Antibacterial Activity on Star Anise (Illicium verum Hook) Extracts Against Pathogenic Bacteria

Abstract

Foodborne illnesses occur when people consume contaminated food or drinks, leading to symptoms like diarrhoea and sometimes death. In Malaysia, acute diarrhoea is a major health issue, with over 13.5 million cases and 230,000 deaths annually. Medical experts are concerned about bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, there is a need for new antibacterial agents. Illicium verum (star anise) is a spice believed to have antibacterial properties and is a potential solution to foodborne illnesses and antibiotic resistance in Malaysia. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of I. verum ethanolic extracts against bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.