Aniseed myrtle

Botanical

What is it

Aniseed myrtle (Syzygium anisatum, syn. Backhousia anisata) is an Australian native rainforest tree whose leaves contain anethole and have an anise-like aroma. It is used as a culinary herb (bushfood) and increasingly as a botanical ingredient.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Culinary / flavor / mild antioxidant

Mixed Evidence

Provides flavor and modest antioxidant contribution. No clinical trials support specific health benefits.

How it works

Aniseed myrtle's essential oil is dominated by anethole (the same compound that gives anise its flavor), along with smaller amounts of methyl chavicol and other phenylpropenes. In laboratory studies it shows antioxidant and mild antimicrobial activity. Human clinical evidence for specific health uses is essentially absent; the supplement-label appearances tend to be small servings used as flavor and antioxidant ingredients.

Dosage

There is no established evidence-based dose. Used in culinary amounts as ground leaf (typically less than a gram per serving).

When and how to take it

Use as a culinary herb at mealtimes.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried ground leaf

Primary culinary form.

Standard food matrix.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at culinary doses. Concentrated essential oil should not be ingested undiluted. Anethole at very high doses has been associated with hormone-like activity in animal models.

Who should be cautious

Avoid concentrated essential oil in pregnancy. Anethole-containing herbs traditionally avoided in high doses during pregnancy.

Interactions

No clinically established interactions at culinary doses.

Food sources

Aniseed myrtle leaf (dried)

Amount
1/4 tsp culinary use
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is aniseed myrtle the same as anise?⌄

They are unrelated plants but share the dominant flavor compound anethole, giving similar aroma.

References

Aniseed myrtle on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Aniseed myrtle (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.