Active Components and Preparation

        Through experimentation, I.verum has proven to have a number of active components known to have varying medicinal properties. Evidence indicates 2 main components, starting with anethole (Figure 3), which is extracted from the oil of dried pericarp (Figure 4) and found in high concentrations of 72- 92% within I.verum species, has antimicrobial properties effective against bacteria, yeast and fungi (Katzer, 2004; Agrisources, 2008 and Ize-Ludlow, 2004). 

Figure 3- Chemical structure of anethole.
Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anethole

Figure 4- Pericarp of Star anise.
Ref: http://www.ehow.com/how_7343124_use-star-anise.html

        
Anethole is also similar to estrogen hormone, which is why some mothers use it to promote breastmilk production. Anethole can be prepared as an ointment administered externally as well as ingested as an essential oil (Ize-Ludlow, 2004 and DigHerbs, 2008). Shikimic acid, on the other hand, is found in the pods and is a main constituent of the antiviral drug, Tamiflu® see Figure 5, administered in a standardized capsule (Bottom Line Monograph, 2010).

Figure 5- 75mg Tamiflu® (Oseltamivir) capsules.
Ref: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tamiflu.JPG

It is known to reduce the duration and severity of flu symptoms (H5N1). Preparation involves a 10-step process, Figure 6, that takes 6-8 months to complete, starting with the extraction of shikimic acid and a series of complex chemical reactions (Watson, 2010).

Figure 6- Chemical reaction process to the production of Tamiflu®
Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oseltamivir