Phytochemical and Biological Effects of Acorus calamus (Acoraceae) in Traditional Medicine and Laboratory and Clinical Studies and Health Products

Abstract

Background and purpose: Plants have been known and used by different societies since ancient times. The most important applications include nutrition, medicine, and industry. Acorus calamus L. (Acoraceae), is one of the medicinal plants that exists in the Iran and some other ecotypes and is used as a medicinal plant also in China, India, and Greece. Recently, it received attention, however there is lack of information about this medicinal plant. Materials and methods: We performed a search in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar and also traditional medicine books using the following keywords: A. calamus, traditional medicine, modern medicine, laboratory studies, and biological effects. Results: In reliable articles and traditional medicine books, A.calamus was found with many different properties. The aerial parts, roots, and rhizome were reported to have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. A.calamus is also used in treating nervous system disorders and in production of nanoparticle and pharmaceutical products. Conclusion: According to many studies, A. calamus has many beneficial properties, but in vitro and in vivo studies are required to investigate its medicinal effects. Also, the plant is originally found in Mazandaran province, north of Iran and it can be used in medicinal and health products.

Keywords

• acorus calamus
• biological effects
• phytochemical effects
• traditional medicine
• modern medicine
• laboratory study
• clinical research