The basis of Tamiflu
Star Anise (Illicium verum) is an evergreen tree growing to about l7 metres. It is a member of the illiciaceae family with shiny, elliptical leaves, yellow flowers and glossy, brown, star-shaped seedpods, each point containing a seed. A native of South East Asia, it favours lime-free soil in tropical areas.
It has been used for over 1,000 years in China to treat respiratory disorders such as bronchitis and whooping cough and to stimulate the digestive system. It is also used to treat infant colic and rheumatics in the elderly.
The main constituents are a volatile oil containing anithole, methyl chavicol, and saffrole. It is antibacterial, stimulant and diuretic. The Chinese believe it heightens awareness. A Chinese herbalist dating from the sixteenth century suggests Star Anise will cure lower back pain and if used in conjunction with fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), will remedy hernias of the intestines and bladder.
However, there is another Asian connection, and that is the reason why I thought you might find this obscure plant rather interesting. Avian flu H5N1.
Star Anise is one of the principal sources of Shikimic Acid, which is at the centre of the controversy relating to the production of Tamiflu by the pharmaceutical manufacturer, Hoffman LaRoche. The plant is mainly grown in southern China and Hoffman LaRoche take 90 per cent of the fruit to produce Oseltamivir, marketed as Tamiflu. Many western countries are stockpiling the drug but claim there is a shortfall, which the manufacturer claims is due to a shortage of Star Anise. This is a problem for any country or company wishing to produce the chemical themselves.
For those that are interested, Tamiflu is not a cure for Avian flu. What it does is inhibit the protein Neuraminidase, which is the N1 in bird flu, from migrating through the cell walls.
An interesting Cyprus connection is that Shikimic Acid is to be found in two of our native plants, namely Pistacia lentiscus, the mastic tree, and Opuntia ficus-indica, the prickly pear. Perhaps we should tell Hoffmans, who hold the licence to manufacture, or the true patent holder, Gilead Sciences, previous chairman, Donald Rumsfeld.
Star Anise is a very popular food flavouring and is an ingredient of Pernod and Anisette.
Be sure to use Chinese Star Anise, Japanese Anise, Illicium Anisatum, is very poisonous.
Next week fennel
