Star anise is becoming a lifesaver for countries facing avian influenza outbreaks, as it is a key ingredient in the formulation of the antiviral drug Tamiflu. In Vietnam, star anise is widely cultivated in northern provinces such as Lang Son, Cao Bang, and Quang Ninh.
The plant used to produce Tamiflu is known as star anise (Illicium verum), also referred to as Chinese star anise or eight-pointed star anise. It is often confused with two toxic species: Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) and mountain star anise (Illicium griffithii), both of which are poisonous. Star anise is a medium-sized tree, growing 2-6 meters tall, and should not be mistaken for the smaller herbaceous plant known as anise.
Since experts raised concerns about the risk of a global flu pandemic, the demand for Tamiflu skyrocketed, making star anise increasingly valuable. Vast fields of star anise, spanning several hundred hectares in China, have become an important “weapon” in the fight against the threat of a flu pandemic. The price of star anise has tripled in the past four months, currently reaching nearly 30,000 VND per kilogram.
When Tamiflu was first developed almost a decade ago, the Gilead Sciences Corporation in California, USA, initially used the Quinine tree as the main ingredient. However, when Roche Holding AG acquired the rights to produce Tamiflu, they replaced Quinine with star anise.
However, experts have advised the public not to overuse star anise, as the extract used in Tamiflu undergoes a complex processing method to yield shikimic acid, which differs from the original component. Furthermore, Roche plans to produce shikimic acid through fermentation methods in the future, reducing dependency on traditionally cultivated star anise.
Star Anise – A Precious Medicinal Herb
In traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is used to treat vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and to detoxify meat and fish, as well as relieve joint pain. The recommended dosage is 4-8 grams per day, either as a decoction, infusion, or in powdered form (1-4 grams). Star anise soaked in alcohol with other medicinal herbs is used for massages to treat rheumatism and muscle aches.
Western medicine has also utilized star anise for its carminative properties, stimulating digestion, and promoting lactation. Star anise is effective in alleviating pain and reducing intestinal spasms, and it is used in treating stomach and intestinal disorders. Excessive consumption can lead to poisoning, with symptoms including dizziness, tremors, cerebral and pulmonary congestion, and even seizures resembling epilepsy.
The essential oil of star anise aids digestion, inhibits intestinal fermentation, acts as an expectorant, and has mild diuretic properties. It is an ingredient in cough syrups, topical ointments, and treatments for skin fungal infections and scabies.
