Illicium verum
Illicium verum
Illicium verum, commonly known as star anise, originates from traditional Chinese medicine and is used in various culinary and cultural practices. While its specific medicinal uses are not well-documented in traditional contexts, scientific studies have shown promising results across multiple applications. For instance, a mixture of star anise essential oil (EO) and geranial demonstrated effectiveness against houseflies, being more toxic than single EOs or α-cypermethrin but showing low toxicity towards non-target organisms. Additionally, an aqueous extract significantly preserved muscle mass and function in immobilized mice by modulating anabolic and catabolic pathways. Compounds from the roots of Illicium verum also showed varying levels of analgesic activity, with one compound being comparable to diclofenac sodium at a lower dose. However, scientific evidence is still limited, and more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded thus far.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The mixture of star anise EO (1%) and geranial (1%) was the most effective against houseflies, more toxic than single EOs or α-cypermethrin, and showed low toxicity towards non-target organisms.
- Illicium verum-derived nanocomposites showed potential as biosensors for detecting pharmaceutical compounds and as catalysts for light-independent organic dye degradation.
- IVW treatment significantly preserved muscle mass and function in immobilized mice by modulating anabolic and catabolic pathways.
- Compounds from Illicium verum roots showed varying levels of analgesic activity, with one compound comparable to diclofenac sodium at a lower dose.
Frequently asked questions
What is Illicium verum?
Illicium verum (Illicium verum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Illicium verum?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Illicium verum; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The mixture of star anise EO (1%) and geranial (1%) was the most effective against houseflies, more toxic than single EOs or α-cypermethrin, and showed low toxicity towards non-target organisms.
How strong is the evidence for Illicium verum?
The strongest finding for Illicium verum carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Illicium verum safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Illicium verum in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Illicium verum interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Illicium verum in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Illicium verum?
Illicium verum is also known as: Бадьян настоящий, badianier de Chine.
Is Illicium verum a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Synergistic Adulticidal Activity of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), Star Anise (Illicium verum), Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) Essential Oil and Their Components Against the Housefly (Musca domestica) and Their Safety for Key Non-Target Org literature abstract metadata
- T2 Green synthesis of Illicium verum-derived novel semiconducting Ag/Fe/Cu-trimetallic nanocomposites: A dual-functional platform for selective detection of pharmaceutical compounds and light-independent degradation of organic dyes. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Illicium verum extract attenuates immobilization-induced muscle atrophy by modulating inflammatory and anabolic pathways. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Enantiomeric Prenylated Neolignans from the Roots of Illicium verum with Analgesic Activity. literature abstract metadata