense mechanisms. They prepared a hot-water extract of cardamom seeds (CSWE) and analyzed its components using gas and liquid chromatography. The primary compound identified was **1,8-cineole**, known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

When the lung cells were treated with CSWE and 1,8-cineole, and then exposed to molecules designed to mimic viral DNA and RNA, the results were promising. The extract significantly boosted the production of IFN-α and IFN-β, both vital for antiviral defense. Additionally, CSWE enhanced ISG expression, aiding cells in blocking viral replication. Notably, this activation occurred irrespective of whether the viral mimic was DNA or RNA, suggesting a broad defensive capability against various viral threats.

The compound 1,8-cineole demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in IFN and ISG levels, working even without simulated infection. This implies that it may help maintain cells in a heightened state of readiness. The mechanisms of action varied; while CSWE utilized the STING pathway, which detects viral DNA and triggers IFN production, 1,8-cineole acted by inhibiting a gene (TIPARP) that typically suppresses this immune response.

Importantly, the extract did not activate inflammatory pathways that could lead to tissue damage, indicating its potential to enhance antiviral defenses without causing harmful side effects.

Despite these encouraging findings, the study has limitations. All experiments were conducted using lab-grown cells, not in living organisms, and the concentrations of cardamom extract used may exceed what is typically consumed in food. Additionally, the research was funded by **S&B Foods Inc.**, which provided the cardamom used in the study.

If future research validates these effects in human subjects, cardamom extract or 1,8-cineole could emerge as a natural immune booster, potentially complementing vaccines and antiviral medications. Kawahara expressed optimism about the implications of this research, stating, “Based on these findings, it is expected that [cardamom] can be utilized as an antiviral material to prevent a wide range of viral infections.”

While the study, published in the journal **Foods**, presents exciting possibilities, it is essential to remember that this research is still in its early stages and should not be considered a replacement for established medical treatments.