What Is Star Anise?
The star anise, known by its botanical name of Illicium verum is native to the Chinese and Vietnamese regions. This is considered to be one of the beautiful spices that is known for its distinctive star shape that hails from the trees that are members of the magnolia family. Star anise is usually a spice that is harvested in China and Vietnam when it turns green and then they are subsequently dried in the sunlight post-harvest. This is done by farmers to give its characteristic spicy and warm flavor. The flavors of star anise are usually described as a mixture resembling the tastes of licorice, clove as well as fennel seeds. Star anise is also known for its medicinal value. It is crucial to know that the Chinese star anise that is discussed here is completely different from the Japanese star anise. This Japanese star anise is considered to be poisonous in food.
What Is the Nutritional Content of Star Anise?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), star anise (0.2204 ounces) does not contain any significant amount of fat, energy, sodium, or protein. Star anise cannot provide any calories or any significant amounts of carbohydrates. The glycemic index of star anise is also estimated to be zero. One should note that the teas and beverages comprising star anise or any foods that are cooked with star anise would be providing both calories and carbohydrates that are dependent more upon the preparation methods. Star anise is a completely fat-free spice. However, the drawback is that this spice cannot yield any micronutrients, vitamins, or minerals as this is used in very small amounts while cooking. Also as there is no scientific evidence so far in the nutrition content regarding star anise, its health benefits as well as medicinal benefits in alternative medicine challenged by nutrition experts. Limited research exists in a few international journals regarding its efficacy in having antibacterial and antioxidant effects.
What Are the Limited Research and Linked Benefits of Star Anise?
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According to some preliminary research studies that are published in the phytotherapy research journals, the evidence shows that star anise has a scope for exhibiting certain microbial properties against some strains of bacteria, yeast, and fungus. Another research study that was published in the journal of pharmacognosy and phytochemistry indicates that the possible efficacy of star anise in food contains antioxidant benefits providing systemic immunity due to the presence of polyphenol compounds.
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As per an overview of herbal treatments that was published in the journal of evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, the research report explains that star anise basically contains a major ingredient called anethole. The anethole present in the spice not only yields the spice with its distinctive flavors, but it also has a traditional description in Chinese medicine for its potency in treating medical or systemic issues and for the specific treatment of inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease that affects joints). Furthermore, one such additional compound that is present in the spice is called shikimic acid. This is one of the essential ingredients that is used in the manufacturing of oseltamivir which is known to be a widely prescribed pharmaceutical drug in the treatment of flu by physicians.
What Are the Uses of Star Anise in Traditional Medicine?
Given below is the list of health conditions for which star anise is used according to Chinese and alternative medicine. It helps in the treatment of the following conditions.
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Cough.
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Bloating or flatulence.
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Lung swellings or pulmonary inflammation.
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Gastrointestinal stress.
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Aids in more volume of milk secretion in nursing or breastfeeding mothers.
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Promoting timely or periodic menstruation.
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For appetite loss.
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Menstrual disorders.
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Facilitation of childbirth.
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Increasing sexual libido.
What Are the Contraindications and Safety Concerns?
Though surprisingly, this spice is known for many of its purported health benefits, current nutrition research shows multiple drawbacks of this spice and a lack of scientific evidence regarding its potency to exert these benefits. In ancient history, star anise was used to treat infant colic as a spice used for calming down or soothing crying babies (because of colic pain). This is even now currently used by many individuals around the globe. However, nutrition experts now warn that this is dangerous because of safety concerns in young infants. So the safety and efficacy of star anise have not been proved in reducing infant colic. Also, the Japanese star anise that is completely different yet may be consumed by some individuals, may present in Chinese spice too may lead unknowingly to the development of either neurologic or gastrointestinal toxicity (due to the poisonous nature of Japanese star anise). It has also come to light through recent nutrition research that in some Chinese star anise teas, the ingredients would be in fact derived possibly from the Japanese star anise. This is the reason why nutrition experts have raised safety concerns regarding its detrimental impact on young infants possibly leading to adverse neurologic reactions to this spice consumption.
Currently, the focus of nutrition experts and nutrition research recommend a strict federal regulation of the imported star anise spice into the United States and other developing countries. This is because star anise teas possibly administered to younger infants due to age-old traditions may become dangerous resulting in gastrointestinal toxicity. Individuals with mugwort, pollen, or weed allergy should completely refrain from consuming star anise. Also, nutritionists generally advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to completely refrain from consuming star anise in any form either in tea or through food because of safety issues.
What Are the Ways to Consume Star Anise?
Anise comes from a completely different plant. It has flavors much spicier than star anise in tea and food. Both anise and star anise can be substituted as seasonings for each other when used for recipes or spice blends. One of the most common recipes that incorporate star anise is tea. The popular global recipe for green tea drinkers is usually to use a cinnamon stick along with two to four pods of whole star anise and let the tea steep for about two to three minutes. Care should be taken to remove the star anise and the cinnamon stick as well before drinking as it is only for rejuvenating purposes and spicy flavors.
Conclusion
Star anise is generally considered to be safe according to the recommendations given by the United States Food and Drug Administration when the spice is used only in typical amounts in food. However, it is surprising to know that not enough evidence exists scientifically that determines the medicinal use of this spice.
