Part1. What is star anise shikimic acid?
Shikimic acid is an organic compound with the molecular formula C7H10O5. It is colorless or white needle crystal. The solubility in water at 20°C is 18%, slightly soluble in ethanol and ether, almost insoluble in chloroform and benzene. By affecting the metabolism of arachidonic acid, shikimic acid inhibits platelet aggregation, inhibits arterial and venous thrombosis and cerebral thrombosis, and has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and can also be used as an intermediate of antiviral and anticancer drugs. This product is mostly used as a pharmaceutical intermediate, which is irritating to a certain extent and should not be used directly. It naturally exists in the dry mature fruit of Magnoliaceae star anise (Illicium verum Hook.f.).
Part2. Pharmacological effects
Shikimic acid is a monomer compound extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine star anise. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and is an intermediate of anticancer drugs. By affecting the metabolism of arachidonic acid, shikimic acid inhibits platelet aggregation, venous thrombosis and cerebral thrombosis. Shikimic acid has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and can also be used as an intermediate of antiviral and anticancer drugs.
Part3. Shikimic acid is an important component of the drug "Tamiflu" that is effective against H5N1 avian influenza virus
Star anise contains an important ingredient against Asian bird flu virus - shikimic acid, which experts say is the only weapon against bird flu in the world. Rich in China and Vietnam, it is the fruit of a small oriental tree species of Magnoliaceae. It has a pungent taste similar to licorice. It is a traditional condiment of oriental cooking and the main spice of liqueurs such as French green anisette and anise liqueur. It is also generally used to enhance the aroma of candy, anisette and tobacco. The medicinal benefits of star anise, including its possible cancer-fighting properties, had received attention before bird flu arrived. As the main source of shikimic acid, star anise has attracted attention again, because shikimic acid is an important component of the drug "Tamiflu" that is effective against the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus.
"It takes 10 Tamiflu capsules to treat a patient infected with bird flu, and 13 grams of star anise is needed to make 10 Tamiflu capsules," said Albert Elgrisi, director of the ouzo maker Rica in Marseille, France.
