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Dietary supplement

Anise Seed & Fennel Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by TerraVita

Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Anise Seed & Fennel is a dietary supplement by TerraVita with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for digestive upset and bloating, cough and respiratory complaints, sore throat.Based on those ingredients, 860 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Anise Seed and Fennel Glycerite Liquid Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Anise Seed & Fennel by TerraVita

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

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Anise Seed and Fennel Glycerite Liquid Extract” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (0.13 mL) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 2 active herbal extracts in liquid form: anise seed glycerite and fennel glycerite. Both are plant extracts prepared with glycerin, a sweet alcohol that acts as a solvent and preservative.

Glycerin is also the only inactive ingredient listed.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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

This product doesn't appear to be marketed for a specific use, so we graded its ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.

Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports its ingredients for:

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.
  • Since the label doesn't commit to one use, we graded the ingredients' overall clinical evidence instead.
  • On file: Dysmenorrhea — rated "Possibly Effective" (Fennel) (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for what these herbs do is sparse. For anise, we don't have reliable evidence to rate it for migraines, lice, menopausal symptoms, PMS, or period cramps.

For fennel, there's possibly effective evidence for period cramps (dysmenorrhea), but insufficient evidence for bronchitis, anxiety, bedwetting, or cholera. In short, the data we hold doesn't establish that either ingredient works well for any condition.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Anise Fennel

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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • 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, though the concentrated essential oil requires more caution. A small number of people may experience contact dermatitis (skin irritation) or, rarely, allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.

Fennel is also well tolerated by mouth and on skin at food amounts, but can cause stomach discomfort, sun sensitivity, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals — and in rare cases, seizures. Both herbs' safety in pregnancy is limited; anise is rated likely safe, but fennel is rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy and lactation, so medicinal or concentrated amounts should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Anise Fennel

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Fennel, Anise.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 861 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 you take this, double-check if you're on birth control or hormone therapy, diabetes medications, antidepressants (especially fluoxetine or imipramine), blood thinners, the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, or tamoxifen for cancer — all carry Moderate interaction concerns. Also check whether you take codeine, diazepam, caffeine, or drugs broken down by the liver enzyme CYP3A4.

Run your exact medications through the checker below to be sure.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence behind its ingredients' uses. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is worth discussing with your pharmacist if you take birth control, diabetes medication, antidepressants, blood thinners, or antibiotics — the interactions are theoretically significant, though not proven in humans. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using, especially at medicinal doses.

For most other situations, the main question is whether it actually works for you.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2022.

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 Seed & Fennel, straight from the product label.

Brand TerraVita
Barcode (UPC) 064435220372
Net contents 1 Fluid Ounce(s); 30 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2022
DSLD ID 280134
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Seed & Fennel by TerraVita, 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:
25 Drop(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
40 Drop(s)
Servings per container
227
UPC/BARCODE
064435220372
IngredientAmount% DV
Anise Seed Glycerite Liquid Extract0 NP--
Anise Seed and Fennel Glycerite Liquid Extract0.13 mL--
Fennel Glycerite Liquid Extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Glycerin

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.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2018 TerraVita - Distributed by ZooScape LLC, All Rights Reserved.

Formula

Glycerite liquid extract (1:5)

Formulation

Alcohol free No flavor

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 25-40 drops of extract in a small amount of warm water 3-4 times daily. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Keep away from children.

Do not use if safety seal around cap is broken or missing.

See for yourself

Anise Seed & Fennel by TerraVita label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Anise Seed & Fennel by TerraVita

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

Serving size25 Drop(s) Dosage formLiquid Servings per container227 Amounts shown are per serving.

0.13 mL 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 Seed and Fennel Glycerite Liquid Extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Glycerin. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Anise Seed & Fennel by TerraVita Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Anise Seed & Fennel?

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
860Drugs
834 Moderate 26 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Anise Seed & Fennel 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 Seed and Fennel Glycerite Liquid 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
The maker

Brand information

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

TerraVita

See all TerraVita products
Name
ZooScape LLC
Phone Number
844-449-0444
Web Address
www.ZooScape.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Anise Seed & Fennel by TerraVita: Common Questions

Does Anise Seed & Fennel by TerraVita interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Anise Seed & Fennel has a known interaction with 860 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Anise Seed & Fennel 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 this safe to take while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Anise is rated likely safe, but fennel — the other ingredient — is rated possibly unsafe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, especially at medicinal or concentrated doses. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what's right for you before starting.
What's a glycerite?
A glycerite is a liquid herbal extract made by soaking the herb in glycerin, a sweet alcohol. It's a way to concentrate the herb's compounds and preserve them in liquid form, without using grain alcohol.
Can anise and fennel cause side effects?
Both are generally well tolerated, but some people may experience stomach upset, sun sensitivity, or skin irritation. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, and anaphylaxis has been reported with anise — though it's uncommon.
Does this product actually work for anything?
The data we have shows insufficient evidence to rate anise for migraines, lice, menopause, or period problems. Fennel has possibly effective evidence for period cramps, but insufficient evidence for other uses. The science here isn't strong.

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

Not sure if Anise Seed & Fennel 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 Seed & Fennel label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Anise Seed & Fennel'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 29 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 →

Fennel 17 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Zhu M, Wong PY, Li RC. Effect of oral administration of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) on ciprofloxacin absorption and disposition in the rat. J Pharm Pharmacol 1999;51:1391-6.
  4. Gral N, Beani JC, Bonnot D, et al. [Plasma levels of psoralens after celery ingestion]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 1993;120:599-603.
  5. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol 1999;246:667-70. PubMed
  6. Rosti L, Nardini A, Bettinelli ME, Rosti D. Toxic effects of a herbal tea mixture in two newborns. Acta Paediatrica 1994;83:683. PubMed
  7. Cuzzolin L, Zaffani S, and Benoni G. Safety implications regarding use of phytomedicines. Eur.J Clin Pharmacol. 2006;62:37-42. PubMed
  8. Tognolini, M., Ballabeni, V., Bertoni, S., Bruni, R., Impicciatore, M., and Barocelli, E. Protective effect of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil and anethole in an experimental model of thrombosis. Pharmacol.Res 2007;56(3):254-260. PubMed
  9. Subehan, Usia, T., Iwata, H., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Mechanism-based inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 by Indonesian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 5-24-2006;105(3):449-455. PubMed
  10. Tognolini, M., Barocelli, E., Ballabeni, V., Bruni, R., Bianchi, A., Chiavarini, M., and Impicciatore, M. Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. Life Sci. 2-23-2006;78(13):1419-1432. PubMed
  11. Subehan, Zaidi, S. F., Kadota, S., and Tezuka, Y. Inhibition on human liver cytochrome P450 3A4 by constituents of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): identification and characterization of a mechanism-based inactivator. J Agric.Food Chem. 12-12-2007;55(25):101 PubMed
  12. LEVY, S. B. Bronchial asthma due to ingestion of fennel and fennel seed. Ann.Allergy 1948;6(4):415.
  13. Ottolenghi, A., De Chiara, A., Arrigoni, S., Terracciano, L., and De Amici, M. [Diagnosis of food allergy caused by fruit and vegetables in children with atopic dermatitis]. Pediatr Med Chir 1995;17(6):525-530.
  14. Trabace L, Tucci P, Ciuffreda L, et al. "Natural" relief of pregnancy-related symptoms and neonatal outcomes: above all do no harm. J Ethnopharmacol. 2015;174:396-402. PubMed
  15. Denaxa D, Arkwright PD. Fennel as a cause of immediate hypersensitivity to toothpaste. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2020;125(1):99-100. PubMed
  16. Lee HW, Ang L, Lee MS, Alimoradi Z, Kim E. Fennel for reducing pain in primary dysmenorrhea: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutrients 2020;12(11):3438. PubMed
  17. Mathew T, John SK, Javali M, Vasireddy M, Nadig R, Sarma GRK. Substance use related cluster headache: A case series. Headache 2022;62(7):908-910. PubMed

See these in context on the Fennel 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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