Green Anise (Pimpinella anisum) or, more simply, aniseed, is a very common annual medicinal plant with white flowers that reaches a height of one meter.
It belongs to the Apiaceae family.
What it is used for and where
From the Anise an aromatic substance is obtained, the Anethol, that is used in:
In France, anise is present in Pernod, a very popular aperitif in that country.
From the anise is extracted an essential oil that contains interesting healthy components with antimicrobial properties (1):
- eugenol
- estragole
- anisaldehyde
- methylchavicol
It should be borne in mind that when buying anise in a grocery store, it can be mixed with plant seeds of the same species, with different colors, but with similar taste and aroma.
Cosmetics
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants.
Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it allows perfume to be enhanced, masked or added to the final product, improving its commercial viability. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant scent in a cosmetic product.
Anise studies
References______________________________________________________________________
(1) Anti-microbial, cytotoxicity, and necrotic ripostes of Pimpinella anisum essential oil. Abdel‐Reheem M. A. T., & Oraby M. M. (2015). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aoas.2015.10.001