Origin. - The ripe fruit of Pimpinella Anisum L., a plant indigenous in Western Asia and Egypt, and extensively cultivated in Europe.

Description and Properties. - About 1/8-1/4 inch (3-6 Mm.) long, ovate compressed laterally, grayish, finely pubescent, consisting of two mericarps, each with a flat face, and five light-brownish filiform ridges, and about fifteen thin oil-tubes, perceptible in transverse section by the aid of the microscope. Anise has an agreeable, aromatic odor and a sweet, spicy taste. It contains from 1 1/2 to 3 per cent. of a volatile oil. It resembles the fruit of the conium, differing from it usually in being longer and more ovate, and having another odor and taste. The fruit of the conium has, moreover, but a single smooth mericarp without oil-tubes.

Dose. - 8-30 grains (0.5-2.0 Gm.) [7 1/2 grains (0.5 Gm.), U. S. P.].