Herb & supplement monograph

Cubebs Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated June 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Cubebs interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Cubebs is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Cubebs is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Cubebs Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Cubebs drug interaction appears low for most people, since no interaction is rated major and the concerns are largely theoretical. Most listed interactions are rated moderate, but they rest on lab research only and have not been reported in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The main concern is that compounds in cubebs blocked, in lab studies, an enzyme the body uses to clear many common medications. If that happened in people, it could raise levels of those drugs. We would pay closest attention when cubebs is taken with narrow-margin medicines cleared this way, such as cyclosporine, a transplant drug where small level changes matter, and lovastatin. Cubebs may also increase stomach acid, which could slightly reduce the benefit of acid-reducing medications like antacids, H2 blockers, and PPIs.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications comes almost entirely from that single enzyme finding, applied to every drug the enzyme processes. A lab effect like this often does not translate into a meaningful change in people, and so far no human problems have been reported. The remaining stomach-acid interactions are minor and theoretical as well.

Check your medications against Cubebs

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Cubebs interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Cubebs

667 medications have a known interaction with Cubebs, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Cubebs using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Cubebs interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Cubebs combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Cubebs affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Cubebs is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 4 drug categories Cubebs interacts with

Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) SubstratesAntacidsH2-blockersProton Pump Inhibitors (ppis)

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Several compounds isolated from cubebs can inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in vitro. So far, this effect has not been reported in humans. Theoretically, cubebs might increase the effects and side effects of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4. These include lovastatin (Mevacor), clarithromycin (Biaxin), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), diltiazem (Cardizem), estrogens, indinavir (Crixivan), triazolam (Halcion), and numerous others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antacids

Theoretically, due to reports that cubebs increases stomach acid, cubebs might decrease the effectiveness of antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

H2-Blockers

Theoretically, due to reports that cubebs increases stomach acid, cubebs might decrease the effectiveness of H2-blockers. The H2 blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), nizatidine (Axid), and famotidine (Pepcid).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Theoretically, due to reports that cubebs increases stomach acid, cubebs might decrease the effectiveness of PPIs. PPIs include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Cubebs: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed June 2026 ·

The bottom line

Cubebs are spicy, peppery berries from a vine in the pepper family that have long been used in traditional medicine for coughs, digestion, and urinary problems. Modern human studies are very limited, so its benefits are not well proven. Use it cautiously as a food spice, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using concentrated extracts or oils.

Scientific name: Piper cubeba
Family: Piperaceae
Part used: Dried unripe berries (fruit) and essential oil
Common forms: Dried berries, powder, essential oil, tinctures, lozenges

People commonly use it for

Coughs and bronchitis
Indigestion and gas
Urinary tract complaints
Sore throat
Culinary spice

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Likely fine in small culinary amounts, but safety of medicinal doses and the essential oil is not well studied.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Cubebs come from Piper cubeba, a climbing vine in the pepper family (Piperaceae). It is native to Indonesia, especially the islands of Java and Sumatra, which is why it is sometimes called Java pepper. The plant is closely related to black pepper (Piper nigrum).

The dried, unripe berries have a warm, peppery, slightly bitter and aromatic taste. They have been used for centuries as a cooking spice and in traditional medicine systems. In some cultures the berries are chewed, brewed into teas, or made into lozenges, and a distilled essential oil is also available.

People have traditionally turned to cubebs for breathing problems, digestion, sore throats, and urinary complaints. Today it is mostly used as a culinary spice, with some interest as a supplement.

Uses & effectiveness

Cubebs has a long history of traditional use, but high-quality human research is lacking. Most claims come from old herbal traditions, laboratory experiments, or animal studies rather than well-designed clinical trials.

Common traditional uses include:

Respiratory complaints — used historically for coughs, bronchitis, and as an expectorant. Human evidence is weak.
Digestive problems — used for indigestion, gas, and diarrhea. Evidence is mostly traditional.
Urinary tract issues — historically used for urinary and prostate complaints. There is no solid modern proof that it treats infections.
Sore throat — cubeb lozenges were once popular, but good studies are missing.

Laboratory studies suggest the berries and oil may have some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, but these test-tube findings do not prove it works as a treatment in people. Overall, the evidence is considered insufficient to recommend cubebs for any specific medical condition.

How it works

Cubeb berries contain an essential oil rich in aromatic compounds such as cubebene, cubebol, and other terpenes, along with a substance called cubebin and various pepper-like compounds. These give the berries their strong smell and flavor.

In laboratory research, extracts of cubebs have shown some ability to slow the growth of certain bacteria and fungi and to reduce signs of inflammation. The volatile oils are thought to mildly irritate and stimulate tissues, which is how it may act as an expectorant or affect the urinary tract.

It is important to know that most of this is based on test-tube and animal studies. How these effects translate to people, and at what doses, is not clearly established.

Safety & precautions

Cubebs used in small amounts as a kitchen spice is generally considered safe for most people. The safety of larger medicinal doses, concentrated extracts, and the essential oil is not well studied.

People with kidney disease, irritable bladder, or active gastrointestinal conditions should be cautious, since the irritating oils could worsen symptoms. Never swallow undiluted essential oil, as concentrated plant oils can be toxic.

Pregnancy: There is not enough information to call cubebs safe during pregnancy, so medicinal use should be avoided. Breastfeeding: Reliable safety data are also missing, so it is best to avoid medicinal amounts while nursing. In both cases, normal use as a small amount of food spice is less of a concern, but check with your doctor.

Always speak with a pharmacist or doctor before using cubebs as a supplement, especially if you take medications or have a chronic health condition.

Side effects

When used as a spice, cubebs rarely cause problems. In larger amounts or as a concentrated extract or oil, it may cause:

Stomach upset, nausea, or heartburn
Diarrhea or irritation of the digestive tract
Mouth or throat irritation
Possible irritation of the urinary tract

Allergic reactions are possible, especially in people sensitive to other peppers. Concentrated essential oil can be irritating to skin and dangerous if swallowed in large amounts. Stop using it and seek medical care if you have a rash, trouble breathing, or severe stomach pain.

Dosing

There is no well-established, standardized medicinal dose for cubebs. Traditional uses varied widely, and modern research has not defined a safe and effective amount.

If you choose to use a cubeb product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Essential oil should never be swallowed undiluted. Because doses and product strengths vary a lot, it is best to check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting, particularly if you are using it for a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Cubebs & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Cubebs & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our Cubebs monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
Usia T, Watabe T, Kadota S, Tezuka Y. Potent CYP3A4 inhibitory constituents of Piper cubeba. J Nat Prod 2005;68(1):64-8.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Cubebs

3 brands in our database make a supplement containing Cubebs.

Hawaii Pharm 4,726 products Herbal Terra 3,138 products Herbs, Etc. 388 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Cubebs

19 products in our database contain Cubebs. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Cubebs: Common Questions

Does Cubebs interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 667 medications with a known interaction with Cubebs. Use the checker above to see how Cubebs interacts with a specific drug.

How are Cubebs interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Cubebs with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Cubebs interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What are Cubebs used for?

Cubebs are a peppery berry used as a cooking spice and, in traditional medicine, for coughs, digestion, sore throats, and urinary complaints. Modern evidence supporting these health uses is limited.

Are Cubebs safe to take?

Small amounts used as a food spice are generally considered safe for most people, but the safety of larger medicinal doses and the essential oil is not well studied. Talk to your pharmacist before using it as a supplement.

Can I use Cubebs during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There is not enough safety information, so medicinal use of Cubebs should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Check with your doctor before using it.

How are Cubebs different from black pepper?

Cubebs come from a related vine, Piper cubeba, and have a more bitter, aromatic, almost menthol-like flavor compared with regular black pepper. They are sometimes used as a substitute or addition to pepper in cooking.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Cubebs

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Cubebs — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 19 products with Cubebs →

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Cubebs Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Cubebs Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Cubebs

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Cubebs affects

Cubebs: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

Uses & effectiveness

How it works

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Dosing

Cubebs & Pregnancy

Cubebs & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Cubebs

Supplement products with Cubebs

Cubebs: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Cubebs

Have a question about Cubebs?