Essential oils of cardamom inhibit the formation of biofilms in pathogens

In the composition of real cardamom, a group of researchers from the Don State Technical University (DSTU) found natural compounds that prevent the formation of biofilms in Gram-negative bacteria.

Elettaria cardamomum essential oils have been found to address one of the main causes of antibiotic resistance in pathogens. From the effects of drugs and protective factors of the immune system, resistant microorganisms are protected by a layer of polymers embedded in the cell matrix.

DSTU scientists proved that essential oils of cardamom cope with biofilms of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus and Salmonella. Even at a low concentration (0.125%), which is an order of magnitude lower than the lethal for a microorganism, they slow down the formation of biofilms.

Essential oils suppress the so-called "quorum sensing" - a mechanism for regulating the vital activity of the bacterial community, which gives a signal for the formation of biofilms to protect against aggression.

α-terpinyl acetate, 1,8-cineol, linalool acetate, sabinene and some other compounds in Elettaria cardamomum have an antibacterial effect. Based on them, new generation antimicrobials can be created. 

As you know, this spice is widely used in the manufacture of sausages. The use of cardamom is provided for in the GOST recipes of such popular varieties of sausages as "Doctor", "Milk", "Veal", "Russian", and sausages: "Russian", "Creamy", "Amateur". And this is not all MEAT products where cardamom is found.