Last Updated on July 21, 2023 by Olivia Anderson
Star anise (Illicium verum) is an aromatic, licorice-flavored spice native to China and Vietnam that has become an indispensable flavor enhancer in Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian and Thai cuisines. Used extensively as a seasoning agent in broths, soups and curries.
Studies indicate that it may possess both antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Traditional medicine practices utilize it to promote digestive health, reduce gas and bloating symptoms, stimulate immunity systems and strengthen their health systems.
Antioxidant
Star anise benefits many health benefits, including its ability to relieve oxidative stress and protect against diseases like cancer. Thymol and anethole, two natural compounds found in star anise spice, are responsible for these effects; both possess strong antioxidant capabilities with antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Shikimic acid found in star anise contains strong antiviral properties that make it the primary ingredient in Tamiflu, a medication prescribed to treat influenza. Some test-tube studies indicate it could provide protection from other viruses as well.
Star anise contains an anethole compound which has been proven to aid in warding off fungal infections by inhibiting their growth and by blocking their production of toxin-producing fungus that could otherwise infiltrate into human bodies and cause infection.
Antifungal
Star anise (Illicium verum) is an essential spice used in Asian cuisine. A key element in Chinese five-spice powder, it can also be added to soups, stews, broths, baked goods desserts and quick breads or steeped as tea for flavoring dishes or beverages.
Star anise can help with weight loss, lower blood pressure and prevent fatty build-up in arteries that lead to heart disease. Furthermore, star anise provides antimicrobial benefits through compounds like anethole, shikimic acid and linalool that provide antimicrobial benefits.
Pure Chinese star anise is generally safe to consume; however, it may contain high concentrations of highly toxic Japanese star anise, so always check its source and start with small amounts in order to avoid accidental intoxication.
Antimicrobial
Star anise contains many natural compounds that can boost your immune system. It boasts high concentrations of flavonoids and polyphenols which offer antimicrobial and antioxidant protection, in addition to an abundance of phytochemicals like shikimic acid and linalool that may provide additional advantages.
Studies conducted using test tube research have demonstrated that star anise can effectively prevent the spread of E. coli bacteria strains and could possibly treat conditions like ear infections and pneumonia.
Star anise can help improve respiratory health by loosening phlegm and stimulating coughing to expel it from the throat. Furthermore, its essential oils have expectorant properties.
Anti-inflammatory
Star anise contains high levels of iron, making it an effective supplement to improve blood circulation and help those suffering from colds or flu to recover more quickly. Furthermore, its compounds may help alleviate symptoms associated with colds such as chills, sore throat and coughing.
Laboratory research indicates that star anise contains antibacterial properties. It was able to effectively inhibit the formation of bacteria resistant to antibiotics during a test-tube experiment.
Star anise contains shikimic acid, an antiviral ingredient and key component of Tamiflu – used as a natural treatment against influenza A and B infections which cause seasonal illnesses.
Antispasmodic
Star anise benefits include antispasmodic properties that help alleviate digestive discomfort such as indigestion, mucuna pruriens, gas and bloating. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory effects may protect against chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease.
Star anise’s unique flavor and aroma also help treat respiratory infections and coughs, with its expectorant properties loosening mucus for easier coughing up.
Research in test tubes has demonstrated that star anise extracts have the power to curb the growth of multiple drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, its strong antioxidant properties may reduce oxidative stress and possibly prevent tumor development.
Antiseptic
Star anise has long been used to treat respiratory infections, coughs, and bronchitis. Its expectorant properties help loosen mucus from your throat so that coughing becomes easier.
Laboratory studies indicate that star anise contains antifungal compounds. Shikimic acid, one of the spices’ components, is the main active ingredient found in flu medication such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu).
A 2018 yeast cell study discovered that star anise may possess anti-diabetic effects due to its polyphenols, which improve blood vessel health and promote circulation, leading to lower overall pressure as well as prevent damage to nerves and vision.
Anti-bacterial
Star anise boasts strong antibacterial properties that can protect against urinary tract infections as well as reduce oxidative stress and improve heart health.
Evidence indicates that it can help lower blood sugar levels, making it an invaluable aid to those living with diabetes. More research needs to be conducted before drawing any definitive conclusions about this assertion.
Researchers conducted a test-tube study and discovered that an aqueous methanolic extract of star anise successfully prevented and dislodged biofilm formation by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii AB5057 and MRSA USA300 due to its combination of phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids and sesquiterpenes. Whole pods may be added directly into soups, stews and broths or steeped as a tea; ground star anise can be added into spice rubs marinades or baked goods.
Anti-viral
Star anise contains shikimic acid, an antiviral component. As such, it forms part of Tamiflu’s active ingredients to treat flu symptoms (7).
Studies conducted in test-tube have also indicated that star anise contains bioactive compounds like anethole and linalool that may help impede E. coli growth as well as other bacteria.
Star anise has long been used to treat respiratory infections due to its expectorant properties which loosen mucus and relieve coughing, while its high antioxidant content also provides protection from diseases like cancer.
Anti-aging
Star anise contains shikimic acid, an ingredient used to produce flu medication oseltamivir (Tamiflu). Test-tube studies suggest that bioactive compounds present in star anise could inhibit bacterial growth (11).
Star anise’s anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties help relieve bloating and improve blood circulation, thus decreasing overall pressure on the heart while improving bone health.
Vitamin C in star anise helps combat free radical damage that contributes to premature aging, while simultaneously speeding cell turnover and diminishing wrinkles and fine lines. For best results, combine one teaspoon of ground star anise with one tablespoon of honey and apply directly on your face for 10 minutes for best results.
