Anethole

Anethole is an aromatic compound that occurs naturally in various plants such as anise (Pimpinella anisum), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), and star anise (Illicium verum). Chemically, anethole belongs to the phenylpropanoids and is the main component of the essential oils of these plants – it gives them their characteristically sweet, spicy aroma. Anethole is not only used as a flavoring agent in the food industry but is also valued in naturopathy for its versatile health effects. In recent years, anethole has also increasingly become a focus of scientific research – among other reasons due to its potentially antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and hormone-modulating properties.

What health benefits does anethole offer?

In the form of various plants, anethole has long been in regular use as an active compound. Studies are increasingly examining the compound and suggest a great medicinal potential. The results of these studies should still be viewed critically, as not all effects have been conclusively researched and not all results are readily transferable. Here are some of the effects suggested so far:

  • Anti-inflammatory: Studies show that anethole can inhibit the activity of pro-inflammatory enzymes and thus contributes to relieving chronic inflammation (1).
  • Antioxidant: According to studies, anethole scavenges free radicals and thus protects cells from oxidative stress (1).
  • Antimicrobial and antiviral: In investigations, anethole showed efficacy against a wide variety of bacteria and viruses – both in the digestive tract and in the oral cavity (1).
  • Cognitive performance: Studies point to a possible improvement in cognitive factors that could be triggered by anethole (1).
  • Antinociceptive effect: Studies point to an effect that could inhibit pain (1).
  • Calming effect: Research suggests that anethole has a calming effect, which implies a certain potential for various possible applications (1).
  • Estrogen-like effect: Due to its structural similarity to certain hormones, anethole could exert mildly estrogen-like effects, which could, for example, have a supportive effect on menstrual complaints (2). However, the studies here are not conclusive, which is why hardly any statements can be made.

How does anethole work in the body?

Anethole works via various pathways that have been investigated in studies. Here are some of the mechanisms of action suggested so far:

  • Modulation of inflammatory pathways: Anethole blocks certain signaling pathways (such as NF-κB) that are responsible for the development and maintenance of inflammation (3).
  • Influence on smooth muscle: The substance has an antispasmodic effect, especially in the digestive and urogenital tract (4).
  • Regulation of hormonal processes: Through its phytoestrogenic effect, it can influence the female cycle and hormonal complaints (5).
  • Inhibition of pathogenic germs: Anethole has antibacterial and antifungal effects, including against Candida albicans and Escherichia coli (6).

Are there side effects or risks?

  • Allergies: Allergic reactions can occur in sensitive individuals, especially with high doses or essential oil.
  • Hormonal effect: Due to its phytoestrogenic properties, medical advice should always be sought in cases of hormone-dependent diseases (e.g., breast cancer).
  • Not for infants: Essential oils with a high anethole content should not be used on small children and infants.
  • Interactions: In very high doses, anethole can be mildly toxic; proper use is therefore crucial.

Conclusion

Anethole is a naturally occurring substance with a broad attributed therapeutic potential – from promoting digestion to anti-inflammatory and even hormone-modulating effects. Its long-standing use in herbal medicine is increasingly being confirmed by modern studies. When used properly, anethole could be a valuable support for health and well-being. However, more research is necessary in order to fully and conclusively understand exactly how the compound works.

Sources:

  1. Khodadadian, R., & Balali-Dehkordi, S. (2025). A comprehensive review of the neurological effects of anethole. IBRO Neuroscience Reports, 18, 50–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.12.012
  2. Tabanca, N., Khan, S., Bedir, E., Annavarapu, S., Willett, K., Khan, I., Kirimer, N., & Baser, K. H. C. (2004). Estrogenic activity of isolated compounds and essential oils of Pimpinella species from Turkey, evaluated using a recombinant yeast screen. Planta Medica, 70(8), 728–735. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-827203
  3. C. Chen, M. De Gasperi, R. Salcedo, D. Cavazos, L. deGraffenried; Evaluation of the Phytochemical Anethole as an Anti-Tumor Agent in MCF-7 Cells.. Cancer Res 15 December 2009; 69 (24_Supplement): 3100. https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.SABCS-09-3100
  4. Lima, C. C., de Holanda-Angelin-Alves, C. M., Pereira-Gonçalves, Á., Kennedy-Feitosa, E., Evangelista-Costa, E., Bezerra, M. A. C., Coelho-de-Souza, A. N., & Leal-Cardoso, J. H. (2020). Antispasmodic effects of the essential oil of Croton zehnteneri, anethole, and estragole, on tracheal smooth muscle. Heliyon, 6(11), e05445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05445
  5. Helal, E. (2019). Effect of anise (Pimpinella anisum L.) as phytoestrogen on some sex hormones and biochemical parameters. The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine, 75(1), 1918–1922. https://doi.org/10.12816/EJHM.2019.29114
  6. Kwiatkowski, P., Wojciuk, B., Wojciechowska-Koszko, I., Łopusiewicz, Ł., Grygorcewicz, B., Pruss, A., Sienkiewicz, M., Fijałkowski, K., Kowalczyk, E., & Dołęgowska, B. (2020). Innate Immune Response against Staphylococcus aureus Preincubated with Subinhibitory Concentration of trans-Anethole. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(11), 4178. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21114178