What is Anise (Pimpinella anisum)? Other Names: Anis Vert, Aniseed, Anisi Fructus

What is Anise (Pimpinella anisum)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Anise, scientifically known as Pimpinella anisum, is a flowering plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is renowned for its aromatic seeds, which are widely used in culinary and medicinal applications. The plant is native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia but is now cultivated in various parts of the world. Other names include: Anis, Anís, Anis Vert, Aniseed, Anise Essential Oil, Anise Oil, Anisi Fructus, Dohn-e-Anisoon, Graine d’Anis Vert, Green Anise, Huile Essentielle d’Anis, Phytoestrogen, Phyto-Œstrogène, Pimpinella anisum, Pinella, Semen Anisi, Shatpushpa, Sweet Cumin, Velaiti Saunf.

Medicinal Uses and Health Benefits of Anise

Anise has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It is known for its analgesic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic activities3. Recent studies have explored its potential in treating various health conditions. For instance, anise oil has shown efficacy in reducing the symptoms of migraine headaches in clinical trials1. Additionally, anise has been found to alleviate symptoms of functional dyspepsia, a common digestive disorder, in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial8.

Effects on Animal Health and Growth

Anise is also used in animal husbandry as a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Studies have demonstrated that dietary inclusion of anise seeds can improve growth performance, carcass traits, and immune responses in broiler chickens2. Similarly, the inclusion of anise leaves in rabbit diets has been shown to enhance growth parameters and feed efficiency5.

Impact on Reproductive Health

Research has indicated that anise may influence reproductive health. In male albino rats, high levels of anise intake were associated with hormonal disturbances and decreased sperm count4. Conversely, another study found that anise oil could improve fertility parameters in male mice, such as increasing testosterone levels and sperm motility10.

Agricultural and Ecological Benefits

Anise cultivation can benefit from sustainable agricultural practices. The use of mycorrhizal fungi and growth-promoting bacteria, along with plant mulches, has been shown to significantly increase the yield and essential oil production of anise6. Moreover, organic fertilizers like vermicompost have been found to enhance the yield and quality of anise crops9.

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Adverse Effects of Anise (Pimpinella anisum)

Hormonal Disturbances

High intake of anise oil can lead to significant hormonal disturbances, including a decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and sperm count in male rats2.

Gastrointestinal Effects

In a study involving COVID-19 patients, mild to moderate adverse gastrointestinal events were reported by two participants in the aniseed group, although the specific nature of these events was not detailed1.

Effects on Laying Hens

In laying hens, aniseed at high levels (6%) negatively affected feed conversion ratio, egg yolk cholesterol concentration, and blood cholesterol concentration, suggesting potential adverse effects on metabolic parameters5.

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How has Anise (Pimpinella anisum) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Gastrointestinal Symptoms in COVID-19

Aniseed powder was found to significantly improve symptoms such as abdominal pain, anorexia, and diarrhea in COVID-19 patients. The study highlighted its potential as an add-on therapy due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, although it did not significantly affect nausea/vomiting or bloating1.

Functional Dyspepsia

In a study on functional dyspepsia, anise significantly reduced the severity of symptoms associated with postprandial distress syndrome. Patients receiving anise showed marked improvement in symptom scores over a 12-week period compared to those receiving a placebo2.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Anise was effective in reducing the intensity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Participants who took anise capsules reported a significant decrease in symptom severity over two menstrual cycles compared to those taking a placebo6.

Other Potential Benefits

Postpartum Pain: A combination of anise with other herbs was more effective than mefenamic acid in reducing postpartum after-pain, suggesting its potential as a natural analgesic5.

Testicular Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury: In animal studies, anise demonstrated protective effects against testicular damage due to ischemia and reperfusion, indicating its potential in managing oxidative stress-related conditions4.

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Anise (Pimpinella anisum) Mechanisms of Action

Suppression of Morphine Dependence: Anise ethanolic extract has been shown to reduce physical dependence on morphine in mice. It decreases withdrawal symptoms such as climbing, rearing, wet dog shakes, and teeth chattering, particularly at higher doses. This suggests that anise may modulate neurotransmitter systems involved in addiction and withdrawal, although the exact constituents and mechanisms remain to be identified1.

Protection Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Anise demonstrates protective effects against testicular ischemia and reperfusion injury in rats. It appears to aid in the regeneration of spermatogenic cells and reduce damage caused by ischemia and reperfusion. This protective effect might be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help mitigate cellular damage and promote recovery2.

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Common Complaints Associated with Anise (Pimpinella anisum) Use

Mild to Moderate Adverse Events: In a study evaluating the use of aniseed powder for treating gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 patients, a small number of participants reported mild to moderate adverse events. Specifically, two participants in the aniseed group experienced such events, although the study does not detail the nature of these adverse effects1.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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