Anisum (Pimpinella anisum).
The dried ripe fruit of Pimpinella Anisum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Umbelliferae). Egypt and Western Asia; cultivated in Southern Europe. Dose, 5 to 40 grains.
Common Names: Anise, Aniseed.
Principal Constituents.—A volatile oil (Oleum Anisi) composed chiefly (95 per cent) of the stearopten anethol (C10H12O), which, upon oxidation, yields anisic acid (C8H8O3)
Preparations.—1. Oleum Anisi, Oil of Anise. Derived from Anise (above) or from Star Anise (Illicium verum, Hooker, Nat. Ord. Magnoliaceae.). The botanical origin must be stated on the label. Oil of Anise is a highly refractive, colorless or light-yellow liquid, having the taste and odor of anise. It is freely dissolved by alcohol. Dose, 1 to 5 drops on sugar.
2. Infusum Anisi, Infusion of Anise (Anise, 2 or 3 drachms;] Boiling Water, 8 ounces). Dose, 1 to 2 fluidrachms.
3. Spiritus Anisi, Spirit of Anise. Ten per cent Oil of Anise in Alcohol. Dose, ½ to 1 fluidrachm in hot water.
4. Aqua Anisi, Anise Water. Dose, a fluidrachms to a fluidounce.
5. Specific Medicine Anise. Dose, one fluidrachm in water.
Specific Indication.—Flatulence, with colicky pain.
Action and Therapy.—Anise is an agreeable stimulating carminative employed principally for the relief of nausea, flatulency, and the flatulent colic of infants. Anise imparts its odor to the milk of nursing mothers. It is an ingredient of Paregoric (Camphorated Tincture of Opium), and is largely used to impart to or correct flavor in medicinal preparations, especially cough mixtures. For infants the infusion is the best preparation and it should not be sweetened. The spirit (½ to 1 fluidrachm) given in hot water is more agreeable and effective for older children and adults. The oil (1 to 5 drops) on sugar may be used by the latter, if desired.
