Evidence supporting the use of: Star Anise
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Star anise (Illicium verum) has been traditionally used in various cultures, especially in East Asian herbal medicine, to help prevent and treat colds and flu-like illnesses. Its use is rooted in folk remedies where star anise is valued for its warming properties and its purported ability to alleviate symptoms such as cough and congestion. The main active component, shikimic acid, is notable because it is a precursor for the synthesis of oseltamivir (Tamiflu), a pharmaceutical antiviral used to treat influenza. However, while shikimic acid itself is present in star anise, consuming the spice does not equate to taking the antiviral drug, as the transformation process requires complex chemical synthesis not achieved in the body through ingestion.

Currently, there are no high-quality clinical studies directly supporting the effectiveness of star anise in preventing or treating the common cold in humans. Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on traditional use, without rigorous scientific backing. Some in vitro (test tube) studies suggest star anise extracts may have mild antimicrobial or antiviral properties, but these findings have not been translated into proven clinical benefits for cold prevention. Therefore, the use of star anise for colds remains primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific evidence.

More about Star Anise
More about Colds (prevention)

Other ingredients used for Colds (prevention)

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Aloe vera
green chiretta
anthocyanins
arabinogalactan
astragalus
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
berry flavor
beta-pinene
Beta-Glucan
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black tea
blackberry
bасора
camu camu
capsaicinoids
caterpillar mushroom
chamomile
chlorella
cinnamon
citrus bioflavonoids
citrus oil
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
clove
coconut milk
colostrum
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
greens blend (proprietary)
Indian tinospora
honeysuckle
lactobacillus brevis
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
moringa
mustard seed
nettle
spruce
orange
oregano
oregon grape
pear
phenolic compounds
pineapple
plantain
pollen
pomegranate
pumpkin
quercetin
reishi mushroom
rhizome
rose hips
rosemary
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vegetable blend (proprietary)
vitamin C
vitamin D
seaweed
yeast
zinc
sarsaparilla
squawvine
tangerine
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
pistacia integerrima gall
blackboard tree
peony
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
siler root
flowering quince
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
goji berry
paw paw
Algae
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Aralia
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
Acacia
Allicin
Abrus
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
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Andrographolide
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Andrographis
Asteracea
Allyl Sulfide
Allyl isothiocyanate
Alliin
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
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berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
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black salt
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Costus
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Dodeca-2E, 4E, 8Z, 10Z/Etetraenoic Acid Isobutylamide
European Elder
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iridoids
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Nardostachys
Natsudaidai
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Oroxylum indicum
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Paris polyphylla
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Physalis angulata
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Sicklepod
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Sete sangrias
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Sweet Annie
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Southern Tsangshu
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Shogaol
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saponins
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Tremella
Umckaloabo
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Viola
White Tea
Water Pepper
Wulinshen
Winter Savory
Yerba buena
Zingiberene
Zingerone

Products containing Star Anise

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.