Star anise is a star-shaped fruit, measuring about 1 inch wide, that grows on a small tree native to China. The dried fruit is sold intact or ground into a powder. Star anise has a licorice-like flavor and is a staple spice in Chinese cuisine. Research has revealed some valuable nutritional properties of star anise.
Nervous System
Star anise may have a role in the treatment of some disorders of the nervous system, according to an Indian study published in the November 2010 "Fitoterapia." Anethole, the active constituent of star anise, promoted activation of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter that controls the autonomic nervous system -- the portion of the nervous system that regulates internal organ functions -- and also controls muscle contraction. The neurotransmitter is a target for treatment of certain diseases of the nervous system such as myasthenia gravis and Alzheimer's. In the study, star anise inhibited the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, and the authors suggest that, given its relatively low cost and low toxicity, star anise may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of these diseases.
Antifungal and Antibacterial
Essential oil of star anise and the active chemical anethole exhibited antifungal properties in a Chinese study published in the October 2010 "Molecules" journal. Both components of the spice had strong inhibitory activity against pathogenic fungi tested. The researchers concluded that star anise may be developed for use as a natural food preservative for fruits and vegetables. A separate study conducted in India and published in the July 2010 "Pharmacognosy Magazine" found star anise to be considerably effective against Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that causes serious skin infections, and may be helpful in cases where antibiotic resistance is a problem.
Antiviral
Anti-herpes virus effects of star anise were reported in a German study published in the January 2008 "Phytomedicine." Star anise was among a variety of plant essential oils tested against herpes simplex virus type 2, and the study found that all were effective when introduced at the stage of infection after exposure and before the virus attached to the cells, leading the researchers to conclude that the essential oils act by interfering with the outer membrane of the virus to prevent it from attaching to cells.
Complications
Japanese star anise may be mistakenly used or combined with Chinese Star anise and cause neurologic complications. A French study published in the July 2003 "Archives de Pediatrie" reported on a case in which a colicky infant was treated with star anise and developed tremors, spasms, hyperexcitability with crying, nystagmus and vomiting. It was determined that the herb used was contaminated with Japanese star anise, which is known to be neurotoxic.
References
- Pub Med: Anticholinesterase activity of standardized extract of Illicium verum Hook. f. fruits
- Pub Med: Antifungal activity of the essential oil of Illicium verum fruit and its main component trans-anethole
- Pub Med: Antimicrobial properties of star anise (Illicium verum Hook f)
- Pharmacognosy Magazine: Essential oil constituents of Illicium griffithii and its antimicrobial activity
- Pub Med: Star anise poisoning in infants
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