Small, evergreen tree, Pimenta dioica L. (syn. P. officinalis Lindl.), Myrtaceae, bearing deep purple or glossy black berries. The dried unripe fruits resemble peppercorns and are known as allspice. Flavor similar to a combination of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Habit. West Indies, Central America, Mexico. Constit. Volatile oil (4%), quercetin glycosides, catechins, proanthocyanidins, protein, lipid, fixed oil, sugar, vitamins, minerals. Reviews: A. Y. Leung, S. Foster, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients, (Wiley-Interscience, Hoboken, 2nd Ed., 2003) pp 20-22; B. Krishnamoorthy, J. Rema in Handbook of Herbs and Spices, Vol. 2, K. V. Peter, Ed., (Woodhead Publishing, Cambridge, 2004) pp 117-139.
Volatile oil obtained by distillation of dried immature berries. Constit. Complex mixture of components, chiefly eugenol (60-80%), methyleugenol, β-caryophyllene, humulene, terpinen-4-ol, α-phellandrene, eucalyptol.
Volatile oil obtained by distillation of fresh or dried leaves. Constit. Eugenol (up to 96%) and other terpenes.
Carminative.