- 2026-02
- Journal of ethnopharmacology 356
- Xing Yang
- Jihang Xie
- Qian Zhang
- Sijing Su
- Ting Wang
- Huimin Gao
- Linlin Zhao
- Wangjia Renzhen
- Jinsong Su
- Yi Zhang
Study Design
- Type
- Review
- Methods
- Comprehensive literature retrieval through traditional medical classics and databases PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang using keywords; data spanning 1996-2025 from pharmacological studies, clinical records, and ethnomedicinal documents were critically analyzed.
Ethnopharmacological relevance
In China, Amomum kravanh (AK), Alpinia galanga (AG), Alpinia katsumadai (AlK), and Myristica fragrans (MF) are collectively classified as Cardamom Medicinal Herbs (CMH). Recognized for their significant pharmacological properties, CMH are utilized globally as medicinal herbs, spices, and food ingredients. Owing to their broad clinical applications and demonstrated efficacy, CMH are extensively employed in clinical practice among diverse ethnic populations across China.Aim of the study
A comprehensive elucidation of CMH's ethnomedicinal applications, modern authentication techniques, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities.Methods
Comprehensive literature retrieval was conducted through Traditional medical classics (Zhong hua Ben cao, Dictionary of Chinese Ethnic medicine et al.) PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang databases using keywords: "Amomum kravanh", "Alpinia galanga", "Alpinia katsumadai", and "Myristica fragrans". Data spanning 1996-2025 from pharmacological studies, clinical records, and ethnomedicinal documents were critically analyzed.Results
Our findings indicate that CMH are extensively utilized across diverse ethnic medical systems in China, exhibiting distinct therapeutic applications. As exemplified by AK, primarily employed in Mongolian medicine for renal disorders, and MF, predominantly used in Tibetan medicine for cardiovascular conditions. Comparative identification of CMH can be conducted through GC, HPLC, and TLC. Its main bioactive constituents include diphenylheptanes, lignans, and diterpenoids. Traditional ethnic medical texts predominantly document its use in treating gastrointestinal disorders. However, current research primarily focuses on its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. The traditional medicinal applications of CMH warrant further investigation through interdisciplinary methodologies integrating ethnopharmacological knowledge and modern pharmacological validation.Conclusion
Although CMH is widely used in both medicinal and food products, key challenges hindering its development include difficulties in species authentication, unclear therapeutic components and mechanisms for treating gastrointestinal disorders, and the undefined biosynthetic pathways of critical diphenylheptanoid active constituents. Therefore, it is imperative to intensify research on the therapeutic components and mechanisms of action of CMH and to deeply explore its traditional applications in both traditional Chinese medicine and ethnic medicinal systems.