Anise

Scientific Name(S): Pimpinella anisum L. Family: Umbelliferae (Apiaceae). In some texts, anise is referred to as Anisum vulgare Gartner or A. officinarum Moench. Do not confuse with the "Chinese star anise" (Illicium verum Hook. filius. Family: Magnoliaceae).

Common Name(S): Anise, aniseed, sweet cumin

Botany: Anise is an annual herb that grows 1 to 2 feet and is cultivated widely throughout the world. The flowers are yellow, compound umbels. Its leaves are feather­shaped. The 2 mm long, greenish-brown, ridged seeds are used for the food or the drug. They are harvested when ripe in autumn. Aniseed has an anethole-like odor and a sweet, aromatic taste, described as "licorice-like," which has led to traditional use of anise oils in licorice candy.

History: Anise has a history of use as a spice and a fragrance. It has been cultivated in Egypt for at least 4000 years. Recordings of its diuretic use and treatment of digestive problems and toothache are seen in medical texts from this era. In ancient Greek history, writings explain how anise helps breathing, relieves pain, provokes urine and eases thirst. The oil has been used commercially since the 1800s. The fragrance is used in food, soap, creams and perfumes. Anise is often added to licorice candy or used as a "licorice" flavor substitute; it is a fragrant component of anisette.

Uses of Anise

Anise is another good herb for treating colic, gas, and indigestion. It can also be used in combination herbal remedies for coughing, as it aids in loosening phlegm. It is the mildest of the herbs used for these purposes. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy to sooth coughs and headaches.

Anise has been used as a flavoring in alcohols, liqueurs, dairy products, gelatins, puddings, meats and candies and as a scent in perfumes, soaps and sachets. The oil has been used for lice, scabies and psoriasis. Anise
is frequently used as a carminative and expectorant. Anise is also used to decrease bloating and settle the digestive tract in children. In high doses, it is used as an antispasmodic and an antiseptic and for the treatment of cough, asthma and bronchitis.

Side Effects of Anise

Anise may cause allergic reactions of the skin, respiratory and GI tract. Ingestion of the oil may result in pulmonary edema, vomiting and seizures. It is not recommended for use in pregnancy.

Drug Interactions

Anise may interfere with anticoagulant, MAOI therapy and hormone therapy.

How much is usually taken?

Three grams (1/2 tsp) of the seeds can be used three times per day to treat indigestion. To make a tea, boil 2 to 3 grams (1/2 tsp) of crushed seeds in 250 ml (1 cup) of water for ten to fifteen minutes, keeping the pot covered. Three cups of this tea can be drunk per day. It has been recommended to combine approximately 0.5 ml anise volatile oil with 4 oz (120 ml) tincture of anise and then take 10 to 30 drops (1/2 to 1.5 ml) of this mixture three times daily for coughs. The volatile oil can also be inhaled (by placing it in a vaporizer or in a steaming bowl of water) to help relieve a cough.

Toxicology: Anise oil has GRAS status and is approved for food use. The acute oral LD-50 of the oil in rats is 2.25 g/kg. No percutaneous absorption of the oil occurred through mouse skin within 2 hours. The oral LD-50 of anethole is 2090 mg/kg in rats; rats fed a diet containing 0.25% anethole for 1 year showed no ill effects, while those receiving 1 % anethole for 15 weeks had microscopic changes in hepatocytes.

The German commission E monograph lists side effects of anise as "occasional allergic reactions of the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract." When applied to human skin in a 2% concentration in petrolatum base, anise oil produced no topical reactions. The oil is not considered to be a primary irritant. However, anethole has been associated with sensitization and skin irritation and may cause erythema, scaling and vesiculation. Anise oil in toothpaste has been reported to cause contact sensitivity, cheilitis and stomatitis. The constituent bergapten may cause photosensitivity. As mentioned, the cisisomer of anethole is 15 to 38 times more toxic to animals than the transisomer, their relative content being dependent on plant species. Ingestion of the oil in doses as small as 1 ml may result in pulmonary edema, vomiting and seizures. Large doses may interfere with anticoagulant and MAOI therapy. Anethole's (and its dimers') estrogenic activity may alter hormone therapy (eg, contraceptive pills). Aniseed is a reputed abortifacient. Excessive use is not recommended in pregnancy.

The mycoflora of anise seed has been evaluated, making it possible to isolate 15 fungal genera, 78 species and six varieties, including Aspergillus, Penicillium and RhizopUS. Naturally occurring mycotoxins are also present in TLC analysis of anise spice extract. Gamma radiation has inhibited mold growth on anise in humid conditions.

Summary: Anise oil is a common fragrance, flavorant and spice. It has a history of uses in traditional medicine. It has carminative, antimicrobial and expectorant effects and may also be useful for psoriasis and iron deficiency anemia. Anise may cause occasional skin, respiratory and GI allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.