CAU
Acorus calamus
Acorus calamus (sweet flag — rhizome)
Use with Caution
V2 Verified
Botanicals
PubMed Studies
1
About
Marsh plant rhizome containing beta-asarone — a potential carcinogen and neuroconvulsant. Used in Ayurveda but the asarone content varies by chemotype (American diploid: lowest; South Asian tetraploid: highest).
How it works (mechanism of action)
Acts on cellular signalling pathways relevant to the documented clinical indications. Contains bioactive compounds with enzyme-modulating, receptor-binding, or antioxidant properties studied in peer-reviewed literature.
👥 Safety by Population
🚫 Contraindications & Warnings
BETA-ASARONE: carcinogenic (hepatocellular carcinoma in animal studies, IARC Group 2B potential), neurotoxic at high doses. EU and FDA restrict beta-asarone in food/supplements. Use only low-asarone chemotype (American Acorus calamus). Tetraploid Asian variety: AVOID. Generally not suitable as supplement.
🏷️ Other Names
Acorus calamus (sweet flag — rhizome)