Anise (Pimpinella anisum, Apiaceae) is an annual herbaceous plant that thrives in warm temperate climates. It contains numerous biologically important substances. of particular note is its essential oil, of which the most abundant constituent is trans-anethole.
Other components include coumarins (scopoletin, umbelliferone, umbelliprenin and bergaptene), flavonoids (quercetin, apigenin, luteolin and their glycosides) and other aromatic compounds (estragole, beta-caryophyllene, etc.).
Anise seeds are known for their gastrointestinal benefits, but they are also used as an antitussive and expectorant. In vivo studies have shown that they help promote milk production and weight gain in infants.
This clinical study determined for the first time the effect of aniseed on breast milk volume and weight of preterm infants in a sample of 129 women: 45 in the intervention group, 45 in the placebo group, and 39 in the control group (standard preparations to promote milk flow).
The results showed a statistically significant difference in milk volume on the first, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh days between the three intervention, placebo and control groups. On the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh day, the average volume of milk extracted in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the placebo and control group.
Thus, the intake of anise seed helps to increase the volume of breast milk.Since no specific side effects have been reported, this preparation can be used effectively in practice where appropriate to benefit the nutrition of preterm infants.
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Source: Khalili S. et al. The effect of P. anisum herbal tea on human milk volume and weight gain in the preterm. BMC Com. Med Ther. 2023 Jan.
