Title & Abstract

International Journal of Anatomy and Research

Histoprotective Effect of Aqueous Extract of Cardamom against Cadmium Chloride Induced Toxic Effect in Mice

DOI: 10.16965/ijar.2026.176

Al-Delphi, Muhaned Sachit ¹

Al-Sarray, Hayder Abdullah Kadhim ¹

Shamkhi, Israa Jabbar ¹

Obead, Walaa Fadil ²

1,2,3 Middle Technical University, Kut Technical Institute, Iraq.

⁴ Kerbala University, Veterinary Medicine College, Department of Anatomy and Histology, Iraq.

ABSTRACT

Introduction.

Elettaria cardamom [EC], recognized as 'queen of spices', relates the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Seeds contains many plant chemicals substance like starch, phenols, terpinoids, flavonoids, tannins, proteins and sterols. These contents have been used to treat many infections in the mouth like gums, throat, teeth and also treat lung disease such as tuberculosis, pulmonary congestion, hypertension, heart disease and digestive system disorders. The anticancer benefits of cardamom are attributed to its identified mechanisms, which include anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, pro-apoptotic, and antioxidant actions.

Methods.

In this study, 15 male mice were obtained from animal house at the Pharmaceutical Research and Control Center weighing between 30-45 g. The animals were divided in to 3 groups, 5 mice in each group. Group 1: was administered with 2.5 mg/kg of CdCl2 with normal saline orally as control group. Group 2: was administered with 2.5 mg/kg of CdCl2 and cardamom [200 mg/kg]. Group 3: was administered with 2.5 mg/kg of CdCl2 with cardamom [300 mg/kg] for six weeks.

Results.

The results showed the protective effect of cardamom against histological damage caused by substances like cadmium chloride and increase recovery of the histological characters in groups treated cardamom 200 and 300 mg/kg. The group treated 300 mg/kg cardamom showed better results than with 200 mg/kg.

Conclusion.

This study concluded that use the cardamom as protective effect against histological change by cadmium chloride and can use as antioxidant to prevent histological damage.

Keywords: Elettaria cardamom; Cadmium Chloride; Histological damage; antioxidant; cardamom; histoprotective

INTRODUCTION

Elettaria cardamomum Maton is the scientific name of cardamom; it is one of the commonly used spices and is referred to as 'the queen of spices' [1]. The family of Cardamom (Zingiberaceae) is one of the oldest and costly spices in the world [2]. This plant is appreciated for its dried fruits [3]. The Elettaria genus is a tiny and diminutive natural group originating from the perpetual rainforests of South India and Sri Lanka, via whence they disseminated to other tropical zones [4].

This herb grows all year round, characterized by its foliage, originating from Sri Lanka and India and predominantly cultivated in India's south [5]. The valuable part is a non-perishable herbaceous perennial crop. These seeds are useful in spice mixtures in whole bean or powder, such as beverages, curries similar to coffee and tea, meat items, baked goods, confections, and biscuit flavors combined with custards, wines, and liqueurs. In the Middle East, cardamom and coffee are historically combined to make a beverage, Gahwa [6]. Small cardamom seeds hold a triangular pod at cross-section with a thin papery black shell covering [7].

Cardamom exhibits advantageous outcomes against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria [5,8], promotes gums and teeth health [9], and relieves lung and gastrointestinal disorders [10,11]. The medicinal effects of cardamom stem from its pharmacological qualities, which include antioxidant, antimutagenic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and chemoprotective attributes [12-16].

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animal Management and Experimental Groups

Fifteen adult male mice weighing between 30-45 g were obtained from the animal house at the Pharmaceutical Research and Control Center. The mice were given one week to acclimatize to their surroundings. Animals were divided into 3 groups (5 male mice in each): Group 1 (administered with 2.5 mg/kg of CdCl2 with normal saline orally as control group); Group 2 (administered 2.5 mg/kg of CdCl2 and cardamom [200 mg/kg]); Group 3 (administered 2.5 mg/kg of CdCl2 with [300 mg/kg] cardamom) for six weeks.

Preparation of Aqueous Extract Solution of Cardamom

The aqueous plant extract was prepared by taking dry powder of the plant (100 g) placed in a conical flask with distilled water (500 ml) at a 1:5 (w:v) ratio. The mixture was agitated on an electric shaker for two hours and left at ambient temperature. After 24 hours, the mixture was filtered through 4-layer gauze, placed in a container, and centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 10 min. The supernatant was filtered with filter paper. Crude extract was obtained by concentrating the filtrate in an oven for 72 hours and stored at 4°C in a dark, sterile screw-capped bottle [17].

Sample Collection and Ethical Approval

At the end of the six-week experimental period, mice were sacrificed by decapitation under anesthesia. Abdominal incisions were made to excise the kidney, testis, liver, and heart. Specimen tissues were instantly fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin, processed, paraffin-embedded, and sectioned for routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining. This study was approved by the Scientific Ethical Committee at Middle Technical University (MEC 136).

RESULTS

Kidney Histology

Kidney sections from the CdCl2-only group (Figure 1A) showed cortical proximal convoluted tubule necrosis, tubular cytoplasmic vacuolation, hemorrhage, and glomerular degeneration. The 200 mg/kg cardamom group (Figure 1B) exhibited a noticeable reduction in tubular necrosis, vacuolation, and medullary hemorrhage. In the 300 mg/kg cardamom group (Figure 1C), marked histoprotection was observed with minimal vacuolation and near-normal tubular and medullary architecture.

Figure 1

Testis Histology

Testicular sections from the CdCl2-only group (Figure 2A) revealed loss of interstitial connective tissue, discontinuous seminiferous tubules, spermatogonial degeneration, and detachment of Leydig cells. The 200 mg/kg cardamom group (Figure 2B) showed limited improvement compared to the toxic control. Conversely, the 300 mg/kg cardamom group (Figure 2C) showed substantial recovery of interstitial connective tissue, restoration of normal seminiferous tubule morphology, and repositioning of Leydig cells in the intertubular spaces.

Figure 2

Heart Histology

Cardiac muscle sections from the CdCl2 group (Figure 3A) displayed elongated longitudinal nuclei, discontinuous myofibers, and interstitial hemorrhage. The 200 mg/kg cardamom group (Figure 3B) showed slight reduction in myofiber fragmentation and hemorrhage. The 300 mg/kg cardamom group (Figure 3C) exhibited significant restoration toward normal cardiac myofiber continuity, organized branching, and reduction in interstitial hemorrhage.

Figure 3

Liver Histology

Hepatic sections from the CdCl2 group (Figure 4A) showed extensive hepatocyte degeneration, portal vein congestion, enlargement of the hepatic artery in portal areas, and central vein hemorrhage. In the 200 mg/kg cardamom group (Figure 4B), central vein hemorrhage and hepatic arterial enlargement were partially reduced. In the 300 mg/kg cardamom group (Figure 4C), central vein congestion was markedly resolved, hepatocyte cords were normally arranged, and portal vascular structures appeared histologically intact without hemorrhage.

Figure 4

DISCUSSION

In this study, aqueous extract of cardamom was investigated for its histoprotective effects against cadmium chloride-induced multi-organ tissue damage in mice. Pharmacological investigations of cardamom have documented its antioxidant, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-carcinogenic properties [18,19]. Bioactive constituents including flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and essential oils contribute significantly to free radical scavenging and membrane stabilization [20-22].

Cardamom's protective actions involve anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic pathways, as well as potent macrophage modulation and cellular defense against heavy metal toxicants such as uranium and cadmium [23-25]. These findings align with Sameer et al. (2015), who demonstrated that cardamom extract prevents myocardial necrosis, myofiber disruption, and edema in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity [26]. The pronounced dose-dependent improvement observed in the 300 mg/kg group highlights cardamom's potential as a natural cytoprotective and antioxidant agent.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that aqueous extract of cardamom exerts a significant histoprotective effect against cadmium chloride-induced toxic damage in the kidney, testis, heart, and liver. Cardamom functions as an effective antioxidant to prevent degenerative histological changes, with the 300 mg/kg dose demonstrating superior restorative efficacy compared to the 200 mg/kg concentration.

Abbreviations & Declarations

DECLARATIONS

Ethical Approval: This study was authorized by the Scientific Ethical Committee at Middle Technical University (MEC 136).

Conflicts of Interest: None.

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