Case reports of acute toxicity associated with star anise (Illicium verum) products have caused
several countries, including the US, to pass warnings about or import restrictions on star anise
products. These case reports generally involve infants given star anise tea as a treatment for
colic. The toxic reaction is generally thought to be caused by adulteration of star anise with the
fruit of the highly toxic congener shikimi (Illicium anisatum L.), also known as Japanese star
anise, and possibly by other toxic species of Illicium as well. Shikimi contains the neurotoxic
sesquiterpene lactones anisatin and neo-anisatin in concentrations that can induce gastrointestinal
upset and epileptiform convulsions (Johanns et al. 2002; Matsumoto and Fukuda 1982; see
Neurotoxicity).
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| Number of Pages : | 69 |
| Published : | 01/01/2006 |
