Page 82 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

"FDA is concerned thatcommonly available Chinese star anise (Illicium verum), a product
considered by FDA to be generally recognized as safe (GRAS), may contain Japanese
star anise (Illicium anisatum), which has long been recognized as toxic in many countries
and which should be used for decorative purposes only. At this time, FDA cannot
determine if the star anise associated with the illnesses was associated with Japanese
star anise or a mixture of Chinese and Japanese star anise".

"Japanese star anise in its dried or processed form cannotbe distinguished from Chinese
star anise through visual examination. Therefore, FDA is evaluating chemical analytical
methods that will differentiate between the two species of star anise".

How to detect adulteration?

A rapid and efficientmethod for detecting I. anisatum in I. verum powder has been recently
published involving combination of microscopy and gas chromatography, which detects
the presence of eugenol and methoxyeugenol, compounds not present in I. verum.

Bitter orange peel

Fresh or dried outer part of pericarp of ripe or nearly ripe fruits of Citrus aurantium variety
amara

Chemical constituents

• Not less than 2.5% V.O. (limonene 90%)
• Bioflavonoids (Hesperidin= vitamin P), Naringin
• Bitter principle: Limonoids (Limonin)
• Pectin (complex carbohydrate)
• Juice (Citric acid, vitamins A, B and C)

• Phenols, furanocoumarins Medicinal uses:

Traditional Usage:

- Appetite Stimulant.
- Digestive Disorders
- Gastric-juice Deficiency
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Prevention of abnormal growths (skin, breast)

• German Commission E: In treating poor digestion due to hypo-acidity (in loss of
appetite).

• Dried peel is official in the B.P. as a bitter tonic. Medicinal uses of the V.O.:

• Carminative

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