Contents:
Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Legends, Myths and Stories | Uses | Formulas or Dosages | Nutrient Content | How Sold | Warning | Resource Links
Scientific Names
- Illicium verum
Common Names
- Star anise
- Chinese star anise
- Star aniseed
- Badiane
- Eight-horn anise
Parts Usually Used
The star-shaped, dried, unripe fruits (pods) and seeds. The ripe, dried fruits typically form six to eight boat-shaped, woody, wrinkled, reddish-brown pods arranged in a star pattern.
Back to Top
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Star anise is an evergreen, medium-sized tree or shrub belonging to the Magnolia family. The plant produces distinctive star-shaped fruits that contain smooth seeds. The genus name “Illicium” comes from the Latin word “illicere,” meaning “allure,” referring to the attractive fragrance of the fruits and branches.
The tree can grow as a large shrub or reach heights typical of medium-sized trees. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with adequate moisture and well-drained soil. The distinctive star-shaped pods are harvested before they ripen and are then dried, during which they develop their characteristic reddish-brown color and wrinkled texture.
Back to Top
Where Found
Star anise is native to the tropical forests of southwest China and northeast Vietnam, with wide distribution throughout southwestern parts of the Asian continent. The plant originally grew wild in the mountainous regions of these areas.
Today, star anise is primarily cultivated in China and Vietnam, with China being the largest producer. The spice is also grown in other parts of Asia and has been introduced to some tropical regions worldwide, though Asian production remains dominant in the global market.
Back to Top
Medicinal Properties
Star anise has been shown to possess powerful antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive (pain-relieving), gastroprotective, sedative, expectorant, spasmolytic, secretolytic, anthelmintic, insecticidal, and estrogenic properties.
The spice demonstrates significant antiviral capabilities, particularly against influenza viruses, and has shown promise against herpes simplex virus in laboratory studies. Its antimicrobial effects extend to various pathogenic bacteria including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Research indicates that star anise may help regulate blood sugar levels, reduce anxiety, support weight management, lower blood lipid levels, and provide neuroprotective benefits. The spice also shows potential anti-obesity properties and may help protect against oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Back to Top
Biochemical Information
The primary active compounds in star anise include shikimic acid, anethole, and star anise essential oil (SAO). Shikimic acid is particularly notable as it serves as the precursor molecule for manufacturing oseltamivir (Tamiflu), a major antiviral medication for influenza treatment.
Other important bioactive compounds include trans-anethole (responsible for the distinctive licorice-like flavor and antimicrobial properties), linalool, quercetin, gallic acid, limonene, and pinene. The spice also contains various flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenoids, and other phenolic compounds that contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Back to Top
Legends, Myths and Stories
Star anise has been treasured in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, where it was valued not only for its distinctive flavor but also for its powerful medicinal properties. The spice’s unique star shape made it particularly prized, as the eight-pointed star was considered symbolically significant in Chinese culture.
The plant’s genus name “Illicium” reflects its alluring fragrance, which made it a sought-after commodity in ancient trade routes. Star anise became so integral to Chinese medicine and cuisine that it earned recognition as one of the essential spices in traditional Chinese five-spice powder.
In modern times, star anise gained global attention when it became the primary natural source of shikimic acid needed to produce Tamiflu, making it crucial in the fight against influenza pandemics and highlighting the continued relevance of traditional medicinal plants in contemporary medicine.
Back to Top
Uses
Star anise is widely used both as a culinary spice and for medicinal purposes. In cooking, it’s an essential ingredient in Chinese five-spice powder and is commonly used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Vietnamese pho broth, Indian garam masala, and various Middle Eastern dishes.
In traditional medicine systems, star anise has been used for treating various conditions:
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used for respiratory infections, digestive disorders, rheumatic pain, skin inflammation, vomiting, insomnia, and as a general tonic
- In folk medicine: Applied for treating stomachaches, nausea, constipation, and other digestive issues
- As an antiviral agent: The source of shikimic acid for manufacturing Tamiflu, and traditionally used for treating respiratory infections
- For antimicrobial purposes: Used in mouthwashes and oral care products for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects
- In aromatherapy and cosmetics: Added to soaps, mouthwash, toothpaste, and other products for its distinctive fragrance and antimicrobial properties
- As a food preservative: Used to extend shelf life of various foods due to its antifungal properties
- For anxiety relief: Traditional use for calming effects, supported by some animal studies
- In beverages: Steeped as tea or used to flavor alcoholic drinks, cider, and mulled wine
Formulas or Dosages
For general medicinal use: The traditional recommended average daily dose of star anise for humans is approximately 3 grams of the dried spice.
For star anise essential oil: The recommended dose is typically 0.3 grams daily, though this should be used with caution and under professional guidance.
For weight management (based on animal studies): Star anise tea in doses of 250-500 mg per kg of body weight showed effects, though human equivalent doses have not been established.
For culinary use: Start with small amounts as the flavor is intense and can easily overpower dishes. A few whole pods or a pinch of ground star anise is usually sufficient for most recipes.
For tea preparation: 1-2 crushed star anise pods can be steeped in hot water, often combined with other spices like cinnamon and tea leaves.
Back to Top
Nutrient Content
While detailed nutritional information for star anise is limited due to the small quantities typically consumed, the spice is valued more for its bioactive compounds than its macronutrient content. Star anise contains:
- Minimal calories (due to small serving sizes)
- High concentration of essential oils (3-5% of dry weight)
- Shikimic acid (significant amounts)
- Anethole (primary flavoring compound)
- Various polyphenols and flavonoids
- Trace amounts of minerals and vitamins
- Volatile organic compounds including linalool, pinene, and limonene
- Antioxidant compounds that contribute to its medicinal properties
How Sold
Star anise is commercially available in several forms including whole dried star-shaped pods (most common and recommended for best flavor and potency), ground powder form, star anise essential oil for aromatherapy and medicinal use, standardized extracts in capsules or tablets, and as an ingredient in spice blends like Chinese five-spice powder.
For optimal quality and safety, it’s recommended to purchase from reputable suppliers who can guarantee the product contains only Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) and is free from contamination with the toxic Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum).
Back to Top
Warning
Star anise poses several important safety concerns that must be carefully considered. The most serious risk is contamination with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which contains potent neurotoxins that can cause seizures, hallucinations, nausea, and other serious neurological symptoms. This contamination risk has led to FDA warnings about star anise teas.
Star anise should not be given to infants, children, or pregnant and breastfeeding women due to reports of severe neurological toxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, liver toxicity, seizures, and other serious side effects in young children. Several case reports describe dangerous reactions in infants given star anise tea.
High doses of star anise can cause serious side effects including vomiting, nausea, convulsions, increased muscle tone, low body temperature, and rapid eye movements. Even pure Chinese star anise contains compounds called veranisatins that can be toxic to the brain and potentially lethal at high doses.
Star anise may interact with certain medications including sedatives (due to its sedative properties), blood-thinning medications (due to shikimic acid’s blood-thinning activity), and blood sugar-lowering medications (as it may reduce blood glucose levels). People taking these medications should consult healthcare providers before using star anise.
Allergic reactions, though rare, have been reported. People with known allergies to star anise or its components should avoid the spice entirely. Always purchase star anise from reputable sources and verify that products contain only Chinese star anise to minimize contamination risks.
Back to Top
Resource Links
Health – Health Benefits of Star Anise
VeryWell Health – Star Anise: Exploring Its Uses and Benefits
Healthline – Star Anise: Benefits, Uses and Potential Risks
WebMD – Star Anise – Uses, Side Effects, and More
