Dominican Medicinal Plants: A Guide for Health Care Providers

Adverse effects in infants have been reported associated with mothers’ ingestion of a tea for
lactation containing anís along with the other herbs and was linked to symptoms such as drowsiness,
hypotonia, lethargy, emesis and poor suckling in two breast-fed newborns (Rosti et al. 1994). However,
according to Fugh-Berman (2003), these adverse effects were most likely due to other ingredients in the
herbal combination used, such as licorice or goat’s rue rather than anís.
Contraindications: Anís is contraindicated for those with a history of hypersensitivity to the plant due to
possible allergic reaction. The seeds may also be contraindicated during pregnancy due to their estrogenic
effects (Brinker 1998). However, according to Fugh-Berman (2003): “This herb is safe for use in
pregnancy and lactation and is reputed to increase milk production” (p. 13). Caution is advised in patients
with estrogen-dependent cancers or endometriosis due to potential complications arising from the
estrogenic effects of the seed constituents (Kassi et al. 2004, Albert-Puleo 1980) .
Drug Interactions: Avoid use if taking anticoagulant medications, NSAIDS and antiplatelet drugs due to
potential for excessive bleeding as a result of interaction with coumarin derivatives. Warfarin: anise may
potentiate the effects of this drug and could potentially lead to increased risk of bleeding (Heck et al.
2000).
SCIENTIFIC LITERATURE
Anís (Pimpinella anisum) or aniseed is considered “a very safe herb used as a flavoring agent and
medicinally in children and adults for coughs and gastrointestinal disorders” although few clinical trials of
its use have been identified in the literature (Fugh-Berman 2003). One open clinical trial has confirmed its
use as a topical pediculicidal treatment for head lice (Mumcuoglu 2002). Laboratory and preclinical
studies have shown the following effects: anticonvulsant, antidiuretic, antifungal, antimicrobial,
antispasmodic, estrogenic, expectorant, iron absorption increased, morphine effect reduction, mutagenic,
pediculicidal, pharmacokinetic, phase II enzyme induction and smooth muscle relaxant (see “Laboratory
and Preclinical Data” table below). Secondary references indicate that the following additional effects
have been demonstrated in preclinical laboratory and/or animal studies: antiflatulent, hypotensive, liver
regenerative, muscle stimulant and insecticidal (Gruenwald et al. 2004).
Active constituents responsible for the estrogenic effects of the seed have been identified as
polymers of anethole (i.e. dianethole and photoanethole; Albert-Puleo 1980). The seeds are rich in iron
and calcium (Brinker 1998). In an elimination study of the pharmacokinetics of the primary active
constituent of the essential oil, E-anethole, 70-85% of this compound was absorbed after oral
administration, and it was shown to be excreted via the kidneys and lungs and metabolized by an
oxidative pathway to 4-methoxyhippuric acid (ESCOP 1997).
Indications and Usage: Approved by the German Commission E for the following health conditions:
common cold, cough/bronchitis, fevers, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, dyspeptic disorders and
loss of appetite (Blumenthal et al. 1998). For gastrointestinal disorders, the plant is taken internally,
whereas for upper or lower respiratory tract infections it is used both internally and externally. The
TRAMIL classification for internal use of the seed decoction is “INV” meaning that more studies are
needed before recommending it for clinical use (Germosén-Robineau 1995).
Typical dosage for internal administration as a tea is 1 teaspoon seeds per 1 cup boiling water, up
to three times daily. For infants, 1 teaspoon seeds added to bottle. This herb is also used externally via
inhalation of the essential oil (Gruenwald et al. 2004). Common dosage forms as reported in Fugh-
Berman (2003) are as follows: dried fruit - 0.5 to 1 g three times daily; infusion - made from 0.5 to 5 g
crushed or coarsely powdered fruit 1-3 times daily. For children, 1 to 2 g daily may be administered as an
infusion or 1 tsp of the infusion may be added to the child’s bottle.
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