Illicium anisatum

Illicium anisatum, commonly known as Japanese star anise, is a distinctive evergreen shrub native to East Asia. While visually similar to the edible Chinese star anise, it is highly toxic if ingested. This potent medicinal plant is primarily studied for its unique bioactive compounds and significant pharmacological potential in traditional medicine.

  • Scientific name: Illicium anisatum
  • Family: Schisandraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Austrobaileyales, falling into the family Schisandraceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Illicium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Austrobaileyales WCVP
Family Schisandraceae WCVP
Genus Illicium WCVP

Distribution

This plant is native to several regions across Eastern Asia. Its geographical range includes the islands of Japan and the Nansei-shotto archipelago. It is also commonly found growing throughout the Korean Peninsula. Additionally, the species is distributed across the island of Taiwan. These specific locations define the primary natural habitat for this medicinal species.

Region Area Source
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP

Chemicals

Illicium anisatum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Shikimic acid, anisatin.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Shikimic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anisatin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Illicium anisatum has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Toxic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Toxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆