Abstract

PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF PIMPINELLA ANISUM: A REVIEW

Naimul Hasan*, Tapash Chakraborty and Trishna Das

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Abstract

Pimpinella anisum (anise), belonging to Umbelliferae family, is an aromatic plant which has been used in Iranian traditional medicine (especially its fruits) as carminative, aromatic, disinfectant, and galactagogue. So far, different studies were performed on aniseeds and various properties such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, muscle relaxant, analgesic and anticonvulsant activity as well as different effects on gastrointestinal system have been reported of aniseeds. It can also reduce morphine dependence and has beneficial effects on dysmenorrhea and menopausal hot flashes in women. In diabetic patients, aniseeds showed hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect and reduce lipid peroxidation. The most important compounds of aniseeds essential oil were trans-anetole, estragole, γ-hymachalen, para anis aldehyde and methyl cavicol. Anise oil showed excellent antioxidant activity, in comparison with the reference compounds. Anise oil has the potential to be used as a therapeutic, antimicrobial, and antioxidant agent. Increasing microbial resistance to chemical antibiotics and their probabilistic side effects cause popularity of medicinal plants, so there is an instantaneous and steady need for novel antimicrobial compounds from plants.

Keywords: Pimpinella anisum, chemical composition, pharmacological properties, antimicrobial effect, anise, essential oil, wound healing.