The Evaluation of Shikimi (Illicium anisatum) Cultivated in Saga Prefecture as Functional Food and Cosmetic Material

Abstract

　This study aimed to develop new uses of Shikimi (Illicium anisatum) cultivated in Japan's north Kyushu area as functional food or cosmetic material. Water and ethanol extracts of Shikimi were screened for antioxidant, anti-lipase, antibacteria, and anti-advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation inhibitory activities. The screening results revealed that an ethanol extract of Shikimi stem showed high antioxidant activity. It also showed extremely high anti-lipase activity (with the IC₅₀ value of 2.0μg/mℓ), high inhibitory activity for AGEs formation, and high antibacterial activity. These results showed that the ethanol extract of Shikimi stem has a great potential for functional foods and cosmetics with anti-aging, anti-acne and anti-obesity properties.