Scientific name
Acorus calamus L.Family
AraceaeOrigin
Asia.Synonyms
Aromatic calamus.
Used Parts
Drug given by dried calamus rhizomes.Chemical constituents
- Asarone, bitter principle to which are ascribed insecticidal and antibacterial properties;
- Polyphenols;
- Essential oil;
- Polysaccharides.
Contraindications
Given the emmenagogue properties of the calamus, it is not recommended to use it during pregnancy.
Pharmacological Interactions
- Given the very low use in therapy, no interactions with other drugs are known.
Warnings
Calamus has always been used as an aromatic bitter; however, the use of extracts or infusions of this plant is not recommended, because the roots contain beta-asarone, a molecule with mutagenic activity (no guarantee to find beta-asarone-free extracts on the market).
