​Illicium verum — Star Anise

Illicium verum — Star Anise

Product Name: Бадьян настоящий, Illicium verum, Sternanis, Anís estrellado, Badiane de Chine, ينسون نجمي, โป๊ยกั๊ก, бадьян, жылдызча анис, ulduz anisi, бодиёни ситорадор, Žvaigždinis anyžius, Zvaigžņu anīss, Бадьян справжній, ulduz anisi, אניס כוכבי

Synonyms: бадьян, анис звёздчатый, китайский бадьян, анис китайский; star anise, Chinese star anise; Sternanis, Chinesischer Sternanis; anís estrellado, badiana; badiane, anis étoilé; ينسون نجمي، باديان صيني; โป๊ยกั๊ก

Parts Used: fruits, seeds, leaves.

Main Indications for Illicium verum: functional dyspepsia, flatulence, intestinal colic, spasmodic stomach pain, gastralgia, non-erosive gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome with a spastic component, fermentative dyspepsia, hyposalivation with halitosis, acute rhinosinusitis with a cough component, acute tracheobronchitis, chronic bronchitis with productive cough, pharyngolaryngitis with cough, oral candidiasis, uncomplicated intestinal colic in adults.

Use of Illicium verum in Mixtures and Complexes: dyspepsia in the context of Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease with flatulence, post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia in hypokinetic-type biliary dyskinesia, acute respiratory viral infections with tracheobronchial cough, subacute sinusitis with postnasal drip, oropharyngeal candidiasis, intestinal dysbiosis, mild spastic pain syndrome of the gastrointestinal tract due to autonomic dysfunction.

Pharmacological Properties of Illicium verum: carminative, antispasmodic, carminative, secretolytic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, gastroprotective, analgesic, mild sedative, insecticidal.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Illicium verum

Powder — Illicium verum

Indications (Powder): functional dyspepsia, flatulence, intestinal colic, gastralgia, non-erosive gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome with a spastic component, fermentative dyspepsia, hyposalivation with halitosis, acute rhinosinusitis with a cough component, acute tracheobronchitis, chronic bronchitis with productive cough, pharyngolaryngitis with cough, oral candidiasis, uncomplicated intestinal colic in adults.

Standard Dosage (Powder): Orally, 0.5—1 gram of powder twice daily after meals, taken with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): Orally, 1—1.5 grams of powder twice daily for pronounced flatulence, irritable bowel syndrome with a spastic component, chronic bronchitis with productive cough.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): Orally, 2 grams of powder twice daily for acute tracheobronchitis with viscous sputum, pronounced spasmodic stomach pain syndrome.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): Orally, 0.5 grams of powder once daily for 10—14 days every 2 months for chronic functional dyspepsia, chronic bronchitis in remission, tendency to flatulence.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): From 6 years, with body weight of at least 20 kg — 0.25—0.5 grams of powder 1—2 times daily, only after medical consultation.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual intolerance, acute ulcerative gastritis, peptic ulcer disease in the acute phase; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and for children under 6 years of age are not available.

Side Effects (Powder): Overdose may cause nausea, dizziness, irritation of the gastric mucosa, allergic reaction (urticaria).

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight below 60 kg, use a dosage 20% less than the standard; for body weight above 90 kg, increase the dosage by 15%, but do not exceed the maximum.

Preparation method (Powder): Take 100 grams of dried star anise fruits. Clean from impurities, dry if necessary at a temperature not exceeding 40°C. Grind in a fine coffee grinder or laboratory mill to a fine powder. Sieve through a 0.3 mm mesh sieve. Store in an airtight glass or ceramic container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry, dark place at a temperature of 15—25°C, humidity not exceeding 60%, in airtight packaging, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months, after opening use within 3 months.

Dry Extract — Illicium verum

Indications (Dry Extract): functional dyspepsia, flatulence, intestinal colic, non-erosive gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome with a spastic component, acute tracheobronchitis, chronic bronchitis with productive cough, pharyngolaryngitis with cough, oral candidiasis.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): Orally, 200—400 milligrams of dry extract twice daily after meals, taken with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): Orally, 400—600 milligrams of dry extract twice daily for pronounced spasmodic syndrome, chronic bronchitis with viscous sputum.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): Orally, 800 milligrams of dry extract twice daily for acute tracheobronchitis with a cough component.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): Orally, 200 milligrams of dry extract once daily for 10 days every 2 months for chronic dyspepsia, bronchitis, tendency to flatulence.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): From 12 years, with body weight of at least 35 kg — 100—200 milligrams of dry extract once daily.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Individual intolerance, acute gastritis, peptic ulcer disease; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and for children under 12 years of age are not available.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Overdose may cause heartburn, nausea, skin allergic reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For body weight below 60 kg, reduce the dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase by 15%, but do not exceed the maximum.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Take 500 grams of dried star anise fruits, grind. Pour with 2 liters of 70% ethanol (ethanol is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished preparation). Infuse for 7 days at a temperature of 20—25°C, stirring periodically. Filter, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50°C to a thick mass, then dry completely in a drying oven at 40°C to obtain a dry powder. Control for complete removal of ethanol — complete absence of odor. Permissible residual ethanol content — no more than 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in a tightly closed container, in a dry and dark place at a temperature of 15—25°C, away from sources of moisture and light. Shelf life — 24 months, after opening use within 6 months.

Tincture — Illicium verum

Indications (Tincture): functional dyspepsia, flatulence, intestinal colic, gastralgia, non-erosive gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome with a spastic component, fermentative dyspepsia, hyposalivation with halitosis, acute rhinosinusitis with a cough component, acute tracheobronchitis, chronic bronchitis with productive cough, pharyngolaryngitis with cough, oral candidiasis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): Orally, 15—20 drops 2—3 times daily after meals, diluted in 50 ml of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): Orally, 20—25 drops 3 times daily for pronounced flatulence, spasmodic stomach pain, chronic bronchitis with viscous sputum.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): Orally, 30 drops 3 times daily for acute tracheobronchitis and pronounced gastrointestinal spasm, but not more than 14 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): Orally, 10 drops once daily for 10 days every 2 months for chronic functional dyspepsia and tendency to flatulence.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): From 12 years, with body weight of at least 35 kg — 5—10 drops 1—2 times daily after dilution in water.

Contraindications (Tincture): Individual intolerance, acute gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, chronic alcoholism; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and for children under 12 years of age are not available.

Side Effects (Tincture): Overdose may cause dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, skin rash.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For body weight below 60 kg, reduce the dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase by 15%, but do not exceed the maximum.

Preparation method (Tincture): Take 50 grams of dried star anise fruits, grind. Pour with 250 ml of 40% ethanol (ethanol is used only for extraction and is not a component of the finished preparation). Infuse in a dark glass container at a temperature of 20—25°C for 14 days, shaking daily. Filter, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50°C until volume is reduced by 20%. Control for complete removal of excess ethanol — absence of alcohol odor. Residual content — no more than 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a dark glass container at a temperature of 15—25°C, away from sunlight and heat sources. Shelf life — 24 months, after opening use within 3 months.

Oil Infusion — Illicium verum

Indications (Oil Infusion): acute tracheobronchitis, chronic bronchitis with productive cough, pharyngolaryngitis with cough, oral candidiasis (topical application), muscle spasms, neuralgia, dermatomycoses, foot mycoses, interdigital mycoses.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topical application — apply 2—3 ml of oil to the affected area 1—2 times daily.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topical application — apply 3—4 ml of oil 2 times daily for pronounced inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract (via inhalation through an aroma lamp) or for pronounced fungal skin lesions.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topical application — 5 ml of oil 2 times daily for severe fungal skin lesions or severe muscle pain, not more than 10 consecutive days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topical application — 1—2 ml of oil once daily for 7—10 days every 2 months for tendency to colds and fungal foot infections.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): Topical application from 6 years, with body weight of at least 20 kg — 0.5—1 ml of oil once daily, only after medical consultation.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual intolerance, skin damage with open wounds; scientifically recorded data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and for children under 6 years of age are not available.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Overdose may cause skin redness, itching, burning, contact dermatitis.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): For body weight below 60 kg, use a dosage 20% less; for body weight above 90 kg, the dose can be increased by 15%, but do not exceed the maximum.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): Take 20 grams of ground dried star anise fruits. Pour with 100 ml of coconut oil, heat in a water bath to 50°C and maintain at this temperature for 3 hours, stirring periodically. Cool, filter through gauze, pour into a sterile dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in a tightly closed dark glass container at a temperature of 5—20°C, away from sunlight. Shelf life — 12 months, after opening use within 30 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Illicium verum

Toxicological studies of Illicium verum show a low level of systemic toxicity when taken orally in therapeutic doses. Acute toxicity, determined by the LD₅₀ indicator in laboratory animals, varies depending on the pharmaceutical form used and the method of administration: for the aqueous-alcoholic extract, LD₅₀ (per os, mice) is more than 5 g/kg body weight, which corresponds to the "practically non-toxic" category according to the Hodge and Sterner classification. Essential oil when administered orally in high doses demonstrates a lower LD₅₀ value (about 2.5 g/kg for rats), which is associated with the high concentration of anethole and other volatile components. No toxic effects are observed with topical application at therapeutic doses. Consumption of unrefined or contaminated Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), containing neurotoxic sesquiterpenoids (anisatin), can lead to severe convulsive and neurological reactions.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacodynamics — Illicium verum

Illicium verum contains a complex of biologically active compounds, including phenylpropanoids (primarily anethole), flavonoids, terpenoids, and volatile aromatic components, which determine a wide range of pharmacological effects. At the level of the nervous system, mild sedative and antispasmodic effects have been identified, associated with influence on neurotransmitter systems, including cholinergic and GABAergic regulation. The effect on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract is realized through direct relaxation of muscle fibers and modulation of calcium channels, which reduces tone and the amplitude of spasmodic contractions.

Regarding the respiratory system, secretolytic and moderate bronchodilatory effects have been noted, realized through increased secretion of mucous glands and reduced viscosity of bronchial secretions. The antimicrobial effect covers a wide spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast and mold fungi; the action is due to disruption of the integrity of the cytoplasmic membrane of microorganisms and inhibition of cell wall synthesis.

Anti-inflammatory properties of Illicium verum are realized through suppression of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, by inhibiting the activity of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. Antioxidant action is associated with the high content of polyphenols, which neutralize reactive oxygen species, stabilize cell membranes, and reduce oxidative damage to lipids and proteins.

The influence on the skin and mucous membranes includes local antimicrobial and fungicidal action, as well as the ability to stimulate microcirculation and moderately increase the tone of vessels in the dermal layer. With topical application, star anise components exert an insecticidal effect, which is used in natural repellent and cosmetic formulations. Immunomodulatory action is expressed in moderate stimulation of phagocytic activity and increased production of secretory immunoglobulins on mucous membranes.

In vitro and in vivo studies confirm systemic and local levels of action, including modulation of enzyme system activity and interaction with cellular receptors, forming a complex therapeutic profile of Illicium verum.

Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Pharmacokinetics — Illicium verum

Upon oral administration, biologically active substances of Illicium verum, mainly phenylpropanoids and flavonoids, are absorbed in the small intestine through passive diffusion and partially active transport. Oil forms and essential components contained in preparations undergo emulsification by bile acids, which improves their absorption. With transdermal application, volatile aromatic components penetrate the epidermal barrier due to their lipophilic structure, reaching the dermal layer and acting locally on blood vessels and nerve endings.

With inhalation administration, volatile components are quickly absorbed through the alveolar membrane, entering the systemic circulation and exerting systemic and local effects on the respiratory tract. The distribution of active substances is characterized by their tendency to accumulate in adipose tissue, liver, and mucous membranes, which is associated with lipophilic properties.

Metabolism occurs primarily in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system enzymes, leading to the formation of hydroxylated and conjugated metabolites. Some polyphenols and flavonoids are metabolized by the microflora of the large intestine, contributing to the formation of low-molecular-weight phenolic acids with further systemic activity.

Excretion of metabolites occurs through the kidneys in urine, to a lesser extent in bile, and for volatile aromatic components — also through the lungs in exhaled air. With topical application, systemic absorption is limited, and most of the substance remains in the skin, undergoing local metabolism. With the use of oil infusions and extracts, prolonged circulation of lipophilic fractions is possible due to gradual release from fat depots.

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Illicium verum

The pharmacological activity of Illicium verum is determined by a complex of phytochemical compounds, among which phenylpropanoids (anethole, methylchavicol), mono- and sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, lignans, and organic acids predominate. At the molecular level, anethole and related phenylpropanoids exhibit the ability to modulate the activity of ion channels in smooth muscle cells, reducing calcium influx into the cell and causing muscle relaxation. These compounds inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme systems, which is accompanied by a reduction in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes) and decreased activation of NF-κB and MAPK cascades.

Essential oils of Illicium verum exhibit bacteriostatic and fungicidal action, disrupting the integrity of microorganism cell membranes and altering their permeability to ions. Polyphenolic components and flavonoids bind reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, preventing oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, and also modulate the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase).

At the immune level, extracts of Illicium verum stimulate the phagocytic activity of macrophages and modulate cytokine production (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), exerting both stimulating and regulating effects depending on the concentration and composition of the extract. When affecting the nervous system, phenylpropanoids interact with GABA receptors, enhancing inhibitory processes in the CNS, which determines a mild sedative and anxiolytic potential.

Some sesquiterpenoids and phenolic compounds of Illicium verum can inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), leading to an increase in acetylcholine concentration in the synaptic cleft and improved nerve impulse transmission. These mechanisms are confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies, including cell models and animal experiments, indicating a multi-level and multi-target pharmacological profile of the taxon.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23985483] https://www.sciencedirect.com/...]

Synergy — Illicium verum

Research shows that Illicium verum demonstrates pharmacological synergy with a number of plant and natural compounds. Combined use with Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon cinnamon) leads to potentiation of antioxidant activity due to a cumulative increase in polyphenol content and enhanced ability to neutralize free radicals. In combination with Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), additive and modulating anti-inflammatory action is observed, associated with joint suppression of NF-κB and JAK/STAT cascades, which reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

The combination of Illicium verum essential oil with Syzygium aromaticum (clove) oil enhances antimicrobial action against gram-positive bacteria, likely due to cumulative damage to the lipid layer of the cell membrane and disruption of bacterial energy metabolism. When combined with Foeniculum vulgare (fennel), a potentiating antispasmodic effect is revealed, realized through synchronous inhibition of L-type calcium channels and enhancement of potassium channel activity in smooth muscle.

In in vitro experiments, combinations of Illicium verum with flavonoid-containing plants (Camellia sinensis — Chinese tea, Rosmarinus officinalis — rosemary) demonstrate enhanced cellular antioxidant protection and membrane stabilization, which is associated with the synergistic action of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids on antioxidant enzymes. This complex synergy allows Illicium verum to be considered as a promising component of multicomponent phytopreparations and functional mixtures aimed at systemic regulation of the body's biochemical processes.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Illicium verum

Illicium verum is traditionally used in countries of East and Southeast Asia, including China, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia. In Chinese folk medicine, it is known as an important aromatic ingredient used in infusions, decoctions, and powders. In Vietnam and Laos, star anise fruits were added to warming drinks and aromatic mixtures for inhalation. In Japanese and Korean cultures, historical mentions exist of using the star-shaped fruits in rituals of space purification with smoke from burning dry parts of the plant.

Historical written mentions of star anise are found in Chinese herbals from the Ming Dynasty era (14th—17th centuries), where it is described as a valuable spice and medicinal plant. In India, star anise entered the formulations of Ayurvedic and Unani mixtures, where it was combined with other aromatic spices. In the traditions of Southeast Asian peoples, dry fruits were sometimes used as amulets or elements of ritual decorations, considered symbols of well-being and protection.

In Tibetan medicine and some schools of Thai traditional medicine, star anise was used as part of complex mixtures containing dozens of plants. On the islands of Indonesia and in coastal areas of the Philippines, the aromatic properties of star anise were used in cuisine and rituals for welcoming guests. In Slavic culture, there is no direct historical evidence of mass use, but later herbals of the 19th century note its value as an aromatic spice of Eastern origin.

Non-medical use in an ethnocultural context includes participation in rituals related to house cleansing, making hanging amulets, and scenting clothing and storage areas. In some Asian traditions, star anise fruits were considered a plant that brings luck and harmony to the home and were used as symbolic elements in wedding and New Year decorations.