Summary for Star Anise (Chinese)

  • Scientific Name: Illicium verum
  • Indications: Bronchitis, colic, cough, flatulence, menstrual complaints, respiratory tract inflammation. Culinary spice, fragrance component in cosmetics.
  • Synonym: Illiciaceae
  • Class: Antimycobacterial (including antitubercular), Insecticide
  • Half-life: N/A
  • Clinically important, potentially hazardous interactions with:
    None known

Star anise preparations are sometimes contaminated with highly poisonous Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum).

Star anise contains a compound used in the manufacture of Tamiflu.

Please login to view the rest of this drug profile.

Page last updated 08/20/2025

Symbol key

Incidence - Help

<1% 1‑5% 5‑10% 10‑15% 15‑20% 20‑30% >30%

Seriousness - Help

Hospitalization possible
Life threatening
Fatal

Warnings in other populations - Help

BreastfeedingBreast feeding

GeriatricGeriatric

PediatricPediatric