Allspice, scientifically known as Pimenta dioica, is a versatile spice with various medicinal benefits. Allspice is also commonly referred to as Pimento and Jamaican Pepper. This herb has a number of medicinal properties. This includes being an antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herb.
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| Allspice (Pimenta dioica) |
What is Allspice?
Allspice is derived from the dried berries of the allspice tree, native to Central and South America, particularly the Caribbean region. It also grows in Japan and parts of Asia.
The tree bears glossy, dark
green leaves and clusters of small white or yellow flowers. Its round berries resemble peppercorns.
Compounds in Allspice
The primary
compounds in allspice include eugenol, cineole, myrcene, and quercetin. In
addition there are a number of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, flavonoids,
organic acids, alkaloids and monoterpenoid phenols in allspice.
These
compounds together contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial,
and digestive properties.
Allspice in Traditional Medicine
In
traditional medicine practices globally, allspice has been utilized for various
purposes:
Digestive
Aid
Allspice has
been used to aid digestion, relieve gas, and soothe stomach discomfort.
Pain Relief
The eugenol
content in allspice has analgesic properties, making it useful for alleviating
toothaches, muscle aches, and joint pain.
Antimicrobial
Action
Allspice
exhibits antimicrobial properties, which may help fight against bacterial and
fungal infections.
Anti-inflammatory
Effects
Research
suggests that allspice may possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially
beneficial for conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Research evidence
A 2021 study
tested allspice extracts and found that they had significant antifungal
properties. The research found the herb inhibited mycelial growth and the
germination of fungus spores. The herb also changed the shape of the fungal
microbes.
A 2025 study
from Ottawa Ontario found that allspice extracts were significantly antiviral,
even to COVID-19 related viruses. The researchers found allspice extracts blocked
the ability of SARS-CoV-2 proteins to ACE2. This is one of the primary mechanisms
for the growth of SARS in humans. The research also found these abilities were
dose-dependent, eliminating the potential for coincidence. The researchers
stated:
“These findings support the potential allspice utilization in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and the development of COVID-19 severe symptoms.”
In a 2024
study, researchers found that allspice extract significantly reduced
concentrations of Helicobacter pylori. H. pylori has been implicated in a number
of digestive tract issues, including certain ulcers and stomach cancers.
2022 Research
from Italy and Saudi Arabia found that allspice extracts were significantly
antibacterial against sometimes-lethal bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes
and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The research found that not only did the allspice
extracts inhibit the growth of these and other bacteria: The extracts also
interfered with the quorum sensing abilities of the bacteria.
Bacteria use
quorum sensing to communicate and understand their environment.
A 2023 study
confirmed allspice extracts’ ability to control listeria microbes.
A 2018 study
found that allspice can inhibit the growth of various fungi that can infect
grains and seeds in storage. One of these is alflatoxin B1 – from the Aspergillus
flavus species.
Other research
has found allspice to be an successful natural pesticide as well.
Studies have
also found that allspice can be added to fish stocks to help prevent diseases
without chemical antibiotics.
2007
research from Egypt found that allspice extracts killed cancer cells and
inhibited the growth of tumors. A 2021 study from Brazil confirmed this
research.
Other
studies have investigated allspice extracts’ ability to deter wound infection.
A 2020 study found the extracts blocked and reduced bacteria biofilms from
wounds.
2021
research from Mexico found that allspice extracts killed the eggs and larva of
parasites in the digestive tracts of sheep and cattle.
While
traditional uses of allspice are well-documented, there is limited clinical
research specifically on its health benefits. Yet studies on its individual
components such as eugenol have demonstrated allspice’s promising health
benefits.
As usual,
talk with your doctor before employing herbs for medicinal purposes.
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