Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceGut health

Cardamom

A culinary spice with a handful of small metabolic trials, mostly from Iran. The measured effects are real but tiny, and nothing supports the traditional digestive claims in a controlled setting.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Blood lipids Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis of five randomised trials found no significant change in total cholesterol, LDL or HDL with cardamom; only triglycerides fell, by about 21 mg/dL. The trials were small and few enrolled dyslipidaemic patients specifically.

  • Blood pressure and inflammation Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis of eight trials in 595 patients with metabolic syndrome found green cardamom lowered diastolic blood pressure by 0.9 mmHg and hs-CRP by 1.2 mg/L, with no effect on systolic pressure. The blood pressure change is too small to matter clinically.

  • Digestion and bloating Limited evidence

    Cardamom's use as a carminative comes from tradition and from essential-oil pharmacology; no placebo-controlled trial has tested it for dyspepsia, bloating or gas in humans.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseMost trials used 3 g/day of green cardamom powder, divided into three doses, for 8–12 weeks.
SafetySafe as a food. High supplemental intakes may worsen reflux in some people and there are case reports of contact allergy. Cardamom may add to the effect of antihypertensive or antiplatelet medication; those with gallstones should be cautious, as it stimulates bile flow.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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