selected medicinal plants - World Health Organization

WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants
Precautions
Carcinogenesis, mutagenesis, impairment of fertility
A chloroform–methanol (2:1) extract of the fruits was not mutagenic in
concentrations up to 100.0 mg/plate in the Salmonella/microsome assay
using S. typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100, with or without metabolic
activation. A 95% ethanol extract was also without mutagenic activity
in the same test system (40).
An essential oil prepared from the fruits was cytotoxic to human lymphocytes
in vitro, and was active in the chromosome aberration and sister
chromatid exchange tests in the same system. The oil was inactive in the
Drosophila melanogaster somatic mutation and recombination test in vivo
(41).
Pregnancy: non-teratogenic effects
See Contraindications.
Nursing mothers
See Contraindications.
Other precautions
No information available on general precautions or precautions concerning
drug interactions; drug and laboratory test interactions; teratogenic
effects during pregnancy; or paediatric use.
Dosage forms
Dried fruits for teas, essential oil and other galenical preparations for internal
applications. Store in a tightly sealed container away from heat and
light.
Posology
(Unless otherwise indicated)
Average daily dose: Fructus Anethi 3 g; essential oil 0.1–0.3 g; or equivalent
for other preparations (25).
References
1. African pharmacopoeia. Vol. 1. Lagos, Organization of African Unity, Scientifi
c, Technical and Research Commission, 1985.
2. The Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India. Part I. Vol. II. New Delhi, Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Indian System of Medicine
and Homeopathy, 1999.
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