Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• 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 flavogallonate, methyl gallate, 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."

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Allspice is produced from the fruit of the Pimenta dioica plant. It is grown and produced primarily in Jamaica and the West Indies in general, as well as South America. The fruits are picked when they are green, and then they are sun or kiln dried. They are sold either as whole dried fruits or in powdered form. The spice has a complex, peppery taste that resembles a mix of cinnamon, juniper, clove, and nutmeg. Its main constituent is eugenol.
• Historically, allspice was used to treat indigestion and flatulence. It was also used orally to treat stomachaches, menorrhagia, menopause, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, influenza, and colds. In manufacturing, it has been used as a flavoring in toothpastes.
• Currently, there is a lack of available high-quality studies investigating the use of allspice for any indication.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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