Chemical Composition of Chinese Star Anise (Illicium verum) and Neurotoxicity in Infants
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To the Editor: The spice Chinese star anise (Illicium verum f Hook) is used in many cultures. Caribbean and Hispanic cultures use a tea infusion of its star-shaped fruit as treatment for infant colic.1 A closely related species, Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum L), however, has been reported to cause neurologic and gastrointestinal toxicities.1-2 Possible adulteration of I verum with I anisatum has led to recalls of these products in several countries.3 During the past 2 years at our institution, 7 cases of adverse neurologic reactions have been reported among infants aged 2 weeks to 3 months who were exposed to star anise tea. The presentation consisted of signs of acute-onset irritability, jitteriness, clonus or myoclonus, increased deep tendon reflexes, nystagmus, vomiting, and seizures. All of the cases had normal laboratory and electroencephalography findings. Symptoms in all of the cases resolved within 24 hours of . . . [Full Text of this Article]Methods
Diego Ize-Ludlow, MD
Department of Pediatrics
Miami Children's Hospital
Miami, Fla
Sean Ragone, MD;
Jeffrey N. Bernstein, MD
Florida Poison Control Center
Jackson Memorial Hospital
University of Miami School of Medicine
Isaac S. Bruck, PhD
Center for Ethnobiology and Natural Products
Florida International University
Miami
Michael Duchowny, MD
Department of Neurology
Miami Children's Hospital
University of Miami School of Medicine
Barbara M. Garcia Peña, MD, MPH
barbara.pena@mch.com
Division of Emergency Medicine
Miami Children's Hospital
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
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Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2005;18:188-208.
ABSTRACT
Neurotoxicities in Infants Seen With the Consumption of Star Anise Tea
Ize-Ludlow et al.
Pediatrics 2004;114:e653-e656.
ABSTRACT
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