Objective: Cardamom is commonly known as queen of spices for the
versatile use in culinary practice. This study carried out to determine
whether seeds, leaves aqueous extract and crude oil of cardamom
(Elettaria Cardamomum Maton) has inhibitory activity on some
pathogenic bacteria isolated from different clinical samples. Methods:
In vitro antimicrobial activity of Elettaria cardamomum fruit extract,
leaves and oil were studied against Staphylococcus aureus, S.
epidermidis, Streptococcus pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeroginosa,
Proteus mirabilis,Klebsiella pneumonia, Enterobacter spp.
Acinetobacter, E. coli, Serretia spp. and Salmonella typhi. The
inhibitory effect of extracts were compared with standard antibiotic
ciprofloxacin. Results: The largest mean zone of inhibition was
obtained with the oil of fruits (35mm) and fruit aqoues extract and their
leaves extract (30mm) this study depicts that the oil, leaves and fruit extract
ofElettariacardamomum can be used as potential source of novelantimicrobial agents used for
different types of bacteria in different infections. On the basis of the experimental results and
discussion, it can be postulated that the aqueous seed, leaves extracts and crude oil of

Nada Khazal et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
cardamom possesses the potent antimicrobial properties. These extracts have an active
against Salmonella typhi Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Conclusions: Most of
cardamom’s extracts show high antibacterial activity against both gram positive and gram
negative bacteria, therefore cardamom can provide protection to a certain extent against our
natural enemies like bacterial pathogens.
Keywords: Elettaria cardamomum, zone of inhibition, different bacteria.