Pimpinella anisum - Free Courseware at UWC

Unani Tibb Name
Aneesun
Common Name
Anis, anis seed
Pimpinella anisum
Parts Used
Ripe dried fruits and the essential oils, distilled from the ripe fruits
Temperament
Hot and dry
Description
A sparse, erect annual, up to 0.5m, bearing leaves on slender stalks. The basal leaves are
more or less round and undivided. Numerous small white flowers are borne in a a typical
umbel, and are followed by small greyish green fruits.
Origin
Eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia but cultivated worldwide.
Specific organs and possible humour affected
Stomach, spleen, lungs, kidney. Negatively affects the billious humour.
Main Constituents
The fruit yields upto 5% essential oil, in which trans-anethole is the dominant compoud (up to
90%) and also responsible for the taste and smell. Minor constituentsof the oil include
estagole, anise ketone, anisaldehyde and anisic acid. Oil stored at room temperature and
exposed to light may produce small amounts of 4;4'- dimethoxystilbene, an oestrogen
Pharmacology
Anethole has documented expectorant, antispasmodic and antimicrobial activities. The
carminative effect is less pronounced than with other oils (caraway, fennel). Distinct
expectorant activity is linked to the ability of anethole to stimulate ciliary movement of the
bronchial epithelium.

Uses & Indication
The fruit and the oil are the traditional remedy for catarrh of the respiratory tract (colds and flu,
cough, bronchitis) and also for dyspeptic complaints (indigestion, flatulence, colic). At high
doses, the oil is antiseptic and antispasmodic, and has been used as a stimulating liniment
and against ectoparasites. Many cough remedied and other medicinal products contain
aniseed extract or aniseed oil, not only for its medicinal properties (antitussive, expectorant)
but also to improve the flavour and taste.
Dosage and mode of administration
A tea is prepared from 3g of ripe fruits, crushed immediately before use. The daily dose
should not exceed 5g of the fruit or 0.3g of oil.
Infusions and galenical preparations for internal use or inhalation.
Precaution
Occasional allergic reactions of the skin, respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract.
REFERENCE
1.Medicinal Plants of the World - Ben-Erik Van Wyk / Micheal Wink
2.books.google.co.za/books?isbn=0941524272... -