Volume 21, Issue 3, 15 February 2014, Pages 268–276
Review
An overview on traditional uses and pharmacological profile of Acorus calamus Linn. (Sweet flag) and other Acorus species
Abstract
Acorus calamus
(Sweet flag) has a long history of use and has numerous traditional and
ethnomedicinal applications. Since ancient times, it has been used in
various systems of medicines such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Chinese
medicine, etc. for the treatment of various aliments like nervous
disorders, appetite loss, bronchitis, chest pain, colic, cramps,
diarrhea, digestive disorders, flatulence, gas, indigestion, rheumatism,
sedative, cough, fever, bronchitis, inflammation, depression, tumors,
hemorrhoids, skin diseases, numbness, general debility and vascular
disorders. Various therapeutic potentials of this plant have been
attributed to its rhizome. A number of active constituents from leaves,
rhizomes and essential oils of A. calamus have been isolated
and characterized. Of the constituents, alpha and beta-asarone are the
predominant bioactive components. Various pharmacological activities of A. calamus
rhizome such as sedative, CNS depressant, anticonvulsant,
antispasmodic, cardiovascular, hypolipidemic, immunosuppressive,
anti-inflammatory, cryoprotective, antioxidant, antidiarrheal,
antimicrobial, anticancer and antidiabetic has been reported.
Genotoxicity and mutagenecity of beta and alpha-asarone is reported,
which limits their use at high dosage. Though A. calamus has
been used since ancient times, many of its uses are yet to be
scientifically validated. In the present review an attempt has been made
to explore traditional uses and pharmacological properties of A. calamus.
Keywords
- Acorus calamus;
- Sweet flag;
- Pharmacological properties
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