Chemical Properties
Cubeb is a climbing perennial vine native to Java and Indonesia. It is presently cultivated in Indonesia, tropical Asia,
and Africa (Congo). The plant yields small, round berries that are harvested before they are ripe and from which the seeds are
extracted. The part used is the unripe berries (seeds). Cubeb has a warm, woody, spicy odor reminiscent of guaiac with a bitter tonic
taste. The flavor of the oleoresin obtained by hydrocarbon extraction is bitter, while the alcohol extract is peppery.
Composition
Fruits contain 10 to 20% volatile oil, 2.5% cubebin, 1 to 1.7% amorphous cubebic acid, resin, gum lignans and fat
(CoE, 2000).
