Piment de la Jama?que

Related Terms

Allyl alkoxybenzenes, caryophyllene, castalagin, casuariin, casuarinin, cineole, dietary polyphenols, ellagic acid, estragole, eugenol, eugenol methyl ether, gallic acid, galloylglucosides, glycosidic tannins, grandinin, grandininol, ground Jamaican allspice, guayabita (Spanish), herbal flavoring, Jamaica pepper, Jamaican allspice, levophellandrene, methyl eugenol, methyl gallate, methyl-flavogallonate, Myrtaceae (family), myrtle pepper, nilocitin, palmitic acid, pedunculagin, phenolic glycosides, pimenta, Pimenta officinalis Lindl., Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr., Pimenta dioica (L.) Merrill (Myrtaceae), pimento (allspice), pimentol, pimienta de Jamaica (Spanish), pimienta dulce (Spanish), pimienta gorda (Spanish), polyphenols, Rheedia aristata Griseb., spicy flavoring, vascalagin, vascalaginone.
Note: Allspice leaves may occasionally be termed "West Indian bay leaf," but other sources reserve that name for the closely related species Pimenta racemosa. Allspice should not be confused with Capsicum annuum, which is also known as pimento or "cherry pepper."

Background

Allspice is produced from the fruit of the Pimenta dioica plant and originates primarily from Jamaica, the West Indies in general, and South America. The fruits are picked when they are green, then dried in the sun or in a kiln and sold as either whole dried fruit or in powdered form. Allspice has a complex, peppery taste similar to a mix of cinnamon, juniper, clove, and nutmeg.
Historically, allspice was used to treat indigestion and intestinal gas. It was also taken by mouth to treat stomachaches, heavy menstrual bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, flu, and colds. Commercially, allspice has been used to flavor toothpastes.
Currently, there is limited high-quality evidence supporting any clinical use of allspice.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for allspice. Traditionally, as an antigas agent, 2-3 drops of allspice oil has been taken by mouth; as an indigestion aid, 1-2 teaspoons of allspice powder in one cup of water has been taken by mouth. As a laxative, bruised pimento has been added to water (5:200 ratio) and distilled. One to two ounces of this mix has been taken by mouth as a laxative.
Traditionally, for muscle aches, allspice and water have been mixed to make a paste and applied to the affected area. For toothache, 1-2 drops of allspice oil has been applied to the affected area four or less times daily.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Allspice may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased in the blood and may cause increased effects of potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Allspice may have additive effects when taken with drugs that have anticancer, immune-stimulating, blood pressure-lowering, blood sugar-lowering, hormonal, or central nervous system (CNS)-depressing activity.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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