Creator: Soundharya M. G
Keywords: Benefits of Star Anise

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Star Anise

Star anise (Illicium verum) is an evergreen herb that is native to Southwest China and Northeast Vietnam and is well-known for its medicinal properties. Star anise belongs to the family Schisandraceae and is grown in the tropical areas of East and Southeast Asia. The herb is used for ornamental purposes – for its foliage, flowers, and fragrance. In the food industry, it is used in the preparation of baked products, jams, flavored liquors like anisette and Pernod, and as a substitute in commercial drinks. Star anise has several beneficial bioactive compounds that aid in preventing and treating diseases.

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Nutritional Profile of Star Anise

100 g of star anise provides about 359 kcals of energy, 65 to 75 g of carbohydrates, 2 to 4 g of protein, and 4 to 6 g of fats. Star anise is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and B Vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, and thiamin, The seeds of the spice are good sources of sodium, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and magnesium.

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Health Benefits of Star Anise

Star anise health benefits have been established for a long time and plays a major role in traditional medicine. Chinese star anise depicts the following functional properties: antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-spasmodic, anti-diabetic, and anti-carcinogenic. Star anise is fruitful in treating digestive disorders like constipation, nausea, menopausal symptoms, insomnia, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar levels. It is also used in treating asthma, bronchitis, and dry cough as it possesses anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.

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Anti-Cancer Activity

Star anise possesses anti-carcinogenic agents that aid in treating diseases induced by free radicals and nicotine. The flavonoids, curcumin, and resveratrol help in fighting against cancer. The spice exhibits protection from DNA damage as well.

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Anti-Viral Activity

The shikimic acid in star anise is responsible for its use in the treatment of swine flu and dengue. Oseltamivir, a compound found in star anise, helps in preventing the release of viruses from the host cells and their spread to other cells. Star anise oil has been found to inhibit Herpes simplex virus particles

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Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidant effects of star anise help in scavenging free radicals. Antioxidant components found in star anise are anethole, protocatechuic acid, linalool, shikimic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, alpha-terpinene, and many more.

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Maintains Blood Pressure

Star anise has been shown to help in reducing high blood pressure. Flavonoids in star anise help prevent lipid peroxidation and exhibit anti-hypertensive activities. The trans-anethole in star anise has also been found to be beneficial in reducing blood pressure.

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Boosts Digestive Health

Star anise benefits for digestive health are well-known. It helps treat gastric ulcers, constipation, diarrhea, and colic pain. It has the property of treating loss of appetite and also aids in relaxing the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, exhibiting, anti-spasmodic activity. Animal studies found that blending chamomile and star anise help in reducing the looseness of stools, thereby treating diarrhea.

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Benefits of Star Anise for Skin

Star anise benefits for skin have been proven by several researchers. Extracts from star anise fruit contain skin conditioning components and also help mask unpleasant odors. The anti-inflammatory properties of star anise help treat skin diseases. The skin benefits of star anise also include its anti-aging properties that help treat signs of premature skin aging. The oil extract of star anise helps reduce wrinkles on the skin, increases the production of skin collagen, covers blemishes, and improves the appearance of the skin.

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Benefits of Star Anise for Hair

Shikimic acid is known to be responsible for exhibiting benefits for hair growth. The spice has been found to enhance hair shaft elongation, increase keratinocyte growth factors, and promote hair growth and vascular endothelial growth. Star anise may also be considered as a therapeutic agent for alopecia due to its beneficial effects on hair growth.

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Star Anise Tea: Benefits

Star anise is used for culinary purposes in several homes. Masala chai (tea) is a popular Indian beverage made using star anise. Boosting immunity with its bioactive compounds is an important benefit of star anise in tea.

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Benefits of Star Anise Essential Oil

Analysis of the essential oil of star anise contained about 22 functional compounds. The oil exhibits antimicrobial properties, and because of its fragrance, it is incorporated in the making of soaps, toothpaste, perfumes, and cosmetic products. The oil is effective against productive cough, painful menstrual periods, anorexia, and dyspepsia. Star anise oil is also used to ease lower back pain and rheumatism.

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Conclusion

Star anise is used traditionally in Asian and Chinese medicine for its antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, tonic, stimulant, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Its pleasant flavor and aroma are also used as a natural breath freshener. Hence, this star-shaped spice is a star ingredient for human health.

Benefits of Star Anise - Slideshow