Anise

[a-nəs]

Categories: Plant Extracts, Antioxidants

Anise Benefits:
Antioxidant
Astringent

Anise, also known as Pimpinella anisum, is derived from anise seeds and belongs to the Umbelliferae plant family.  This aromatic extract dates back to traditional Iranian medicine. Anise is known to possess concentrations of trans-anetole, estragole, γ-hymachalen, para- anisaldehyde and methyl cavicol. This combination of its constituents enables star anise skin benefits such as antioxidant protection and minor astringent properties.

Due to its phenol-containing constituents, anise oil provides potent antioxidant protection that can help to protect the skin by neutralizing free radicals present in the environment. This protective property may stem from anise’s chelating abilities, which may inhibit the activity of certain degradative peptides. 1 Lastly, anise extract is a favorable aromatic that can be used to help mask undesirable odor in cosmetics, as well as used as a fragrance in personal care products such as creams and lotions. 2

  1. Shojaii, A. and Mehri A. Review of Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Constituents of Pimpinella Anisum. ISRN Pharmaceutics 510795 (2012)
  2. Khan, I. and Ehab A. Leung's encyclopedia of common natural ingredients: used in food, drugs and cosmetics. John Wiley & Sons (2011)