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Overview: Grains of paradise is an herbal supplement that has been used for many reasons, but its benefits are not well defined. It may help increase energy expenditure and lower body fat, but more research is needed to confirm this. It seems to be well tolerated, but more research is needed to know all of the side effects it may cause. Before taking grains of paradise, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is grains of paradise used for?

Grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) is an herbal supplement used for many reasons, though the benefits for any use are not well defined. Some common reasons that people may take grains of paradise include the following.

Grains of paradise is also commonly used as a spice in cooking and as a flavoring agent in food and beverages.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed grains of paradise for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does grains of paradise work (mechanism of action)?

Grains of paradise, also known as Aframomum melegueta, is a plant in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). It is native to West Africa, where it has been used as both a spice and a folk remedy for a long time. The seeds of the plant have a pungent, peppery taste, and they are the most commonly used part in dietary supplements.

Grains of paradise seeds contain pungent chemicals similar to those found in ginger. Research suggests that 6-paradol may be the main chemical responsible for the seeds’ effects on the body.

Some research suggests that grains of paradise may increase energy expenditure (the number of calories the body burns) by activating brown adipose tissue, a type of body fat that generates heat. A few small clinical studies have found that taking grains of paradise extract may increase energy expenditure and slightly reduce visceral fat (fat around the organs) in some people. However, these studies were small and short in duration, and more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Lab research has also shown that chemicals in grains of paradise may have anti-inflammatory effects by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). They may also help lower blood sugar by blocking enzymes that help you digest carbohydrates. But these effects have not been well studied in humans.

Herbal products, such as grains of paradise, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific grains of paradise supplement may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store grains of paradise?

You should store grains of paradise according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of grains of paradise?

Grains of paradise seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of grains of paradise?

While less common, the most serious side effects of grains of paradise are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Grains of paradise may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking grains of paradise and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use grains of paradise?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take grains of paradise.

  • Aframomum melegueta
  • Grains of Paradise
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific grains of paradise products they stock.

What should I know about grains of paradise before using it?

Grains of paradise is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Grains of paradise products are typically made from the seeds of the Aframomum melegueta plant and are available in many forms, including capsules, extracts, and ground powder. However, different products may use different parts of the plant or different extraction methods, which may result in different amounts of active chemicals. It is important to read the product label to confirm which part of the plant was used to make that product.

Herbal products, such as grains of paradise, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific grains of paradise product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during its growth, the time of year it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep grains of paradise out of the reach of children.

The FDA has not tested grains of paradise products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using grains of paradise?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also, tell them if you have an upcoming surgery. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Ginger Allergy. Grains of paradise is related to ginger and other plants in the Zingiberaceae family. If you are allergic to ginger, this may increase the chances of you having an allergy to grains of paradise as well. Talk to your health care provider about any allergies before taking grains of paradise. 

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Diabetes or low blood sugar

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how grains of paradise could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if grains of paradise passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does grains of paradise interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between grains of paradise and foods or drinks. Grains of paradise is itself commonly used as a food spice.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect grains of paradise.

Does grains of paradise interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between grains of paradise and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with grains of paradise is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking grains of paradise with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much grains of paradise?

If you or someone else has used too much of this supplement, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Grains of paradise is typically available as a dietary supplement in capsule or powder form that is taken by mouth. Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take grains of paradise safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.