'anise-based' is formed in modern English from 'anise' + 'based'. 'anise' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'ānison', where the root meant 'anise (the plant/seed)'. 'base' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'basis', where 'basis' meant 'foundation'.

'anise' changed from Greek 'ānison' to Latin 'anisum', then to Old French 'anis' and Middle English 'anis', eventually becoming modern English 'anise'. 'base' changed from Greek 'basis' into Latin 'basis', then Old French 'base' and Middle English 'base', with 'based' formed by adding the participial suffix '-ed' in Modern English.

Initially 'anise' referred specifically to the plant or its seed and 'basis' to a physical foundation; in the compound the sense evolved to mean 'having anise as the base or primary flavor/ingredient', a usage that has remained stable in modern descriptive contexts.