Star Anise (Chakra Phool): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Introduction

Star anise, scientifically known as Illicium verum, is an evergreen small, medium-sized tree from the plant family Star anise, scientifically known as Illicium verum, is an evergreen small, medium-sized tree from the plant family Illiciaceae. The most common species of the Illicium genus are star anise (Illicium verum), Japanese anise (Illicium anisatum), Mexican anise (Illicium mexicanum), and star aniseed (Illicium anisatum). It is grown in tropical areas of East Asia and Southeast Asia and has 42 species and 166 varieties. They all vary in habitat, physical structure and chemical composition. Star anise is the most common species. Star anise is known by many names. It is called bādiyān (Persian), phoolchakri (Hindi), badiane (French), badian (Urdu), and star anise (English). The potential uses of star anise may vary depending upon origin and growing conditions. It may help with colic (severe stomach pain), flatulence, whooping cough, tuberculosis and liver diseases. ¹

Nutritional Value of Star Anise:

100 g of star anise yields almost 359 Kcal energy.¹ 

• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
• Sodium: 16 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 50 g
• Dietary Fibre: 15 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Calcium: 646 mg
• Iron: 37 mg
• Potassium: 1441 mg

Nutritional value of star anise per 100 g.² 

Also Read: Nutmeg: Uses, Benefits, Precautions & More!

Properties of Star Anise:

There are many potential uses of star anise. It may have both internal as well as external applications. Following are some of the potential properties of star anise:

• It may be an antispasmodic (used to relieve muscle spasms)
• It may act as an expectorant (used to treat cough)
• It may be an anti-microbial
• It may act as an analgesic (relieves pain)
• It may act like a sedative (induces sleep)
• It may have an anticancer potential
• It may act as an anti-diarrhoeal
• It might help as a diuretic (causes the kidneys to make more urine)
• It may have an anti-inflammatory property
• It may act as a stimulant (makes one feel awake, energetic, alert and confident)
• It may act as a diaphoretic (increases sweating)¹

Potential Uses of Star Anise:

The potential properties of star anise that are mentioned above might have several potential uses/ effects on the following conditions:

1. Potential Uses of Star Anise for Microbial Infections

Star anise might show an anti-microbial activity. It has the potential to exhibit antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and antifungal properties, as seen in several studies. Researchers have found the potential antibacterial activity of star anise against various bacteria, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Eikenella corrodens, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Veilonella parvula, Peptostreptococcus micros and Capnocytophaga gingivalis.¹ Star anise might have potential antifungal action. A study showed 100% antifungal activity against F. solani (Fusarium solani), F. graminearum and F. oxysporum.¹ However, extensive research is required to prove the potential properties of star anise stated above.

2. Potential Uses of Star Anise for Diarrhea

An animal study was conducted to test the action of the blend of star anise and chamomile on the gut. The study showed a possibility of reducing the looseness of the stools and diminishing the number of stool evacuations. Thus, the study showed the potential use of the mixture of chamomile and star anise for diarrhoea.¹ However, more studies on humans must be conducted to ensure such effects. You must consult a specialist doctor for better advice.

3. Potential Uses of Star Anise for Inflammation

Acute inflammation is a protective approach of the body to fight infections. Star anise may have potential use in fighting inflammatory conditions/disorders. The potential anti-inflammatory property of star anise was tested in animals, where it was found to show potent pain-killing and anti-inflammatory effects.¹ These studies indicate the possible benefits of star anise for inflammation, but more studies are required to confirm its effectiveness in humans.

4. Potential Uses of Star Anise for Cancer

The human body has several natural ways to deal with free radicals and eating star anise may have added benefits that may help with cancer. Conditions that are induced by free radicals and nicotine, such as cancer, might be affected by star anise, as star anise may possess anti-cancer properties. It may affect damaged DNA responsible for triggering cancer and cancer cell spread.¹ However, more research will be required to prove such claims. Moreover, cancer is a serious medical condition; you should consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Though studies show the potential uses of star anise in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of star anise on human health.

I may advocate star anise if you’re feeling bloated or experiencing stomach discomfort. It has been potentially used for ages to help with issues like loss of appetite, gas, and bloating.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

How to Use Star Anise?

Star anise may be used as:

• Whole spice
• Tea
• Essential oil
• Seeds

Star anise is widely used in cooking Chinese and Indian dishes. It is a major constituent of ‘garam masala’. It is used in the food industry as a nutritional supplement. It is used in a variety of dishes, beverages, desserts and savoury stews. Star anise is used in products like carrot and tomato powder, dehydrated beet, garlic and cabbage flakes. Also, It is used as a flavouring agent in confectionery.¹

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.

Let me tell you something engrossing! Did you know that star anise may have some awesome effects? Besides its culinary uses, it’s been known to have a reputation as a natural aphrodisiac, believed to possibly enhance sexual desire.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Side Effects of Star Anise (Chakra Phool):

The side effects of star anise include:

• Sometimes, Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) is adulterated or contaminated with Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum). Japanese star anise is similar in appearance to Chinese star anise but is very toxic. Japanese star anise contains a chemical compound that causes epilepsy, hallucinations, and nausea.³
• Star anise is used as a carminative (relieves gas) for managing colic in babies. Despite its long history of use, it is found to cause poisoning with gastrointestinal and neurological manifestations in infants younger than three months. This could be either if it is boiled for a long period, leading to higher concentration or due to its contamination with Japanese star anise.⁴

 Even Ayurvedic herbs may have specific side effects and may react differently in every person. Ensure that you consult an Ayurvedic physician before using it for proper guidance.

Precautions to Take With Star Anise:

Keep the following points in mind:

• Star anise should not be given to children as it can cause poisoning with gastrointestinal and neurological manifestations.⁴ Therefore, avoid giving star anise to children.
• A chemical compound in star anise is slightly toxic and may act as an irritant if consumed in large quantities.
• Anise oil, when ingested at 1 to 5 ml, may cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, and pulmonary oedema (too much fluid in the lungs) in humans.⁵
• There is insufficient information on the safe usage of star anise during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, stay on the safer side or consult your doctor about whether you can take star anise during these times.

Kindly do not self-medicate. Do not substitute, alter or discontinue any ongoing treatment on your own.

Interactions With Other Drugs:

There is insufficient evidence or studies showing the interaction of star anise with other drugs or food. Therefore, there is a need for more studies on this subject. However, always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before using star anise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References:

Boota T, Rehman R, Mushtaq A, Kazerooni EG. Star anise: A review on benefits, biological activities and potential uses. International Journal of Chemical and Biochemical Sciences. 2018;14:110-4. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336825719_Star_Anise_A_review_on_benefits_biological_activities_and_potential_uses

Spices, anise seed nutrition facts and analysis. Nutritionvalue.org. 2022. Available from: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Spices%2C_anise_seed_nutritional_value.html?size=100+g

Shen Y, van Beek TA, Claassen FW, Zuilhof H, Chen B, Nielen MWF. Rapid control of Chinese star anise fruits and teas for neurotoxic anisatin by Direct Analysis in Real Time high resolution mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr A. 2012 Oct;1259:179–86. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0021967312004712

Casanova Cuenca M, Calzado Agrasot MÁ, Mir Pegueroles C, Esteban Cantó V. New cases of star anise poisoning: are we providing enough information?.Neurologia. 2019;34(3):211-3. Casanova Cuenca M, Calzado Agrasot MÁ, Mir Pegueroles C, Esteban Cantó V. New cases of star anise poisoning: are we providing enough information? Neurologia. 2019;34(3):211-3. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28712844/

Marinov V, Valcheva-Kuzmanova S. Review on the pharmacological activities of anethole. Scripta Scientifica Pharmaceutica. 2015 Nov 24;2(2):14-9. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318400242_Review_on_the_pharmacological_activities_of_anethole

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