WHAT IS STAR ANISE EXTRACT?
Star anise extract is a natural botanical concentrate prized for its diverse uses and health-supporting properties. Rich in bioactive constituents, it is often included in dietary supplements aimed at digestive and immune support, and it is also used in personal care formulations such as soaps and natural oral-care products. The extract’s warm, woody flavor pairs well with cinnamon, ginger and clove. Star anise is a notable source of shikimic acid and contains vitamins, particularly A and C, that contribute to general wellness and cardiovascular support. It is also traditionally associated with promoting healthy sleep and supporting digestion.
The key constituents in star anise shikimic acid extracts include flavonoids, steroids, organic acids and volatile oils, with shikimic acid being a principal component.
BASIC INFORMATION
Product name: Star Anise Extract
Part used: Fruit (star anise)
Physical and chemical properties
- Appearance: White powder — Conforms (visual)
- Particle size: ≥95% through 80 mesh — Conforms (screening)
- Residue on ignition: ≤1 g/100 g — Test result: 0.50 g/100 g (method: 550°C / 4 hrs)
- Loss on drying: ≤5 g/100 g — Test result: 3.91 g/100 g (method: 105°C / 2 hrs)
- Identification: Conforms (TLC)
- Content: Shikimic acid 98% — Result: 0.9834 (HPLC)
Residue analysis
- Heavy metals (total): ≤10 mg/kg — Conforms
- Lead (Pb): ≤1.00 mg/kg — Conforms (ICP-MS)
- Arsenic (As): ≤1.00 mg/kg — Conforms (ICP-MS)
- Cadmium (Cd): ≤1.00 mg/kg — Conforms (ICP-MS)
- Mercury (Hg): ≤0.50 mg/kg — Conforms (ICP-MS)
Microbiological tests
- Total plate count: ≤1000 cfu/g — Result: 200 cfu/g (AOAC 990.12)
- Yeast & mold: ≤100 cfu/g — Result: 10 cfu/g (AOAC 997.02)
- E. coli: Negative / 10 g — Conforms (AOAC 991.14)
- Salmonella: Negative / 10 g — Conforms (AOAC 998.09)
- Staphylococcus aureus: Negative / 10 g — Conforms (AOAC 2003.07)
STAR ANISE EXTRACT BENEFITS
Antibacterial and antifungal activity (in vitro)
Alcoholic extracts of star anise show inhibitory effects against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi. Components such as methyl piperonyl alcohol contribute to this activity. Aqueous decoctions have demonstrated activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The inhibitory profile against organisms like Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae and pneumococcus is comparable to penicillin potassium at 20 units/ml; comparable to streptomycin sulfate at 50 units/ml for Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, paratyphi and Shigella; and the anti-parasitic activity can exceed that of 1% benzoic acid and salicylic acid.Estrogen-like activity
Anisole derivatives in star anise extract have been reported to exhibit estrogen-like effects, with activity measured in standard bioassays at approximately 50 mouse units or 100 rat units.Leukocyte-enhancing effects
Both anisole and methyl piperonyl alcohol have been observed to increase white blood cell counts. For example, intramuscular administration of anisole (reported doses around 200–300 mg in dogs) produced leukocytosis. In rabbits and monkeys, an intramuscular dose of 100 mg induced a noticeable increase in white cells within 24 hours. When administered alongside cyclophosphamide or other alkylating agents, these components can mitigate myelosuppression, reduce toxicity, improve survival, shorten the leukopenic period and aid recovery from drug-induced leukopenia.Enzyme-modulating effects
Methanol extracts rich in shikimic acid from star anise showed dose-dependent modulation of plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in animal models of septic shock induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha, indicating potential hepatoprotective or enzyme-regulatory activity.Effects on the nervous, digestive and respiratory systems
Methyl piperonyl alcohol demonstrates sedative and antispasmodic properties. Volatile oil components such as anisole can act as mild stimulants, promoting gastrointestinal motility and relieving abdominal discomfort. Star anise extract also stimulates secretory cells in the respiratory tract, increasing secretion and acting as an expectorant.
STAR ANISE EXTRACT USES
- Because of its broad pharmacological profile, star anise extract is used in health-care and nutraceutical applications.
- It is also used in the food industry as an ingredient or flavoring raw material for food products.
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