Possible to use Star Anis?

[Illuminatu]

Hi ladies and gents,

I really like the taste of anis (lol i know theres a bunch of puns to be made) and i would like to make my own flavoring,
I was wondering if anyone had ever tried just using a bunch of star anis and let them infuse in some PG to attain a concentrated flavouring or if that is even a good idea? Would that let some oil release in the PG and make it become harmful for health?

I would be very pleased if any of you smart DIY'ers could enlighten me on the subject

Thanks in advance

P.S.: if thats not possible can anyone tell me who has/sell the closest flavor if that even exists.

 

[BigFatDan]

Illicium verum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Star anise contains anethole, the same ingredient that gives the unrelated anise its flavor.

Anethole - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Anethole is an organic compound that is widely used as a flavoring substance. From the chemical perspective, it is a phenylpropene, a type of aromatic compound that occurs widely in nature, in essential oils.

Formerly generally recognized as safe (GRAS), after a hiatus anethole was reaffirmed by Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) as GRAS.[30] The hiatus was due to concerns about liver toxicity and possible carcinogenic activity, reported in rats.[31] Anethole is associated with a slight increase in liver cancer in rats,[31] although the evidence is scant and generally regarded as evidence that anethole is not a carcinogen.[31][32] An evaluation of anethole by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) found its notable pharmacologic properties to be reduction in motor activity, lowering of body temperature, and hypnotic, analgesic, and anticonvulsant effects.[33] A subsequent evaluation by JECFA found some reason for concern re carcinogenicity but insufficient data.[34] At this time, the JECFA summary of these evaluations is that anethole has no safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavoring agent.[35]

In large quantities, anethole is slightly toxic and may act as an irritant.[36]

If I were you, I wouldn't use it. =/

Then again, that is wikipedia. I would do further research and come to your own conclusion.

 

[Hoosier]

I've used anise oil, which is chock-full of anethole, with good results. It's steam extracted if I remember right, so your method would be relatively weak.

 

[Illuminatu]

Thanks for the wise advice guys, since my liver has already gone to hell, I think ill refrain from doing anything with Anis.