FolkKB

Cubeb

Piper cubeba

Piper cubeba is a flowering plant used extensively within various traditional medicinal systems. It is traditionally applied for a wide range of conditions, including bacterial infections, urogenital complaints such as gonorrhea and urethritis, respiratory issues like bronchitis and asthma, and inflammatory conditions like rheumatism. Preliminary scientific evidence suggests potential antimicrobial activity against E. coli O157:H7 in vitro and indicates that hinokinin may induce apoptosis in certain breast cancer cells. Some studies on animal models suggest a possible reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
carminative · diuretic
Traditions
Unani · TCM · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • carminative Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • expectorant Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • gonorrhea Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • infections TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • stimulant traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bronchitis Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • asthma traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • catarrh Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • dysentery traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • rheumatism traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • urethritis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • urogenital complaints TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • bacterial infections traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • anal complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Piper cubeba extract showed significant inhibitory activity against E. coli O157:H7 in vitro. D PMID
  • Hinokinin from Piper cubeba induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells via reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. D PMID
  • The study found that a cubebinol-CuO nanocomposite from Piper cubeba seeds shows promising dual capabilities for tetracycline sensing and degradation. D PMID
  • Irradiated P. cubeba reduced inflammation and oxidative stress markers while increasing IL-10 levels in CFA-induced arthritis rats. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Cubeb?

Cubeb (Piper cubeba) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Cubeb traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Cubeb for: carminative, diuretic, expectorant, gonorrhea, infections, stimulant. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Cubeb?

Cubeb appears in these traditions in our sources: Unani, TCM, traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Cubeb?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Cubeb; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Piper cubeba extract showed significant inhibitory activity against E. coli O157:H7 in vitro.

How strong is the evidence for Cubeb?

The strongest finding for Cubeb carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Cubeb safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Cubeb in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Cubeb interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Cubeb in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Cubeb?

Cubeb is also known as: Перец кубеба, cubèbe.

Is Cubeb a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 A smart cubebinol-CuO nanocomposite for dual electrochemical sensing and visible-light-driven photodegradation of tetracycline: Box-Behnken optimization, mechanistic insight and kinetics. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Hinokinin, a lignan from Piper cubeba fruits induces apoptosis via reactive oxygen species-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence in Upper Egypt: impacts on food safety and human Health, with a protection trial using natural antibacterial Piper cubeba. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Potencies of γ-irradiated Piper cubeba in Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats. literature abstract metadata

More Piper plants