Kabab Chini: Uses, Benefits and Side effects by Dr. Smita Barode 

Introduction:

Do you know that the Indian hidden gem kabab chini has had great medicinal use since ancient times? It is an important herb in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. Kabab Chini is scientifically known as Piper Cubeba, which belongs to the Piperaceae family. It is native to Java and Borneo and is widely grown in medieval Europe, North Africa, Indonesia and India.¹ 

Kabab Chini is an annual wood-climbing plant that is 5-15 metres high. The climbing branches have oval-shaped leaves, small flowers and greyish brown coloured fruits. The fruit is spicy with a bitter taste and strong aromatic smell. Kabab chini in English is called tailed pepper or cubebe. It is known by different names in different languages and regions of India, kabab chini in Gujarati is tadmari, kabab chini in Tamil is chinamilagu, sinamilagu and valmilagu, whereas kabab chini in Malayalam is vaalmilagu. ¹ 

Keep scrolling to read more about the health benefits of kabab chini!     

Nutritional Value of Kabab Chini:

Kabab chini has many bioactive compounds. A few of the major chemical constituents found in it are as follows:¹ 

• Phenolic acids  
• Flavonoids 
• Benzoic acids 
• Alkaloids piperine 
• Terpenes 
• Amides 
• Phenylpropanoids 
• Lignans, particularly cubebin and hinokinin  
• Volatile compounds 
• Fatty acids 
• Minerals such as zinc, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and manganese  

Although more research is required to understand the nutritional value of kabab chini, as per an ISO-certified company, Dry Fruit Hub, the nutritional value of kabab chini per 28 gms is as follows:  

• Calories: 71 kcal per 28 g
• Total carbohydrate: 18 g (6% of daily value)
• Dietary fibre: 7 g (30% of daily value)
• Total fat: 1 g (1% of daily value)
• Protein: 3 g
• Sodium: 12 mg (1% of daily value)
• Iron: 45% of the daily value
• Vitamin A: 2% of the daily value
• Vitamin C: 10% of the daily value
• Calcium: 12% of the daily value

Other than culinary uses, Kabab chini is believed to provide relief for those bothered with diarrhoea and loose motions, as a result of its anti-microbial property.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties of Kabab Chini:

Owing to the phytochemicals and essential oil of the plant, kabab chini has the following properties:¹  

• It may act against microbial infections. 
• It may act as an anti-inflammatory.    
• It might stop the growth of cancerous cells. 
• It might act against parasitic infection.  
• It may relieve pain. 
• It may reduce the formation of kidney stones. 
• It may reduce damage caused to the liver. 

Discover the ancient secret to relieving asthma and finding relief! From cancer to arthritis, diabetes to gonorrhoea, let kabab chini be your trusted ally on the path to wellness. Kabab Chini is believed to aid in asthma due to its anti-inflammatory nature.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Potential Uses of Kabab Chini for Overall Health:

The existing studies show the following health benefits of kabab chini:  

1. Potential uses of kabab chini for cancer 

Cancer is a condition where the body cells abnormally undergo rapid multiplication. Cancerous cells can affect any body organ and can be transferred to other organs. A study by Drissi et al. in 2022 found that kabab chini fruit extract can cause the death of cancerous cells in breast cancer and colon cancer. The cubebin in the kabab chini extract can also prevent the multiplication of neck and head cancer cells. The findings show that kabab chini might aid in cancer treatment.¹ However, it should not be substituted for ongoing treatment. It is best to consult a doctor regarding the kabab chini health benefits before consuming it.  

2. Potential uses of kabab chini for kidney disease

The kidney is an essential organ that removes waste products and excess water from the body. A study by Bano et al. in 2018 found that the presence of flavonoids and alkaloids in the kabab chini can reduce kidney stone formation by changing the urine’s composition. Kabab chini also decreases serum urea and creatinine levels, prevents urine retention and promotes the healing of ulcers in the urinary tract. The study suggests that kabab chini may be good for kidney health.² However, if you have kidney disease, it is best to consult a doctor and never substitute it as a medicine. 

3. Potential uses of kabab chini for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the joints of the body. A study by Drissi et al. in 2022 found that the extracts of the kabab chini plant have bioactive compounds that can reduce inflammation. Although more research is required, the study showed that it might act as an adjuvant medicine for inflammatory disorders.1 However, you should never replace kabab chini with alternative medicine. It is best to consult a doctor regarding kabab chini benefits before taking it for rheumatoid arthritis.    

4. Potential uses of kabab chini for liver damage

The liver helps the body digest fat, breakdown down nutrients, produce hormones and remove toxic substances. Any injury or damage is a major health concern. A study by AlSaid et al. in 2015 on rats showed that kabab chini extract could increase antioxidant activity that reduces oxidative stress responsible for cellular damage, increase protein metabolism, increase anti-inflammatory activities, promote the multiplication of live cells, and reduce liver injuries caused by free radicles. The study suggests that kabab chini has a protective effect on liver damage.³ However, if you have liver-related health problems, you should not self-medicate them. Instead, consult a doctor regarding kabab chini side effects and health benefits. 

5. Potential uses of kabab chini for gonorrhoea

Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted disease caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae. A study by Drissi et al. in 2022 found that the extracts of kabab chini can prevent this bacterial infection by reducing the growth of bacteria and destroying their cell wall, causing their death. This property of kabab chini might help protect the body against gonorrhoea.¹ However, you should consult a doctor regarding using kabab chini for effective treatment in case of gonorrheal infection.  

Other potential uses of kabab chini

The other potential kabab chini medicinal uses are as follows: ¹ 

• Kabab chini extracts may reduce abnormal fasting sugar levels. It might be helpful in the regulation of sugar in diabetes and its related complications.  
• Kabab chini extracts and essential oils might prevent fungal growth in fungal infections such as oral candidiasis.  
• It may be used against earthworm and tapeworm infections. 
• Kabab chini might enhance wound healing by increasing blood supply and may prevent any further infection.  
• It might help in reducing the complications associated with chronic kidney disease. 
• It might help in managing depression and related symptoms. 

Studies that showed kabab chini use in various conditions need to be revised, and further studies are needed to understand the full extent of the health benefits of kabab chini on human health.    

Did you know kabab chini might help you if you get diagnosed with Kala-azar? Due to its anti-parasitic nature, Kabab Chini is believed to aid in Kala-azar caused by a parasite, Leishmania.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

How to Use Kabab Chini?

Kabab chini can be used in the following ways: ¹ 

• It can be used as a powder, decoction, paste, or essential oil for numerous purposes.  
• Dried berries can be used as natural food preservatives and colouring aids. 
• Kabab chini powder can be used in products like gelatin confectionery, chewing gums, sherbets, alcoholic and soft drinks and toothpaste.  
• It is used to flavour alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 
• Kabab chini essential oil can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with carrier oil in fungal infections.  
• Kabab chini fruit powder or whole dried fruit is used as a spice in food for culinary flavour.  
• It is also used in potpourri, perfumes and cosmetics. 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/ herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.     

Side Effects of Kabab Chini:

Consuming kabab chini in moderation is considered safe. There have been no specific recorded kabab chini side effects. However, the direct use of kabab chini essential oil on the skin may irritate some people with sensitive skin.  

However, consult a doctor immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms after eating them.   

Precautions to Take with Kabab Chini:

 A few of the important precautions taken when using kabab chini are as follows:   

• You should mix kabab chini essential oil with carrier oil to avoid skin irritation.  
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take extra caution along with the doctor’s advice regarding the amount of kabab chini you eat.   
• It is best to consult a doctor before giving kabab chini to children and the elderly. 
• Consult a doctor before taking kabab chini if you have any medical condition.  

Interactions with Other Drugs:

A study by AlSaid et al. in 2015 showed that kabab chini might affect the liver cells and their functioning.³ Some medicines are broken down and altered in the liver after consumption. Therefore, if you are taking the following medications, it is advised to consult a doctor before consuming kabab chini: 

• Lovastatin is used for high cholesterol management. 
• Cyclosporine is used for immunosuppression. 
• Estrogen is used to manage menopausal symptoms.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

1. Drissi B, Mahdi I, Yassir M, Ben Bakrim W, Bouissane L, Sobeh M. Cubeb (piper cubeba L.F.): A comprehensive review of its botany, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and pharmacological properties [Internet]. Frontiers in nutrition. U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2022 [cited 2022Dec21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9725028/  

2. Bano H, Jahan N, Makbul SAA, Kumar BN, Husain S, Sayed A. Effect of piper cubeba L. fruit on ethylene glycol and ammonium chloride induced urolithiasis in male Sprague Dawley Rats [Internet]. Integrative medicine research. U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2018 [cited 2022Dec21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6303358/  

3. AlSaid M, Mothana R, Raish M, Al-Sohaibani M, Al-Yahya M, Ahmad A, et al. Evaluation of the effectiveness of Piper Cubeba Extract in the amelioration of CCL4-induced liver injuries and oxidative damage in The rodent model [Internet]. BioMed research international. U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2015 [cited 2022Dec21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4310260/ 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation of the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

14

0