Star anise

Star anise is an evergreen tree from the star anise family (Illiciaceae) that grows up to 6-12 m tall and belongs to the umbellifer family. The star anise tree is native to southern China, but is now also found in other parts of Southeast Asia, e.g. in Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines.

The star anise tree is characterized by tough, leathery, lanceolate, rich green leaves. It blooms in spring with greenish-white flowers. From these develop the conspicuous star-shaped fruits, which are about 10-20 mm long and contain a yellow-brown, smooth, shiny seed. Flowering time: June to September, fruit ripening: August to September.

• Illicium verum is the parent plant of Fructus anisi stellati, the official star anise fruit according to ÖAB90 and EB6.
• Illicium verum is the parent plant of Oleum Anisi stellati, star anise oil, an essential oil of star anise fruits.
• In cosmetic formulations, the essential oil (Illicium verum oil (INCI)) is obtained from the dried fruits, and to a lesser extent also from the dried leaves.
• In the food industry, the characteristically shaped, intensely aniseed-scented dried fruits are used as a spice. Ground or as a whole fruit, star anise is used as a flavoring in tea drinks, for example.

Furocoumarins (psoralens: 5-MOP and 8-MOP).

Caution: Phototoxic reaction to the whole plant, especially fruits. Allergic reaction.

1. Wenigmann M. (2017) Phytotherapy medicinal drugs, phytopharmaceuticals, application. Urban & Fischer, p.69.70
2. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/anis.php
3. https://pflanzen.fnr.de/industriepflanzen/arzneipflanzen/pflanzen-datenbank
4. Montag A (2023) Plants and skin. Springer-Verlag GmbH. S. 359-361