Star anise is the seed pod from the fruit of the Illicium verum plant, an evergreen shrub native to Southwest China.
The star anise pod, which is shaped like a star (hence its name), has an average of eight points, each containing a single pea-sized seed. Both the seeds and the pod are used in cooking and contain the sweet, potent anise flavor.
Star anise is sold whole and ground.
The distinctive flavor is derived from anethol, the same oil found in anise seed giving both a licorice taste.
Chinese medicine has used star anise for centuries, and Western medicine has recently begun to recognize this spice’s pharmacological and antimicrobial properties.
Star anise contains shikimic acid, a compound that is found in Tamiflu, a treatment for influenza, and thus the spice has been used to treat coughs and flu-like symptoms.
Star anise is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C which help against diabetes and early signs of aging.
It has also been shown to improve digestion, reducing bloating and gas, indigestion, and constipation.
In recent years, microorganisms have developed multiple drug resistance and causes serious infections.
There is a challenge for the scientists to develop new generation antibiotics which will be able to overcome the crisis.
Star anise has a sedative property and may be helpful for people with sleep disorders.
