The Medicinal Seed

This piece complements the medicinal botanicals collection, with focus being on a more recent discovery of a flu treatment from a common kitchen cupboard seed:

The star-shaped seeds from Illicium verum (Chinese star Anise), contain shikimic acid, which was used in the synthesis of the anti-influenza medication oseltamivir (Tamiflu). It must not to be mistaken for Japanese star anise, which looks very similar, but it is highly toxic and cases of misidentification have been fatal.

In 1588, the sailor, Sir Thomas Candish, brought Illicium verum back to Queen Elizabeth’s apothecary. The seeds were used to make cough sweets and can still be used to flavour sambuca.

In 1993, Dr Norbert Bischofberger began research into influenza treatments. By 1996, oseltamivir was in clinical trials and was approved by the European Medicines Agency in 2002. Originally synthesised from shikimic acid, it is now manufactured using E.Coli. Initial trials suggested that treatment within 36 hours of symptom onset shortened fever and symptoms by 30 hours, and if given to those exposed, fewer subjects got influenza.

In 2009, the UK spent £424 million stockpiling oseltamivir for avian influenza and H1N1 preparedness. Five years later, a Cochrane review found it reduced symptoms by only 16.8 hours and did not prevent complications. Due to its cost, limited benefit, and side effects, it was later downgraded from the essential medicines list.

Hand signed, giclée print on 310 gsm Museum Heritage acid-free paper, meeting the highest museum quality archival standards.

Size is A3 (420 x297mm or 11.7 x16.5 inches).

This is a limited edition with only 30 available.

Shipping is usually within 1 week and sent next day special delivery, tracked and signed for. The art is carefully packed in a solid cardboard tube and wrapped in acid-free paper.

COLLECTION - if you are local to Hitchin and would prefer to collect, please send me a direct message.

Care Advice

Please keep the print out of direct sunlight and frame under acrylic or glass protection (ideally UV protected) to avoid deterioration in pigments.

Please make sure your hands are clean and remove the print carefully from the packaging.