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Calamus | | |
Calamus is found all over the world. It use dates back to biblical times
when it was cited as an ingredient in incense recipes. It is a
semi-aquatic perennial cultivated in damp marshy places in India and
Burma. Calamus, or sweet flag, is exceedingly common in Manipur and the
Naga Hills of India, and on the edges of lakes and streams.
Calamus
essential oil is frequently used for aromatherapy due to its powerful,
spicy aroma. It is believed to induce feelings of calmness and grounding.
However, pure essential oil of calamus must be used with caution, and full
strength contact with skin should be avoided.
In China, calamus
root is considered to have anti-arrhythmic, hypotensive, vasodilatory,
anti-tussive, anti-bacterial and expectorant properties. Calamus root has
also been used in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition as well as in Greek
medicine. Historically, it has been used for lack of mental focus, stomach
problems, acidity, and as an aid to quit tobacco smoking.
Generally
speaking, in Western alternative medicine, calamus is used primarily as a
digestive bitter to stimulate appetite and facilitate healthy
assimilation, digestion, and elimination. While clinical human trials are
required to confirm the efficacy of calamus in all of the aforementioned
areas, some studies have indeed confirmed some promising bio-chemical
properties of calamus root.
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| Common Name | | | Calamus
| | | Botanical Latin Name / Classification | | | Acorus calamus
| | | Parts Used | | | Roots and rhizomes.
| | | Other Names | | | Calamus Root, Sweet Flag, Rat Root, Sweet Sedge, Flag Root, Sweet
Calomel, Sweet Myrtle, Sweet Cane, Sweet Rush, Beewort, Muskrat Root,
Pine Root, Racha (India), Shih-ch'ang pu (China), Makan-ninida (Omaha and
Ponca), Mankan-kereh (Winnebago), Kahtsha itu (Pawnee), Sinkpe-ta-wote
(Dakota), Sanka ce (Lakota), Pexe boao'ka (Osage), Wi'ukh is e' evo
(Cheyenne), Moskwas'wask (Algonquian), Muskwe s uwesk (Penobscot), Weekas
(Cree).
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| | | Description | | | Calamus (sweet flag) is a grass-like, rhizome forming, perennial that can
grow to 2 meters high, resembling an iris. This species inhabits
perpetually wet areas like the edges of streams and around ponds and
lakes, in ditches and seeps. It often shares habitat with the common
cat-tail.
The plants have long creeping roots that spread out just
below the surface of the soil. These roots spread horizontally and can
grow to almost 2 meters in length for old, well established specimens. The
thick, erect leaves are very similar in appearance to those of an iris,
but with edges that are crimped.
Plants very rarely flower or set
fruit, but when they do, the flowers are 3-8 cm long, cylindrical in
shape, greenish brown and covered in a multitude of rounded spikes. The
fruits are small and berry-like, containing few seeds. Flowers from early
to late summer depending on the latitude.
Calamus is associated
with the muskrat in many native American cultures as the rodent consumes
copious quantities of the root.
Calamus is native to Northern
Latitude countries around the World. May have been widely dispersed around
the United States by Native Americans who planted the roots along their
migratory paths to be harvested as needed. Calamus can often be found
growing close to the sites of Indian villages, camping areas or trails.
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| | | Traditional Internal Uses | | | Calamus has been used since the time of the ancient Greeks, when it was
recommended for support of optic/eye health.
Calamus has been used
in the Indian tradition of Ayurvedic medicine. According to Ayurvedic
principals of health, calamus helps maintain healthy cognitive and memory
processes stimulating the central nervous system.
The Cree Indians
of Northern Alberta use calamus for a number of medicinal reasons
including an analgesic for the relief of toothache or headache, for oral
hygiene to cleanse and disinfect the teeth, the fight the effects of
exhaustion or fatigue, and to help cure/prevent a hangover.
Other
Native tribes used it to treat a cough, made a decoction as a carminative
and as an infusion for colic.
The Dakotas use calamus to treat
diabetes, and there are several reported cases where of the root had cured
people who had been given up by Western medicine. Legend has it that when
calamus root was chewed regularly by the Indians, they would be
miraculously cured of this disease within a matter of months.
The
Sioux used the whole plant, making aromatic garlands from the leaves and
using the root as a tea for bowel pains, or rubbed the chewed root on the
skin for a general illness cure.
Calamus has been used in Asia for
at least the last 2000 years for a number of beneficial reasons. The
ancient Chinese used it to lessen swelling and for constipation. In India,
Ayurvedic medicinal practice has used the magical root to cure fevers, for
asthma and bronchitis, and as an all around sedative. The root was also
used by the ancient Greeks and included in the traditional remedies of
many other European cultures.
During the middle ages calamus was an
admixture in several of the ancient, psychoactive, "witches flying
ointments", often being mixed with solanacious herbs.
The root
was also well known in Biblical times and mentioned in Exodus 30: 22-25 as
one of the ingredients of the "holy anointing
oil".
Calamus was also known to many early American settlers
and used for a number of folk remedies. Walt Whitman even wrote poetry
about his beloved herb in "Leaves of grass".
Calamus was
also widely used by Canadian Trappers working for the Hudson Bay Company,
using it as a stimulant, chewing a small piece whenever tired.
The
unpeeled, dried rhizome was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia until 1916
and in the National Formulary until 1950, for medicinal use on humans.
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| | | Traditional Topical Uses | | | Calamus causes increased dilation of spleenic vessels, an important factor
in regulating blood pressure. Calamus oil is aromatic and antiseptic. The
rhizome has an expectorant action, due to the presence of the essential
oil. Calamus oil has a powerful spicy aroma that seems to appeal more to
men than women. Emotionally, it elicits feelings of calming and grounding.
Added to the bath, calamus quiets the nerves and induces a state of
tranquility. From a perfumery standpoint, it is a base note on which to
add additional blended essential oils. Tincture of Calamus is useful as a
parasiticide when directly, and frequently, applied to lice and scabies
infestations.
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| | | Indications | | | Primary Indications: Gastrointestinal Disorders, Indigestion, Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Dyspepsia, Colic, Constipation, Bad Breath / Halitosis
Secondary Indications: Nervous System / Nervous Disorders, Migraine Headache
Other Indications: Asthenopia (Eyestrain), Asthma, Brain / Cognitive Function, Bronchitis, Cold, Common (Rhinovirus), Diabetes (Type I / Type II), Eye Disorders, Hangover, Menstruation Problems, Smoking / Tobacco Addiction, Tooth Decay (Cavities / Caries)
Primary Indications: Cramps, Bloating, Nausea, Flatulence, Appetite (Increased or Decreased)
Secondary Indications: Stress / Anxiety, Fatigue, Insomnia
Other Indications: Fever
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| | | Actions | | | Anti-Arrhythmic, Antibacterial, Anticonvulsant, Antifungal, Antiparasitic, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Antiveratrinic, Carminative, Emetic, Hypotensive (Anti-Hypertensive), Insecticidal, Nauseant, Nervine, Sedative, Stimulant, Stomachic, Vasodilator
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| | | Constituents / Nutrients | | | Amines: Dimethylamine, methylamine, trimethyl amine and
choline.
Volatile Oil: 1.5-3.5%. Beta-Asarone content
varies between genetic species: 96% in tetraploid (Indian), 5% in triploid
(European) and 0% in the diploid (North American) species.(1-4) Other
identified components include calamenol (5%), calamene (4%), calamone
(1%), methyl eugenol (1%), eugenol (0.3%) and the sesquiterpenes
acolamone, acoragermacrone and isoacolamone. Considerable qualitative and
quantitative differences have been reported between the volatile oil from
different genetic species, and between the volatile fraction of an
alcoholic extract and the essential oil from the same variety
(European).(3,4)
Tannin: 1.5%.
Other
Constituents: Bitter principles (e.g. acorin), acoric and palmitic
acids, resin (2.5%), mucilage, starch (25-40%), sugars.
The dried
rhizome yields 1.5 per cent to 2.7 per cent of a neutral, yellow,
aromatic, essential oil. The fresh aerial parts yield about 0.123 per cent
of the volatile oil. The unpeeled roots yield the most - from 1.5 to 3.5
per cent.
The essential volatile oil of Acorus Calamus is
yellowish-brown, and is found to be composed of asaryl aldehyde, free
normal heptylic and palmitic acid, eugenol, esters of acetic and palmitic
acids, pinene, camphene, sesqui-terpene, calamene, and a small quantity of
phenol, Eugenol, Methyl Eugenol, Cilamenenol and Calameone.
The
chief constituents are heavily dependent upon the chemical strain (di-,
tri-, tetraploid); beta-asarone (cis-isoasarone), alpha- and
gamma-asarone, beta-gurjuns, acorone (bitter), ZZ-Deca-4,7-dienal
(odor-determining)
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| | | Pharmacological Summary | | | Calamus has been shown to be of low toxicity in animals, and adverse
reactions are rare. Though recent studies have revealed the presence of
B-asarone, a carcinogen, the American variety is considered superior to
the European because it seems to lack this ingredient. Calamus has
exhibited anti-fungal, anti-parastic, anti-convulsant, and sedative
actions, to name a few, within the confines of animal and in vitro
studies. Nevertheless, additional research, including human trials, needs
to be undertaken to confirm efficacy as an herbal medicine.
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| | | Scientific Research and Pharmacologicial Actions | | | In Vitro and Animal Studies
Numerous documented
studies have concentrated on activities associated with the oil. The
pharmacology and toxicology of calamus oil have been reviewed.(5) Unless
specified, all of the following actions refer to those exhibited by the
oil.
Spasmolytic action in vitro versus various spasmogens
in different smooth muscle preparations including tracheal, intestinal,
uterine, bronchial and vascular has been reported for European and Indian
varieties.(5-8) In one study activity was associated with a lack of
Beta-asarone,(6) whereas oils with either low or high levels of
Beta-asarone have also exhibited activity.(5,7) The pattern of spasmolytic
activity has been compared to that of papaverine, and a direct
musculotropic action has been proposed.(8) Unlike papaverine an
acetylcholine-like action has also been observed with low dilutions of the
oil and asarone.(8)
Inhibition of monoamine oxidase activity and a
stimulation of D- and L-amino oxidase has been reported.(5) The mechanism
for this activity, involving serotonin and adrenaline, has been disputed,
and an alternative mechanism involving depression of hypothalamic function
has been proposed.(9)
In vitro oil rich in Beta-asarone has
been reported to reduce phenylbutazone-induced ulcers in the rat by 5-60%,
although no effect was observed on stress- or ethanol-induced ulcers.(7)
No spasmolytic activity was reported for oil free from or with low levels
of Beta-asarone.
A sedative action and a potentiation of
barbiturate effect (increased sleeping time, reduction in body
temperature) have been described in a number of small animals (mice, rats,
rabbits and cats) following intravenous or intraperitoneal administration
of European (alcoholic and aqueous extracts) and Indian varieties.(5)
Dexamfetamine has been found to block the potentiating action of the
Indian variety on barbiturate sleeping time.(5) Potentiation of morphine
activity has been reported for the European variety.
The Indian oil
has been reported to deplete levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the
rat brain following intraperitoneal administration.(5) The mechanism of
action was suggested as similar to that of reserpine, and a potentiation
of the amfetamine-detoxifying effect of reserpine has also been
described.(5) In contrast, the central action of the European variety has
been stated to not resemble that of reserpine.(5) Anti-adrenergic activity
demonstrated by antagonism of dexamfetamine-induced agitational symptoms
has been reported for the Indian variety in various small
animals.(5)
Anticonvulsant, anti-arrhythmic (like quinidine) and
hypotensive (apparently not due to a nervous mechanism) activities in
small animals have also been reported for the Indian variety.(5)
Alpha-Asarone, isolated from Asarum europaeum (Aristolochiaceae), has a
local anaesthetic activity similar to that of
benzocaine.(10)
Antifungal activity has been documented for
Beta-asarone(11) and for the oil (weak).(5) Insecticidal and leech
repellant properties have been reported for the oil and may be synergised
by synthetic pine oil.(5) Antibacterial activity primarily versus
organisms responsible for gut and throat infections has been
documented,(12) although a lack of antibacterial activity has also been
reported.(5)
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| | | Research | | | "Calamus: Sweet Flag For Optimal Digestion"
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| | | Precautions / Contraindications | | | In India, calamus powder has been taken for thousands of
years with no reports of cancer arising from its use. This suggests
that use of the whole herb may be safe, but more research is needed.
However, Indian calamus is considered unsafe for human consumption by the
Food and Drug Administration due to the fact that massive doses given to
lab rats over extended time periods has proven to be
carcinogenic.
FDA studies have shown that only calamus native to
India contains the carcinogen Beta-asarone. The North American variety
contains only Asarone and is considered safe for humna
consumption.
The toxicity of calamus oil has been associated with
the Beta-asarone content.(16) It has therefore been advised that only
roots free from, or with a low content of Beta-asarone should be used in
human phytotherapy.(16) In foods and beverages, the level of Beta-asarone
permitted in the final product is restricted (see Food use).
Use of
the isolated oil is not recommended. External contact with the oil may
cause an irritant reaction in sensitive individuals.
Calamus may
potentiate monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) therapy (in vitro MAOI
activity, amine constituents), although the clinical significance of the
in vitro action has not been established.
Pregnancy and
Lactation
In view of the toxic properties associated with
calamus, it should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. It is not
known whether Beta-asarone is excreted into the breast milk. In general,
the topical application of any undiluted oil is not recommended.
Application of preparations containing calamus oil may provoke an irritant
reaction and is therefore best avoided.
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| | | Interaction with Medications | | | None documented.
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| | | Possible Side Effects | | | Concerns over the toxicity of calamus centre around the volatile oil and
in particular on the Beta-asarone content. The level of Beta-asarone in
the oil varies considerably between the different genetic species of
calamus.
Feeding studies (rat) using the Indian oil (high
Beta-asarone) have shown death, growth depression, hepatic and heart
abnormalities, and serous effusion in abdominal and/or peritoneal
cavities.(13,14) A two-year study involving diet supplemented with calamus
oil at 0, 500, 1000, 2500 and 5000 ppm, reported growth depression, and
malignant duodenal tumours after 59 weeks at all levels of dietary
supplementation.(13,14) Tumours of the same type were not noted in the
controls.
Genotoxic activity (strong induction of chromo somal
aberrations, slight increase in the rate of sister chromatid exchanges)
has been exhibited by Beta-asarone in human lymphocyte cultures in the
presence of microsomal activation.(15) Mutagenic activity (Ames) has been
documented for root extracts, a tincture and Beta-asarone in one (TA100)
of the various Salmonella typhimurium strains (TA98, 100, 1535, 1537,
1538) tested, but only in the presence of a microsomal activation mix.(16)
Lack of mutagenicity has also been reported for an organic extract, when
tested in the above Salmonella typhimurium strains (except TA1538) with
and without activation.(17)
Acute toxicities (LD50) quoted for the
volatile oil from the Indian variety (high Beta-asarone content) include
777 mg/kg (rat, oral), >5 g/kg (guinea-pig, dermal), 221 mg/kg (rat,
intraperitoneal).(5) The oleoresin is stated to be toxic at 400 and 800
mg/kg (mouse, intraperitoneal).(5) The LD50 of asarone in mice is stated
to be 417 mg/kg (oral) and 310 mg/kg
(intraperitoneal).(9)
Generally the oil is considered to be
non-irritant, non-sensitising and non-phototoxic.(5)However, bath
preparations containing the oil have reportedly caused erythema, and
dermatitis has been reported in hypersensitive individuals.(5)
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| | | Dosage | | | Rhizome: 1-3 g or by infusion three times
daily.
Dried Extract: While values vary
dramatically, capsule strengths ranging from 400 mg to
600 mg are most commonly recommended. Calamus is often added to an
herbal digestive blend in significantly smaller
quantities. One capsule should be taken three times
daily.
Liquid Extract: 1-3 mL (1 : 1 in 60% alcohol) three
times daily.
Tincture: 2-4 mL (1 : 5 in 60% alcohol) three
times daily.
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| | | Usage | | | Use with CAUTION. Calamus will irritate skin if used full strength
directly onto the skin. Some consider calamus a hazardous and
experimental oil and should be avoided until more is learned about its
properties.
Calamus in bath water is, however, considered safe
usage of this essential oil. To use in a bath, add 250 to 500 g of calamus
to the bath water.
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| | | References | | | 1. Stahl E, Keller K. Zur Klassifizierung handelsblicher Kalmusdrogen.
Planta Med 1981; 43: 128-140.
2. Keller K, Stahl E. Zusammensetzung
des therischen les von Beta-asaronfreiem Kalmus. Planta Med 1983; 47:
71-74.
3. Mazza G. Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric studies
of the constituents of the rhizome of calamus. I. The volatile
constituents of the essential oil. J Chromatogr 1985; 328: 179-194.
4.
Mazza G. Gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric studies of the
constituents of the rhizome of calamus. II. The volatile constituents of
alcoholic extracts. J Chromatogr 1985; 328: 195- 206.
5. Opdyke DJL.
Calamus oil. Food Cosmet Toxicol 1977; 15: 623-626.
6. Keller K et al.
Spasmolytische wirkung des isoasaronfreien kalmus. Planta Med 1985;
6-9.(PubMed)
7. Keller K et al. Pharmacological activity of calamus
oil with different amount of cis-iso asaron. Naunyn Schmiedeberg's Arch
Pharmacol 1983; 324(): R55.
8. Das PK et al. Spasmolytic activity of
asarone and essential oil of Acorus calamus, Linn. Arch Int Pharmacodyn
1962; 135: 167-177.
9. Calamus. Lawrence Review of Natural Products.
St Louis, MO: JB Lippincott, 1989.
10. Gracza L. The active substances
of Asarum europaeum. 16. The local anaesthetic activity of the
phenylpropanoids. Planta Med 1983; 48: 153-157.(PubMed)
11. Ohmoto T,
Sung Y-I. Antimycotic substances in the crude drugs II. Shoyakugaku Zasshi
1982; 36: 307-314.
12. Jain SR et al. Antibacterial evaluation of some
indigenous volatile oils. Planta Med 1974; 26: 196-199.(PubMed)
13.
Taylor JM et al. Toxicity of oil of calamus (Jammu Variety). Toxicol Appl
Pharmacol 1967; 10: 405.
14. Gross MA et al. Carcinogenicity of oil of
calamus. Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 1967; 8: 24.
15. Abel G. Chromosome
damaging effect on human lymphocytes by Beta-asarone. Planta Med 1987;
251-253.(PubMed)
16. Gggelmann W, Schimmer O. Mutagenicity testing of
Beta-asarone and commercial calamus drugs with Salmonella typhimurium.
Mutat Res 1983; 121: 191-194.(PubMed)
17. Riazuddin S et al.
Mutagenicity testing of some medicinal herbs. Environ Mol Mutagen 1987;
10: 141-148.(PubMed)
Our thanks to the following information
resources: HerbalShaman.com, Medicinescomplete.com, Herbcraft.org.
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| | 1 product | | | Calamus (Read all about Calamus.)
Botanical Latin Name: Acorus calamus
Plant Part: Roots and rhizomes. | |
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Calamus - Health - Respira Tonic
500 ml
42.36 US
More Info
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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
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