the enzyme assisted extraction of cardamom oil couldbe considered as an industrial process leading to a higher extraction yield with an improved flavour profile Our study proved that the enzymes disrupt the structured integrity of the plant cell wall thereby exposing the oil glands and will increase the permeability at the time of distillation, which results in a higher extraction yield of oil. A better enzymatic action leading to a maximum volatile oil recovery was observed by the use of one percent of enzyme with respect to the dried cardamom seed. The pretreatment of cardamom seeds with ViscozymeL resulted in an increase (16%) in the yield of volatile oil compared to the control without affecting the physico-chemical characteristics of the oil. Thus the enzyme pretreatment especially with ViscozymeL could be used in spice industries for volatile oil extraction with improved quality and yield.