Published online October 18, 2004
PEDIATRICS Vol. 114 No. 5 November 2004, pp. e653-e656 (doi:10.1542/peds.2004-0058)
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ELECTRONIC ARTICLE

Neurotoxicities in Infants Seen With the Consumption of Star Anise Tea

Diego Ize-Ludlow, MD*, Sean Ragone, MD{ddagger}, Isaac S. Bruck, PhD§, Jeffrey N. Bernstein, MD{ddagger}, Michael Duchowny, MD|| and Barbara M. Garcia Peña, MD, MPH

* Department of Pediatrics, Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida
{ddagger} Florida Poison Control Center, Jackson Memorial Hospital, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
§ Center for Ethnobiology and Natural Products, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
|| Department of Neurology, Miami Children's Hospital and the University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
Division of Emergency Medicine, Miami Children's Hospital, Miami, Florida

Chinese star anise (Illicium verum Hook f.) is a well-known spice used in many cultures. Many populations use it as a treatment for infant colic. Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum L), however, has been documented to have both neurologic and gastrointestinal toxicities. Recently, concern has been raised regarding the adulteration of Chinese star anise with Japanese star anise. We report 7 cases of adverse neurologic reactions in infants seen with the home administration of star anise tea. In addition, we have found evidence that Chinese star anise has been contaminated with Japanese star anise. More strict federal regulation of the import of star anise into the United States is warranted. Star anise tea should no longer be administered to infants because of its potential danger in this population.

Key Words: star anise • neurotoxicity • colic • infants

Abbreviations: GC-MS, gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy

Accepted May 25, 2004.