ANISEED ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Aniseed is in the Apiaceae family of plants, this family includes fennel, coriander (cilantro), celery and dill. Plants in this family contain profilin proteins which can cause allergic reactions in uncommon circumstances.
Allergic reactions are most likely to be caused by Bet v 1-like proteins, which cause reactions in people sensitised to birch tree pollen and give oral allergy type symptoms.
Aniseed oil (anise oil) contains the essential oil anethole, which may cause contact allergic dermatitis in some people.
Food Intolerances
Aniseed is a food high in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.
You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.
Associated Syndromes
Cross Reactivity
If sensitised to birch tree pollen you may have Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome and may also react to apple, carrot, kiwi, pear, peach, plum, nectarine, apricots, cherries, tomato, celery, potato, parsnip, pepper, dill, peas, fennel, hazelnut, walnut, almonds, peanuts, lentils and bean.
Note these food lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Resources
Websites
Allergen Encyclopedia - Aniseed
Histamine Intolerance Food List
ATP Science - Salicylate Foods
Allergy information for: Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum)
Articles and Journals
Food allergy outside the eight big foods in Europe: A systematic review and meta-analysis, 2024
Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Umbelliferae Family: A Review, 2023
BSACI guideline for the diagnosis and management of pollen food syndrome in the UK, 2022
Oral allergy syndrome–the need of a multidisciplinary approach, 2014
Cross-reactivity Syndromes in Food Allergy, 2011
Aniseed-Induced Nocturnal Tongue Angioedema, 2007
Characterization of allergens in Apiaceae spices: anise, fennel, coriander and cumin, 2006
Occupational rhinoconjunctivitis and food allergy because of aniseed sensitization, 2002
Occupational asthma induced by aniseed, 1996