• Analgesic
• Convulsant
• GABA antagonist
• Neurotropic
• Piscicide
• Poison
• Sedative
• Toxic

• Uses/Sources: Anisatin is a plant toxin found in the Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum). The Japanese star anise has been burned as incense in Japan, where it is known as shikimi, as well as used in topical folk remedies. (L1226)
• Health Effects: Death may result from respiratory paralysis. (L1226)
• Symptoms: Symptoms of anisatin poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain, followed by nervous system excitation, seizures, loss of consciousness. (L1226)
• Route of Exposure: Oral (ingestion) (L1817) ; dermal (L1817)

Anisatin acts as a GABA system antagonist. It binds non-competitively to the picrotoxinin site of the GABA receptor, prolonging the closed time of the receptor channel and reducing the probability of it opening. (A345)