Monograph: |
Anise Oil
A clear, colourless or pale yellow volatile oil obtained by dis-
tillation from aniseed or star anise, anethole is the major con-
stituent. It has a characteristic odour and a sweet aromatic
taste. Solidifies on cooling, f.p. 15Β° to 19Β°. Practically insol
uble in water, immiscible with alcohol, with dichloromethane,
with ether, and with petroleum spirit. If the oil has
crystallised it should be melted completely and mixed before
use. Store at a temperature not exceeding 25Β° in airtight
containers. Protect from light.
Incompatibility. PVC bottles softened and distorted fairly
rapidly in the presence of anise oil, which should not be
stored or dispensed in such bottles.
Anise oil is carminative and mildly expectorant and is a com-
mon ingredient of cough preparations. It is also a flavouring
agent.
It may cause contact dermatitis, probably due lo its anethole
content.
For a brief review of aniseed and anise oil, see Aniseed,
above.
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