Anise

NutraPedia - Evidence-Based Supplement Research

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Health Goals: digestion immunity inflammation

Research Overview

Across the provided abstracts, research on anise spans both Pimpinella anisum (anise) and Illicium verum (star anise), with the most studied areas focused on chemical characterization of extracts/essential oils and evaluation of bioactivities relevant to food preservation and metabolic/inflammatory health. Multiple studies use analytical chemistry (GC–MS/GC-FID) to identify dominant constituents—most consistently phenylpropanoids, especially trans-anethole (often the major component), with estragole and linalool also recurring in star anise extracts. Parallel work examines functional properties of non-volatile fractions, particularly star anise polysaccharides (pectin-like, acidic, highly branched) extracted and optimized using modern techniques (deep eutectic solvents, microwave-assisted extraction), linking physicochemical properties (viscosity, oil-holding capacity, esterification) to enzyme-inhibitory and antioxidant readouts.

The strongest evidence in these abstracts supports that anise/star anise preparations have measurable in vitro antimicrobial/antifungal and antioxidant activities, and that these effects can translate into applied food-shelf-life outcomes in specific models. For example, ethanol extracts rich in trans-anethole inhibited bread spoilage fungi (Penicillium roqueforti, Aspergillus niger) with mechanistic indicators consistent with membrane disruption and lipid peroxidation, and extended bread shelf life under the tested conditions. Essential oils (including star anise) also contributed to microbial control and delayed spoilage markers in chilled fish fillets, alongside shifts in microbial community composition. Beyond food applications, one animal study provides preclinical evidence that shikimic acid (noted as extracted from anise) can attenuate DSS-induced colitis in mice, with associated suppression of MAPK/NF-κB signaling and inflammatory mediators, supporting anti-inflammatory potential in an intestinal inflammation model.

Key gaps include limited human clinical evidence and incomplete standardization across preparations (species identity, extraction method, dosing, and chemical profiles), which constrains generalizability and safety/efficacy conclusions. Several reported health-relevant activities (e.g., anti-obesity, antihypertensive, antidiabetic effects via pancreatic lipase/ACE/α-glucosidase inhibition) are primarily based on in vitro enzyme assays and require validation in well-designed animal and human studies with pharmacokinetic and mechanistic endpoints. Additional needs include comparative studies disentangling contributions of major constituents (e.g., trans-anethole vs. estragole vs. polysaccharide fractions), evaluation of long-term safety and potential toxicological concerns for concentrated extracts, and real-world effectiveness studies for food preservation (sensory impacts, regulatory considerations, and performance across diverse food matrices and storage conditions).

1. What conditions has Anise been studied for?

  • Intestinal inflammation / colitis (preclinical): Shikimic acid (a compound extracted from anise) was studied in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse colitis model.

  • Antimicrobial activity (mostly lab/food applications): Anise (and/or star anise) essential oils/extracts were tested against pathogenic bacteria (in vitro) and against spoilage fungi relevant to bread (Penicillium roqueforti, Aspergillus niger).

  • Food preservation / shelf-life extension: Star anise extract extended bread shelf life; star anise essential oil was evaluated (with other oils) for preserving fish fillets during chilled storage.

  • Metabolic enzyme targets relevant to obesity/diabetes/hypertension (in vitro): Star anise polysaccharides were tested for inhibition of pancreatic lipase (obesity target), α-glucosidase (post-meal glucose target), and ACE (blood pressure target), plus antioxidant assays.

  • Antioxidant capacity (in vitro chemical assays): Anise seed essential oil antioxidant capacity was assessed using CUPRAC and DPPH methods.

  • Insect repellency (applied entomology): Star anise essential oil (alone/combined with lemongrass) was evaluated for housefly repellency and compared with DEET (details truncated in the provided abstract).

  • Infant feeding practices (cultural/behavioral, not efficacy): A qualitative study reported cultural practices including “giving anise to infants,” in the context of breastfeeding behaviors among Syrian refugees (this is not a clinical efficacy study).

2. Does it work in treating those conditions? Summarize the evidence.

  • Colitis / intestinal inflammation: In mice, intragastric shikimic acid improved DSS-colitis outcomes (slowed weight loss, reduced disease activity index, improved intestinal barrier and colonic structure) and reduced inflammatory signaling (inhibited phosphorylation in MAPK and NF-κB pathways; lowered TNF-α, IL-1β, and MPO). This is promising but preclinical; it does not establish efficacy in humans.

  • Antifungal activity (bread spoilage): Ethanol star anise extract showed antifungal activity against P. roqueforti and A. niger (reported inhibition zones and MICs), and it extended bread shelf life by up to 6 days. Mechanistic assays suggested membrane disruption and lipid peroxidation in fungi. This supports use as a food preservative, not a human therapeutic.

  • Antibacterial activity: Apiaceae seed essential oils (including anise) were tested against four pathogenic bacteria; the abstract indicates antimicrobial testing but does not provide anise-specific inhibition results in the excerpt provided. Evidence here is in vitro and incomplete for anise specifically.

  • Metabolic targets (lipase, ACE, α-glucosidase): Star anise polysaccharides showed high in vitro inhibition of pancreatic lipase (86.67%), ACE (73.47%), and α-glucosidase (82.33%), plus antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP). These are enzyme assays and do not prove clinical benefit for obesity, hypertension, or diabetes.

  • Antioxidant effects: Anise essential oil antioxidant capacity was measured by CUPRAC/DPPH, but chemical antioxidant assays do not reliably translate into meaningful in-human outcomes. Evidence is supportive but indirect.

Bottom line: The strongest “treatment-like” evidence in the provided abstracts is for shikimic acid in a mouse colitis model. Most other findings relate to in vitro antimicrobial/enzyme inhibition or food preservation, not human clinical treatment.

3. What health benefits does it have?

  • Anti-inflammatory potential (preclinical): Shikimic acid from anise reduced inflammatory mediators and signaling (MAPK/NF-κB) and improved disease measures in DSS-induced colitis in mice.

  • Antimicrobial/antifungal properties (lab/food context): Star anise extract inhibited bread spoilage fungi and extended shelf life; essential oils (including star anise) reduced spoilage-associated bacteria in fish fillets during chilled storage (star anise oil decreased relative abundance of certain taxa in fresh treated samples, while oregano was strongest overall).

  • Antioxidant activity (in vitro): Anise seed essential oil was evaluated with CUPRAC and DPPH assays; star anise polysaccharides showed ABTS and FRAP activity. These suggest antioxidant capacity, though clinical relevance is uncertain.

  • Bioactive constituents identified: Anise essential oil was reported to be dominated by phenylpropanoids (~94.87%), with anethole as the predominant compound. Star anise extract similarly contained high trans-anethole (62.62%) plus estragole and linalool. These constituents are plausibly linked to antimicrobial effects in the cited studies.

4. Does it have any downsides or side effects?

  • Human side effects were not evaluated in these abstracts: None of the provided abstracts report adverse events in human supplementation trials of anise or star anise.

  • Infant use concern (indirect evidence): A qualitative study noted a cultural practice of “giving anise to infants and not breastfeeding at night.” This does not establish toxicity, but it flags that anise is sometimes used in infants in ways that may interfere with breastfeeding practices.

  • General limitation: Much of the evidence here is from in vitro assays or animal models. Without controlled human studies, the real-world risk profile (dose-related effects, interactions, contraindications) cannot be determined from these abstracts alone.

5. Is it beneficial or harmful for any genetic variations (pharmacogenomics)?

The provided abstracts do not report pharmacogenomic findings for anise, star anise, anethole, or shikimic acid (e.g., effects modified by CYP variants, transporter polymorphisms, or inflammatory pathway genotypes). Therefore, based on these sources, there is no evidence to conclude that anise is specifically beneficial or harmful for any particular genetic variation.

References

  1. Critical Review on Nutritional, Bioactive, and Medicinal Potential of Spices and Herbs and Their Application in Food Fortification and Nanotechnology.
    Debopriya Mandal, Tanmay Sarkar, Runu Chakraborty (2023) - Applied biochemistry and biotechnology
  2. Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oils of seven Cultivated Apiaceae species.
    Sercan Önder, Çağdaş Deniz Periz, Seyhan Ulusoy, Sabri Erbaş, Damla Önder, Muhammet Tonguç (2024) - Scientific reports
  3. Star anise (Illicium verum Hook. F.) polysaccharides: Potential therapeutic management for obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
    Abu Hurairah Darwisy Alias, Muhammad Hakimin Shafie (2024) - Food chemistry
  4. Investigating the Endophyte
    Ahmed M Mahmoud, Ahmed M Reyad, Maha H Khalaf, Mohamed S Sheteiwy, Mona F A Dawood, Ahmed M El-Sawah, Enas Shaban Ahmed, Abdul Malik, Wahidah H Al-Qahtani, Mostafa A Abdel-Maksoud, Nermien H S Mousa, Mohammed Alyafei, Hamada AbdElgawad (2024) - Biology
  5. Antifungal activity of star anise extract against Penicillium roqueforti and Aspergillus niger for bread shelf life.
    Zhengyu Bao, Mingcong Fan, Kanza Hannachi, Tingting Li, Jiajia Zhao, Yan Li, Haifeng Qian, Li Wang (2023) - Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)
  6. Combinations of Lemongrass and Star Anise Essential Oils and Their Main Constituent: Synergistic Housefly Repellency and Safety against Non-Target Organisms.
    Mayura Soonwera, Jirisuda Sinthusiri, Hataichanok Passara, Tanapoom Moungthipmalai, Cheepchanok Puwanard, Sirawut Sittichok, Kouhei Murata (2024) - Insects
  7. Shikimic Acid Regulates the NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathway and Gut Microbiota to Ameliorate DSS-Induced Ulcerative Colitis.
    Xin Li, Kaibin Mo, Ge Tian, Jiaxin Zhou, Jiongzhou Gong, Li Li, Xianhui Huang (2023) - Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
  8. The effect of essential oils on microbial composition and quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fillets during chilled storage.
    Zhan Huang, Xiaochang Liu, Shiliang Jia, Longteng Zhang, Yongkang Luo (2018) - International journal of food microbiology
  9. Breastfeeding practices among Syrian refugees in Turkey.
    Siddika Songul Yalçin, Meryem Erat Nergiz, Ömur Cinar Elci, Monica Zikusooka, Suzan Yalçin, Mustafa Bahadir Sucakli, Kanuni Keklik (2022) - International breastfeeding journal
  10. Herbs and Spices- Biomarkers of Intake Based on Human Intervention Studies - A Systematic Review.
    Rosa Vázquez-Fresno, Albert Remus R Rosana, Tanvir Sajed, Tuviere Onookome-Okome, Noah A Wishart, David S Wishart (2019) - Genes & nutrition
  11. Effect of essential oils or saponins alone or in combination on productive performance, intestinal morphology and digestive enzymes' activity of broiler chickens.
    Ibrahim M I Youssef, Klaus Männer, Jürgen Zentek (2021) - Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition
  12. Illicium verumL. (Star Anise) Essential Oil: GC/MS Profile, Molecular Docking Study, In Silico ADME Profiling, Quorum Sensing, and Biofilm-Inhibiting Effect on Foodborne Bacteria
    Emira Noumi, Iqrar Ahmad, Mohd Adnan, Harun Patel, Abderrahmen Merghni (2023)
  13. Biological Activity and Phytochemical Characteristics of Star Anise (Illicium verum) Essential Oil and Its Anti-SalmonellaActivity on Sous Vide Pumpkin Model
    Miroslava Kačániová, Nenad L Vukovic, Natália Čmiková, Alessandro Bianchi, Stefania Garzoli (2024)
  14. The Protective Effect of Anethole against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion: The Role of the TLR2,4/MYD88/NFκB Pathway.
    Maged Elsayed Mohamed, Mahmoud Kandeel, Hany M Abd El-Lateef, Hossam S El-Beltagi, Nancy S Younis (2022) - Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
  15. Anethole and Its Role in Chronic Diseases.
    Ana Clara Aprotosoaie, Irina-Iuliana Costache, Anca Miron (2016) - Advances in experimental medicine and biology
  16. Anethole in cancer therapy: Mechanisms, synergistic potential, and clinical challenges.
    António Raposo, Dele Raheem, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, Narinder Suri, Adeola Olukosi, Bernardo Romão de Lima, Conrado Carrascosa, Javad Sharifi-Rad, Hyungseo Bobby Ryu, Heesup Han, Daniela Calina (2024) - Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
  17. Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Volatile Oils: Fennel and Cumin Inhibit Neutrophilic Inflammation via Regulating Calcium and MAPKs.
    Michal Korinek, Heba Handoussa, Yi-Hong Tsai, You-Ying Chen, Meng-Hua Chen, Zan-Wei Chiou, Yu Fang, Fang-Rong Chang, Chia-Hung Yen, Chung-Fan Hsieh, Bing-Hung Chen, Mohamed El-Shazly, Tsong-Long Hwang (2021) - Frontiers in pharmacology
  18. Oviposition Deterrent and Larvicidal and Pupaecidal Activity of Seven Essential Oils and their Major Components against Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae): Synergism-antagonism Effects.
    Sergio Andrade-Ochoa, Daniela Sánchez-Aldana, Karla Fabiola Chacón-Vargas, Blanca E Rivera-Chavira, Luvia E Sánchez-Torres, Alejandro D Camacho, Benjamín Nogueda-Torres, Guadalupe Virginia Nevárez-Moorillón (2018) - Insects
  19. Effect of edible chitosan film enriched with anise (
    Vahid Mahdavi, Seyed Ebrahim Hosseini, Anousheh Sharifan (2018) - Food science & nutrition
  20. Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) attenuates azoxymethane-induced colorectal cancer by antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats.
    Ghassan Almaimani, Ahmed A J Jabbar, Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim, Abdullah R Alzahrani, Ghazi A Bamagous, Riyad A Almaimani, Hussain A Almasmoum, Mazen M Ghaith, Wesam F Farrash, Mohd Fahami Nur Azlina (2024) - Environmental science and pollution research international


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