Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• 1-deoxy-L-erythritol 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol, 3-hydroxyestragole beta-D-glucopyranoside, 4-(3-methyloxiran-2-yl)phenyl 2-methylbutanoate, 4-(6-methylbicyclo[4.1.0]hept-2-en-7-yl)butan-2-one, 4-ethylbenzaldehyde, 7-(4-(2-propenyl)phenylangelate), 12-(4-(3-methyloxiranyl)phenyltiglate), 17-(4-methoxy-2-(3-methyloxiranyl)phenyl isobutyrate), 18-(4-methoxy-2-(3-methyloxiranyl)phenylangelate), 21-(epoxy pseudoisoeugenol-2-methylbutyrate), acetaldehyde, alpha-himachalene, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, alpha-tocopherols, alpha-zingiberene, aluminum, anace, anason, anethole, aneys, anice, anis, anís (Spanish), anisaldehyde, aniseed (Anisum vulgare), anise oil, anise seed, anisi, anisic acid, Anisi fructus, Anisi vulgaris, anison (Greek), anissame, anisu, anisum (Latin), anisun, anisur, anis vert (French), anisyl alcohol, anny, annyle, anysum (Arabic), Apiaceae (family), apigenin 7-glucoside, ar-curcumene, ascorbic acid, bergapten, beta-bisabolene, beta-pinene, beta-sitosterol, beta-tocopherols, boron, caffeic acid, calcium, camphene, chlorogenic acid, choline, chromium, cis-pseudoisoeugenyl 2-methylbutyrate, cobolt, copper, coumarins, d-carvone, delta-tocopherols, dianethole, (E)-1'-(2-hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)propane beta-D-glucopyranoside, (E)-3-hydroxyanethole beta-D-glucopyranoside, estragole, eugenol, fiber, flavonoids, fruto de anís (Spanish), fructus Anisi (anise), fructus Anisi vulgaris, furfural, gamma-himachalene, graines d'anis (French), hexane-1,5-diol 1-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, hydroquinone, imperatorin, iron, isoorientin, isovitexin, Kolorex®, lead, limonene, linalool, luteolin glycoside, luteolin 7-glucoside, magnesium, manganese, mannitol, methyl syringate 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, methylchavicol, molybdenum, mononorsesquiterpenoids, myristicin, neophytadiene, nickel, p-anisaldehyde, p-cresol, phellandrene, phosphorus, photoanethole, Pimpinella anisetum, Pimpinella anisum, Pimpinella anisum L., p-methoxybenzaldehyde, polyacetylenes, potassium, pristane, propenylphenols, pseudoisoeugenols, quercetin 3-glucuronide, rutin, sabene, saunf, sconio, scopoletin, semi d'aniso (Italian), seselin, sesquinorsesquiterpenoids, silicon, simiente de anís (Spanish), sompf, souf, squalene, stigmasterol, sweet Alice, sweet cumin, t-anethole, trans-anethole, trans-pseudoisoeugenyl 2-methylbutyrate, trinorsesquiterpenoids, tut-te see-hau (Native American), umbelliferon, zinc.
• Combination products: Kolorex® (horopito leaf, anise seed, lemon grass), Weleda Hustenelixier (ivy leaf extract, thyme, aniseed, marshmallow root).

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Anise is native to the eastern Mediterranean and is one of the oldest known spice plants used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Evidence shows that anise was used in Egypt as early as 1500 B.C. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, which includes carrot, parsley, dill, fennel, coriander, cumin, and caraway.
• Anise is mostly used as a spice in cooking; medicinally it is used for its carminative and stomachic properties, and is used as a digestive aid and diuretic. Spent aniseed has been used as cattle feed (1).
• There is a great deal of information about the theoretical and historical uses of anise. Anise, in combination with various herbs, has been studied as a treatment for asthma, dysmenorrhea, and head lice infestation with some evidence of benefit; however, there is a lack of high-quality human trials for the use of anise monotherapy for any indication.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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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.

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