Anethole

Anetholum, p-methoxypropenylbenzene; CAS No.: 480-23-8
Anethole is an organic compound, highly soluble in ethanol and insoluble in water, which is a component of various essential oils, e.g. anise oil (see below Anisi fructus) and fennel oil. Anethole occurs as trans-anethole and cis-anethole in fennel, anise and star anise. The odor of anethole is causal for the typical anise aroma. A structural isomer of anethole is estragole.
Anethole has secretolytic, secretomotor, antihelmintic and antibacterial effects on various species. Species. At the same time it shows a spasmolytic effect, which is why it can be used as an expectorant. Experiments have shown an anticarcinogenic effect.
Anethole is used as a fragrance and flavoring, especially in hygiene products in soaps and oral care products, but also in food chemistry.

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