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Star Anise: A Purported Antiviral Herb with Numerous Associated Health Benefits

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Star anise belongs to the Schisandraceae family. About 166 varieties exist, and 42 species are grown in the tropics of East Asia and Southeast Asia. Many beneficial effects of star anise have been established, including ameliorating the symptoms of rheumatism and joint pain, warding off insects (insect repellant), lessening cold and flu symptoms, and potentially acting as an antioxidant against reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, preventing DNA damage, and expressing a DPPHH radical scavenging effect. Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, star anise has been used as a natural immune-booster and antiviral in teas and aerosol sprays. (Star anise oil is used for fragrance in soap, cosmetics, and perfume manufacturing.) However, more in-depth and extensive research needs to be conducted, investigating the efficacy of star anise's purported beneficial properties. This review discusses the distinctions between the varieties of anise, indications and beneficial effects, modes of application and administration, and contraindications and precautions.
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OPEN ACCESS EC EC CLINICAL AND MEDICAL CASE REPORTSCLINICAL AND MEDICAL CASE REPORTS
Review Article
Nicholas A Kerna1,2*, Joseph Anderson II3, Kevin D Pruitt4,5, John V Flores6,7, Mary Ann Christy Ortigas8, ND Victor
Carsrud9, Hilary M Holets6,7, Raymond Nomel10, Uzoamaka Nwokorie11 and Dorathy Nwachukwu12
1SMC–Medical Research, Thailand
2First InterHealth Group, Thailand
3International Institute of Original Medicine, USA
4Kemet Medical Consultants, USA
5PBJ Medical Associates, LLC, USA
6Beverly Hills Wellness Surgical Institute, USA
7Orange Partners Surgicenter, USA
8University of Nevada, USA
9Lakeline Wellness Center, USA
10All Saints University, College of Medicine, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
11University of Washington, USA
12Georgetown American University, Guayana
*Corresponding Author: Nicholas A Kerna, (mailing address) POB47 Phatphong, Suriwongse Road, Bangkok, Thailand 10500.
Contact: medpublab+drkerna@gmail.com.
Received: September 13, 2021; Published: November 30, 2021
Star Anise: A Purported Antiviral Herb with Numerous

Citation: Kerna NA, Anderson II J, Pruitt KD, Flores JV, Ortigas MAC, Carsrud NDV, Holets HM, Nomel R, Nwokorie U, Nwachukwu D. “Star
EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports 4.12 (2021): 63-73.
Abstract
Star anise belongs to the Schisandraceae family. About 166 varieties exist, and 42 species are grown in the tropics of East Asia and

      
reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis, preventing DNA damage, and expressing a DPPHH
radical scavenging effect.
Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, star anise has been used as a natural immune-booster and antiviral in teas and
aerosol sprays. (Star anise oil is used for fragrance in soap, cosmetics, and perfume manufacturing.) However, more in-depth and
-
     
and contraindications and precautions.
Keywords: Antifungal; Antiviral; Carcinopreventive; Herbal Remedy; Herpes Simplex; Immune Response; Prophylaxis
Abbreviations
ATWE: Ambient Temperature Water Extract; BWE: Boiling Water Extract; CNS: Central Nervous System; MFC: Minimum Fungicidal Con-
centration; NDEA: Nitrosodiethylamine; OSP: Oseltamivir Phosphate; ROS: Reactive Oxygen Species; SAWRE: Star Anise Waste Residue
Extract
DOI: 10.31080/eccmc.2021.04.00484
Citation: Kerna NA, Anderson II J, Pruitt KD, Flores JV, Ortigas MAC, Carsrud NDV, Holets HM, Nomel R, Nwokorie U, Nwachukwu D. “Star
EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports 4.12 (2021): 63-73.

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Introduction
Star anise (Illicium verum) is an evergreen tree that bears star-shaped fruits. It is distributed widely throughout Southwestern Asia.
Apart from being an important spice, it is well-known for its potent antiviral effects. It is the source of shikimic acid, the substrate for the
-
nized as having antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anthelmintic, insecticidal, antinociceptive, gastroprotective, sedative, estrogenic,

The spice was introduced in Europe by English navigator Sir Thomas Cavendish in 1578 CE. The plant is native to South China and
Vietnam. The history of star anise dates back to about 100 BCE. It is used in soups, stews, broths, and baking. The taste is licoricey and is

essential part of the quintessential garam masala of Indian households. It is also used as a scent in cleansers, beauty care products, and

Anise varieties
   
Species include Illicium Mexicana (Mexican anise), I. anisatum, I. floridanum, I. parviflorum, and I. lancedatum  The name Illicium comes

Indonesia, Vietnam, and Jamaica. Illicium verum is a well-known source of carbohydrates, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, and a rich source of
minerals (sodium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron, and copper). The commercial production of star anise is restricted to China
and Vietnam. The optimal conditions for growth are woodlands with sunny edges with variegated shade, soil-rich humus, and a neutral
pH. Even though star anise can grow under diverse climatic conditions, it should be protected from low temperature, supplied with ample

The varieties of anise include common anise, star anise, Japanese star anise, and other similar plants with corresponding names. Avail-
able information on the varieties, regions cultivated, and uses are given in Table 1.
Variety Regions cultivated Uses and indications
Common anise–Pimpinella anisum Eastern Mediterranean region 
-

Star anise–Illicium verum East and Southeast Asia Asthma, bronchitis, breath freshener, rheuma-

Table 1: Uses and indications of different varieties of anise.

Star anise has multiple uses, from being a culinary spice to a wide array of pharmacological applications.

In a study by Astani A., et al. (2011), the essential oil of star anise was found to have antiviral effects against the herpes simplex virus
in vitro  
virus particles in viral suspension assays. The presence of phytoconstituent anethole in abundance is responsible for positive viral inhibi-
Citation: Kerna NA, Anderson II J, Pruitt KD, Flores JV, Ortigas MAC, Carsrud NDV, Holets HM, Nomel R, Nwokorie U, Nwachukwu D. “Star
EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports 4.12 (2021): 63-73.

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tion. On pretreatment with star anise oil, it was observed that the viral infectivity was reduced by more than 99%. The active ingredients
directly inactivate the virus by opposing the virion envelope physicality or masking the structures necessary for entry adsorption. The ef-


In vitro evaluation of antiviral activity is generally carried out using a viral yield reduction assay, cytopathic effect reduction assay, and
plaque reduction assay. The viral activity is assessed through IC50 values, and antiviral SI essential oils obtained from star anise have dem-
onstrated high anti-herpes simplex type-1 activities in vitro. The essential oil of star anise is the most potent with an IC50 value of 1µg/mL
and an SI value of 160 among the tested extracts for antiviral effect. Star anise oil exhibited the most potent activity within an IC50 value

-
tion of extracellular virus particles, prevention of attachment and entry of the virus into the host cell, prevention of replication of the viral
genomic sequence, aversion of the synthesis of viral protein, and obstruction of the assembly or release of new infectious virions, thereby

Condition 
Herpes simplex virus-1 IC50 of 1 µg/ml and SI of 160, intracellular
Herpes simplex virus-2 IC50 of 1 µg/ml and SI of 160, intracellular
 Shikimic acid in vitro
Dengue Shikimic acid in vitro
 Sesquiterpene CC50 -160 ± 30.7, EC50 -1 ± 0.1
Table 2: Viral diseases that respond to star anise [12,13].
Star anise prophylactic applications
In a study undertaken by Yadav and Bhatnagar (2007), star anise was assessed for its potential to act as an anticarcinogen. The
study was conducted by inducing carcinogenesis with a single dose of nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) for approximately 14 weeks. NDEA

incidence and multiplicity at 20 weeks. Furthermore, it restored hepatic erythrocyte superoxide dismutase levels, decreased tumor
burden and oxidative stress, and increased phase-II enzymes. The anti-cancerous effect was attributed to anethole, and the effects were

Elmasry., et al. (2018) conducted a rat study exploring probable prophylactic effects of star anise extracts on the alterations of sexual
hormones, sperm abnormalities, the toxicity of testes, sperm count, and testicular damage caused by equigan. When administered with

Illicium verum has antimicrobial, antifungal, anthelmintic, and insecticidal properties. The trans-anethole present in Illicium ve-
rum is responsible for these properties. Illicium verum is an effective antifungal agent against plant pathogenic fungi, such as Pythium
aphanidermatum and Botryodiplodia theobromae. The essential oil from Illicium verum demonstrates a broad spectrum of inhibitory

 -

Citation: Kerna NA, Anderson II J, Pruitt KD, Flores JV, Ortigas MAC, Carsrud NDV, Holets HM, Nomel R, Nwokorie U, Nwachukwu D. “Star
EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports 4.12 (2021): 63-73.

66
anti-hypertensive and anti-arthritic activity due to the hydroxyl group that mediates redox reactions and scavenges free radicals, thereby
Illicium verum

Free radicals determine the extent of DNA damage and are precursors to carcinogenesis. Studies showed that both ambient tempera-
ture water extract (ATWE) and boiling water extract (BWE) of star anise extracts are rich in carbohydrates and polyphenols. Aqueous
extracts are antioxidants at a dosage of 25 µg and protect DNA against peroxide, mainly due to the high content of polyphenols and car-
bohydrates, along with the combined effect of all phytochemicals. Dinesha R., et al. (2019). indicated that star anise extracts reduced the

Star anise in combating multidrug resistance
The increasing incidence of multidrug resistance has led to the need for the development of immune modulators. Star anise waste
residue extract (SAWRE) was tested against numerous isolates belonging to two gram-positive and four gram-negative organisms. The
gram-positive organisms included Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumonia. The gram-negative organisms included Klebsi-
ella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 


Illicium verum, apart from being antiviral, effectively mitigates many illnesses, some of which are listed below (Table 3) .
 Condition
Antibacterial 
Antifungal 
Carminative 
 
Anti-aging 
Antioxidant 
Chemopreventive 
Galactagogue 
Sleep aid 
Table 3: Certain health benefits and other conditions that respond to star anise.
Common conditions treated with star anise
The property of star anise as a stomachic is used to treat loss of appetite. It is also used as an expectorant and has anti-spasmodic activ-
ity in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby playing a role in relaxing smooth muscles. The high anethole content of about 75.76% is credited
with healing properties in respiratory infections, such as bronchitis. It is helpful as an antiseptic, stimulant, antidiabetic and hypotensive.
The seeds are a rich source of B complex vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin A. The spice acts as a breath freshener, and it is an effective

Citation: Kerna NA, Anderson II J, Pruitt KD, Flores JV, Ortigas MAC, Carsrud NDV, Holets HM, Nomel R, Nwokorie U, Nwachukwu D. “Star
EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports 4.12 (2021): 63-73.

67
Star anise COVID-19 research
Following the onset of COVID-19, the public has resorted to supplementing social distancing norms with herbal decoctions. Star anise
has been infused in many homes as an antiviral agent, and ingested as tea to boost and maintain immunity. As a neuraminidase inhibitor,
Illicium verum, prevents the release of newly formed viruses from the surface of host cells. thus
   







    



Illicium verum    


An extensive quantitative and qualitative analysis of the essential oils of Illicium verum by Huang., et al.-

50) values between 0.07 milligram per ml to 0.25 milligram

The antifungal activity was examined by a vapor contact assay method. The results revealed a 94% decrease in mycelia owing to the

cosmetics, perfumes, and toothpaste. The oil is also effective in treating dyspepsia, productive cough, painful periods, and anorexia.
In a study by Vermaak I., et al. (2019), the antifungal activity of star anise was measured against two strains, such as Aspergillus fumi-
gatus and Aspergillus niger, using the agar-disk-diffusion-test method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum
fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined. The absolute methanol showed MIC and MFC values of about 31.2 and the highest
inhibitory effect (p < 0.05, 71%) against A. fumigatus
According to Madhu CS., et al. (2014), the antioxidant activity of star anise is due to the presence of its high polyphenol content. Car-


Star anise dosage
The suggested dosage guidelines for star anise consumption are as follows:
Citation: Kerna NA, Anderson II J, Pruitt KD, Flores JV, Ortigas MAC, Carsrud NDV, Holets HM, Nomel R, Nwokorie U, Nwachukwu D. “Star
EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports 4.12 (2021): 63-73.

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• As a tea: 1 cup consumed orally, 4 times a day, the tea is prepared by boiling 0.5 to 1 gm of seeds in 150 ml of water for about
120 minutes and then strained.
• Star anise powder: 3g per day consumed orally.
• 
Star anise is considered safe due to its low veranisatin content; however, it may cause neurotoxicity when administered in higher
seizures, irritability, hyperexcitability, emesis, vertical nystagmus, and myoclonic move-
ments 
Star anise contraindications
      

In a study conducted by Ize-Ludlow., et al. (2004), Chinese star anise increased adverse neurological reactions in seven infants after
ingestion. The infants who ingested more than the prescribed dose reported malaise, nausea, and vomiting about two to four hours after

Star anise toxicity
Toxicity studies in mice showed lethal effects at a dose of 3 mg/kg in mice. Illicium verum possesses potent central nervous system

Chinese star anise has been generally regarded as being nontoxic and safe. However, Japanese star anise has been well documented
to cause both neurologic and gastrointestinal toxicity. There are numerous cases of Chinese anise being adulterated with Japanese anise,

Star anise drug interactions
Illicium verum may interact with antiepileptic medications due to the presence of the neurotoxin animation (I. anisatum—a Japanese
variety). The Chinese variety also contains veanisatins A, B, and C, which may interfere with regular CNS activity and cause seizures, loss

Star anise research studies
Fritz., et al. (2008) described the anatomical differences between Illicium verum and Illicium anisatum and established their relevance
et al. (2002) performed a component analysis of volatile oil derived from Illicium
verum fruit from which 14 hydrocarbon, 22 oxygenated hydrocarbon derivatives, and a small number of nitrogenous compounds were

of leaves Illicium verum et al. (2009) reported the toxicity of essential oils obtained from Illicium verum
beetle Tribolium castaneum Illicium ve-
rum fruit against Blattella germanica
Star anise sources (where to buy star anise)


Citation: Kerna NA, Anderson II J, Pruitt KD, Flores JV, Ortigas MAC, Carsrud NDV, Holets HM, Nomel R, Nwokorie U, Nwachukwu D. “Star
EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports 4.12 (2021): 63-73.

69
             
Japanese star anise is highly toxic due to anisatin, a neurotoxin (GABA antagonist). Ingestion may lead to seizures, respiratory distress,


    -
ducted, using star anise as a solitary or an adjuvant antiviral. The chemopreventive property needs to be analyzed on a large-scale basis to
gain conclusive evidence about developing an antioxidant formulation that will combat reactive oxygen species, reduce oxidative stress,

There is a broad scope for research on star anises, such as polysaccharide extraction, the development of antifungal molecules as a
solitary source, or in combinations. Such studies may provide a wide array of prospective bio-actives to be isolated and add to the emerg-
ing potency of Illicium verum, an antiviral, antifungal, chemoprotective, hepatoprotective, stomachic, and analgesic agent. The results from

Conclusion
Star anise (Illicium verum) is an evergreen tree that bears star-shaped fruits. It is recognized for its potent antiviral effects and is a
         
Star anise is known to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anthelmintic, insecticidal, antinociceptive, gastroprotective, sedative,
estrogenic, expectorant, secretolytic, and spasmolytic properties. Also, it has been evaluated for its potential as an anticarcinogen. The
property of star anise as a stomachic is applied to treat loss of appetite. It is also used as an expectorant and has anti-spasmodic activity in
the gastrointestinal tract, thereby performing a role in relaxing smooth muscles. Regarding COVID-19, star anise has been infused in many

Although star anise is readily available, consumers should take heed of the geographical sources where it is grown, the manufacturing
practices, and if it is produced in an FDA-approved facility or not. It is consequential to note that Japanese star anise is highly toxic due to
anisatin, a neurotoxin (antagonist). Ingestion may result in seizures, respiratory distress, and death.
     
using star anise as a solitary or an adjuvant antiviral. Its chemopreventive properties need to be analyzed on a large-scale basis to gain
conclusive evidence about developing an antioxidant formulation that will combat reactive oxygen species, reduce oxidative stress, inhibit
apoptosis, and prevent DNA damage due to its DPPHH radical scavenging effect.

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Volume 4 Issue 12 December 2021
©2021. All rights reserved by Nicholas A Kerna.
... It possesses a multitude 2 of 12 of beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, and anti-nociceptive effects, and it has a unique and distinctive flavor due to the presence of essential oils [9]. I. verum has been demonstrated to alleviate rheumatism and joint pain, repel insects, reduce cold and flu symptoms, and can act as an antioxidant by combating oxidative stress, inhibiting cell death, preventing DNA damage and scavenging free radicals [10]. The potential clinical applications of I. verum in RA treatment include its ability to modulate the immune response and reduce joint inflammation. ...
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Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The fruits of Illicium verum, which is a medicinal and edible resource, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of I. verum extracts (IVEs) on human RA fibroblasts-like synoviocytes (RA-FLS) by using a sensitive and selective ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with high-definition mass spectrometry (UPLC-HDMS) method. We subsequently analyzed the metabolites produced after the incubation of cultured RA-FLS with IVEs. Results: IVEs inhibited the proliferation and suppressed the migration of RA-FLS, and reduced the levels of inflammatory factors including TNF-α and IL-6. Twenty differential metabolites responsible for the effects of IVEs were screened and annotated based on the UPLC-HDMS data by using a cell metabolomics approach. Discussion: Our findings suggest that treating RA-FLS with IVEs can regulate lipid and amino acid metabolism, indicating that this extract has the potential to modify the metabolic pathways that cause inflammation in RA. Conclusions: This might lead to novel therapeutic strategies for managing patients with RA.
... In addition, star anise has strong antiviral activities, particularly for influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 H1N1 (PR8) . Following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, star anise has been ingested as tea as a supplement to enhance immunity (Kerna & Anderson, 2021). However, the potential molecular mechanisms of its effect on COVID-19 are unknown. ...
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has exhibited promising preventive and therapeutic attributes against COVID‐19. This study aims to investigate the active constituents within star anise and elucidate their mechanisms in combatting COVID‐19, employing a combination of GC‐MS analysis, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques. Various extraction methods were employed to obtain star anise compounds, which were subsequently subjected to GC‐MS analysis. A comprehensive star anise and COVID‐19‐related genomic network was established through Swiss Target Prediction and disease‐gene databases. Network pharmacology analysis unveiled the significant prominence of common core targets, namely TLR4, PTGS2, RELA, and ESR1. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses revealed that star anise may exert its preventive effects against COVID‐19 by modulating immune responses, apoptosis, and viral infections. Molecular docking investigations provided compelling evidence of substantial interactions between the active compounds found in star anise and the key target proteins. In summary, this work has the potential to offer new avenues and a theoretical foundation for a more in‐depth understanding of the multicomponents, multitarget, and multipathway properties of star anise in preventing COVID‐19.
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Introduction: Star anise has traditional usages and multiple applications in botany, chemistry, pharmacology and therapy. Chinese star anise has antioxidant, antibacterial, fungicidal, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic and anti-nociceptive effects. Methods: A literature search was conducted in Medline, PubMed, Science direct and Google scholar databases. Results: The seeds are good source of the minerals calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc and magnesium. The seeds are also a good source of the essential B-complex vitamins pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Chinese star anise is also a good source of anti-oxidant vitamins including Vitamin-C and Vitamin-A. The essential oil of Chinese star anise contains anethole which has shown several functional properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and oestrogenic properties. Chinese star anise also contains shikimic acid, which has become a major weapon against global influenza. Moreover, it contains bioactive compounds possessing insecticidal properties which can be used as natural grain protectants. The most important compounds of Chinese star anise are α
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Introduction Star anise fruits (Illicium verum Hook.) have been used as an important treatment in traditional Chinese medicine. The previous studies reported the activity of the non-polar fractions as potential sources of antibacterial metabolites, and little was done concerning the polar fractions of star anise. Methods The antibacterial activity of the star anise aqueous methanolic (50%) extract against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii AB5057 and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA USA300) was investigated in vitro (disc diffusion assay, minimum bactericidal concentration determination, anti-biofilm activity and biofilm detachment activity). The antibacterial activity was further tested in vivo using a murine model of MRSA skin infection. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC/HRMS) approach was applied for the identification of the metabolites responsible for the antibacterial activity. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using five in vitro assays: TAC (total antioxidant capacity), DPPH, ABTS, FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and iron-reducing power. Results In vitro, star anise aqueous methanolic extract showed significant inhibition and detachment activity against biofilm formation by the multidrug-resistant and highly virulent Acinetobacter baumannii AB5057 and MRSA USA300. The topical application of the extract in vivo significantly reduced the bacterial load in MRSA-infected skin lesions. The extract showed strong antioxidant activity using five different complementary methods. More than seventy metabolites from different classes were identified: phenolic acids, phenylpropanoids, sesquiterpenes, tannins, lignans and flavonoids. Conclusion This study proposes the potential use of star anise polar fraction in anti-virulence strategies against persistent infections and for the treatment of staphylococcal skin infections as a topical antimicrobial agent. To our knowledge, our research is the first to provide the complete polar metabolome list of star anise in an approach to understand the relationship between the chemistry of these metabolites and the proposed antibacterial activity.
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At the time of this writing, the COVID-19 pandemic will have infected more than 12 million people and taken the lives of nearly 600,000 individuals world-wide [1]. While containment and treatment strategies have focused primarily on social distancing, therapeutics, and vaccines, the pandemic has also revealed serious underlying vulnerabilities in individuals infected by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The vulnerable aspects include advanced age, obesity [and its comorbidities, diabetes and chronic heart diseases], systemic coagulopathy or thrombosis [2], acute respiratory failure (e.g., hypoxia), inflammation, immunodeficiency, and neuropathologies [3,4]. The evidence for vulnerable people is supported by early reports on the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States that revealed ethnic, racial, and socio-economic disparities that resulted in some sectors of the population being disproportionally affected by COVID-19. Some of the sectors showing disproportionate rates of infection and death included men, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Blacks, Latinos, older adults, recent immigrants, and individuals with low income [5,6]. What is largely missed by the public, researchers, and healthcare providers is how nutrition and food intersect with this multiplicity of COVID-19 symptoms and disparities, in different ways and to different degrees.
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Botanical insecticides keep attracting more attention from environmental and small farmers worldwide as they are considered as a suitable alternative to synthetic insecticides. The outstanding properties of pyrethrum include rapid action, low mammalian toxicity, broad spectrum of activity, lack of insect immunity, lack of persistence and of course effective insect repellent. Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide which has many properties, but the most important are rapid action, very low toxicity for mammalian, lack of insect immunity, broad of activity, lack of persistence and quick degradation by UV-sunlight and very effective insect repellent. Using natural pesticide may lead to organic farming, and advantage of organic farming is more beneficial to biodiversity and the environment, which reduces dietary exposure to pesticides. Chinese star anise has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characters. It is useful in treatment of diseases like asthma, bronchitis and dry cough. One of its most compounds is Shikimic acid which is used as a drug in curing influenza and flu virus. It also consists of Linalool which is good for overall health because of its anti-oxidants characters. Its seeds are good source of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc, and magnesium. The seeds are a great source of essential B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Chinese star anise is also a good source of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A. The essential oil of Star anise contains anethole which has shown several functional properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and oestrogenic properties. Star anise primarily contains anethole and fatty oil. Its essential oil has a sweetish, burning flavor and a highly aromatic odor. Organic farmers may use these two ancient Chinese herbs which can lead to industrial sustainability.
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Star anise (Illicium verum Hook. f.) is an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine as well as traditional Asian medicine. The fruit is aromatic and has a strong, pungent and mildly sweet taste. Star anise is one of the many species that contain bioactive compounds as well as a number of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, having antioxidant, preservative and antimicrobial properties. All relevant papers in the English language from researchers of different countries were collected. The keywords of Chinese star anise, anise, traditional Chinese medicine and modern pharmaceutical science were searched in Google Scholar, Scopus, Research Gate and PubMed. Its seeds are good source of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc, and magnesium. The essential oil of Chinese star anise contains anethole which has shown several functional properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and oestrogenic properties. Due to all positive characteristics, such as antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant activities, anticancer and antimicrobial properties, both seeds and essential oils of anise is promising for safe use as super food supplements and raw constituents in the both pharmaceutical and food industries. Anise seed oil contains anethol, estragole, eugenol, pseudisoeugenol, methyl chavicol and anisaldehyde, coumarins, scopoleting, umbelliferon, estrols, terpene hydrocarbons, and polyacetylenes as the major compounds. The plant oil has both pharmacological and clinical effects. The pharmacological effects consist of antimicrobial, hepatopreotective, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, bronchodilator, estrogenic, expectorant and insecticidal effects, and clinical effects such as nausea, constipation, menopausal period, virus, diabetes, obesity and sedative action. Combined with a nutritious diet, other traditional Chinese and Asian medicine, Chinese star anise and ansie seed may improve various aspects of health. More clinical studies are necessary to uncover the numerous substances and their effects in ginseng that contribute to public health.
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Equigan is an anabolic steroid that has been developed for veterinary use and derived from endogenous sex hormone testosterone that plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissue as well as in puberty and spermatogenesis. The current study is aimed to investigate the possible prophylactic effect of star anise extracts (SAE) on the toxicity of rat testes, sexual hormones alternations, sperm count, sperm abnormalities and testicular DNA damage by Equigan. Forty adult male rats were equally divided into four groups (1st Control group, 2nd SAE group, 3rd Equigan and 4th Equigan+SAE group). Food and fluid intakes, relative body weight, potassium, chloride, phosphorous, non-progressive and immotile sperms were significantly increased in Equigan group as compared to control group. In contrast; relative testes weight, sodium, magnesium, total calcium, testosterone, FSH, LH, PRL, sperm count, progressive motility, and viability showed a significant decrease in Equigan group as compared to control groups. The relative weight of epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostates and serum calcium ions didn’t change significantly in different studied groups. Co-administration of SAE with Equigan improved the sexual toxicity, electrolyte alternations, sperm count, abnormalities and DNA damage induced by Equigan.
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Current scenario depicts that world has been clenched by COVID-19 pandemic. Inevitably, public health and safety measures could be undertaken in order to dwindle the infection threat and mortality. Moreover, to overcome the global menace and drawing out world from moribund stage, there is an exigency for social distancing and quarantines. Since December, 2019, coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) have came into existence and up till now world is still in the state of shock.At this point of time, COVID-19 has entered perilous phase, creating havoc among individuals, and this has been directly implied due to enhanced globalisation and ability of the virus to acclimatize at all conditions. The unabated transmission is due to lack of drugs, vaccines and therapeutics against this viral outbreak. But research is still underway to formulate the vaccines or drugs by this means, as scientific communities are continuously working to unravel the pharmacologically active compounds that might offer a new insight for curbing infections and pandemics. Therefore, the topical COVID-19 situation highlights an immediate need for effective therapeutics against SARS-CoV-2. Towards this effort, the present review discusses the vital concepts related to COVID-19, in terms of its origin, transmission, clinical aspects and diagnosis. However, here, we have formulated the novel concept hitherto, ancient means of traditional medicines or herbal plants to beat this pandemic.
Chapter
Illicium verum, as a spice and pharmaceutical treatment of many harmful diseases, has been widely used in most Asian countries. The Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China considered it as both food and medicine due to its non-toxicity towards human health. In the present study, the review focuses mainly on food and medical applications of I. verum. The fruits are commonly used as an ingredient of the traditional “five-spice” powder of Chinese cooking, and the essential oil of I. verum can be used as flavoring. The extraction from I. verum has carminative, stomachic, stimulant, and diuretic properties, and is used as a pharmaceutical supplement. Shikimic acid extracted from I. verum is one of the main ingredients in the antiviral drug Tamiflu, which is used to fight avian influenza. It has also been reported to possess antimicrobial and antioxidative properties as well as significant anticancer potential. This review presents a detailed compilation of the literature on phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of Illicium verum.
Article
Purpose: In aging skin and some skin disorders, components of skin extracellular matrix (ECM) are disturbed and therefore research to find skin drugs is important. Evaluation of anethole impact on collagen, GAGs and MMP-2 in human skin fibroblasts was the aim of this study. Materials and methods: For collagen assay the Sircol dye, 5-[3H]proline and real time-PCR were used. MMP-2 activity was detected by zymography. GAG concentration was determined using 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue (DMMB). Cell viability was assayed with MTT. Results: In cells treated with 1 and 10 μM anethole, a significant increase in collagen synthesis was demonstrated. In contrast, collagen synthesis was significantly decreased in cells exposed to 100 μM anethole. Similar alterations were found in collagen type I expression. The concentration of collagen secreted into the medium was higher only in cells exposed to 1 μM anethole, while it was lower under the influence of higher compound concentrations. It may be due to the lack of pro-MMP-2 activation at 1 μM and a significant increase in the level of MMP-2 at 10 and 100 μM anethole. GAG concentration was reduced under the influence of 100 μM anethole, whereas anethole at lower concentrations revealed the ability to prevent H2O2-induced GAG increase. No significant cytotoxicity of anethole to fibroblasts was noted. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate the concentration-dependent action of anethole on the crucial components of ECM in cultured skin fibroblasts, which may be somewhat beneficial and may possibly be developed towards a therapeutic use in some skin disorders.
Article
Bioactive compounds identification and isolation from natural complex samples, even though being a difficult task, is of great interest in the drug discovery field. We describe here an innovative strategy for the identification of a new gastric lipase inhibitor from star anise for the treatment of obesity. After plant screening assays for gastric lipase inhibition, star anise was selected and investigated by bioactivity guided fractionation. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and peptide mass fingerprinting allowed the detection of an inhibitor covalently bound to the catalytic serine of gastric lipase. Mass-directed screening approach using UPLC-HRMS and accurate mass determination searching identified the flavonoid myricitrin-5-methyl ether (M5ME) as a lipase inhibitor. The inhibitory activity was rationalized based on molecular docking, showing that M5ME is susceptible to a nucleophilic attack by gastric lipase. Overall, our data suggest that M5ME may be considered as a potential candidate for future application as a lipase inhibitor for the treatment of obesity.