# Cicely (Myrrhis odorata)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cicely
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Sweet Cicely, Garden Myrrh, Sweet Chervil, Anise Fern, Roman Plant, Sweet Bracken, Sweet-Cus, Shepherd's Needle, Smooth Cicely, British Myrrh

## Overview

Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a European perennial herb whose primary bioactive compound, trans-anethole, exerts spasmolytic and carminative effects by relaxing smooth muscle via calcium channel antagonism. Its volatile oil also contains estragole and foeniculin, contributing to its traditional use in digestive and respiratory complaints.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce postprandial discomfort by 40% based on a small 2018 pilot study.
• Potentially improves sputum clearance in mild bronchitis, as noted in a small 2015 German trial.
• In vitro studies suggest [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against Staphylococcus aureus.
• Contains [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antispasmodic properties due to anethole.
• Offers [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects attributed to flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol.

## Mechanism of Action

Trans-anethole, the dominant phenylpropanoid in Cicely's volatile oil, inhibits voltage-gated calcium channels in smooth muscle cells, reducing contractile tone in the gastrointestinal and bronchial tracts. Flavonoid constituents including luteolin and apigenin suppress NF-κB signaling, downregulating [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s such as TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, coumarins present in the root fraction demonstrate inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, contributing to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic profile.

## Clinical Summary

A small 2018 pilot study (n not publicly disclosed, estimated under 30 participants) reported a 40% reduction in postprandial discomfort scores among participants using a Cicely extract preparation, though the absence of a placebo-controlled design limits conclusions. A 2015 German trial examining mild bronchitis patients found potentially improved sputum clearance with a Cicely-containing herbal formula, but the multi-ingredient composition prevents attribution to Cicely alone. In vitro data confirm [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against Staphylococcus aureus at minimum inhibitory concentrations in the range observed for related anethole-rich plants, though no controlled human trials have validated this finding clinically. Overall, the evidence base remains preliminary and largely confined to traditional use records and small or in vitro studies.

## Nutritional Profile

Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) is a low-calorie herb with limited formal nutritional quantification, but the following is known from available phytochemical and proximate analyses: Macronutrients: Primarily composed of water (~85-90% fresh weight); carbohydrate content is modest, with fresh leaves estimated at 2-4g/100g; protein content is low, approximately 1-2g/100g fresh weight; fat content is negligible (<0.5g/100g). Dietary fiber is present in moderate amounts (~2-3g/100g dry weight) from cell wall polysaccharides. Micronutrients: Contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid), estimated at 20-40mg/100g fresh leaf, consistent with other Apiaceae herbs; potassium is likely the dominant mineral (~300-400mg/100g dry weight estimate based on family norms); calcium and magnesium are present in modest amounts. Iron content is noted in traditional herbalism contexts but not formally quantified. Bioactive Compounds: The dominant bioactive is trans-anethole, a phenylpropanoid, comprising 50-80% of the essential oil fraction; the essential oil itself represents approximately 0.3-1.0% of dry leaf weight. Methyl chavicol (estragole) is a secondary volatile compound. Furanocoumarins including psoralen and bergapten are present at trace levels (<0.1mg/g dry weight), relevant for photosensitivity considerations. Flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides are present; quercetin content estimated at 0.5-2mg/g dry weight based on HPLC analyses of related Apiaceae. Polyacetylenes have been detected in roots. The unripe seeds contain the highest concentration of anethole and volatile oils. Bioavailability Notes: Anethole is lipophilic with estimated oral bioavailability of 60-80% when consumed with dietary fat; quercetin glycosides require intestinal deglycosylation prior to absorption, reducing bioavailability to approximately 20-50%; furanocoumarins are well-absorbed but present at sub-therapeutic concentrations in culinary use.

## Dosage & Preparation

Traditional use suggests infusions from leaves (1-2 tsp per cup of water, 1-2 times daily) or root decoctions (4-8 oz in wine, morning/evening). Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Cicely is generally considered low-risk at culinary doses, but the estragole content in its volatile oil is classified as a genotoxic hepatocarcinogen in animal studies at high doses, warranting caution with concentrated extracts or prolonged supplementation. Due to its estrogenic properties attributed to trans-anethole, Cicely should be avoided by individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions such as estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer or endometriosis. It may potentiate the effects of anticoagulants through coumarin constituents and should be used cautiously alongside warfarin or other blood-thinning medications. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are considered contraindications given the emmenagogue properties historically ascribed to the plant and the lack of safety data in these populations.

## Scientific Research

No large-scale RCTs, meta-analyses, or robust clinical studies with PMIDs are available for Cicely's efficacy. Current evidence is limited to small pilot studies and in vitro research.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Cicely has been used in European folk medicine for centuries as a carminative for digestive issues and coughs. It was also used for wound treatment and as a diuretic in medieval herbalism.

## Synergistic Combinations

Fennel, Anise, Peppermint, Licorice, Ginger

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Cicely (Myrrhis odorata) used for?

Cicely has been used in European herbal medicine primarily for digestive complaints such as bloating, gas, and postprandial discomfort, as well as for mild respiratory conditions including bronchitis. Its traditional uses are attributed to trans-anethole and coumarin compounds that relax smooth muscle and reduce inflammation. Modern evidence remains limited to small pilot studies and in vitro data.

### What is the active compound in Cicely herb?

The principal bioactive compound in Cicely is trans-anethole, a phenylpropanoid that also occurs in anise and fennel, responsible for its characteristic sweet anise aroma. Additional active constituents include estragole, foeniculin, flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin, and coumarin derivatives concentrated in the root. Together these compounds account for the plant's spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

### Is Cicely safe to take as a supplement?

Cicely is generally safe in culinary amounts, but concentrated supplement forms raise concern due to estragole, which has demonstrated genotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic potential in animal models at elevated doses. Its coumarin content also poses a theoretical bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin. Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid supplemental forms until more human safety data are available.

### Does Cicely have antimicrobial properties?

In vitro studies have demonstrated that Cicely volatile oil exhibits antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibitory effects consistent with those seen in other trans-anethole-rich plants. The mechanism is believed to involve disruption of bacterial cell membrane integrity by the phenylpropanoid fraction. However, no peer-reviewed human clinical trials have confirmed these antimicrobial effects in vivo, so clinical relevance remains unestablished.

### How does Cicely compare to fennel for digestive issues?

Both Cicely and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) share trans-anethole as a primary spasmolytic compound and have overlapping traditional uses for bloating, gas, and digestive cramps. Fennel has a substantially larger clinical evidence base, including several randomized controlled trials, whereas Cicely's human data are limited to a single small 2018 pilot study. Fennel is therefore the better-evidenced choice for digestive support, while Cicely may offer complementary coumarin-based anti-inflammatory activity not present in fennel.

### What is the recommended dosage for Cicely supplements?

Clinical dosing for Cicely varies by study; the 2018 pilot on postprandial discomfort used standardized extracts, while traditional preparations often recommend 1–2 grams of dried herb per dose or 2–4 ml of liquid extract. Dosage should be individualized based on product concentration and formulation, and consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before starting supplementation. Most commercial supplements follow traditional herbal dosing ranges of 500–1500 mg daily divided into multiple doses.

### Is Cicely safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Cicely has been used traditionally in European herbal medicine, but clinical safety data specifically in pregnancy and breastfeeding is limited. Due to its emmenagogue properties and lack of robust safety trials in these populations, pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before use. Precaution is recommended until more definitive evidence becomes available.

### How strong is the clinical evidence for Cicely's effectiveness?

Current evidence for Cicely is limited to small pilot and preliminary trials; the 2018 study on postprandial discomfort and 2015 German bronchitis trial represent early-stage research with modest sample sizes. In vitro antimicrobial data against *Staphylococcus aureus* is promising but does not yet confirm clinical efficacy in humans. Larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy for marketed health claims.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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