What is big stuff?

There are many seasonings used in life. Different seasonings have different functions, and the methods of use are also different. At the same time, the amount of each seasoning used is also very particular. When buying seasonings, many people don’t know what to choose, so they need to have a good understanding of seasonings. So what are aniseed? Many people are not clear about this.

Many people don’t know much about what aniseed is, so before buying it, you need to have a good understanding of it so that when you choose it, you can do so with confidence and there will be no harm to yourself.

What is aniseed?

Star anise (aniseed) has neat petals, usually 8 corners, the petals are pure and thick, the tips are straight, and the stalks are curved upwards. It tastes sweet and has a strong and special aroma. It is a specialty of our country with a special aroma. It is often used in making cold dishes and stews and braised dishes. It is also the main raw material for processing five-spice powder.

Pharmacological Action

1. Antibacterial effect: The water decoction of this product has an antibacterial effect on human tuberculosis and Bacillus subtilis. The ethanol extract has a strong inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus subtilis, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Shigella dysenteriae, Escherichia coli and common pathogenic bacteria.

The alcohol extract has an in vitro antibacterial effect on Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, etc.) similar to that of potassium penicillin 20 units/ml; its antibacterial effect on Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Bacillus typhi, paratyphoid, Shigella, etc.) is similar to that of streptomycin sulfate 50 units/ml; its antibacterial effect on fungi is greater than that of 1% benzoic acid and salicylic acid.

2. Stimulating effect: Anisol in volatile oil has a stimulating effect, can promote gastrointestinal motility, and relieve abdominal pain; it has a stimulating effect on respiratory secretory cells and promotes secretion. Can be used to eliminate phlegm.

3. Effect of increasing leukocytes: The extract of this product, methyl chavicol, was given to normal rabbits and monkeys at 100 mg/animal. The leukocyte count was 150% of the pre-drug count 24 hours after administration (P<0.05=; normal dogs were given 300 mg/animal. The leukocyte count increased 24 hours after administration. The leukocyte count continued to increase with continuous use. The leukocyte count was still 157% of the pre-drug count 2 hours after discontinuation of the drug. The bone marrow cell count was 188% of the pre-drug count, and the bone marrow nucleated cells were active. Normal dogs were given 200 mg/animal intestinal pellets once. The leukocyte count increased in 24 hours and was 161% of the pre-drug count in 48 hours (P<0.05). Direct infusion into the intestine during surgery showed a significant increase in leukocyte count in 6-24 hours, which was 166-181% of the pre-drug count (P<0.01). For dogs with leukopenia caused by cyclophosphamide, if methyl chavicol was taken at the same time, all dogs could survive, the leukocyte count decreased slowly, and the recovery was fast. It has a good effect on leukopenia in patients with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Through the above introduction, we have a good understanding of what aniseed is, so we can rest assured when choosing it. However, it should be noted that when purchasing such things, we also need to pay attention to quality issues. Try to choose less bad aniseed so that it will not harm your health when using it.