Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) has a long history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of digestive complaints, including colic in adults. Across cultures, particularly in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian herbal traditions, anise seeds and their extracts have been used to ease digestive discomfort, bloating, flatulence, and spasmodic abdominal pain. The rationale behind its use for colic stems from its carminative and mild antispasmodic properties, which are thought to help relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and expel gas.

While some animal and basic human studies have explored the benefits of anise and its essential oils on gastrointestinal function, high-quality clinical trials specifically evaluating its effectiveness in adult colic are limited. Most of the evidence supporting its use comes from traditional herbal texts, ethnobotanical surveys, and small-scale studies or combination herbal preparations (where anise is not the sole ingredient). Some phytochemicals in anise, such as anethole, have shown antispasmodic effects in laboratory settings, providing a possible mechanism for its historical use. However, these findings have not been robustly translated into clinical practice guidelines due to limited direct evidence.

In summary, the use of anise for adult colic is primarily justified by tradition, with some preliminary pharmacological support but limited rigorous clinical validation. As such, the strength of evidence supporting its use is modest, warranting further investigation.

More about anise
More about Colic (adults)

Other ingredients used for Colic (adults)

Other health conditions supported by anise

Products containing anise

Nature's Sunshine Bronchial Formula (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System