Fact Check: Can star Anise and honey cure bronchitis ?

A video on Instagram claims that consumption of star anise and honey cures bronchitis.

Claim: An Instagram video claims that star anise and honey can cure various diseases such as cough, congestion, asthma, etc. It also claims that Satr Anise and honey can cure bronchitis. The video suggests roasting the star anise and then grinding it into a fine powder using a mixture grinder. For consumption, it suggests mixing half a teaspoon of the star anise powder with a teaspoon of honey and taking it three times a day for seven days. The link to the reel is here.

Fact Check :

The Claim is FALSE.

What is bronchitis?

According to the American Lungs Association, “Bronchitis is the sudden development of inflammation in bronchial tubes—the major airways into your lungs. It usually happens because of a virus or breathing in something that irritates the lungs, such as tobacco smoke, fumes, dust and air pollution. (1)

It may be classified into Acute and chronic Bronchitis.

Acute Bronchitis is temporary and usually does not cause any permanent breathing difficulties. The disease is self limiting and the infection usually lasts a week to 10 days, while the cough may continue for several weeks. Chronic bronchitis on the other hand, is a chronic disease that is type of COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). COPD includes emphysema and Chronic bronchitis.

Incidence of Bronchitis:

The recent 'Indian Study of Asthma, Respiratory Symptoms and Chronic Bronchitis' study of 85,105 men and 84,470 women reported the prevalence of chronic bronchitis to be 3.49% (4.29% in males and 2.7% in females) in adults > 35 years. (2)

Speaking to the Medical Dialogues team, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli, Chest Specialist, explained, “ Bronchitis is primarily caused by the same viruses that lead to the common cold or flu, which inflame the bronchial tubes. It can occasionally be triggered by a bacterial infection. Acute bronchitis is typically caused by viruses, like those responsible for colds and the flu, and sometimes by bacterial infections. Factors that increase susceptibility to bronchitis include close contact with someone infected with a cold or bronchitis, not being vaccinated against the flu, and exposure to lung irritants such as tobacco smoke, fumes, dust, and air pollution. People with weakened immune systems or existing respiratory conditions are also more susceptible to bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is primarily caused by long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways. The most common irritant is cigarette smoke, but other pollutants such as dust, chemical fumes, and air pollution also contribute significantly. In some cases, repeated episodes of acute bronchitis can lead to chronic bronchitis.”

Health Benefits of Star Anise and honey:

Star anise (Illicium verum Hook al) (I.verum) is a woody species used in traditional medicine as a therapeutic agent. Star anise is an important medicinal plant worldwide. Recent scientific studies have proven that the fruit and essential oil of star anise is characterised by biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The plant is also widely used in the food industry as a spice. (3)

Honey is a natural product formed from the nectar of flowers by honeybees. It is consumed both for its nutritional aims and for its medicinal properties. Evidence indicates that honey may have several health-beneficial effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous system protective effects.(4)

Can Star Anise and Honey Cure Bronchitis?

Star Anise and honey both have some antimicrobial properties and are used in traditional medicine to help alleviate respiratory symptoms. However, the claims that star anise can cure bronchitis lack definitive scientific evidence.

A study mentioned Anise oil can be used to treat respiratory ailments, mainly as an expectorant for coughs associated with colds. (5)

Another study by Chaudhari, R et al. mentioned that Star Anise may be used for lung swelling (irritation), bronchitis, cough, the flu (influenza), and swine flu. (6)

Abuelgasim H et al in their study reported that Honey improved symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Honey could help efforts to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance, but further high-quality, placebo-controlled trials are needed.(7)

Although studies exist on star anise's and honey's antimicrobial properties, none confirm their ability to cure bronchitis. Additionally, there is no consensus within the medical community that star anise can cure bronchitis.

Speaking to the Medical Dialogues team, Dr Mrigakshi Agarwal, Pulmonologist at Sanjeevan Hospital, clarified that “While star anise has antimicrobial properties and may help soothe some symptoms due to its traditional use in herbal remedies, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness as a cure for bronchitis.Honey cannot cure bronchitis. While it is known for its soothing properties and can help alleviate some symptoms of coughs and sore throats associated with bronchitis, it does not have the capability to cure the underlying infection, whether viral or bacterial. The treatment for bronchitis, particularly chronic bronchitis, typically involves medications to reduce inflammation, clear up mucus, and open airways, along with lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and avoiding lung irritants. It's important to consult healthcare professionals for appropriate treatments. Otherwise, the situation can worsen and become fatal.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take:

Star anise and honey do have some antimicrobial properties and help alleviate respiratory symptoms, but the claim that they can cure Bronchitis is false. Bronchitis can be of several types and chronic bronchitis which is a type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), does not have a cure and requires proper medical treatment for control. Hence, the Claim that Star Anise and honey cure Bronchitis is FALSE.

References:

2. Koul PA. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Indian guidelines and the road ahead. Lung India. 2013 Jul;30(3):175-7. doi: 10.4103/0970-2113.116233. PMID: 24049249; PMCID: PMC3775194.

3.Sharafan M, Jafernik K, Ekiert H, Kubica P, Kocjan R, Blicharska E, Szopa A. Illicium verum (Star Anise) and Trans-Anethole as Valuable Raw Materials for Medicinal and Cosmetic Applications. Molecules. 2022 Jan 19;27(3):650. doi: 10.3390/molecules27030650. PMID: 35163914; PMCID: PMC8839413.

4.Evidence indicates that honey can exert several health-beneficial effects including antioxidant,[11] anti-inflammatory,[12] antibacterial,[13] antidiabetic,[14] respiratory, gastrointestinal,[15] cardiovascular, and nervous system[16] protective effects.

5.ESCOP Monographs: The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products, Thieme Stuttgart, New York, Edition 2, 2003.

6. Chaudhari, R., Dhole, V., More, S., Kushwaha, S., & Takarkhede, S. (2021). Health benefits of herbs and spices - Review. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 10(3), 1050-1061. https://www.wjpr.net/dashboard/abstract_id/17350

7.Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J. Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021 Apr;26(2):57-64. doi: 10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336. Epub 2020 Aug 18. PMID: 32817011.