Kardamomextrakt ist als natürliche antivirale Behandlung vielversprechend: Eine neue Studie mit menschlichen Lungenepithelzellen ergab, dass Heißwasserextrakt aus Kardamomsamen (CSWE) IFN-⍺ und IFN-β, beides wichtige antivirale Moleküle, signifikant erhöhte.

I’ve linked to the news release in the post above. In this comment, for those interested, here’s the link to the peer reviewed journal article:

https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/15/2744

From the linked article:

**Cardamom extract shows promise as a natural antiviral treatment**

A humble kitchen spice could pack a powerful antiviral punch. Researchers have found that compounds in cardamom seeds can trigger the body’s virus-detecting systems, potentially paving the way for natural cold and flu treatments.

In a new study led by researchers at Shinshu University in Japan, an extract from the humble cardamom seed was evaluated for its ability to enhance the production of type I IFNs and, therefore, act as an antiviral agent.

The researchers used **human lung epithelial cells**, which line the respiratory tract and serve as a defense against inhaled pathogens and particles. These cells are commonly used as models for studying respiratory viruses such as colds and flu. The team prepared a **hot-water extract of cardamom seeds (CSWE)** and identified its chemical components using gas and liquid chromatography, confirming that 1,8-cineole was a major compound. (1,8-cineole, also known as eucalyptol, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and analgesic properties and is used in traditional medicine.)

The researchers treated the lung cells with CSWE and its main compound, 1,8-cineole, then exposed them to molecules that mimic viral DNA and RNA, to simulate an infection. They found that **CSWE significantly increased IFN-⍺ and IFN-β, both important antiviral molecules**. It also enhanced the expression of ISGs, helping cells to block viral replication. This enhancement occurred whether the viral mimic was DNA or RNA, meaning that CSWE activated multiple immune pathways. This suggests it could help defend against different types of viruses. CSWE’s major compound, 1,8-cineole, also boosted IFN and ISG levels in a dose-dependent way. It worked even without simulated infection, suggesting it may help keep cells in a mild state of readiness.

So, just proving Ayurvedic medicine correct?  

I take it it’s in vitro?

I have a terrible respiratory infection right now and am just thinking about how I’m supposed to get cardamom water into my lungs without dying. Vapour?