Scientific name
Illicium verum, Illicium anisatum L.
Family
MagnoliaceaeOrigin
China, Philippines and Japan
Synonyms
Star anise is also known as BadianaParts Used
Fruits are used in pharmacologyChemical constituents
- Coumarins and Furocoumarins;
- Essential oil rich in anethole;
- Triterpenes;
- Polyphenols;
- Flavonoids
Star Anise in Herbalist: Properties of Star Anise
Star anise is used as an antispasmodic, stimulant and stomachic; its main properties include digestive, carminative, stimulating the exocrine, galactogenic and balsamic glands.
Biological activity
The star anise is attributed stomachic and eupeptic properties; for this reason, it is not uncommon for the plant to be used as a remedy to counteract the loss of appetite (officially approved use).
However, these are not the only properties that star anise is endowed with. In fact, the plant also has expectorant and antispasmodic activities against the gastrointestinal tract. More precisely, the essential oil and flavonoids contained within the anise. stellato are able to exert a bronchosecretolytic action and induce relaxation of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle.
The secretolytic activity carried out by the essential oil is particularly useful in case of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, for the treatment of which, among other things, the use of star anise has been officially approved.
Furthermore, a recent study conducted on animals has highlighted how the ethanolic extract of star anise fruits can be a potential and valid aid in preventing and combating hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. However, before being able to approve such an application of the plant in the medical field, in-depth clinical studies are certainly necessary, in order to evaluate its real therapeutic efficacy and safety of use.
Star anise against loss of appetite
As mentioned, thanks to the eupeptic and stomachic properties of which star anise - in particular, its essential oil - is endowed, the use of this plant has been officially approved to counteract the loss of appetite.
Generally, it is recommended to take about three grams of the drug, or 0.3 grams of essential oil per day.
Star anise against cough and bronchitis
By virtue of the secretolytic properties of which the star anise essential oil is endowed, its use can be particularly useful in case of inflammation of the respiratory tract - such as bronchitis - in case of cough and in case of other types of catarrhal affections that affect the airways.
Again, the usually recommended daily dose is about 0.3 grams of star anise essential oil, or about three grams of drug.
N.B .: when star anise is used for therapeutic purposes, it is essential to use preparations defined and standardized in active ingredients (essential oil), since only in this way can you know the exact quantity of pharmacologically active substances you are taking.
When using preparations based on star anise, the doses of product to be taken may vary according to the quantity of essential oil contained. This quantity is usually reported directly by the manufacturer on the package or on the package leaflet of the same product, therefore, it is very important to follow the instructions provided by it.
In any case, before taking any type of preparation containing star anise for therapeutic purposes, it is advisable to consult your doctor in advance.
Star anise in folk medicine and homeopathy
The properties of star anise are also known to popular medicine, which uses it - especially in herbal teas - for the treatment of dyspeptic disorders and as a remedy against phlegm of the respiratory tract.
Furthermore, traditional medicine also attributes galactogogic properties to this plant and for this reason it uses it to promote and increase the production of breast milk after childbirth.
In Indian medicine, however, star anise is used as a remedy for flatulence, digestive disorders, diarrhea and intestinal spasms, and is even used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and even as a remedy to counteract paralysis. facial and hemiparesis.
Star anise is also exploited in the homeopathic field, where it can be found in the form of mother tincture or globules. In this context, the plant is used to promote the production of breast milk and as a remedy for lumbago.
The dose of homeopathic remedy to be taken may differ from one individual to another, also depending on the type of disorder and the type of homeopathic preparation and dilution to be used.
N.B .: the applications of star anise for the treatment of the aforementioned disorders are neither approved nor supported by the appropriate experimental tests, or have not passed them. For this reason, they could be without therapeutic efficacy or even be harmful to health.
Contraindications
Ease of sunburn, liver disease, epilepsy. Known hypersensitivity to one or more components of star anise.
Pharmacological interactions
- enhancement of gastrolysis by NSAIDs or cortisones;
- possible interactions in relation to the estrogenic activity of anethole;
- summation of effects with photosensitizing drugs.
Note
For the presence of furocoumarins, star anise is photosensitizer.
Warnings
Numerous cases of poisoning by star anise adulterated with Shikimi, or Japanese star anise (Illicium religiosum).
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