Title: Cubeb
Synonyms: Tailed pepper; Java pepper
Literature References: Dried, unripe, nearly full-grown fruit of
Piper cubeba L.f.,
Piperaceae. Habit. Southern Asia, Java, Borneo, Sumatra; cultivated in W. Indies and Ceylon. Berries are globular, 4-5 mm in diameter; blackish-gray; intern. whitish and hollow; strong, spicy odor; aromatic, pungent taste.
Constit. 10-18% volatile oil, cubebin, about 1% cubebic acid, resin, fat, wax. Review of constituents: N. B. Shankaracharya
et al., PAFAI J. 17, 33-39 (1995). Botanical description and medicinal uses: J. Gruenwald
et al., PDR for Herbal Medicines (Medical Economics, Montvale, 2nd Ed., 2000) p 235.
Derivative Type: Volatile oil
CAS Registry Number: 8007-87-2
Literature References: Obtained by steam distillation of the mature, unripe, sun-dried fruit.
Constit. a- and b-cubebenes, copaene, cubebol, d-cadinene, humulenes. Description: D. L. J. Opdyke,
Food Cosmet. Toxicol. 14, Suppl., 729 (1976).
Properties: Colorless or pale green to blue-green liquid. d2525 0.898-0.928.
nD20 1.492-1.502. Sol in 10 vols 90% alcohol. Sol in most fixed oils, mineral oil. Insol in glycerin, propylene glycol.
Index of refraction: nD20 1.492-1.502
Density: d2525 0.898-0.928
Use: Fragrance and flavoring agent; as a spice in cooking.
Therap-Cat: Urinary antiseptic; expectorant.
