More than just flavour and fragrance - the chemistry and pharmacological potential of anethole

Abstract

Anethole, a naturally-occurring aromatic phenylpropene compound, is commonly present in the essential oils derived from botanically diverse plants, including anise, star anise, fennel and basil. It is highly regarded for its therapeutic properties, imparting various health benefits spanning many different conditions. This comprehensive and critical review unites the knowledge on anethole up to the year 2024, available from the scientific platforms Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science, retrieved using the search term "Anethole". A bibliometrics overview is also provided which outlines the trend in the publication output over time, the major contributing authors, collaborative networks and popular research topics on this molecule. The collected data suggests that, in addition to its significance in the flavour and fragrance sectors, anethole exhibits a host of diverse medicinal activities. In-depth research highlights its contributing potential in addressing cancer, infections, wounds, and conditions related to the liver, lungs and skin. However, the research on anethole lacks comprehensive investigations into its mechanisms of action and synergistic effects with other compounds, hindering the understanding of its full therapeutic potential. While it holds promise beyond culinary uses, further research is needed to address this knowledge void and develop targeted therapeutic interventions.

Keywords: Anise seed; Anti-inflammatory activity; Bibliometrics; Essential oil; Phenylpropene; Trans-Anethole.