Brief Introduction

Synonyms--- Star anise, star aniseed, badiane, Chinese star anise(Chinese: 八角, pinyin: bājiǎo)

Shikimic acid

Chemical Name: (3R, 4S, 5R)-3, 4, 5-trihydroxycyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxylic acid
Molecular Formula: C₇H₁₀O₅

Mol. Wt.: 174.15g/mol

Molecular Structure:

Star anise, star aniseed, badiane or Chinese star anise, (Chinese: 八角, pinyin: bājiǎo, lit. "eight-horn" is a spice that closely resembles anise in flavor, obtained from the star-shaped pericarp of Illicium verum, a small native evergreen tree of southwest China. The star shaped fruits are harvested just before ripening. It is widely used in Chinese cuisine, in Indian cuisine where it is a major component of garam masala, and in Malay–Indonesian cuisine. It is widely grown for commercial use in China, India, and most other countries in Asia. Star anise is an ingredient of the traditional five-spice powder of Chinese cooking. It is also known as badian khatai which leads to its European name badiane. Badian is the persian name of Anise. Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum), a similar tree, is not edible because it is highly toxic (due to containing sikimitoxin); instead, it has been burned as incense in Japan. Japanese star anise contains anisatin, which causes severe inflammation of the kidneys, urinary tract and digestive organs.

Star anise contains anethole, the same ingredient which gives the unrelated anise its flavor. Recently, star anise has come into use in the West as a less expensive substitute for anise in baking as well as in liquor production, most distinctively in the production of the liquor Galliano. It is also used in the production of sambuca, pastis, and many types of absinthe.

Star Anise is a warm stimulant herb that is mainly used to benefit digestion. It is believed to be a particularly effective stomachic that strengthens stomach function and helps to relieve colic flatulence, nausea, and vomiting. Further supporting its use as a stomach aid, Star Anise is regarded as an antispasmodic for the gastrointestinal tract and helps to relieve abdominal pain and general gastrointestinal distress. Star Anise is a warm and stimulating herb that is believed to relieve complaints that are associated with cold conditions, particularly lumbago, and rheumatism. Star Anise is considered an antibacterial, antifungal, and expectorant, has been used to relieve bronchitis, and has even been included in cough mixtures to relieve dry coughs, as well as a flavoring.

Star anise has been used in a tea as a remedy for rheumatism, and the seeds are sometimes chewed after meals to aid digestion. As a warm and moving herb, star anise is used to assist in relieving cold-stagnation in the middle jiao, according to Traditional Chinese medicine.

Shikimic acid, a primary feedstock used to create the anti-influenza drug Tamiflu, is produced by most autotrophic organisms, but star anise is the industrial source. Shikimic acid, more commonly known as its anionic form shikimate, is an important biochemical intermediate in plants and microorganisms. Its name comes from the Japanese flower shikimi (Illicium anisatum), from which it was first isolated. The shikimic acid extracted from the Chinese star anise is used as a base material for production of Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Although shikimic acid is present in most autotrophic organisms, it is a biosynthetic intermediate and generally found in very low concentrations. Recently biosynthetic pathways in E. coli have been enhanced to allow the organism to accumulate enough material to be used commercially.

The Illicium verm Extract or Star Anise Extract, used in dietary supplements is derived from the fruit pericarps of the plant Illicium verm.

Benefits

• Treat Digestion Problems

• Relieve abdominal pain

• Antibacterial, antifungal, and expectorant

• Relieve bronchitis

• Treat coughs

• Anti-influenza

Mechanism

Not available.

Safety

The Illicium verm Extract or Star Anise Extract is safe. Currently, there appear to be no warnings or contraindications with the used of Star Anise.

Dosage

• The typical dose is 600-1200mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).
• Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s  Features and Benefits:

The Illicium verm Extract or Star Anise Extract and Shikimic acid is one of GNI's most competitive products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from Illicium verm fruit pericarps.

•  Produced with pure water only

•  High purity: over 98%

•  NO solvent - residual free

•  Pesticide-free

•  Crystal white in appearance

•  High solubility in water

•  High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life

Product Specifications:

98% Shikimic Acid HPLC,

4:1, 10:1