Star anise: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Badian
Scientific name(s)
Illicium verum
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Shikimic acid
Anethole
Estragole
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Digestive disorders, Flatulence ✪✪✪✪✪
In Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, star anise is believed to improve digestion and to relieve symptoms of dysentery, dyspepsia, flatulence, and colic.nn
Posologie
Oral: fruit
0.5 g
infusion
Cough, Flu ✪✪✪✪✪
Star anise, known for its medicinal virtues, is traditionally used in the treatment of symptoms of the flu and cough. Used mainly as an infusion, it warms the body, facilitating the dispersion of cold and the regulation of Qi, according to traditional Chinese medicine.nn
Posologie
Oral: fruit
0.5 g
infusion
Autonomic dystonia ✪✪✪✪✪
Neurovegetative dystonia is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, pupil dilation, and temperature regulation. Star anise can provide symptomatic support in the management of neurovegetative dystonia thanks to its antispasmodic and soothing properties. It helps relieve muscle spasms and improves digestion by stimulating digestive secretions and reducing gas. In addition, its calming compounds can reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.
Posologie
By mouth: fruit
0.5 g
herbal tea
Properties
Hypoglycemic
Star anise shows promising hypoglycemic properties, as demonstrated in an animal model of diabetes. Administration of an extract from the dried fruit for seven weeks reduced blood glucose, urea, and advanced glycation end product levels, while improving lipid profiles and liver function tests. In vitro, the extract inhibits the glycation of proteins and lipids, a phenomenon exacerbated by hyperglycemia and contributing to diabetic complications such as nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. The flavonoids and flavonols present in star anise combat glycation by neutralizing free radicals and chelating metal ions.
Antimicrobial
A study by Minakshi De and colleagues found that star anise has antimicrobial properties, mainly attributable to anethole, an active component found in the dried fruit. Research has shown that star anise extract, particularly the alcoholic extract, is effective against a variety of microbes, including bacteria, yeasts, and fungi. Anethole isolated from the extract demonstrated inhibitory activity against the growth of Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Usages associés
Antiviral
Although star anise contains shikimic acid, which is used as a raw material in the synthesis of the neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir (Tamiflu), there is no reliable evidence that star anise itself possesses antiviral activity.
Usages associés
Neurological
Shikimic acid from star anise offers a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress, potentially useful in neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, star anise acts as a potent inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, affirming its role as an anticholinesterase agent.nnFurthermore, inhalation of trans-anethole demonstrates a significant anxiolytic effect, suggesting potential sedative properties.nn
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult: 0.5 g - 3 g
- Dried fruit: infusion of 0.5 to 3 g for a cup of boiling water, at least 3 times a day, to be taken before and after meals. - Daily dose: 3 g; or essential oil: 0.3 g as a single dose. - Essential oil by inhalation. Star anise can be dangerous to health. In 2003, the FDA issued a warning against the consumption of star anise herbal teas because of severe neurological and gastrointestinal adverse effects. Products containing star anise associated with these symptoms are often contaminated with toxic Japanese star anise. However, high doses of star anise can also cause neurotoxicity. Avoid consuming large quantities of star anise.
Precautions
Surgical intervention: avoid
Contraindicated because of its anticoagulant effect.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Contraindicated for pregnant women.
Breastfeeding women: prohibited
Contraindicated for breastfeeding women.
Hormone-sensitive disease: prohibited
Contraindicated in cases of estrogen-dependent cancer.
Endometriosis: prohibited
Child up to 4 years old: prohibited
Star anise tea is a traditional remedy for infant colic, but it has been associated with undesirable neurological and gastrointestinal effects, including agitation, irritability, tachycardia, vomiting, diarrhea and epileptic seizures.
