Sheetal Chini
Sheetal Chini
Sheetal Chini or KababChini is a perennial woody climber with ash grey climbing stems and branches, rooted at the joints. The dried, fully-grown but unripe fruit is used for medicinal purposes. Fruits possess a spicy, aromatic odor and somewhat bitter and acrid in taste. The pharmacological activities possess by bioactive constituents are anesthetic, antihelmintic, anti-asthmatic, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, appetizer, aromatic, astringent, cardiotonic, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, rejuvenating, stomachic, thermogenic. These properties help to manage diseases like acute rhinitis, amenorrhoea, anorexia, asthma, cardiac debility, catarrh, chronic bronchitis, headache, cough, cystitis, diarrhea, jaundice, dysentery, inflammation, urticaria[2].
What are the synonyms of Sheetal Chini?
Piper Cubeba, Kankolaka, Cinosana, Cinatiksna, Kakkola, Kankolika, Kakkol, Kababcheni, Kahabchini, Sugandhamaricha, Cubebs, Tailed Pepper, Chanakabab, Chinikabab, Kababchini, Gandhamenasu, Balamenasu, Kushfal, Cheenamulaku, Takkolam, Valmulaku, Kankol, Sardchini, Vaali milaku, Valmilagu, Chalavamiriyalu, Tokamiriyalu[1].
What is the source of Sheetal Chini?
Plant Based
Benefits of Sheetal Chini
Modern Science View
Sheetal Chini helps in Increasing urination due to its diuretic property. It helps in increasing the excretion of sodium ions in urine by increasing urine production[5].
Ayurvedic View
Amoebic Dysentery is caused by a parasite (E. Histolytica) and is known as Pravahika in Ayurveda. It occurs due to vitiated Kapha and Vata doshas. In severe Dysentery, inflammation of the intestine causes the appearance of mucus and blood in the stool. Taking Sheetal Chini helps to control mucus by improving the digestive fire due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also helps to remove the Dysentery-causing parasite from the body because of its Krimighna (anti-worm) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Flatulence or gas is caused due to an imbalance of Vata and Pitta dosha. Low Pitta dosha and aggravated Vata dosha results in low digestive fire, thus impairing digestion. Impaired digestion leads to gas formation or Flatulence. Sheetal Chini improves the digestive fire and prevents gas formation because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Modern Science View
Gonorrhea is an infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Sheetal Chini might help manage Gonorrhea due to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. It kills or stops the growth of microorganisms and minimize bacterial action, thereby managing Gonorrhea[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Sheetal Chini helps in loosening the mucus due to its antitussive and bronchodilator activities. It helps in dilating the bronchi and bronchioles which helps increase the flow of air to the lungs, thus providing relief from cough and making breathing easy. Sheetal Chini also promotes sputum secretion from the airways due to its expectorant property, thus further promoting ease of breathing[7].
Ayurvedic View
Sheetal Chini helps to loosen mucus in case of problems related to the lungs such as asthma. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causes an obstruction in the respiratory passage due to thickening of mucus. This results in difficulty in breathing. Sheetal Chini helps balance Vata and Kapha and also loosens mucus in the lungs, thereby giving relief from the symptoms of asthma.
How effective is Sheetal Chini?
Insufficient evidence
Asthma, Dysentery, Flatulence (gas formation), Frequent Urination, Gonorrhea
Precautions when using Sheetal Chini
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Sheetal Chini may irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. So it is advisable to avoid taking Sheetal Chini if you have GI inflammation[3].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Sheetal Chini during breastfeeding[3].
Minor Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
1. Sheetal Chini may interact with antacids and decrease their effectiveness[3].
2. Sheetal Chini may interact with proton pump inhibitors and decrease their effectiveness[3].
3. Sheetal Chini may interact with H2 blockers and decrease their effectiveness [3].
2. Sheetal Chini may interact with proton pump inhibitors and decrease their effectiveness[3].
3. Sheetal Chini may interact with H2 blockers and decrease their effectiveness [3].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable for diabetics to avoid or consult a physician before taking Sheetal Chini.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable for patients with heart disease to avoid or consult a physician before taking Sheetal Chini.
Patients with kidney disease
Modern Science View
Sheetal Chini might have adverse effects on the kidney. So it is generally advisable to avoid the use of Sheetal Chini in case of kidney disease[2,3].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available, it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before taking Sheetal Chini during pregnancy[3].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
Headache[2].
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Sheetal Chini in managing loss of voice. However, traditionally it has been used for treatment of loss of voice[10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Sheetal chini can be used in foods as a condiment and flavouring ingredient due to its carminative property. It might aid in digestion and prevent flatulence[3][10].
Modern Science View
Excess intake of Sheetal Chini can cause hyperacidity and regurgitation.
Modern Science View
No, they are not similar. Sheetal Chini or Kabab Chini looks near similar to black pepper, but with stalks attached to the tail. This gives it a common name, tail pepper. The odor of tail pepper is aromatic and the taste is pungent and slightly bitter. Kabab Chini’s oil is not as peppery in the aroma as black pepper essential oil. It is softer, warm, and has a woody fragrance.
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, Kabab chini or Sheetal chini is Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) in taste. It is widely used to manage the symptoms of cough and cold.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Ahmad W,Hasan A, et al. An Appraisal of Medicinal Properties of Kabab Chini (Piper cubeba). UNIMED Kulliyat.2012;5(7):13-18.
- WebMD.Anjeer: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Ahmad W, Hasan A.An Appraisal of Medicinal Properties of Kabab Chini (Piper cubeba).2012;5(1-7):1-7.
- Ahmad QZ, Rahman A, Khan MD, et al. Diuretic activity of Kabab chini (Piper cubeba) : An experimental study.International Journal of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Research.2014;2(1):446-450.
- Ahmad Z,Jahan N, Ahmad G, et al. The study of Kabab chini (piper cubeba) for nephroprotective effect in cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity.Unani Medicus. 2010;1(1):85-91.
- Nahak G,Sahu RK.Phytochemical evaluation and antioxidant activity of Piper cubeba and Piper nigrum. Journal of applied pharmaceutical science.2011;01(08):153-157.
- Rezende CS, Lucarini R, Simrao GV, et al. Antibacterial activity of (-) cubebin isolated from piper cubeba and its semisynthetic derivatives against microorganisms that cause endodontic infections. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia.2016;26(3):296-303.
- Qomaladewi NP,Aziz N, Kim MY, et al.Piper cubeba L. Methanol extract has anti-inflammatory activity targeting Src/Syk via NF-kB inhibition.Evidence based complementary and alternative medicine.2019;1-8.
- Ahmad QZ, Rahman AU, Tajuddin. Ethnobotany and therapeutic potential of Kabab chini (Piper cubeba).World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2017;6(8):2418-2436.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.