Nigerian Uziza Leaf vs Illicium verum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Nigerian Uziza Leaf

Piper umbellatum

Digestive

Digestive

Nigerian Uziza Leaf

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Illicium verum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

West African pepper plant used in Nigerian folk medicine for digestive, respiratory, and women health conditions.

East Asian spice; rich in anethole and shikimic acid (Tamiflu precursor); digestive and antiviral properties.

Active Compounds

piperine, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids

anethole, shikimic acid, estragole, foeniculin, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

digestive spice in Nigerian cuisine, treatment of coughs and respiratory infections, postpartum herbal remedy

digestive complaints, cough, antiviral, infant colic, menstrual disorders

Modern Uses

digestive stimulant, expectorant, antimicrobial

digestive carminative, expectorant, antiviral source (shikimic acid), anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

2-4g dried leaves as tea or culinary use

1-3g pods as tea 2-3x/day; 300-500mg extract

Contraindications

pregnancy - uterine stimulant potential

pregnancy (large doses), estrogen-sensitive conditions, Japanese star anise (toxic species) confusion

Side Effects

mild GI irritation

estrogenic effects, GI upset, neurotoxicity if Japanese star anise confused

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E