Herb Profile
Anise Hyssop
Agastache foeniculum
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) carries a Grade C rating — limited evidence.
Last reviewed: •4 sources citedReport a correctionProfile-wide ·C Limited
Use extra caution — Culinary or tea use is usually lower risk, but concentrated oils/extracts can irritate GI or mucosal tissue. Details
- Evidence
- Limited Evidence
- Typical onset
- Varies by prep
- Safety rating
- High caution
- Best for
- Digestive, Respiratory, Antimicrobial
Safety
Safety & Cautions
Culinary or tea use is usually lower risk, but concentrated oils/extracts can irritate GI or mucosal tissue. Avoid pregnancy dose escalation and use caution with reflux/allergy.
High caution
Caution level: High. Multiple caution categories apply, or the record uses avoid/contraindication language.
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding CautionPregnancy or breastfeeding caution language is present.
Detailed safety fields
Safety classifications
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Caution: Pregnancy or breastfeeding caution language is present.
Full safety note
- Culinary or tea use is usually lower risk, but concentrated oils/extracts can irritate GI or mucosal tissue. Avoid pregnancy dose escalation and use caution with reflux/allergy.
Safety labels
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Caution
Evidence
Evidence Summary
Evidence lens
Read as directional context, not settled clinical proof.
LimitedLimited Evidence
Human clinical evidence: Not the primary signal
Mechanistic / preclinical: Mechanism mapped — Endocannabinoid Modulation
Research maturity: Theoretical / mechanistic research — Mechanistic or unresolved evidence is kept separate from established human outcomes.
Safety boundary: Safety note available — Culinary or tea use is usually lower risk, but concentrated oils/extracts can irritate GI or mucosal tissue.
This profile cites 4 human studies.
How evidence grades work
Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.
- Strong
- Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
- Moderate
- Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
- Preliminary / Mixed
- Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
- Traditional / Theoretical
- Traditional use only; no controlled human trials
Clinical Study Summaries (4)0 human evidence sources · 0 human trials · Participant totals not consistently reported · Consistency not yet classifiable
What the evidence actually shows
This table contains 4 structured sources, including 0 human evidence sources; 0 are human trials.
| Study | Design | N | Dose | Duration | Population | Outcome | Result & magnitude | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Strilbytska OM et al. · Front Physiol · 2020 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Pașca C et al. · Antibiotics (Basel) · 2021 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Estragole: a weak direct-acting food-borne genotoxin and potential carcinogen Martins C et al. · Mutat Res · 2012 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
Bălănescu F et al. · 2023 Background | Other / unclear The study design is not yet classified clearly enough to infer its place in the evidence hierarchy. | — | — | — | — | — | — | DOI → |
Dosing & Timing
- No standardized dose
- Preparation specific; use standardized product label for Preparation varies by tradition and product form and require source backed dosage review before therapeutic claims.
How Anise Hyssop works
Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.
Mechanism Pathway — How Anise Hyssop Works
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome
Mechanisms & biological pathways (preclinical)
- Endocannabinoid Modulation
Active Compounds
Key constituents studied in Anise Hyssop, with full pharmacology and safety profiles.
Compare related active botanicals
Explore botanicals with similar chemistry, effects, or safety considerations in the Botanical Activity Atlas.
Compare & Sourcing
Compare side-by-side tradeoffs or verify active marker guidelines.
Safety first · Harm reduction
This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.
Founder & Head Researcher · Oak Ridge, TN · Last reviewed August 2026
Editorial Review
Checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. Evidence claims, safety language, and affiliate modules are reviewed independently. Not personal medical advice.
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