Spices & Seasonings · High Anethole · Food & Pharma
Star Anise
Illicium verum · Chakra Phool · Badian · Chinese Star Anise
Star anise — the most visually striking spice in the world. PAX Herbal supplies whole star anise pods with 80%+ anethole and 5%+ volatile oil. Food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade (shikimic acid source for antiviral synthesis). COA with every batch.
About This Product
Premium Star Anise
Star anise (Illicium verum), called Chakra Phool in India, is one of the most visually distinctive spices — its eight-pointed star-shaped pods containing the seeds have become iconic in both culinary and artisanal contexts. The essential oil (5%+) is dominated by trans-anethole (80%+), the same compound found in fennel, aniseed and liquorice, giving star anise its intensely sweet, anise-like aroma.
Star anise has two major commercial demand streams: culinary use (Chinese five-spice, pho broth, biryani, liqueurs) and pharmaceutical use — star anise pods are the primary commercial source of shikimic acid, which is used as the starting material for oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) antiviral synthesis. This pharmaceutical demand makes star anise a strategically important global commodity.
PAX Herbal supplies whole and broken star anise grades for food, essential oil and pharmaceutical applications. COA with volatile oil content and anethole percentage is provided with every batch.
Key Specifications
- Volatile Oil5%+
- Anethole80%+
- Moisture<12%
- OriginIndia / Import sourced
- FormsWhole / Broken / Powder
- Pack Size10–25 kg bags
- MOQ250 kg
- Lead Time10–14 Days
Available Grades
Grades & Specifications
| Grade | Anethole | Volatile Oil | Moisture | Pack | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Premium Pods | 80%+ | 5%+ | <12% | 10–25kg bags | Culinary, retail, display |
| Whole Standard | 80%+ | 5%+ | <12% | 25kg bags | Food processing, soups |
| Broken Grade | 80%+ | 5%+ | <12% | 25kg bags | Essential oil, oleoresin |
| Star Anise Powder | 75%+ | 4%+ | <10% | 25kg bags | Spice blends, food mfg |
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End Uses
Applications & Industries
Asian Cuisine
The defining spice of Chinese five-spice powder and Vietnamese pho broth.
Liqueurs
Primary flavouring ingredient in anise liqueurs: absinthe, pastis, sambuca, ouzo, Pernod.
Antiviral Pharmaceutical
Shikimic acid source — critical starting material for Tamiflu (oseltamivir) antiviral synthesis.
Essential Oil
Star anise oil (80%+ anethole) used in food flavouring, fragrance and dental products.
Bakery
Used in festive baked goods, biscuits and confectionery in European and Asian traditions.
Indian Cuisine
Used in biryani, meat curries and garam masala blends.
Common Questions
Buyer FAQs
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