Allspice
Allspice berries and leaves contain a volatile oil that’s 60% to 80% eugenol. The leaves contain more eugenol than the berries (up to 96%). The oil also contains caryophyllene, cineole, levophellandrene, and palmitic acid.
Eugenol is responsible for the herb’s effects on the GI system and its analgesic properties. It works by depressing the central nervous system (CNS) and in hibiting prostaglandin activity in the colon mucosa. It also increases the activity of some digestive enzymes such as trypsin. Eugenol has antioxidant properties and in vitro activity against yeast and fungi. Eugenol inhibits platelet activity.
Allspice is available as aqueous extract, oil, and powder (consists of ground dried fruit).
Benefits And Uses of Allspice
Allspice is commonly used to enhance the taste of food and toothpaste and the smell of cosmetics. In herbal medicine, it’s used to treat GI problems such as indigestion, stomachache, and flatulence; it’s also used as a purgative. Topically, it’s used as an analgesic for muscle pain or toothache and as an antiseptic for teeth and gums.
Administration
- As an antiflatulent: 0.05 to 0.2 ml allspice oil by mouth.
- Topical use: Oil or paste applied to painful area.
Side Effects of Allspice
Adverse effects associated with allspice may include CNS depression, seizures (with high doses), mucous membrane irritation (with topical use), nausea, and vomiting.
Patients with intestinal disorders should avoid use because allspice and its extracts stimulate the GI tract and may irritate mucous membranes.
Allspice may enhance the effect of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.
Clinical consideration
- Monitor patient for bleeding if he’s also on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.
- Advise patient not to ingest large quantities of allspice.
- Advise patient not to delay medical treatment for an illness that doesn’t resolve after taking allspice.
- Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
The concepts behind the use of allspice and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically
Tagged under:allspice berries analgesic properties anticoagulants antiplatelet therapy digestive enzymes flatulence herbal medicine Herbs stomachache Posted by editor on June 26th, 2007 | Filed under Herbs
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