Is Star Anise Good for You?

A pharmacist explains the uses and benefits of this aromatic medicinal spice.

Medically reviewed by Suzanne Fisher, RD

Star anise is a spice from the Illicium verum (I. verum) evergreen tree native to southern China and northeast Vietnam.

While used for culinary pursuits for centuries, it has also been used medicinally and also studied for its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

The following article covers the benefits of star anise, how to use it, and other considerations.

What Is Star Anise?

Star anise (I. verum) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It's also known as Chinese star anise. Its ripe, dried, star-shaped fruit tends to form six to eight boat-shaped, woody, wrinkled, reddish-brown pods.

The genus name "Illicium" comes from the Latin word "illicere," meaning "allure," suggesting that the fruits and branches of the plants have an attractive fragrance.

It is important not to confuse Chinese star anise (I. verum) with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), which is highly toxic.

Star anise is used extensively in cooking. Unlike anise (Pimpinella anisum), an aromatic herb, star anise (I. verum) has a much more intense aromatic flavor.

Star anise's unique star-shaped fruit is used whole in dishes and contains smooth seeds that are ground and dried into a powder. It's been described as having a sweet, anise-like taste.

Traditionally, star anise has been used for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Rheumatic pain (joint pain and inflammation)

• Stomachache

• Skin inflammation

• Vomiting

• Insomnia
  

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Star Anise's Phytochemicals

Spices are known for their rich historical use in cuisine and traditional medicine systems.

The star anise spice contains a bountiful combination of unique compounds that may be responsible for its unique taste and smell profile and its medicinal effects.

The main notable compounds identified in star anise include the following:

• Anethole: Anethole is the primary fragrance compound found in star anise.

• Shikimic acid: Star anise is a source of shikimic acid, a natural compound with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Shikimic acid has been used as a starting molecule to manufacture Tamiflu (oseltamivir), an antiviral drug used to combat influenza.

• Star anise essential oil (SAO): Extracted from the star anise fruit, SAO has a unique anise flavor. It's used in food and pharmaceuticals for its antimicrobial (germ-fighting) and antioxidant properties.

Star anise also contains several other compounds with preclinical (lab) studies demonstrating the following effects:

• Limonene: Botanical insecticide, spasmolytic (relieves smooth muscle spasms), anticancer, and anti-inflammatory.

• Linalool: Local anesthetic, pain-reducing, antimicrobial (germ-fighting), and anti-inflammatory.

• Pinene: Digestive system protection, anti-inflammatory, pain-reducing, and antimicrobial.

What Does Star Anise Taste Like?

Star anise has a licorice taste due to its star anise essential oil and other unique bioactive compounds like anethole.

How Do You Use Star Anise?

Star anise's licorice flavor is similar to fennel, anise, and anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). Although these plants are unrelated, they contain anethole, creating their unique taste and smell profile.

Star anise is commonly used as a spice and as part of the Chinese five-spice seasoning powder containing cinnamon, peppercorn, star anise, fennel, and cloves.

Star anise pods are added to the beef pho broth in Vietnamese cuisine.

Star anise essential oil flavors food and beverages such as alcoholic drinks, candy, baked goods, and chewing gum.

Try sprinkling the powder form in your baked goods or using the dried star anise fruits whole in soups.

The aroma of star anise also makes it a distinctive addition to soaps, mouthwash, toothpaste, and other cosmetic products. You can try it out as an ingredient next time you make your own products. Just ensure you're not sensitive to it or its compounds first.

Health Benefits of Star Anise

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Traditional medicine systems, such as traditional Chinese medicine, have employed star anise for thousands of years. It's also used in contemporary medicine in East Asian countries.

Researchers have more recently studied its effects in the lab and clinical studies. The following include effects found according to science.

May Fight Viruses

One of the medicinal effects of star anise is its antiviral effects.

Shikimic acid, a compound found in star anise, is used to chemically make Tamiflu (oseltamivir), an antiviral drug that treats the flu.

Star anise essential oil has also shown antiviral effects against the herpes simplex virus. However, further studies in humans are needed.

May Have Antibacterial Effects

Another medicinal effect of star anise is its antibacterial effects.

Star anise mouthwash has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Anethole, the main component in star anise, is thought to be the primary compound responsible for its antimicrobial (germ-fighting) effects.

A study examined the ability of a star anise mouthwash to bolster dental health by fighting germs in the mouth for two weeks. Positive benefits were observed. However, the study was limited, as monitoring how the research subjects followed their regimen was challenging.

Studies performed in mice found that star anise extract exerted antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRSA) skin infection. However, it's unclear if the results also apply to humans.

May Fight Fungal Infections

Laboratory studies have shown that star anise essential oil has antioxidant and antifungal activities.

As a preservative, star anise has also been shown to extend the shelf life of bread through its antifungal effect.

Further studies are needed to confirm the results.

May Reduce High Blood Sugar

Besides the antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal effects, star anise has also been shown to regulate blood sugar levels.

In a rat study, star anise extract reduced blood sugar levels. Studies with human participants are needed to determine if such an effect applies to humans.

May Help Calm Anxiety

In a study done in mice, the anethole component in star anise produced anxiety-reducing effects. However, human clinical studies are needed to confirm these results.

Is Star Anise Good for Me?

While star anise can be delicious and healthful, there are a few special considerations before you use it. Take caution with the following conditions and concerns:

• Allergy: Avoid star anise if you're allergic to it or its components (parts). Seek immediate medical attention if you have a severe allergic reaction (itching, hives, shortness of breath).

• Children and Pregnancy: Neurological toxicity (seizures), gastrointestinal toxicity, and liver toxicity have all been reported in infants after consuming star anise tea or infusion. Therefore, star anise should likely be avoided in infants, children, and during pregnancy.

• Sedatives and blood thinners: Since star anise possesses sedative activity and its component, shikimic acid, possesses blood-thinning activity, caution should be taken if you take drugs that cause drowsiness or drugs that increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Blood sugar–lowering medications: In a rat study, star anise extract reduced blood sugar levels. You may want to consider this if you use blood sugar-lowering medications (e.g., metformin or insulin). Studies done in humans are needed to determine if such an effect applies to humans.

• High dosage caution: The recommended average daily dose of star anise for humans is three grams, and that of essential oil is 0.3 grams. However, the FDA warned against teas containing star anise due to the risk of side effects such as vomiting, nausea, convulsions, increased muscle tone, low body temperatures, and rapid eye movements. While Chinese star anise has been considered safe at low doses, it is essential to note that it also contains compounds (veranisatins) that can be toxic to the brain and lethal, especially at high doses.

• Contamination risk: Illicium verum can be contaminated with Japanese star anise. The seeds of Japanese star anise are highly toxic and can cause inflammation in the kidneys, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract.
  

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Summary

Star anise is commonly used as a culinary spice and has traditionally been used as a medicinal spice for thousands of years. It's been studied for its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anxiety-reducing effects. However, rigorous human clinical studies are lacking for its use in specific conditions.

Due to some safety concerns, speaking with your healthcare provider before using star anise is essential.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.