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Dietary supplement

Anise Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Herb Pharm

Anise label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Anise against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Anise is a dietary supplement by Herb Pharm with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and bloating, cough and respiratory complaints, sore throat.Based on those ingredients, 245 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Anise extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

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Check Your Meds Against Anise by Herb Pharm

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Anise by Herb Pharm — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Anise by Herb Pharm

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: anise extract, a liquid concentrate of the anise plant. Anise has been used traditionally to support digestion and other functions, though we'll cover what the evidence actually shows separately.

The extract is prepared with cane alcohol and distilled water.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Anise's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: gastrointestinal system restoration.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Constipation, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, digestive comfort.
  • The closest evidence on file: Anise is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Anise is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

The evidence for anise doesn't yet support its use for the conditions listed in our data. Effectiveness ratings for migraine headache, lice, menopausal symptoms, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and period pain (dysmenorrhea) all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate—meaning the research either isn't there, isn't robust enough, or is too mixed to draw a conclusion.

If you're considering anise for one of these, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what the current research actually supports.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Anise

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Anise is generally well tolerated when used as a food or tea. The concentrated essential oil requires more caution.

The most common side effect is contact dermatitis (skin irritation) if applied to skin in sensitive people. Rarely, anise can trigger serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction), rhinoconjunctivitis (nasal and eye inflammation), occupational asthma, or swelling of the lips.

If you have a known sensitivity to anise or related plants, avoid it. During pregnancy, medicinal amounts and the essential oil are not recommended due to limited safety data, though anise as a food or occasional tea is considered likely safe.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Anise

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Anise.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 245 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before starting anise, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills (risk of reduced effectiveness), antidiabetes medications (risk of low blood sugar), fluoxetine or imipramine (risk of reduced antidepressant effects), codeine (risk of stronger pain relief and side effects), diazepam (risk of increased sedation), or caffeine (risk of reduced effectiveness). These interactions are based on animal studies or lab research, so the human risk is uncertain—but it's worth clarifying before you take anise.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Anise extract is generally well tolerated as a food or casual tea, but the concentrated liquid form carries documented Moderate interactions with hormone therapies, diabetes medications, and several psychiatric and pain medications. If you take birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, antidiabetes drugs, fluoxetine, imipramine, codeine, diazepam, or caffeine regularly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product.

The evidence for its effectiveness on migraine, lice, menopausal symptoms, PMS, or period pain is not yet established.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 24, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Anise, straight from the product label.

Brand Herb Pharm
Barcode (UPC) 090700000028
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 24, 2024
DSLD ID 302465
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Organic, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Anise by Herb Pharm, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
0.7 mL
Servings per container
42
UPC/BARCODE
090700000028
IngredientAmount% DV
Anise extract634 mg--

Other ingredients: Cane Alcohol, Water, Distilled

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use Shake well before using Adults: Add 1 squeeze of the dropper bulb to 2 oz. of water or juice, 2 to 5 times per day. Best taken between meals.

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children

Storage

Store away from heat & light

Formula

Pimpinella anisum

Anise Liquid Extract

Formulation

System restoration Gastrointestinal

USDA Organic

Gluten-Free

Certified Organic by Organic Certifiers

Seals/Symbols

USDA Organic

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Anise by Herb Pharm label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Anise label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Anise by Herb Pharm

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.7 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container42 Amounts shown are per serving.

Anise extract

Interacts with
245 drugs
634 mg per serving

Anise is a fragrant, licorice-flavored seed used for centuries to ease digestion and soothe coughs. Most of its health claims are based on tradition a...

Anise extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cane Alcohol, Water, Distilled. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Anise by Herb Pharm Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Anise?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
245Drugs
193 Moderate 52 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Anise extract 245

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Anise interact with 245 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Anise interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Anise extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Anise with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Anise extract11 drug types · 245 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, anise seed might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
A small clinical study shows that anise seed powder decreases fasting blood glucose levels by 36% when compared to baseline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Caffeine

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the efficacy of caffeine.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with caffeine decreases the bioavailability of caffeine. Whether this interaction will occur in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Codeine

Theoretically, anise oil might increase the effects and adverse effects of codeine.
Animal research shows that anise oil increases the analgesic effects of codeine, possibly by inducing its phase I metabolism and increasing conversion to morphine. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, anise might interfere with contraceptive drug therapy.
Some in vitro research suggests that anise has estrogenic effects, while other in vitro research suggests that anise has antiestrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Diazepam (Valium)

Theoretically, anise oil might increase the effects and adverse effects of diazepam.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with diazepam increases the motor impairment associated with diazepam, possibly by inhibiting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 3A4. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, anise might interfere with estrogen-based hormone replacement therapy.
Some in vitro research suggests that anise has estrogenic effects, while other in vitro research suggests that anise has antiestrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the efficacy of fluoxetine.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with fluoxetine reduces the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine, possibly by promoting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 2D6. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Imipramine (Tofranil)

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the efficacy of imipramine.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with imipramine reduces the antidepressant effects of imipramine, possibly by promoting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 2D6. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Midazolam (Versed)

Theoretically, anise oil might increase the effects and adverse effects of midazolam.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with midazolam increases the motor impairment associated with midazolam, possibly by inhibiting its breakdown by cytochrome P450 3A4. Whether this interaction occurs in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, anise might interfere with tamoxifen therapy.
Some in vitro research suggests that anise has estrogenic effects, while other in vitro research suggests that anise has antiestrogenic effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Others)

Theoretically, anise oil might decrease the levels and clinical effects of acetaminophen.
Animal research shows that taking anise oil with acetaminophen decreases peak plasma levels of acetaminophen but does not reduce overall bioavailability. Whether this interaction will occur in humans is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Anise extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Anise, from the product label.

Herb Pharm

See all Herb Pharm products
Name
Herb Pharm
City
Williams
State
OR
ZipCode
97544
Phone Number
800-348-4372
Web Address
www.herb-pharm.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Anise by Herb Pharm: Common Questions

Does Anise by Herb Pharm interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Anise has a known interaction with 245 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Anise contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is anise safe during pregnancy?
Anise as a food or occasional tea is considered likely safe in pregnancy. However, medicinal amounts and the concentrated essential oil are not recommended due to limited safety data. If you're pregnant and considering anise, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's appropriate for you.
Can anise cause allergic reactions?
Yes, anise can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people—from mild contact dermatitis (skin irritation) to serious reactions like anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction), rhinoconjunctivitis (nasal and eye inflammation), or asthma. If you have a known allergy to anise or related plants, avoid this product.
Does anise actually help with migraines, PMS, or period pain?
The evidence isn't established yet. Our data rates effectiveness for these conditions as insufficient reliable evidence—meaning the research either isn't there or isn't clear enough to say whether anise helps. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's proven to work for your symptoms.
What's the difference between anise as a food and this supplement?
This is a concentrated liquid extract, much stronger than anise you'd eat as a spice or drink as occasional tea. The concentrated form carries more caution, especially regarding safety and potential interactions with medications. That's why it's important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.
Is anise safe to use long-term?
Little reliable safety information exists for long-term use of medicinal amounts, so the facts advise caution. If you're thinking of taking this regularly, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it's right for you and won't interfere with your medications.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Anise is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Anise label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Anise’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Anise

Interacts with 245 drugs

Anise is a fragrant, licorice-flavored seed used for centuries to ease digestion and soothe coughs. Most of its health claims are based on tradition and small or laboratory studies rather th...

Read the full Anise monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Anise's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 12 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Anise 12 references
  1. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
  2. Kassi E, Papoutsi Z, Fokialakis N, et al. Greek plant extracts exhibit selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)-like properties. J Agric Food Chem 2004;52:6956-61. PubMed
  3. Mumcuoglu KY, Miller J, Zamir C, et al. The in vivo pediculicidal efficacy of a natural remedy. Isr Med Assoc J 2002;4:790-3.
  4. Garcia-Gonzalez JJ, Bartolome-Zavala B, Fernandez-Melendez S, et al. Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and food allergy because of aniseed sensitization. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002;88:518-22. . PubMed
  5. Tabanca N, Khan SI, Bedir E, et al. Estrogenic activity of isolated compounds and essential oils of Pimpinella species from Turkey, evaluated using a recombinant yeast screen. Planta Med 2004;70:728-35.
  6. Gonzalez-Gutierrez, M. L., Sanchez-Fernandez, C., Esteban-Lopez, M. I., Sempere-Ortells, J. M., and Diaz-Alperi, P. Allergy to anis. Allergy 2000;55(2):195-196.
  7. Anliker, M. D., Borelli, S., and Wuthrich, B. Occupational protein contact dermatitis from spices in a butcher: a new presentation of the mugwort-spice syndrome. Contact Dermatitis 2002;46(2):72-74. PubMed
  8. Poon, T. S. and Freeman, S. Cheilitis caused by contact allergy to anethole in spearmint flavoured toothpaste. Australas.J Dermatol. 2006;47(4):300-301. PubMed
  9. Andersen, K. E. Contact allergy to toothpaste flavors. Contact Dermatitis 1978;4(4):195-198. PubMed
  10. Samojlik I, Mijatovic V, Petkovic S, et al. The influence of essential oil of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum, L.) on drug effects on the central nervous system. Fitoterapia 2012;83:1466-73. PubMed
  11. Samojlik I, Petkovic S, Stilinovic N, et al. Pharmacokinetic herb-drug interaction between essential oil of aniseed (Pimpinella anisum L., Apiaceae) and acetaminophen and caffeine: A potential risk for clinical practice. Phytother Res 2016;30:253-9.
  12. Rajeshwari U, Shobha I, Andallu B. Comparison of aniseeds and coriander seeds for antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities. Spatula DD-Peer Reviewed Journal on Complementary Medicine and Drug Discovery 2011;1:9-16. DOI

See these in context on the Anise monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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