Scientific name

Illicium religiosum Sieb., Left Illicium japonicum

Family

Origin

Japan and extreme eastern regions.

Synonyms

Shikimi or Japanese star anise

Used Parts

Chemical constituents

• Essential oil (rich in safrole);
• myristicin;
• Shikimotoxins (sikimitoxina and sikonina).

Side effects

Shikimi is a toxic plant, responsible for convulsions and hallucinations; Numerous cases of neurotoxicity have been described, mainly in children and infants.

Japanese star anise - Notes

The fruits are very similar to those of Chinese star anise (Badiana), therefore easily confused for non-experts.