Star Anise - An Unsung Hero in the Battle Against Various Types Of Flu, Even H5N1!

Star Anise is the seed pod of the fruit of the Illicium verum plant. It is a star-shaped, dark-brown spice that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Its unique flavor, often described as sweet and licorice-like, is a key ingredient in several recipes and is also used a key ingredient in the Chinese five-spice powder and the popular Vietnamese soup, phở. However, this aromatic spice is more than just a flavor enhancer; it may also offer potential benefits in the fight against various types of flu infection even H5N1 Avian Flu.


 
Star Anise plants are commonly found in China, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, India and Indonesia.
 
Star anise contains a variety of phytochemicals including flavonoids and polyphenols that have medicinal and health benefits including Linalool, Quercetin, Anethol, Shikimic acid, Gallic acid and Limonene.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1658077X14000368
 
All these various phytochemicals in star anise have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24919985/
 
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268187881_Investigation_of_the_antioxidant_activity_of_Illicium_verum_extracts
 
Antiviral properties
Star anise contains a phytochemical compound called shikimic acid, which has been found to possess antiviral properties. Shikimic acid is the crucial precursor in the synthesis of oseltamivir, a drug more commonly known as Tamiflu.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31997473/
 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22445787/
 
https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/the-shortest-recipe-for-tamiflu/3003978.article
 
Oseltamivir is an effective antiviral medication that is widely prescribed to treat and prevent various influenza infections including H5N1 Avian flu infections. By inhibiting the flu virus's ability to replicate, oseltamivir can help reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11270942/
 
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.631211/full
 
https://www.bmj.com/content/348/bmj.g2545
 
7">https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/193547
 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835509/
 
https://www.jstor.org/stable/41418382
 
https://www.jstor.org/stable/40254178
 
https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/11534730-000000000-00000
 
https://www.scielo.br/j/bjid/a/N9pBWKZ4MtQrvgySJkPNw9S/?lang=en
 
Studies have shown that shikimic acid by itself is an effective antiviral against a number of respiratory viruses.
https://benthamopen.com/contents/pdf/TOANTIMJ/TOANTIMJ-2-49.pdf
 
https://www.scienceopen.com/document_file/046a089a-0ff7-4ba8-ab70-341c9081dd64/PubMedCentral/046a089a-0ff7-4ba8-ab70-341c9081dd64.pdf
 
Immune system support
In addition to its antiviral properties, star anise is rich in antioxidants, such as linalool, quercetin, and vitamin C. Antioxidants help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals and boost the immune system's overall function.
 
Linalool, a phytochemical terpene from star anise, besides having antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory properties also has antioxidant properties that is useful for the immune system and is also an anti-tumor agent.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36296521/
 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/linalool
 
A robust immune system is essential for fending off infections, including the flu virus. Consuming star anise can help fortify your immune system, making it better equipped to combat the flu.
 
Anti-inflammatory effects
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to infection, but excessive inflammation can lead to complications and worsened symptoms. Star anise has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, primarily due to the presence of anethole, a compound with a similar structure to that of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen. By reducing inflammation, star anise may help alleviate flu symptoms such as sore throat, fever, and body aches.
https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol15no2/antioxidant-and-anti-inflammatory-activity-of-star-anise-illicium-verum-in-murine-model/
 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8839413/
 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8839413/
 
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2021/5510174/
 
https://www.iscientific.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/13-IJCBS-18-14-13-1.pdf
 
Respiratory relief
Traditional Chinese medicine has long used star anise to treat respiratory ailments, including coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. The spice has expectorant properties, which can help to loosen mucus and phlegm in the respiratory system, thereby providing relief from coughing and congestion. This can be particularly beneficial during a bout of the flu, as respiratory symptoms often accompany the infection.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356913977_Star_Anise_A_Purported_Antiviral_Herb_with_Numerous_Associated_Health_Benefits
 
https://www.rxlist.com/star_anise/supplements.htm
 
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Complete-German-Commission-E-Monographs%3A-Guide-Nathan-Scholten/d05cfe1d70d75f272d29fd2c6a6a095529bfbf05
 
In fact, one study showed that shikimic acid from star anise along with quercetin modulated innate immunity in antiviral terms better than Tamiflu, and hence was more better suited for treating flu infections.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18297698/
 
Two other active ingredients in star anise ie thymol and terpineol also helps relieve cold, cough and any fight irritants which might be attacking the respiratory tract.
 
Safety And Adverse Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has classified star anise as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) for use as a flavoring agent or spice. However, complications may arise when Chinese star anise products are contaminated with Japanese star anise.
 
Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) is highly toxic and should only be utilized for ornamental purposes. Scientific studies have identified potent neurotoxins in Japanese star anise, which can lead to severe health issues such as nausea, hallucinations, and seizures. These adverse effects have predominantly been observed in infants given star anise tea.
 
It has been discovered that manufacturers may adulterate Chinese star anise teas with significant quantities of Japanese star anise. Due to the difficulty in distinguishing between the two species, the FDA has cautioned against consuming brewed teas containing any type of star anise. Since Japanese star anise contamination is a possibility, it is particularly discouraged to use star anise products for infants, children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
 
When purchasing star anise products, ensure that the ingredients originate solely from the Chinese variety. If you cannot confidently verify the ingredients, it is advised to use minimal quantities to prevent star anise poisoning. However, it is best to refrain from buying such products if there is any uncertainty about their origin or purity.
 
Those with spice allergies or mugwort weed pollen allergies may also want to steer clear of star anise.
 
While research has not identified any negative interactions between star anise and FDA-approved supplements or medications, it is still wise to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if using star anise products is suitable based on your medical history.
 
Best Method To Take Star Anise For Flu
Simply boil a cup of water and add 4-5 star anise to it. Let it simmer down well for about 15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before drinking. Your cold and cough fighting drink is ready in minutes!
 
Conclusion
While star anise should not replace conventional medical treatments for the flu, it may provide additional support in the battle against the virus. Its antiviral, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory relief properties make it a valuable ally during flu season. Incorporating star anise into your diet, either as a spice or a tea, may help keep your immune system strong and offer some relief from flu symptoms. As always, consult your healthcare provider before using star anise as a supplement or remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a pre-existing health condition.
 
For more on the health benefits of Star Anise, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.