Speculation that aniseed, also known as anise seeds, could combat the H1N1 virus has sparked a run on aniseed in Ras Al Khaimah in recent weeks, according to sources at the Emirate's Department of Economic Development.

And in a scam that is as old as the Emirate's sands, companies importing the spice into the UAE raised wholesale prices from Dh15 per kilo before the outbreak of swine flu to between Dh25 and Dh30, Nojoud Ahmed Al Motawaa, the DED's Head of Consumer Protection, said in a statement to Emirates Business yesterday.

Deputy Director-General Hamad bin Arhama Al Shamsi at the DED said the prices, which are set by the market, were influenced by similar increases internationally. A stream of phone calls from irate consumers protesting the increased prompted the department to investigate spice and nut shops at the Al Kuwaiti and Al Muairidh markets and check bills of purchase.

Aniseed, which is used in the preparation of some Arabic sweets, has long been thought to have therapeutic properties and believers in wholistic medicine boil about a teaspoon of aniseed per teacup to make a special hot tea called Yansoon.

"There is no proof to suggest that aniseed is beneficial in treating flu caused by the H1N1 virus," Dr Elhadi El Tayeb Abbas, Senior Consultant Nephrologist and Head of the Internal Medicine Department at RAK Hospital told the newspaper. And while Yansoon tea might work as a decongestant and thus offer some relief, he cautioned against believing it to be a cure-all.

"The treatment of the virus can only be achieved through antiviral medications and there are two such medicines known so far. However, if the spice can help in treating symptoms of other flus, then it can be used for symptomatic treatment which is different from being cured from the virus which can be achieved only by the antiviral medication such as Tamiflu."

Adding to the confusion are reports that shikimic acid, made from the Chinese spice star anise, is the primary ingredient in the antiviral drug Tamiflu, one of the key drugs in the battle against swine flu.

Even so, Dr Abbas said, it is vital consumers seek medical advice instead of relying on herbal star anise remedies. "Whether or not shikimic acid is an ingredient in Tamiflu, the fact is that Tamiflu has been proven to work. Using one of the ingredients that make up the drug will not deliver the same effects and, on the contrary, could prove toxic."

A You Gov Siraj survey last month showed that 66 per cent of UAE residents are concerned about contracting the H1N1 virus.

Symptoms of swine flu resemble other influenza symptoms including cough, fever, runny nose and general body aches and pains, Dr Abbas said. He advised that patients seek medical advice and confine themselves to a bed unless hospitalisation is advised. "Patients should drink plenty of fluids, wash their hands regularly and keep away from others so not to infect them," he said.

The trend is reflected around the world. In the UK, Fisherman's Friend has ramped up production of the its aniseed-flavoured lozenges.

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