Exploring the Horizon: Unveiling Possible Health Perks of Star Anise
Roam through the perks of star anise, a spice steeped in ancient Chinese medicine. Delve into its antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that might supercharge your health.
Star anise derives from Illicium verum, a diminutive flowering evergreen tree indigenous to China and Vietnam, boasting a unique licorice-flavored fruit. It's a staple in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where practitioners utilize it to alleviate digestive issues, coughs, colds, and various infections.
But is there any scientific backing behind these claims? Let's unravel its potential.
Star anise benefits: CliffsNotes
Star anise's benefits appear far-reaching. It's an integral component of an antiviral medication frequently used during the annual flu season.
Star anise may also display antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Initial research on rodents suggests that star anise may bolster heart health and reduce blood sugar levels. However, further research in humans is needed to verify these effects.
Star anise bonuses
Star anise packs various compounds that may unleash health advantages. Here's where it shines in many crucial areas, according to science.
Nutrition
Star anise offers little nutritional value in the usual serving amounts. It contains zero calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and sodium.
However, it's a rich source of certain plant compounds, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, shikimic acid, linalool, and gallic acid, which may contribute to overall health.
Antifungal
A 2010 laboratory study scrutinized the antifungal properties of star anise essential oil against a type of fungi that attack plants. During the study, researchers found that star anise essential oil presented potent antifungal properties, showing promise as a plant preservative. Applications for human use require more investigation.
Antibacterial
A 2010 laboratory study put star anise to the test against over 50 drug-resistant bacteria. The researchers observed considerable antibacterial activity. Nevertheless, no more recent studies on this effect have surfaced, despite the authors suggesting that their work could pave the way for star anise in antibiotic medications.
Antiviral
Star anise boasts antiviral properties, making an appearance in Tamiflu®, an antiviral drug for influenza A and influenza B. This medication incorporates a molecule called shikimic acid, derived from star anise. In other words, this little star is already positively impacting the medical industry.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants are crucial in preventing cell damage and may protect the body against several diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke, and cataracts.
A 2012 laboratory study examined the chemical extracts of star anise and discovered that flavonoids and polyphenols may possess mild antioxidant properties. While few recent studies are available, it appears star anise may be a potential source of natural antioxidants.
Anti-inflammatory
A 2021 rodent study found that star anise provides anti-inflammatory benefits, focusing on mouth inflammation. The authors suggest that star anise may also reduce inflammation in the smooth muscles of mouse intestines.
Again, large, high-quality research is lacking, and while star anise shows promise, further investigation is necessary before definitive conclusions can emerge.
Cardiovascular health
High levels of fat in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis, where the arterial walls develop plaques of fatty material that impede blood flow. These plaques limit the body's ability to pump blood and increase blood pressure. Atherosclerosis, if unaddressed, could result in a heart attack or stroke.
A 2015 rodent study discovered that the anti-inflammatory properties of star anise may help prevent atherosclerosis. Further testing in different species is needed to determine if any benefit truly exists.
Lower blood sugar
Diabetes is associated with high blood sugar levels, which can cause severe health issues like heart disease, stroke, and problems with vision and nerves.
A 2018 study on yeast cells found that star anise may possess anti-diabetic properties due to its polyphenols, which can help regulate blood pressure, maintain vascular health, and promote good circulation. However, since this was a study on yeast cells, it's hard to conclude how beneficial this effect would be in humans. As a result, more research is needed to see if incorporating star anise into diabetes prevention or management strategies would be advantageous.
Skin health
Star anise may offer some skin benefits, thanks to its antimicrobial properties.
A small 2021 study using 50 participants found that a star anise mouthwash significantly decreases oral bacteria, whereas a 2021 rodent study suggests it could be beneficial for skin infections due to its antimicrobial properties. In addition, as a botanical astringent, star anise may help tighten skin and reduce pore size.
Consuming star anise
Most individuals do not eat star anise on its own but use it as a seasoning in various dishes, imparting a sweet-licorice-peppery flavor. Whole or ground star anise is an excellent addition to savory recipes like soups, stews, broths, and sweet treats like pies and ice cream.
Star anise tea and throat relief
While consuming hot beverages like tea might alleviate a sore throat or help keep a cough at bay, there are no specific benefits linked to star anise tea according to current literature.
Precautions
Although star anise does not have any known side effects, it is essential to be cautious when consuming star anise and avoid Japanese star anise, as it is toxic for human consumption. Both varieties look similar, so it is best to stick to purchasing star anise from the spice shelf at the grocery store.
Star anise cuisine
Prepare your taste buds for these scrumptious star anise-infused dishes.
Star anise and ginger braised chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 pounds chicken
- 1 star anise
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1-inch piece ginger
- 1/3 cup rice wine
- 1/2 cup stock or water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons orange juice
Directions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan, add chicken pieces, and cook until golden brown before transferring to a plate.
- Add star anise, garlic, ginger, rice wine, stock or water, honey, and soy sauce to the pan, then bring to a boil.
- Add orange juice.
- Place the chicken back in the pan, simmer gently for about 15 minutes, turn the chicken pieces, and continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan, skim fat from the surface, continue simmering the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes, then return the chicken to the pan, coat with sauce, and serve.
Star anise milk
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- 2 star anise
Directions
- Combine milk, molasses, and star anise in a pot and gently heat until milk begins to boil, whisking continuously.
- Remove from heat, pour into a mug, and enjoy.
Star anise snickerdoodles
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground star anise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- cinnamon sugar (for dusting)
Directions
- Combine flour, baking powder, ground star anise, salt, and cream of tartar in a bowl and stir.
- In a separate bowl, beat unsalted butter until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat.
- Add egg and mix.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients to form a dough.
- Chill the dough for 1 hour.
- Shape the dough into balls, coat in cinnamon sugar, and bake on baking sheets at 375°F (190.5°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
Summary
Star anise is a centuries-old spice with traditional uses in medicine and cooking. Current scientific studies support its potential uses, particularly due to its bioactive compounds like anethole, shikimic acid, and essential oils. Make star anise a part of your healthy lifestyle, but exercise caution when consuming to avoid harmful varieties.
Star anise offers various potential health benefits, including antiviral properties, used in antiviral medication during the flu season. Its essential oil shows potent antifungal properties, and laboratory studies have observed considerable antibacterial activity. Star anise also boasts antioxidant properties, with laboratory studies indicating that flavonoids and polyphenols may possess mild antioxidant properties. Additionally, studies suggest star anise may provide anti-inflammatory benefits, bolster heart health, and potentially reduce blood sugar levels, although further research is needed to verify these effects. Consuming star anise can be done through various dishes, teas, or even in baked goods, adding a sweet-licorice-peppery flavor.
