Research Update:Illicium verum.

  seminal trace...Star anise extract.Anise Seed extract.CAS.NO.084650-59-9.84775-42-8.Extract.Star anise,Illicium verum, ext.Star Anise Fruit,Fructus Anisi Stellati.5:1,10:1....

 


   Phytochemical info of Star anise:Illicium verum.

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 Definition:Star anise are majorly composed of
 Chemical information disclosed as following table:


   Research Update:Illicium verum.

  Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Phenylpropanoids and Phytoquinoids from Illicium Species in RBL-2H3 Cells.:Planta Med. 2007 Jun;73(7):662-5. Epub 2007 May 31.

 Two phenylpropanoids, 1-allyl-3,5-dimethoxy-4-(3-methyl-but-2-enyloxy)benzene ( 4) and 4-allyl-2,6-dimethoxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)phenol ( 6), and two phytoquinoids, 4 R-(-)-illicinone-A ( 7) and 2 S,4 R-(-)-illicinone-B ( 8), isolated from plants of the ILLICIUM species significantly inhibited histamine release from rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells stimulated with A23187. Furthermore, these compounds caused a decline in TNF-alpha levels in culture supernatants of RBL-2H3 cells following treatment with A23187. The results indicate that these compounds might be useful as anti-inflammatory agents against mast cell-mediated inflammatory diseases. MTT assay: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide TNF-alpha: tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

  New sesquiterpene lactone and neolignan glycosides with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities from the fruits of Illicium oligandrum.:Planta Med. 2007 May;73(5):484-90. Epub 2007 Apr 26.Tang WZ, Liu YB, Yu SS, Qu J, Su DM.Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Resources Utilization of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, P. R. China.

 Phytochemical investigations of the fruits of Illicium oligandrum resulted in a new sesquiterpene lactone, 3 beta-benzoyloxy-10-deoxyfloridanolide (1), and three new neolignan glycosides, including two dihydrobenzofuran neolignan glycosides, (7 R,8 S)-9-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-9'-O-alpha- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranosyldihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (2) and (7 R,8 S)-9-O-shikimoyl-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyldihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol (3) and one 8- O-4' neolignan glycoside, (7 S,8 R)-1-[4-O-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-3-methoxyphenyl]-2-[4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2,6-dimethoxyphenoxy]-1,3-propanediol (4), together with three known sesquiterpene lactones (5 - 7) and two known neolignan glycosides (8 and 9). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of 1D, 2D NMR, HR-MS and chemical evidence. Compounds 3 and 4 showed moderate antioxidant activity with the inhibitory rates 13.30% and 9.30% at 1.0 x 10(-5) M, respectively. Compounds 3 and 9 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity with the inhibitory rates 67.0% and 51.0% at 1.0 x 10(-5) M, respectively.

  Two new compounds and anti-HIV active constituents from Illicium verum.:Planta Med. 2007 Apr;73(4):372-5. Epub 2007 Mar 29.Song WY, Ma YB, Bai X, Zhang XM, Gu Q, Zheng YT, Zhou J, Chen JJ.State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, P. R. China.

 Two new compounds named illiverin A (1) and tashironin A (8) were isolated from the roots of Illicium verum, together with seven known compounds: 4-allyl-2-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-1,6-methylenedioxybenzene-3-ol (2), illicinole (3), 3-hydroxy-4,5-methylenedioxyallyl-benzene (4), (-)-illicinone-A (5), 4-allyl-4-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)-1,2-methylenedioxycyclohexa-2,6-dien-5-one (6), 3,4-seco-(24 Z)- cycloart-4(28),24-diene-3,26-dioic acid, 26-methyl ester (7) and tashironin (9). Based on 1D- and 2D-NMR data (COSY, HMQC, HMBC), the structures of the new compounds were deduced to be (E)-1-[(3-methylbut-2-enyl)oxy]-2-methoxy-4-(prop-1-enyl)benzene (1) and 11-O-debenzoyl-11alpha-O-2-methylcyclopent-1-enecarboxyltashironin (8). Compounds 1-9 were screened for anti-HIV activity in vitro whereby compounds 5 and 7 possessed moderate anti-HIV activity with EC50 values of 16.0 and 5.1 microM with SI values of 18.2 and 15.6, respectively.

  Contact and fumigant toxicity of oriental medicinal plant extracts against Dermanyssus gallinae (Acari: Dermanyssidae).:Vet Parasitol. 2007 Apr 30;145(3-4):377-82. Epub 2007 Feb 7.Kim SI, Na YE, Yi JH, Kim BS, Ahn YJ.School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-921, Republic of Korea.

 The acaricidal activity of methanolic extracts from 40 oriental medicinal plant species and a steam distillate of Cinnamomum camphora towards poultry house-collected adult Dermanyssus gallinae De Geer was examined using direct contact and vapour phase toxicity bioassays. Results were compared with those of 15 acaricides currently used. In filter paper contact toxicity bioassays using adult D. gallinae, C. camphora steam distillate (0.0051 mgcm(-2)) was the most toxic material, followed by extracts from Asarum sieboldii var. seoulens whole plant, Eugenia caryophyllata flower bud and Mentha arvensis var. piperascens whole plant (0.0063-0.0072 mgcm(-2)), based upon 24h LD(50) values. The acaricidal activity of these four plant preparations was almost comparable to that of profenofos (LD(50), 0.003 mgcm(-2)) but less effective than dichlorvos (LD(50), 0.0004 mgcm(-2)). The toxicity of Illicium verum fruit and Lysimachia davurica leaf extracts (0.09 mgcm(-2)) was almost comparable to that of benfuracarb, prothiofos, propoxur and fenthion (0.053-0.070mgcm(-2)). In vapour phase toxicity tests, these plant preparations were more effective in closed containers than in open ones, indicating that the mode of delivery of these plant extracts was largely a result of action in the vapour phase. Plants described herein merit further study as potential D. gallinae control agents.

  Composition of the volatile fraction of Ocotea bofo Kunth (Lauraceae) calyces by GC-MS and NMR fingerprinting and its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.:J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Oct 4;54(20):7778-88.Guerrini A, Sacchetti G, Muzzoli M, Moreno Rueda G, Medici A, Besco E, Bruni R.Dipartimento delle Risorse Naturali e Culturali, Universit¨¤ degli Studi di Ferrara, Corso Ercole d'Este 32, 44100 Ferrara, Italy

 The chemical composition of the essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the floral calyces of Ocotea bofo Kunth (Lauraceae) was studied by means of GC, GC-MS, and 1H, 13C, and bidimensional NMR (COSY, HSQC, HMBC). Twenty-five constituents were identified, and estragole (48.7%), alpha-phellandrene (19.6%) and sabinene (10.4%) were found to be the major components. Antimicrobial activity against six aerobic bacteria and five yeasts and antioxidant activity performed by photochemiluminescence (PCL), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and beta-carotene bleaching assays are reported. The oil showed fair inhibiting properties against bacteria and a good inhibition against most yeasts. Its radical scavenging and chain-breaking antioxidant properties were comparable to or better than those provided by synthetic controls. Particular emphasis has been given to the use of NMR as a fast and reliable tool to discriminate O. bofo essential oil from other commercial anethole- and estragole-rich oils, namely, Illicium verum, Foeniculum vulgare, and Artemisia dracunculus.


  Combination of TLC and HPLC-MS/MS methods. Approach to a rational quality control of Chinese star anise.:J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Mar 22;54(6):1970-4.Lederer I, Schulzki G, Gross J, Steffen JP.PhytoLab GmbH & Company KG, Dutendorfer Strasse 5-7, 91487 Vestenbergsgreuth, Germany. ines.lederer@phytolab.de

 In this study, a methodological approach for an effective and reliable quality control of Chinese star anise (Illicium verum Hook. F.) is developed and validated. A combined method of TLC and HPLC-MS/MS was used for differentiation of various Illicium species, especially Chinese star anise. Species can be distinguished by their TLC flavonoid pattern. A sensitive and selective HPLC/ESI-MS/MS method was developed for the detection and quantification of lower admixtures of I. anisatum and of further toxic Illicium species at a low concentration range using the sesquiterpene lactone anisatin as a marker. The proposed assay includes a solid-phase extraction cleanup procedure with a high recovery (>90%). Chromatographic separation of anisatin was carried out on a C18 column, followed by MS detection using ESI in negative mode. The precursor/product ion transitions m/z 327 --> 127 (quantifier) and m/z 327 --> 297 (qualifier) were monitored. Statistical evaluation of this multireaction-monitoring procedure reveals good linearity and intra- and interday precision. The limits of detection and quantification are 1.2 and 3.9 microg/kg, respectively.

  Screening of Korean medicinal plants for lipase inhibitory activity.:Phytother Res. 2005 Apr;19(4):359-61.Kim HY, Kang MH.Food Function Research Division, Korea Food Research Institute, Kyonggi-do 463-746, Republic of Korea. khyey@kfri.re.kr

 The pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of the aqueous ethanol extracts obtained from 19 medicinal plants was evaluated in vitro by a continuous-monitoring pH-Stat technique using tributyrin as a substrate. Of the extracts tested, those of Juniperus communis (bark) and Illicium religiosum (wood) exhibited the strongest activity with an IC50 value of 20.4 and 21.9 microg/mL, respectively.

  Rapid and easy identification of Illicium verum Hook. f. and its adulterant Illicium anisatum Linn. by fluorescent microscopy and gas chromatography.:J AOAC Int. 2005 May-Jun;88(3):703-6.Joshi VC, Srinivas PV, Khan IA.University of Mississippi, National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, Thad Cochran Research Center, University, MS 38677, USA.

 Illicium verum Hook. f. is used as an herbal tea to treat colic pain in infants. Reports suggest that Star anise herbal tea may be adulterated with Illicium anisatum Linn. A short and rapid method using microscopy and gas chromatography (GC) was developed to detect I. anisatum Linn., an adulterant in the powdered mixture of I. verum. Anatomical differences in the epicarp cells of I. verum and I. anisatum fruits were clearly defined as examined under fluorescent microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A GC method was developed for quick identification of possible I. anisatum adulteration with I. verum.

  Quantitative determination of anethole in the fruit of Illicium verum from various places of Guangxi province.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2005 Feb;28(2):106-7.Zhou J, L¨¹ G, Zhong X, Wen H.Guangxi Guilin Sanjin Pharmaceutial Co. Ltd, Guilin 541004.

 The quantitative determination of anethole in the fruit of Illicium verum from various places of Guangxi province were determined by GC. The average recovery rate and the RSD are 102.31%, 1.78% respectively. The content of anethole in the fruit of Illicium verum in various places were all more than 4.5%.

  Analysis of volatile oil in Illicium verum fruit by on-line coupled packed capillary liquid chromatography/capillary gas chromatography.:Se Pu. 2004 Mar;22(2):101-5.Wang X, Wang H, Ma J, Xu Y, Guan Y.Department of Analytical Chemistry & Micro-Instrumentation, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, The Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116012, China.

 Volatile oil in Illicillm Verum Fruit was analyzed by on-line coupled packed capillary high performance liquid chromatography/capillary gas chromatography (micro-HPLC-CGC). A micro-HPLC column of 250 mm x 0.32 mm i.d. packed with 5 microm cyano-bonded silica stationary phase was used for group separation. n-Hexane/acetonitrile/dichloromethane (80:8:12, v/v) was used as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.8 microL/min. Five groups of eluents from the micro-HPLC were collected and stored in a multi-loop interface, which were then transferred to a capillary gas chromatograph sequentially for further analysis. A 10 m x 0.53 mm i.d. retention gap connected with a 30 m x 0.53 mm i.d. x 1.0 microm SE-54 analytical column was used for CGC analysis. In-column splitless injection mode was adopted for better quantitation and manipulation of chromatograms. Five chromatograms were obtained and compared with the result of direct CGC analysis of the same sample. It was found that there were at least 3 new compounds that were not found nor separated before by conventional capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method.


  The water-soluble extract of Illicium anisatum stimulates mouse vibrissae follicles in organ culture.:Exp Dermatol. 2004 Aug;13(8):499-504.

 It is well known that reduced blood flow in the scalp is a cause of alopecia. We have shown previously that the extract of Illicium anisatum increases subcutaneous blood flow in mice. In the present study, we used an organ culture system to examine whether this extract promoted hair follicle elongation. B6C3HF1 mouse vibrissae follicles were cultured in serum-free medium for 7 days at 31 degrees C. Follicles treated with water-soluble (WS) extracts of the leaves, fruits and roots of Illicium anisatum or shikimic acid grew significantly longer than controls. In contrast, ethyl acetate-soluble (AS) extracts and n-hexane-soluble (HS) extracts of the leaves, fruits and roots of the plant inhibited hair follicles and shaft growth. Fractionation of the WS fruit extract showed that the number 1 and number 2 fractions possessed hair follicle elongation activity. GC/MS analysis revealed that the number 1 fraction contained shikimic acid, and that the number 2 fraction was a mixture of many components including glycosides and polysaccharides. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that shikimic acid also induced mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor-1, keratinocyte growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor in the hair follicles. These results suggest that the WS extract of Illicium anisatum promotes hair growth and may be a useful additive in hair growth products.

  The Causes of self-sterility in natural populations of the relictual angiosperm, Illicium floridanum (Illiciaceae).:Ann Bot (Lond). 2004 Jul;94(1):43-50. Epub 2004 May 20.Koehl V, Thien LB, Heij EG, Sage TL.Department of Botany, University of Toronto, 25 Willcocks Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3B2.

 BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Illicium floridanum, a species belonging to the basal extant angiosperm taxon Illiciaceae, reportedly exhibits self-incompatibility (SI). To date, the site and timing of SI within the carpel of this species remains unidentified. Thus, the objective of this research was to determine the cellular and temporal aspects of SI in I. floridanum. METHODS: Following controlled application of cross- and self-pollen in natural populations of I. floridanum, embryo sac development and temporal aspects of stigma receptivity, as well as pollen tube growth, fertilization, and embryo and endosperm development, were investigated with the aid of light and fluorescence microscopy. KEY RESULTS: Flowers of I. floridanum exhibited complete dichogamy whereby stigmas only supported cross- and self-pollen tube growth prior to anther dehiscence. In contrast to earlier reports of SI in this species, a prezygotic SI resulting in rejection of self-pollen tube growth at the stigma was absent and there were no significant differences between cross- versus self-pollen germination and pollen tube growth within the style and ovary during the first 5 d after pollination. Structural development of the four-celled embryo sac was not differentially influenced by pollen type as noted to occur in other angiosperms with late-acting ovarian SI. The ovule micropyle and embryo sac were penetrated equally by cross- and self-pollen tubes. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in cross- versus self-fertilization. A resting zygote and multicellular endosperm at a variety of developmental stages was present by 30 d after application of cross- or self-pollen. CONCLUSIONS: In the clear absence of a prezygotic SI that was previously reported to result in differential self-pollen tube growth at the stigma, self- sterility in I. floridanum is likely due to early-acting inbreeding depression, although late-acting post-zygotic ovarian SI cannot be ruled out.

  Seven novel seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes from the pericarps of Illicium merrillianum.:Chem Pharm Bull. 2004 Jan;52(1):104-7.Huang JM, Yang CS, Zhao R, Takahashi H, Fukuyama Y.Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No. 6 Wangjing Zhonghuannanlu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100102, China.

 Seven new seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes were isolated from the methanol extract of the pericarps of Illicium merrillianum. Their structures were elucidated as 3-deoxypseudoanisatin (1), 2beta-hydroxy-3,6-dedioxypseudoanisatin (2), 8alpha-hydroxy-10-deoxycyclomerrillianolide (3), 10beta-hydroxypseudoanisatin (4), 10beta-hydroxycyclopseudoanisatin (5), 1,6-dihydroxy-3-deoxyminwanensin (6), and 8-deoxymerrilliortholactone (7) by analyses of their spectroscopic data and chemical transformation. Compounds 4 and 5 as well as 6 and 7 coexist as a keto/acetal equilibrated mixture in methanol solution.

  Preventive agents against sepsis and new phenylpropanoid glucosides from the fruits of Illicium verum.:Planta Med. 2003 Sep;69(9):861-4.Lee SW, Li G, Lee KS, Jung JS, Xu ML, Seo CS, Chang HW, Kim SK, Song DK, Son JK.College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyongsan 712-749, Republic of Korea.

 The bioassay-guided fractionation of preventive agents against lethality due to septic shock from the fruits of Illicium verum led to the isolation of two known racemic mixtures of phenylpropanoids, [1-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-(1 R,2 S and 1 S,2 R)-propanediol (1) and 1-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-(1 R,2 R and 1 S,2 S)-propanediol (2)], along with two known phenylpropanoid glucosides, [1-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-(1 S,2 R)-propan-1-ol 2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3) and 1-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-(1 R,2 S)-propan-1-ol 2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside ( 5)], and two new phenylpropanoid glucosides, [1-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-(1 S,2 S)-propan-1-ol 2- O-beta- D-glucopyranoside (4) and 1-(4'-methoxyphenyl)-(1 R,2 R)-propan-1-ol 2-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6)]. Their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies. Among them, 1 exhibited the highest survival rate in a dose-dependent manner (100 % with a dose of 10 mg/kg against 40 % for the control experiment) and showed a reduction of the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) value on the in vivo assay model of septic shock induced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha.

  A new phenylpropanoid glucoside from the fruits of Illicium verum.:Arch Pharm Res. 2003 Aug;26(8):591-3.Lee SW, Li G, Lee KS, Song DK, Son JK.College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyongsan 712-749, Korea.

 One new phenylpropanoid glucoside (3), along with one known phenylpropanoid (1), and one known alkyl glucoside (2) were isolated from the fruits of Illicium verum and their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic studies.


  Star anise poisoning in infants.:Arch Pediatr. 2003 Jul;10(7):619-21.Minodier P, Pommier P, Moul¨¨ne E, Retornaz K, Prost N, Deharo L.Urgences p¨¦diatriques, CHU Nord, chemin des Bourrelly, 13915 Marseille cedex 20, France. philippe.minodier@ap-hm.fr

 Star anise is used as herbal tea, for the treatment of colicky pain in infants. It may cause neurological troubles. CASE REPORTS: We report 2 cases of star anise poisoning in infants before 6 months of age. Star anise herbal tea was given by parents. Tremors or spasms, hypertonia, hyperexcitability with crying, nystagmus, and vomiting were observed. Contamination or adulteration of Chinese star anise (Illicium verum Hook), with Illicium religiosum was proved in one child. CONCLUSION: Confusion or blending between Illicium verum Hook and Illicium religiosum may cause poisoning.Illicium religiosum is a neurotoxic plant indeed, because it contains sesquiterpenic lactones. From November 2001, star anise products are theoretically prohibited in France, but they may be still available in some small groceries, or imported by families themselves.

  Seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes and an abietane-type diterpene from Illicium minwanense.:J Nat Prod. 2003 Jun;66(6):799-803.

 A methanol extract of the pericarps of Illicium minwanense afforded seven new seco-prezizaane-type sesquiterpenes (2-8) and a new abietane-type diterpene (9), together with six previously known compounds (1 and 10-14). The structures of the new compounds, (1S)- and (1R)-minwanenone (2 and 3), 1alpha-hydroxy-6-deoxypseudoanisatin (4), (2S)-hydroxy-6-deoxypseudoanisatin (5), 3-oxopseudoanisatin (6), (3S,6R)-4,7-epoxy-6-deoxypseudoanisatin (7), 7-O-methylpseudomajucin (8), and (+)-8,11,13,15-abietatetraene (9), were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis and chemical transformations. The absolute configurations of 1 and 5 were established by X-ray crystallographic analysis of their p-bromobenzoyl derivatives.

  Antibacterial activity of medicinal plant extracts against periodontopathic bacteria.:Phytother Res. 2003 Jun;17(6):599-604.Iauk L, Lo Bue AM, Milazzo I, Rapisarda A, Blandino G.Department of Microbiological Sciences, University of Catania, Via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy.

 This study was performed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Althaea officinalis L. roots, Arnica montana L. flowers, Calendula officinalis L. flowers, Hamamelis virginiana L. leaves, Illicium verum Hook. fruits and Melissa officinalis L. leaves, against anaerobic and facultative aerobic periodontal bacteria: Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella spp., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Veilonella parvula, Eikenella corrodens, Peptostreptococcus micros and Actinomyces odontolyticus. The methanol extracts of H. virginiana and A. montana and, to a lesser extent, A. officinalis were shown to possess an inhibiting activity (MIC < or = 2048 mg/L) against many of the species tested. In comparison, M. officinalis and C. officinalis extracts had a lower inhibiting activity (MIC > or = 2048 mg/L) against all the tested species with the exception of Prevotella sp. Illicium verum methanol extract was not very active though it had a particular good activity against E. corrodens. The results suggest the use of the alcohol extracts of H. virginiana, A. montana and A. officinalis for topical medications in periodontal prophylactics.

  Determination of shikimic acid in fruit of Illiciaceae plants by HPLC with diode-array detection.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2001 Jul;26(7):447-9.Wang XQ, Guo YJ, Yang CS.Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.

 OBJECTIVE: To establish the determination method of Shikimic acid. METHOD: Using HPLC method as the determination method. The separation was performed in a SiO2-NH2 column with a mobile phase of Acetonitrile-2% H3PO4 water solution (95:5); The sample wavelength was 213 nm, reference wavelength 300 nm. RESULT: The average collection was 98.5%, RSD 1.67% (n = 5). CONCLUSION: This method is suitable for the determination of Shkimic acid in herb medicines and preparation containing shikimic acid.

  Inhibitory effects of Vietnamese medicinal plants on tube-like formation of human umbilical venous cells.:Phytother Res. 2003 Feb;17(2):107-11.Nam NH, Kim HM, Bae KH, Ahn BZ.College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Taejon 305-764, Korea.

 Seven of 58 plant materials from Vietnamese medicinal plants showed strong to moderate inhibitory activity on the tube-like formation induced by human umbilical venous endothelial cells in the in vitro angiogenesis assay. These plant materials include the herb of Ephedra sinica, leaves and stem of Ceiba pentandra, seed of Coix lachryma-jobi, rhizome of Drynaria fortunei, fruits and stem of Illicium verum and stem of Bombax ceiba. Of these, the methanol extracts of the herb of Ephedra sinica and stem of -Ceiba pentandra exhibited the strongest activities with inhibition percentages of 89.3% and 87.5% at 30 and 100 microgram/mL, respectively.


  Studies on the pharmacognosy of Cortex Illicii and its adulterants.:Zhong Yao Cai. 1997 Dec;20(12):601-4.Lai M, Yao W, Yang M, Huang P, Liu B, Zheng X.Guangxi Institute of Traditional Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanning 530022.

 The traditional Chinese Medicine Cortex Illicii and its adulterants were studied on textual identification, botanical origin, morphological and histological characters. The TLC and UV spertra methods were established to separate and estimate Difengpin, Magnolol and beta-sitosterol in Cortex Illicii and its products.

  Convulsive status secondary to star anise poisoning in a neonate.:An Esp Pediatr. 2002 Oct;57(4):366-8.Gil Campos M, P¨¦rez Navero JL, Ibarra De La Rosa I.Servicio de Cr¨ªticos y Urgencias Pedi¨¢tricas, Departamento de Pediatr¨ªa. Hospital Universitario Reina Sof¨ªa, Facultad de Medicina, C¨®rdoba, Espa?a.

 Despite its potential toxicity, the use of star anise infusions for the treatment of infant colic is firmly rooted in our culture. In the last year, several cases of infants with acute neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms related to the ingestion of large quantities of star-shaped anise have been reported in Spain. We report a 1-month old girl who was admitted to our emergency room with convulsive status after ingesting a considerable amount of star anis administered to relieve possible infant colic. The patient required three repeat doses of diazepam to control the seizures. Because no abnormalities were found and outcome was favorable without anticonvulsant therapy, the clinical symptoms can be attributed to star anise ingestion, which contains potent neurotoxins such as veranisatins. The etiopathogenesis of this process and star anise toxicity are discussed and the need for the regulation of natural products with pharmacological effects which are freely dispensed from drug stores is stressed. Finally, the regulations of the Ministry of Health and Consumption for 2001 concerning the withdrawal of all anise-containing products are presented.

  Cases of neurological symptoms associated with star anise consumption used as a carminative.:An Esp Pediatr. 2002 Oct;57(4):290-4.Garzo Fern¨¢ndez C, G¨®mez Pintado P, Barrasa Blanco A, Mart¨ªnez Arrieta R, Ram¨ªrez Fern¨¢ndez R, Ram¨®n Rosa F; Grupo de Trabajo del Anis Estrellado.Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Mara?¨®n, Madrid, Spain. cgf02m@saludalia.com

 BACKGROUND: Since March 2000, a series of infants with serious gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms have been observed in Spain. These symptoms were suspected to be associated with the use of star anise infusion. We performed an epidemiological study to determine the characteristics of these patients and to evaluate the association between the symptoms and anise consumption. METHOD: From February to September 2001, a matched case-control study (1:2) was performed among infants aged less than 3 months admitted to the pediatric emergency departments of two hospitals in Madrid. Mantel-Haenszel and conditional logistic regression odds ratios (OR) were calculated to quantify the association and the dose-response relationship. Laboratory analyses of the implicated substances were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-three cases were studied. The mean age was 29.2 days (SD: 25.5). The symptoms observed were irritability, abnormal movements, vomiting and nystagmus. Eighteen cases and 36 controls were included in the case-control study. Nine controls (25 %) consumed anis infusion (consumption was high in five and low in four). The Mantel-Haenszel OR was 18.0 (2.03-631) and the OR for the dose-response relationship was 11.7 (95 % CI: 1.3-188.5) for low levels of consumption and 18.2 (95 % CI: 1.8-183.5) for high levels. Laboratory analyses revealed contamination of Illicium verum by Illicium anisatum. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the association between the symptoms described and the use of anise infusion. The dose response analyses provide further evidence for the association. Cross-contamination was found between the product and other anise species. We recommend destruction of the contaminated products, avoidance of anise infusions among infants, and dissemination of the results among pediatricians.

  An epidemic of epileptic seizures after consumption of herbal tea.:Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2002 Apr 27;146(17):813-6.Johanns ES, van der Kolk LE, van Gemert HM, Sijben AE, Peters PW, de Vries I.Nationaal Vergiftigingen Informatie Centrum van het Rijksinstituut voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu en het Universitair Medisch Centrum te Utrecht. earl.johanns@rivm.nl

 At the end of September 2001 the Inspectorate for Health Protection and Veterinary Public Health and the National Poisons Control Centre (NPCC) were informed about adverse health effects after consumption of a herbal tea. During consultations it was suggested that Illicium anisatum L, which is known to contain a neurotoxin, may have been inadvertently mixed into the herbal tea. In view of the severity of the adverse health effects and the clear association with consumption of a specific herbal tea, the supplier was urgently advised to withdraw the suspected herbal tea from the market. A total of 63 persons reported symptoms of general malaise, nausea and vomiting 2-4 hours following consumption of the herbal tea. Twenty-two persons required hospitalisation, of whom 16 due to generalised tonic-clonic seizures. Medical investigations revealed no underlying pathology and after supportive treatment, the patients were discharged in good health. Morphologic and organoleptic investigations of the suspected herbal tea indicated that this possibly contained Zapanese star anise. NMR analysis of the herbal tea confirmed the presence of the neurotoxin anisatin, a non-competitive GABA-antagonist which can cause hyperactivity of the central nervous system and tonic-clonic seizures. CONCLUSION: Ingestion of a herbal tea containing anisatin caused the reported serious adverse health effects. Close cooperation between clinicians, the Inspectorate for Health Protection and Veterinary Public Health and the NPCC played a vital role in preventing further harm to public health.

  The total synthesis of (+/-)-merrilactone A.:J Am Chem Soc. 2002 Mar 13;124(10):2080-1.Birman VB, Danishefsky SJ.Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, Havemeyer Hall, New York, New York 10027, USA.

 The total synthesis of the title compound has been accomplished in 20 steps. The key step is a free radical cyclization of vinyl bromide 29 to afford 30. The synthesis also features an efficient Dielsminus signAlder reaction of 2,3-dimethylmaleic anhydride with 1-(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)-butadiene. The oxetane moiety of merrilactone A is fashioned via a Payne-like rearrangement of a hydroxyepoxide (see 2 right arrow 1).


  Fumigant activity of (E)-anethole identified in Illicium verum fruit against Blattella germanica.:Pest Manag Sci. 2002 Feb;58(2):161-6.Chang KS, Ahn YJ.School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Suwon 441-744, Republic of Korea.

 The insecticidal activities of materials derived from the fruit of star anise, Illicium verum, against adults of Blattella germanica were examined by direct contact application and fumigation methods, and compared with those of DDVP, deltamethrin and hydramethylnon. The biologically active constituent of the Illicium fruit was characterized as the phenylpropene, (E)-anethole, by spectroscopic analysis. In a filter paper diffusion test with females, (E)-anethole caused 80.3% mortality at 0.159 mg cm-2 at 1 and 3 days after treatment (DAT), whereas 16.7% mortality at 3 DAT was achieved at 0.079 mg cm-2. DDVP and deltamethrin gave > 90% mortality at 0.019 mg cm-2 at 1 DAT. At 0.009 mg cm-2, DDVP and deltamethrin showed 73.3 and 60% mortality at 1 DAT, respectively, but 93.3 and 76.7% mortality at 3 DAT. Hydramethylnon exhibited 0 and 93.3% mortality at 0.159 mg cm-2 at 1 and 3 DAT, respectively, whereas 6.7% mortality at 3 DAT was observed at 0.079 mg cm-2. In a fumigation test with females, (E)-anethole was much more effective in closed cups than in open ones, indicating that the insecticidal activity of the compound was largely attributable to fumigant action. (E)-Anethole and DDVP caused 100% mortality at 0.398 and 0.051 mg cm-2 4 and 1 h after treatment, respectively. (E)-Anethole showed 46.7% mortality at 0.199 mg cm-2 at 3 DAT, whereas deltamethrin and hydramethylnon at 0.796 mg cm-2 was ineffective for 3-day period. As naturally occurring insect-control agents, the I verum fruit-derived materials described could be useful for managing populations of B germanica.

  Antimicrobial properties of star anise (Illicium verum Hook f).:Phytother Res. 2002 Feb;16(1):94-5.De M, De AK, Sen P, Banerjee AB.Department of Biochemistry, University College of Science, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Calcutta 700 019, India.

 Star anise (Illicium verum Hook f) has been shown to possess potent antimicrobial properties. Chemical studies indicate that a major portion of this antimicrobial property is due to anethole present in the dried fruit. Studies with isolated anethole (compared with standard anethole) indicated that it is effective against bacteria, yeast and fungal strains.

  Novel seco-prezizaane sesquiterpenes from north american illicium species.:J Nat Prod. 1999 May;62(5):684-7.Schmidt TJ.Institut fur Pharmazeutische Biologie der Heinrich-Heine-Universitat Dusseldorf, Universitatsstrasse 1, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany.

 Three novel seco-prezizaane sesquiterpenes (1-3) were isolated from leaves of Illicium parviflorum (swamp star anise, yellow star anise), a species occurring endemically in central Florida. Compound 1, named cycloparvifloralone, possesses a hitherto unknown ring system with a cagelike acetal/hemiketal structure. Lactones 2 (cycloparviflorolide) and 3 (parviflorolide) which were obtained as an inseparable mixture, coexist in a hemiketal/keto equilibrium. It could be shown that a 4,7-hemiketal (4) occurs in an analogous fashion to pseudoanisatin 5, a known constituent of other Illicium species. From the fruits of Illiciumfloridanum the novel ortholactone 6 was isolated. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by interpretation of their 1D and 2D homo- and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopic data. The modes of cyclization observed in 1, 2, 4, and 6 have not been described previously, and a biogenetic sequence is proposed for these compounds and further seco-prezizaane sesquiterpenes.

  Novel phenylpropanoids and lignans from Illicium verum.:J Nat Prod. 1998 Aug;61(8):987-92.Sy LK, Brown GD.Chemistry Department, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Rd., Hong Kong.

 Nine new phenylpropanoids (2-7, 10, 12, and 14) and two compounds representing novel structural classes of 7-O-8' and 7-O-8'.8-O-7' lignans (8 and 9, respectively) have been isolated from Illicium verum and their structures established by two-dimensional NMR. Most of these compounds appear to be biogenetically derived from threo-anethole glycol: relative stereochemistries for some members of this series were established by NOESY; absolute stereochemistries of others were determined by formation of Mosher esters.

  Neurotropic components from star anise (Illicium verum Hook. fil.).:Chem Pharm Bull. 1996 Oct;44(10):1908-14.

 Three new neurotropic sesquiterpenoids, veranisatins A, B and C, were isolated from star anise (Illicium verum Hook. fil., Illiciaceae). Veranisatins showed convulsion and lethal toxicity in mice at a dose of 3 mg/kg (p.o.), and at lower doses they caused hypothermia. Veranisatin A and the related compound, anisatin, were tested for the other pharmacological activities such as locomotor activity and analgesic effect. Both compounds decreased the locomotion enhanced by methamphetamine at oral doses of 0.1 and 0.03 mg/kg, respectively, and demonstrated the analgesia on acetic acid-induced writhing and tail pressure pain at almost similar doses.


  Effects of dietary Schizandra chinensis, brussels sprouts and Illicium verum extracts on carcinogen metabolism systems in mouse liver..:Food Chem Toxicol. 1986 Sep;24(9):903-12.Hendrich S, Bjeldanes LF.

 Ethanol extracts of Brussels sprouts (BRX), Schizandra chinensis (SZX) or Illicium verum (IVX) were added to a semi-purified basal diet and fed to adult male and female C57B1/6 mice for 14 and 10 days, respectively. Other groups received the unsupplemented basal diet or a mouse chow. Liver fractions were prepared from these mice to investigate the effects of the diets on the enzyme systems involved in benzo[a]pyrene (BP) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) metabolism. The effects of the microsomal or cytosolic liver fractions on the in vitro mutagenicity of BP and AFB1 and on the DNA binding of AFB1 were also studied. There were several apparently sex-related differences in the responses of the monooxygenase system components measured. In males, cytochrome P-450 levels were significantly increased only in the chow group, while significant increases in both 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase (ECD) and aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activities were seen only in the SZX group. In females, cytochrome P-450 levels were significantly increased in both the BRX and SZX groups, whereas AHH activity was significantly increased only in the chow and BRX groups and ECD activity was increased in the SZX and IVX groups. Microsomal epoxide hydratase (EH) was induced in males in the SZX and IVX groups and in females only in the SZX group, while cytosolic EH was significantly increased only in IVX males. Diet-induced changes in monooxygenase activities were found to be the best indicators of changes in microsome-mediated BP mutagenesis and AFB1 mutagenesis and binding to DNA in vitro, with a direct correlation between high AHH and/or ECD activities and the levels of mutagenic response to BP or AFB1 in the Ames assay and of DNA binding of AFB1.


  Scientific References:

  1.Research Update:Illicium verum.