Anise’s a flavorful herb that tastes like licorice. While it’s typically used to add flavor to desserts and drinks, anise seed has many health benefits. Here are 7 of them backed by science.
1. Rich in Nutrients
Anise seed is a small but important part of so many dishes. Iron, which it’s rich in, is essential to producing healthy blood cells in the body. It also contains manganese, which helps with metabolism and development.
2. May Reduce Symptoms of Depression
Depression is a common and debilitating condition that affects 25% of women and 12% of men around the world. (4Interestingly, some research has found that anise seed may help treat depression.
One study showed that anise seed extract exhibited powerful antidepressant properties in mice and was as effective as a common prescription medication used to treat depression (5) What’s more, in another study in 107 people, taking 3 grams of anise seed powder three times daily was effective at reducing symptoms of postpartum depression (6).
Similarly, in a four-week study in 120 people, taking a capsule with 200 mg of anise oil three times daily significantly decreased symptoms of mild to moderate depression, compared to a control group (7).
3. Could Protect Against Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers are painful sores that form in the lining of your stomach, causing symptoms like indigestion, nausea, and a burning sensation in your chest. These traditional treatments usually involve taking medications to decrease acid production inside the stomach (which can help prevent and reduce ulcers).
Yet some preliminary research suggests that anise seed might be helpful in preventing and treating stomach ulcers, including reducing the amount of damage to cells from acid. One animal study noted that anise reduced stomach acid secretion.
4. Prevents the Growth of Fungi and Bacteria
One test-tube study even showed that anise seed was able to kill off yeast and dermatophytes, which are skin fungi that can cause disease (9).
In another test-tube study, anethole inhibited the specific strain of bacteria found in cholera with its antimicrobial properties (10).
5. Could Help Relieve Menopause Symptoms
Menopause is the natural decline in your fertility as a woman ages, which can result in symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue and dry skin. Anise Seed is thought to mimic the effects of estrogen, which may reduce menopausal symptoms.
One study found that women who took a capsule containing 330 mg of anise seed three times per day had nearly 75% fewer hot flashes (12Some compounds found in anise seed also help to prevent bone loss, one of the hallmarks of menopause, caused by declining hormone levels in women’s bodies (13
6. May Balance Blood Sugar Levels
The active ingredient in anise seed, anethole, may help to keep blood sugar levels in check when paired with a healthy diet. One 45-day study in diabetic rats showed that by altering key enzyme levels, anethole helped reduce high blood sugar.
This is not surprising given that animal studies also show that anethole improved blood sugar levels of animals with diabetes. Keep in mind that these studies are using a concentrated dose of anethole — much higher than what is typically found in a single serving of the seed.
7. Can Reduce Inflammation
It is possible to have low-level inflammation without obvious symptoms, but it is often difficult to detect. High levels of long-term inflammation are linked to chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Anise seed may help lower the risk for these conditions by reducing inflammation and reducing oxidative damage.
In many cases, inflammation is normal and a healthy response by your immune system. However, in other situations, high levels of long-term inflammation are linked to certain conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
Animal and test tube studies suggest that anise seed might lower inflammation to promote better health and prevent chronic conditions. Other research has found that anise seed is high in antioxidants which are helpful for reducing inflammation and preventing diseases caused by oxidative damage.
The Bottom Line
Anise seed is a plant that has been shown to have many health benefits. Not only does it help fight against ulcers, blood sugar problems and depression, but it can also reduce weight gain.
With a healthy diet and lifestyle, anise seed may improve the quality of your diet and increase your energy levels.
Anise seed is a powerful plant that supports many healthy aspects of your life and may improve several parts of your health.
It has anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a variety of other benefits. When combined with a nutritious diet and healthy lifestyle, anise seed could have beneficial effects on some aspects of your health.
Table of Contents
