Anise Pimpinella anisum

Background:

Anise is native to the eastern Mediterranean and is one of the oldest known spice plants used for medicinal purposes and for cooking. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrot, parsley, dill, fennel, coriander, cumin and caraway.
The Greek name anison and the Latin name anisum were derived from the early Arabic name anysum. Evidence has shown that anise was used in Egypt as early as 1500 B.C. The Romans used anise-spiced cakes after heavy meals to aid digestion. Due to its strong licorice flavor, the oil of anise is mixed with wine to form the liqueur anisette. It is also found in raki, a Turkish alcoholic beverage, and ouzo, a Greek alcoholic beverage.
Anise is mostly used as a spice in cooking. Medicinally it is used to promote digestion and to increase urine flow. Anise oil is also used in flavoring artificial licorice candies, cough lozenges and syrups.
Anise is used in Europe to aid in the treatment of cancer. In Mexico, Turkey, and China, it is used as a carminative (promotes digestion) and galactagogue (lactation stimulant). Elsewhere, it is used to induce abortions and to treat respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, bronchitis, and cough. Anise is recognized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as GRAS (generally recognized as safe).

Related Terms:

Anace, anason, aneys, anice, anis, anís, aniseed, anise seed, anisi, anisi fructus, anisi vulgaris, anison (Greek), anissame, anisu, anisum (Latin), anisun, anisur, anis vert (French), anny, annyle, anysum (Arabic), Apiaceae (family), fruto de anis (Spanish), fructus anisi, graines d'anis (French), p-anisaldehyde, Pimpinella anisetum, Pimpinella anisum, saunf, sconio, semi d'Aniso (Italian), simiente de anis (Spanish), sompf, souf, sweet Alice, sweet cumin, Tut-te See-Hau.

Dosing:

Adults (18 years and older)

Based on the available scientific evidence, there is no proven safe or effective dose for anise. For colic, 10-30 grains of bruised (lightly ground) or powdered seeds steeped in distilled hot water, taken in "wineglassful" doses, has been used. 4-20 drops of anise essential oil on sugar has also been used. As a digestive aid, essence of aniseed in hot water at bedtime has been used.

Children (younger than 18 years)

Based on the available scientific evidence, there is no proven safe or effective dose for anise in children. For runny nose, half a pint of boiling water poured on 2 teaspoons of bruised anise seed, sweetened and frequently given cold in doses of 1-3, teaspoons has been used.

Safety:

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to anise (Pimpinella anisum) or any of its constituents should not take anise. Those with a known allergy to any members of the Apiaceae family (formerly known as the Umbelliferae family) should also not take anise due to cross sensitivity to spices. Urticaria ("hives") has been reported.

Side Effects and Warnings

Anise is possibly safe when used as a flavoring agent and in doses found in foods. A nationwide outbreak of Salmonella serotype Agona caused by aniseed-containing herbal tea occurred from October 2002 through July 2003 among infants in Germany. Consumers should adhere strictly to brewing instructions.
Cardiorespiratory arrest, hypertension (high blood pressure), and muscle weakness have been reported after consumption of an alcohol-free anise-flavored beverage. It is unclear whether these side effects were due to anise flavoring or glycyrrhizinic acid, which is the active ingredient in licorice root. Many anise flavored beverages contain licorice root, which has been associated with the above adverse effects. Many anise containing beverages also contain alcohol, which may cause nausea and vomiting when taking with metronidazole (Flagyl®) or disulfiram (Antabuse®).
Anise may increase sensitivity to light when applied on the skin, as it contains cumarin constituents. Anise may have anti-diuretic (decreases urine flow), anticoagulant ("thins" the blood) and blood sugar effects. Anise oil should not be ingested, as it may cause nausea, pulmonary edema, seizures and vomiting.
Caution is advised in patients with endometriosis, estrogen-dependent cancers and diabetes.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Anise is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to lack of available scientific evidence. Traditionally anise has been used to induce abortions and also as a galactagogue (stimulates lactation).

Interactions:

Interactions with Drugs

Anise contains cumarins, and anise may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that also increase the risk of bleeding. Examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).
Anise may increase the flow of urine (diuretic) and may have additive effects with medications that work to increase the flow of urine. Patients taking any diuretic medications should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.
Aniseed oil has been shown to increase glucose absorption. Caution is advised when using medications that may lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Many anise containing beverages contain alcohol, and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl®) or disulfiram (Antabuse®).
Anise may increase sensitivity to light when applied on the skin, as it contains cumarin constituents. Caution is advised when using with other medications that increase light sensitivity.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Anise contains cumarins, and anise may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs or supplements that also increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba and two cases with saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.
Anise may increase the flow of urine (diuretic) and may have additive effects with herbs and supplements that work to increase the flow of urine. Patients taking any diuretic herbs or supplements should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.
Aniseed oil has been shown to increase glucose absorption. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may lower blood sugar.
Anise may increase sensitivity to light when applied on the skin, as it contains coumarin constituents. Caution is advised when using with other herbs and supplements that increase light sensitivity.

Attribution:

This patient information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Julie Conquer, PhD (RGB Consulting); Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Lisa Scully, PharmD (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).

References:

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

Chang KS, Ahn YJ. Fumigant activity of (E)-anethole identified in Illicium verum fruit against Blattella germanica. Pest.Manag.Sci 2002;58(2):161-166.
De M, De AK, Sen P, et al. Antimicrobial properties of star anise (Illicium verum Hook f). Phytother Res 2002;16(1):94-95.
Garzo Fernandez C, Gomez Pintado P, Barrasa Blanco A, et al. [Cases of neurological symptoms associated with star anise consumption used as a carminative]. An.Esp.Pediatr. 2002;57(4):290-294.
Gil Campos M, Perez Navero JL, Ibarra De La Rosa I. [Convulsive status secondary to star anise poisoning in a neonate]. An.Esp.Pediatr. 2002;57(4):366-368.
Iauk L, Lo Bue AM, Milazzo I, et al. Antibacterial activity of medicinal plant extracts against periodontopathic bacteria. Phytother Res 2003;17(6):599-604.
Ize-Ludlow D, Ragone S, Bernstein JN, et al. Chemical composition of Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) and neurotoxicity in infants. JAMA 2-4-2004;291(5):562-563.
Ize-Ludlow D, Ragone S, Bruck IS, et al. Neurotoxicities in infants seen with the consumption of star anise tea. Pediatrics 2004;114(5):e653-e656.
Johanns ES, van der Kolk LE, van Gemert HM, et al. [An epidemic of epileptic seizures after consumption of herbal tea]. Ned.Tijdschr.Geneeskd. 4-27-2002;146(17):813-816.
Lee SW, Li G, Lee KS, et al. Preventive agents against sepsis and new phenylpropanoid glucosides from the fruits of Illicium verum. Planta Med 2003;69(9):861-864.
Lee SW, Li G, Lee KS, et al. A new phenylpropanoid glucoside from the fruits of Illicium verum. Arch Pharm Res 2003;26(8):591-593.
Minodier P, Pommier P, Moulene E, et al. [Star anise poisoning in infants]. Arch Pediatr. 2003;10(7):619-621.
Nam NH, Kim HM, Bae KH, et al. Inhibitory effects of Vietnamese medicinal plants on tube-like formation of human umbilical venous cells. Phytother Res 2003;17(2):107-111.
Park IK, Shin SC. Fumigant activity of plant essential oils and components from garlic (Allium sativum) and clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata) oils against the Japanese termite (Reticulitermes speratus Kolbe). J Agric.Food Chem 6-1-2005;53(11):4388-4392.
Sy LK, Brown GD. Novel phenylpropanoids and lignans from Illicium verum. J Nat Prod 1998;61(8):987-992.
Zhou J, Lu G, Zhong X, et al. [Quantitative determination of anethole in the fruit of Illicium verum from various places of Guangxi province]. Zhong Yao Cai 2005;28(2):106-107.

Disclaimer :

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.

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