Anethole is a flavoring agent in foods and beverages; in perfumery, particularly for soap and dentifrices. The more abundant isomer, and the one preferred for use, is the trans- or E isomer. It is distinctly sweet, measuring 13 times sweeter than sugar. Anethole has potent antimicrobial properties, against bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Anethole also has nematicidal activity and is a promising insecticide. Several essential oils consisting mostly of anethole have insecticidal action. Anethole has estrogenic activity. It is slightly toxic and may act as an irritant in large quantities.

Anethole is a flavoring agent in foods and beverages; in perfumery, particularly for soap and dentifrices. The more abundant isomer, and the one preferred for use, is the trans- or E isomer. It is distinctly sweet, measuring 13 times sweeter than sugar. Anethole has potent antimicrobial properties, against bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Anethole also has nematicidal activity and is a promising insecticide. Several essential oils consisting mostly of anethole have insecticidal action. Anethole has estrogenic activity. It is slightly toxic and may act as an irritant in large quantities.