Mini review: Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.): phytohemical and Pharmacological activities.

Basheer, Mostafa; Abdelshakour, Abdelrahman K; Mohamed, Mohamed K; Elshobky, Abdelrahman M; Abdelmoneam, Ahmed S; Makeen, Felothaous E; Eissa, Zakaria M; Hossny, Heba H; Elemam, Salma N; Mahfouz, Esraa N; Saber, Yara H; Abdelhameed, Basant A; Abdullah, Thoria A; O, Manar; Elgindi, Omayma

doi:10.21608/erurj.2023.215520.1039

Mini review: Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.): phytohemical and Pharmacological activities.

Document Type : Mini-review

Authors

¹ Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, Cairo-Suez Road, Cairo11829, Egypt.

² Pharm D Program, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, Cairo-Suez Road, Cairo11829, Egypt.

10.21608/erurj.2023.215520.1039

Abstract

Anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), which belongs to the family Umbelliferae, is an aromatic annual herb, native to the eastern Mediterranean region and western Asia. The fruit is incorrectly referred to be a seed. Nonetheless, the fruit is often known as aniseed, and when ripe and dried, it is a popular spice. In traditional medicine, anise seeds are used to treat migraines as well as a carminative, fragrance, disinfectant, and diuretic. Aniseed is traditionally used for milk production, menstruation, urine and sweat discharge, and skin health. In folk medicine, it is used to polish teeth, for treat nightmares, convulsions, and epilepsy. Also, anise tea has long been used to treat upper respiratory infections, and bronchial asthma in children. Along with, its usage as an expectorant, lozenge, and lactagogue. In addition to, utilization of the plant for helping with delivery and as a mild laxative. Anise is used in the culinary industry as a flavoring and aromatic ingredient in fish items, ice cream, sweets, and gums. Several chemical components, primarily anethole, were extracted as essential oils from aniseed. Several pharmacological studies on anise have been published, including antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, antiviral, muscle relaxant, antispasmodic and relaxant of smooth muscle, anticonvulsant, antiulcer, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and pain relief in dysmenorrhea. This review aims to focus on phytochemical constituents, their structure elucidation, and the pharmacological activities of anise in the last five years.

Keywords