ABSTRACT
Objective: To stuey the the chemical constituents from the residue left over the rectification of star anise oil (essential oil from Anisi Stellati Fructus). Methods: Two compounds were isolated from the residue left over the rectification of star anise oil by various chromatographic techniques, such as silica gel, and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Results: Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral data. A new compound was identified to be 4-hydroxy-3-(3-methylbut-3-en-2-yl) benzaldehyde (2), along with a known compound (E)-1,4-bis (4-methoxyphenyl) but-3-en-2-one (1). Conclusion: NMR data of compound 1 are first reported and compound 2 is new one.
ABSTRACT
Diarrhea is a serious public health problem in Mexico and other countries. A widely used alternative in the treatment of diarrhea is the use of herbal medicines. Infusions of chamomile and star anise possess anti-inflammatory and antimotility properties that could help alleviate gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the mixture of chamomile and star anise infusions on gastrointestinal activity in mice. A gastrointestinal assessment of the mixture of chamomile and star anise was carried out in mice, and the percentage of advance of administered activated carbon through the intestinal tract of the animals was measured. Furthermore, the diarrhea model was induced with castor oil. The infusions were prepared using a mix with a 50:50 ratio of the herbs, and were administered at Mix-10, 20, 40 and 80 (mg/kg) orally. The results indicate that Mix-40 and Mix-80 decreased the completion percentage of the activated carbon, delayed the appearance of diarrhea and decreased the number of evacuations in comparison with the control group. This suggests that the combination of chamomile and star anise can be used as an alternative antidiarrheal treatment.
ABSTRACT
El anís estrellado en infusión es usado frecuentemente para el tratamiento del cólico y como tranquilizante en lactantes. Hay descritos recientemente lactantes con patología neurológica aguda relacionada con la ingestión de altas dosis de anís estrellado; sin embargo, en nuestro país están suficientemente divulgados los efectos tóxicos de esta infusión. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 19 días de vida que ingresa al Servicio de Urgencia con crisis convulsivas tras ingerir una cantidad considerable de infusión de esta semilla de planta umbelífera y que precisó 3 dosis consecutivas de diazepan para su control. Dado que todas las pruebas complementarias de diagnóstico fueron normales, que la evolución fue satisfactoria, no se requirió otros tratamientos y que se mantiene asintomática varios meses después, cabe atribuir la etiología del cuadro al anís estrellado. Se discute la etiopatogenia de su toxicidad y se insiste en la necesidad de control sanitario sobre todos los productos naturales con efecto farmacológico que se expenden en el mercado formal e informal.
Despite its potential toxicity, star anise infusions are commonly used for treating colic in infants. Cases of infants with acute neurological symptoms related to the ingestion of large quantities of star shaped anise have recently been reported in the literature. We report a 19-day old boy, admitted to the emergency room with a convulsive status after ingesting a considerable amount of star anise, given to relieve infantile colic. The patient required 3 doses of diazepam to control the seizures. Because no other clinical signs were found and the outcome was favorable without additional anticonvulsant therapy, the clinical symptoms can be attributed to star anise ingestion. The etiology of this process and star anise toxicity are discussed and the need for the regulation of natural products with pharmacological effects, which are freely available.