Allspice is the dried edible berry obtained from Pimenta dioica plant. It is very popular for its unique flavor. It has been extensively used for various medicinal and culinary purposes.

Nutritional profile

• It contains desirable amount of carbohydrate
• It also contains adequate amount of dietary fibre
• It contains less amount of protein as well
• It contains both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids but totally free from cholesterol
• It provides sufficient amount of calories on its oxidation as it contains pleasing amount of carbohydrates and fats
• It contains several vitamins, which include Vitamin A, vitamin C, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B9
• It contains numerous important trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, iron, selenium, zinc and magnesium
• It also contains various biologically active components among which the most imperative substance is eugenol, which is responsible for exerting strong antioxidant activities

Disease preventive role of Allspice

Allspice and cardiovascular diseases

• It helps to improve cardiac health and functionality thus significantly reduces the susceptibility of cardio vascular diseases
• Its potassium content acts as an imperative vasodilator that helps to relax the blood vessels and thus promotes blood flow, which ultimately decreases the strain on heart as well as on arteries

• It also exerts potent hypotensive effect
• It helps to decrease the risk of developing atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease
• Consumption of allspice is also very beneficial for lessening the prevalence of heart attacks and strokes

Allspice and neurodegenerative diseases

• Allspice has potent antioxidant activity, which is responsible for protecting nerve cells from oxidative damages thus reduces the risk of developing neurodegenerative disorders
• It contains numerous nutrients, which are essentially required by the body for promoting brain functions
• It has seen that its B vitamin content especially Vitamin B6 helps in the optimum growth and development of nervous system
• It has seen that consumption of allspice significantly reduces the prevalence of memory loss and cognitive decline

Allspice and dental disorders

• Its eugenol content is considered as the main component responsible for preventing various dental disorders
• It helps to improve gum health
• Its antimicrobial activity is accountable for improving oral hygiene by inhibiting microbial infestation thus reduces the risk of developing dental infectious diseases
• Gargling with allspice added water significantly decreases bad mouth odour

Allspice and diabetes mellitus

• It is very beneficial for decreasing glucose load in blood as it has a low glycemic index thus it is considered as an effective therapeutic substance for diabetic patients
• It is mainly associated with preventing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus
• It helps to increase insulin sensitivity, which enhances the activity of this hormone that ultimately helps to stabilize blood sugar level

Therapeutic uses

• It is used as an effective therapeutic agent for preventing indigestion. It has seen that it is closely associated with stimulating the functions of digestive enzymes hence promotes digestion. Its consumption is also very beneficial for reducing the prevalence of vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating and constipation
• It acts as an immune booster too
• It also helps to protect the body from developing infectious diseases as it exhibits potent antimicrobial activity. It is comparatively effective against some microbes like Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli and Salmonella enteric hence helps to destroy them
• Allspice contains various nutrients (eugenol, tannin, quercetin, Vitamin C and Vitamin A) that make it an effective antioxidant, which helps to decrease the concentration of free radicals within body, thus reduces the risk of developing diseases as well as age related problems
• Application of allspice essential oil on some area is associated with providing a warming effect and also helps to increase blood circulation in that respective area, which ultimately helps to provide quick relief from swelling or pain
• It is also used for strengthening the skeletal system. Its magnesium, calcium and phosphorus contents are accountable for improving bone mass. It has seen that its consumption is very effective for decreasing spinal bone weakening especially among post menopausal women

• Its iron content plays significant role in synthesizing hemoglobin and RBC hence reduces the prevalence of anemia
• It is also utilized as an imperative therapeutic substance for boosting up the energy level of body as it helps in cellular respiration
• It helps to prevent general weakness as its Vitamin B2 content is associated with inhibiting fatigue
• It helps to prevent ageing as well thus it extensively used for promoting skin health. Its Vitamin C and copper contents are responsible for promoting collagen synthesis, which help to improve skin elasticity. It is very effective for enhancing skin glow as well and also reduces wrinkles as well as age spots 

Traditional uses

• It has been traditionally used by dentists for curing various dental and gum related diseases as it contains eugenol, which has potent antiseptic and anesthetic properties
• Essential oil of allspice is widely used for providing relief from numerous conditions like headache, sprains, common colds, sinusitis, insect bites etc
• Tannin content of allspice is responsible for dilating blood vessels, which is closely related with making the surrounding area relatively warmer. This feature makes it an effective poultice, which helps to relieve soreness and inflammation. It has seen that having bath with hot water containing allspice significantly reduces arthritic pain and muscle soreness
• It is also used in aromatherapy. Inhalation of allspice essential oil is responsible for providing a cooling and relaxing effect hence it is widely used as an effective remedial action for insomnia

• Consumption of herbal tea made up of allspice is very effective for reducing the prevalence of flatulence and stomach ache
• It is also used for reducing menstrual cramp
• It has been used for centuries as an imperative homemade remedy for treating the post menopausal symptoms

Culinary uses

• Dried allspice berry can be added to mulled wine
• Allspice can also be sprinkled on curries for enhancing the flavor
• It can be added to soups or stews before consumption
• It can also be used as spice for preparing apple pie or pumpkin pie or ginger bread
• It can be used for marinating purposes
• It can also be used for preparing sauces and pickles
• Jamaican jerk chicken is a famous dish, which requires allspice as an important ingredient

General consideration of using Allspice

• The whole berry can be consumed or it can also be used as ground spice
• It can be used for preparing both savory and sweet dishes
• It is better to purchase allspice corn from market and it should be grounded later in home with the help of mixer grinder
• This ground allspice should be kept in an air tight container, which ultimately helps to retain its flavor
• Individuals who suffer from hypertension or ulcerative colitis or gastric ulcer should avoid its consumption as it may worsen the condition

• People with cancer should avoid the consumption of allspice because eugenol component of allspice can promote the growth of cancerous cell
• Pregnant and lactating women should consult with health experts before consuming allspice
• Individual with hypersensitive skin should avoid its consumption as it may develop rashes or allergic reaction

Altuntaș, E. and Erdoğan, M., 2017. Determination of some physical properties of allspice (Pimenta dioica L.) fruit. Anadolu Tarım Bilimleri Dergisi, 32(3), pp.316-320.

Lorenzo-Leal, A.C., Palou, E. and López-Malo, A., 2018. Extraction, Composition, and Antibacterial Effect of Allspice (Pimenta dioica) Essential Oil Applied in Vapor Phase. 116,000 120M, p.82.

Machuca, P., Pulido-Salas, M.T. and Trabanino, F., 2020. Past and present of allspice (Pimenta dioica) in Mexico and Guatemala. From traditional management to current large-scale markets. Revue d’ethnoécologie, (18).

Machuca, P., Pulido-Salas, M.T. and Trabanino, F., Past and present of allspice (Pimenta dioica) in Mexico and Guatemala.

Milenković, A., Stanojević, J., Stojanović-Radić, Z., Pejčić, M., Cvetković, D., Zvezdanović, J. and Stanojević, L., 2020. Chemical composition, antioxidative and antimicrobial activity of allspice (Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr.) essential oil and extract. Advanced Technologies, 9(1), pp.27-36.

Onwasigwe, E.N., 2017. Antioxidant and anticarcinogenic effects of allspice (Doctoral dissertation, Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University).

Onwasigwe, E.N., Verghese, M., Sunkara, R., Shackelford, L. and Walker, L.T., 2017. In vitro analysis of the antioxidant effect of allspice. Food and Nutrition Sciences, 8(7), pp.778-792.