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A case of infantile star anise toxicity

Gregory Russell Madden1, Kristine Held Schmitz, Katherine Fullerton

  • 1University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA. grm7q@virginia.edu

Pediatric Emergency Care
|March 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) ingestion caused toxicity in an infant, mimicking colic symptoms. Prompt recognition and management are crucial for infant safety and preventing adverse outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatrics
  • Herbal Medicine

Background:

  • Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) is commonly used for infantile colic.
  • Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) contamination is linked to infant toxicity.

Observation:

  • A 3-month-old infant presented with toxicity symptoms after star anise ingestion.
  • Clinical presentation included gastrointestinal and neurological findings consistent with toxicity.

Findings:

  • The infant's symptoms were attributed to accidental ingestion of toxic Japanese star anise.
  • Differential diagnosis included other causes of infant distress and neurological symptoms.

Implications:

  • Highlights the risk of toxic plant contamination in herbal remedies for infants.
  • Emphasizes the need for accurate identification of herbal products and prompt medical evaluation.
  • Informs clinical management strategies for suspected star anise toxicity in infants.

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