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'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorus_calamus Acorus calamus L.]''', popularly known as '''Vacha''', is a semi-aquatic perennial herbaceous plant native to temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. It is widely revered in [[Ayurveda]] as a powerful medhya (nootropic) and nervine tonic, highly valued for improving intellect, memory, speech, and managing cognitive or neurological disorders.
'''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorus_calamus Acorus calamus L.]''', popularly known as '''Vacha''', is a semi-aquatic perennial herbaceous plant native to temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. It is widely revered in [[Ayurveda]] as a powerful medhya (nootropic) and nervine tonic, highly valued for improving intellect, memory, speech, and managing cognitive or neurological disorders. Its rhizome has been used in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Chinese medicine for nervous disorders, colic, cough, fever, inflammation and digestive complaints, and modern studies have examined several of these uses.<ref name="Rajput2014">Rajput SB, Tonge MB, Karuppayil SM. An overview on traditional uses and pharmacological profile of Acorus calamus Linn. (Sweet flag) and other Acorus species. Phytomedicine. 2014;21(3):268–276. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2013.09.020. PMID: 24200497</ref>


== English name ==  
== English name ==  
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* Out of India: China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Europe, Germany, Russia, Canada, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Australia, Oceania.
* Out of India: China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Europe, Germany, Russia, Canada, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Australia, Oceania.


== Phytochemical Composition ==
== Phytoconstituents ==
The therapeutic potential of *Acorus calamus* is derived from its diverse secondary metabolites concentrated in the rhizomes:
=== Major classes of compounds ===
* '''Volatile Essential Oils:''' Rich in beta-asarone, alpha-asarone, and sesquiterpenes.
A comprehensive review reports that about 145 constituents have been isolated and identified from the plant. They belong mainly to the phenylpropanoids (including α-asarone and β-asarone), sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenes, with triterpenoid saponins and other compounds also described.<ref name="Sharma2020">Sharma V, Sharma R, Gautam DS, Kuča K, Nepovimová E, Martins N. Role of Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) in neurological and metabolic disorders: evidence from ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(4):1176. doi:10.3390/jcm9041176</ref>
* '''Phenylpropanoids:''' Eugenol and calamenene derivatives.
* '''Bitters and Glucosides:''' Acoretin and tannins.


== Pharmacological Activities & Therapeutic Efficacy ==
=== Essential oil of the rhizome ===
=== Nootropic and Neuroprotective Effects ===
GC/MS analysis of the rhizome essential oil showed β-asarone (79.54%) and α-asarone (8.47%) as the major constituents. The asarone content varies between plant chemotypes, so these figures apply only to the sample studied.<ref name="Mukherjee2007">Mukherjee PK, Kumar V, Mal M, Houghton PJ. In vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the essential oil from Acorus calamus and its main constituents. Planta Medica. 2007;73(3):283–285. doi:10.1055/s-2007-967114. PMID: 17286241</ref>
* '''Mechanism:''' Active constituents like asarone readily cross the blood-brain barrier, enhancing cognitive functions, neurotransmitter levels (such as acetylcholine), and offering protection against oxidative stress-induced neurodegeneration.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Experimental studies demonstrate significant memory enhancement, reversal of cognitive deficits, and reduction of neuroinflammation in animal models of amnesia and dementia.<ref name="Mukherjee2007">{{cite journal |last1=Mukherjee |first1=P. K. |last2=Kumar |first2=V. |last3=Mal |first3=M. |last4=Houghton |first4=P. J. |year=2007 |title=Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from plants (Review) |journal=Phytomedicine |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=289–300}}</ref>


=== Anticonvulsant and Sedative Actions ===
== Therapeutic Efficacy: Pharmacological Evidence ==
* '''Mechanism:''' Ethanolic extracts modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor systems and suppress central nervous system hyperexcitability, justifying its historical role in managing epilepsy (*apasmara*).
The evidence summarised below comes from animal and in vitro studies. No controlled human clinical trial of ''Acorus calamus'' was verified during the preparation of this monograph.
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Laboratory evaluations show prolonged latency periods and reduced severity of chemically induced seizures in rodents.<ref name="Jaya2003">{{cite journal |last1=Jayaraman |first1=R. |last2=Anand |first2=S. |last3=Latha |first3=R. |year=2003 |title=Effect of Acorus calamus on seizure models in mice |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=88 |issue=2 |pages=157–161}}</ref>


=== Anti-Inflammatory and Gastroprotective Efficacy ===
=== Nootropic activity (Medhya, Smrti daurbalya) ===
* '''Mechanism:''' The volatile oil fraction exhibits strong inhibition over pro-inflammatory mediators and protects gastric mucosal linings against ulcerogenic stimuli.
In an in vitro Ellman assay, the hydroalcoholic extract, the essential oil and the main constituents of the rhizome inhibited acetylcholinesterase. β-Asarone, the major constituent of the oil, showed the strongest inhibition. This offers a biochemical basis for the traditional use of Vacha to improve memory, although enzyme inhibition in vitro does not by itself prove a memory-enhancing effect in humans.<ref name="Mukherjee2007"/>
* '''Scientific Evidence:''' Research validates its ability to reduce paw edema and decrease gastric ulcer indices in experimental ulcer models.<ref name="Vohora1990">{{cite journal |last1=Vohora |first1=S. B. |last2=Shah |first2=S. A. |last3=Dandiya |first3=P. C. |year=1990 |title=Central nervous system and anti-inflammatory studies on Acorus calamus |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=28 |issue=1 |pages=53–62}}</ref>


== Safety, Toxicity, and Dosage ==
=== Neuroprotective activity ===
* '''Precautions:''' Due to the presence of beta-asarone in certain varieties, high doses or long-term uncontrolled usage of crude wild varieties should be monitored. Pregnant women and young children should use standardized preparations strictly under qualified guidance.
Acorus calamus extract was reported to have a neuroprotective effect against middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced ischaemia in rats.<ref name="Shukla2006">Shukla PK, Khanna VK, Ali MM, Maurya R, Khan MY, Srimal RC. Neuroprotective effect of Acorus calamus against middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced ischaemia in rat. Human & Experimental Toxicology. 2006;25(4):187–194. doi:10.1191/0960327106ht613oa</ref>


=== Central nervous system and sedative activity (Unmada) ===
An ethanol extract of the rhizome was screened for central nervous system activity in mice and rats. It produced a number of actions similar to those of α-asarone, though it differed from it in some respects.<ref name="Vohora1990">Vohora SB, Shah SA, Dandiya PC. Central nervous system studies on an ethanol extract of Acorus calamus rhizomes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1990;28(1):53–62. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(90)90065-2</ref>
=== Anticonvulsant activity (Apasmara) ===
The effect of ''Acorus calamus'' on behavioural, electroencephalographic and antioxidant changes was studied in ferric chloride-induced epileptogenesis in rats. The authors concluded that the plant has potential to be developed as an antiepileptic agent.<ref name="Hazra2007">Hazra R, Ray K, Guha D. Inhibitory role of Acorus calamus in ferric chloride-induced epileptogenesis in rat. Human & Experimental Toxicology. 2007;26(12):947–953.</ref>
=== Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity ===
In rats, methanol and n-hexane extracts of the rhizome (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. Paw inflammation in the carrageenan model was significantly reduced.<ref name="Bari2024">Bari MU, et al. Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-pyretic activities of Acorus calamus rhizome extracts in animal models. Pakistan Journal of Zoology. 2024. doi:10.17582/journal.pjz/20240506024014</ref>
=== Gastroprotective activity (Shula, Adhmana) ===
Antisecretagogue, antiulcer and cytoprotective properties of ''Acorus calamus'' were reported in rats. This is consistent with its traditional use in colic and abdominal distension, but the data are from animals only.<ref name="Rafatullah1994">Rafatullah S, Tariq M, Mossa JS, Al-Yahya MA, Al-Said MS, Ageel AM. Antisecretagogue, anti-ulcer and cytoprotective properties of Acorus calamus in rats. Fitoterapia. 1994;65(1):19–23.</ref>
== Safety, Toxicity, and Precautions ==
* '''Asarone toxicity:''' The European Medicines Agency's herbal committee stated that α- and β-asarone are genotoxic and cause liver cancer in rodents. It advised caution with herbal products containing asarone, especially those from ''Acorus'' species.<ref name="EMA2005">European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing asarone. EMEA/HMPC/139215/2005. 2005.</ref>
* '''Precautions (inference, not from a cited study):''' High doses or prolonged use of crude, unstandardised preparations should be avoided, since asarone content varies between plant varieties. Pregnant women and young children should use Vacha only under qualified supervision.


== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
== Summary of Therapeutic Profile ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: left;"
|+ Therapeutic Applications of *Acorus calamus*
|+ Therapeutic Applications of ''Acorus calamus'' (preclinical evidence)
! Indication
! Indication !! Experimental finding !! Type of evidence
! Active Biomolecules
|-
! Primary Pharmacological Action
| '''Memory and cognition (Medhya)''' || Acetylcholinesterase inhibition by extract, oil and β-asarone || In vitro
|-
| '''Neurological injury''' || Neuroprotection against induced cerebral ischaemia || Rat model
|-
|-
| '''Cognitive Decline & Memory Loss'''
| '''Epilepsy (Apasmara)''' || Inhibition of ferric chloride-induced epileptogenesis || Rat model
| Alpha-asarone, Beta-asarone
| Nootropic, Acetylcholinesterase inhibition
|-
|-
| '''Epilepsy & Neurological Spasms'''
| '''Pain, inflammation and fever''' || Dose-dependent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects || Rat models
| Volatile essential oils
| Anticonvulsant, CNS depressant
|-
|-
| '''Digestive Colic & Abdominal Distress'''
| '''Colic, abdominal distress''' || Antiulcer, antisecretory and cytoprotective effects || Rat model
| Sesquiterpenes, Phenylpropanoids
| Carminative, Anti-inflammatory
|}
|}


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<ref name="Tripathi2006">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed.2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi; Pippalyadi Varga – 52.</ref>
<ref name="Tripathi2006">Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed.2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi; Pippalyadi Varga – 52.</ref>
<ref name="Chunekar2015">Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Haritakyadi Varga, verse no. 102, p. 42.</ref>
<ref name="Chunekar2015">Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Haritakyadi Varga, verse no. 102, p. 42.</ref>
<ref name="Mukherjee2007">{{cite journal |last1=Mukherjee |first1=P. K. |last2=Kumar |first2=V. |last3=Mal |first3=M. |last4=Houghton |first4=P. J. |year=2007 |title=Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from plants (Review) |journal=Phytomedicine |volume=14 |issue=4 |pages=289–300}}</ref>
<ref name="Rajput2014">Rajput SB, Tonge MB, Karuppayil SM. An overview on traditional uses and pharmacological profile of Acorus calamus Linn. (Sweet flag) and other Acorus species. Phytomedicine. 2014;21(3):268–276. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2013.09.020. PMID: 24200497</ref>
<ref name="Jaya2003">{{cite journal |last1=Jayaraman |first1=R. |last2=Anand |first2=S. |last3=Latha |first3=R. |year=2003 |title=Effect of Acorus calamus on seizure models in mice |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=88 |issue=2 |pages=157–161}}</ref>
<ref name="Sharma2020">Sharma V, Sharma R, Gautam DS, Kuča K, Nepovimová E, Martins N. Role of Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) in neurological and metabolic disorders: evidence from ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(4):1176. doi:10.3390/jcm9041176</ref>
<ref name="Vohora1990">{{cite journal |last1=Vohora |first1=S. B. |last2=Shah |first2=S. A. |last3=Dandiya |first3=P. C. |year=1990 |title=Central nervous system and anti-inflammatory studies on Acorus calamus |journal=Journal of Ethnopharmacology |volume=28 |issue=1 |pages=53–62}}</ref>
<ref name="Mukherjee2007">Mukherjee PK, Kumar V, Mal M, Houghton PJ. In vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the essential oil from Acorus calamus and its main constituents. Planta Medica. 2007;73(3):283–285. doi:10.1055/s-2007-967114. PMID: 17286241</ref>
<ref name="Shukla2006">Shukla PK, Khanna VK, Ali MM, Maurya R, Khan MY, Srimal RC. Neuroprotective effect of Acorus calamus against middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced ischaemia in rat. Human & Experimental Toxicology. 2006;25(4):187–194. doi:10.1191/0960327106ht613oa</ref>
<ref name="Vohora1990">Vohora SB, Shah SA, Dandiya PC. Central nervous system studies on an ethanol extract of Acorus calamus rhizomes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1990;28(1):53–62. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(90)90065-2</ref>
<ref name="Hazra2007">Hazra R, Ray K, Guha D. Inhibitory role of Acorus calamus in ferric chloride-induced epileptogenesis in rat. Human & Experimental Toxicology. 2007;26(12):947–953.</ref>
<ref name="Bari2024">Bari MU, et al. Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-pyretic activities of Acorus calamus rhizome extracts in animal models. Pakistan Journal of Zoology. 2024. doi:10.17582/journal.pjz/20240506024014</ref>
<ref name="Rafatullah1994">Rafatullah S, Tariq M, Mossa JS, Al-Yahya MA, Al-Said MS, Ageel AM. Antisecretagogue, anti-ulcer and cytoprotective properties of Acorus calamus in rats. Fitoterapia. 1994;65(1):19–23.</ref>
<ref name="EMA2005">European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing asarone. EMEA/HMPC/139215/2005. 2005.</ref>
}}
}}


[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]
[[Category: Database of herbs and minerals | Herbs]]

Revision as of 05:01, 17 October 2026


Vacha
Section/Chapter Herb database/Vacha
Botanical name(s) Acorus calamus L.
Family Araceae
Availability Available
Contributors Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited


Acorus calamus L., popularly known as Vacha, is a semi-aquatic perennial herbaceous plant native to temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Europe, and North America. It is widely revered in Ayurveda as a powerful medhya (nootropic) and nervine tonic, highly valued for improving intellect, memory, speech, and managing cognitive or neurological disorders. Its rhizome has been used in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Chinese medicine for nervous disorders, colic, cough, fever, inflammation and digestive complaints, and modern studies have examined several of these uses.[1]

English name

Sweet flag

Therapeutic Uses

Colic pain (sula), Epilepsy (apasmara), Bronchial asthma (svasa), Cough (kasa), Constipation (vibandha), Insanity (unmada), Abdominal distension (adhmana), Ear discharge (karna srava), Smrti daurbalya.[2]

Other Varieties / Other Botanical names

  • Calamus aromaticus Garsault

Raja Nighantu

Mentioned 2 types[3]

  1. Vacha – Acorus calamus
  2. Sweta vacha – Iris germanica

Synonyms in Charak Samhita

Vacha, Haimavati, Shadgrantha (rhizome of vacha has more than six nodes on it), Ugragandha (very strong odour), Golomi (rhizome of vacha has hairs over it resembling the hair of cow), Lomasa (rhizome is hairy).

Additional Synonyms in Bhavprakasha Nighantu

Shataparvika, Kshudra patri, Mangalya (auspicious drug), Jatilogra[4]

Ayurvedic Pharmacological Properties

Properties
Sr.no. Pharmacological criteria Properties
1 Taste (rasa) Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta)
2 Potency (veerya) Hot (ushna)
3 Post digestion effect (vipaka) Pungent (katu)
4 Qualities (guna) Light (laghu), Sharp (tikshna)
5 Actions (karma) Pacify Kapha and Vata

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities
Sr.no. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity
1 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 2/9 Virechana (Therapeutic purgation)
2 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 3/5 Churna pradeha (external application)
3 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(3) Lekhaniya (emaciating) mahakashaya
4 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(11) Truptighna (anti-satiety) mahakashaya
5 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(12) Arshoghna (anti-hemorrhoids) mahakashaya
6 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(25) Asthapanopag (helping corrective enema) mahakashaya
7 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(42) Sheetaprashamana (pacifying cold) mahakashaya
8 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 4/9(48) Sandnyasthapana (restoring consciousness) mahakashaya
9 Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 23/15 Santarpanajanya vikar chikitsa (treatment of disease of over-nutrition)
10 Cha.Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/143 Tiktaskandha (group of bitter drugs)
11 Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 8/34 Garbhasya pratimasik karma
12 Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 8/38 Sukha prasavartha
13 Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 8/47 Jatamatra balak paricharya
14 Cha.Sa. Sharira Sthana 8/61 Kshirajanan karma
15 Cha.Sa. Kalpa Sthana 1/14 Vamanartha (for emesis)
16 Cha.Sa. Kalpa Sthana 7/16 Preparations of Trivrut
17 Cha.Sa. Kalpa Sthana 7/54 Trivrutadi Modaka
18 Cha.Sa. Kalpa Sthana 7/58 Hemantkalina Trivrut Yoga
19 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/25 Body purification before rasayana treatment
20 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/204 As an ingredient of Vatsakadi kashaya
21 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/250 As an ingredient of Jeevantyadi anuvasana basti
22 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/267 In formulation of Agurvadi taila
23 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 3/307 In Vishamajwara for Dhoopana
24 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 5/70 Ingredient of Hingusauvarchaladya ghrita
25 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 5/80 Ingredient of Hingvadi churna
26 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 5/86 Ingredient of Shatyadi Churna
27 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 5/44 Ingredient in Bhallatakadya Ghrita for Kaphaj Gulma
28 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 6/38 Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaj prameha
29 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 7/68 Ingredient in Triphaladi Churna
30 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 7/100 Kwath prayog in Kapha-Pittaj Kushtha
31 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 7/103 Bahyaprayogarth tail in Kushtha
32 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 7/113 Ingredient in Kanakakshiri Taila
33 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 8/75 As a Swedana (fomentation) dravya
34 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 9/45 Ingredient in Mahapaishachik Ghrita
35 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 9/64 Used as Nasya and Anjana prayogartha
36 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 9/69 Ingredient in Siddharthakadi Agada
37 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 10/25 Ingredient in Brahmi Ghrita
38 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 10/27 Ingredient in Vachadi Ghrita
39 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 10/34 Ingredient in Palankashadi taila
40 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 10/42 As a Nasya dravya
41 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 10/64 Ingredient in Atattvabhinivesh nashak yoga
42 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/109 In treatment of Udara roga (for parisheka)
43 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/104 In treatment of pleehodara (takraprayoga)
44 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/124 As an ingredient of gavakshyadi churna
45 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/126 As an ingredient of narayan churna
46 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/134 As an ingredient of hapushadya churna
47 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/158 In formulation of pippalyadi lavana
48 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 13/163 In formulation of Ksharvatika
49 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/41 Used in swedana kriya (fomentation therapy)
50 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/53 As an ingredient of traushnadi churna
51 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 14/131 Used in anuvasan basti
52 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/99 Churna of this drug with combination of ativisa, musta, devdaru etc. given in ama and shoola yukta mala
53 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/101 Churna with hingu, ativisa, abhaya used in Sama and Vatakapha adhika grahani with kostha shoola
54 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/103 Used in condition of shoola in kaphapittaja grahani
55 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/125 As an ingredient of candanadhya ghrita
56 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/134, 15/137 As an ingredient of Kiratadhya churna
57 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/182 As an ingredient of Bhunimbadhya Kshara
58 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/189 Used in preparation of Pancham Kshara
59 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 17/143 As an ingredient of Tejovatyadi ghrita
60 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 18/36 As a ghrita dravya
61 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 18/53 As an ingredient of chitrakadi leha
62 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 18/112 As an ingredient of kataphaladi kwath
63 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 18/161 As an ingredient of guduchyadi ghrita
64 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/20 As a pramathya dravya
65 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/22 As an ama pachak dravya
66 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/27 As an ingredient of dipaniya and sangrahi gana
67 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/45 As an anuvasana dravya
68 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/105 As a kwath dravya
69 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 19/118 As piccha basti dravya
70 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 23/70 As an ingredient of Gandha hasti agada
71 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 23/80 As an ingredient of Maha-Gandha hasti agada
72 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 23/212 Used in treatment of Vishvambhara etc. kita poison
73 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/20 As an ingredient of Dviruttarahingvadi churna
74 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/21 As an ingredient of Vachadi churna
75 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/22 As an ingredient of 2nd Dviruttarahingvadi churna
76 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/61 As an ingredient of Pashanbhedadi churna
77 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/85 As an ingredient of Pushkarmuladi yoga
78 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/97 Used in kaphaja hrudroga (heart disease)
79 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/138 Used in Vataja Pratishyaya (rhinitis) for Nasya karma
80 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/152 Used in Kaphaja Pratishyaya (rhinitis) for Pradhamana nasya
81 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/153 As an ingredient of Bhargyadi taila
82 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/209 As an ingredient of Khadiradi gutika
83 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/223 As an ingredient of Devadarvyadi taila for Karnashoola
84 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 26/226 As an ingredient of Kshara taila
85 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/31 As an ingredient of Urustambha nashak Yoga
86 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/36 As an ingredient of Swarnakshiradi yoga
87 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 27/41 As an ingredient of Piluparnyadi Yoga
88 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/154 As an ingredient of Bala taila
89 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/161 As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila
90 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 28/168 As an ingredient of Mulakadhya taila
91 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 29/149 Apply lepa for Vatakaphaja Vatarakta
92 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 29/152 As an ingredient of Triphaladi kalka in tridoshaja shola
93 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/54 As an ingredient of Pippalyadi yoga
94 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/252 Used in treatment of Stanya dosha, for vamana
95 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/273 Used in treatment of Dorgandhya Stanya dosha
96 Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 30/277 Used in treatment of Pichhila stanya

Dose

Churna

  • 60–120 mg (therapeutic dose)
  • 1–2 g (for inducing vomiting)[2]

Important Formulations

As per A.P.I.[2]

  • Vachadi Taila
  • Vacha Lashunadi Taila
  • Sarasvata Churna
  • Sarasvatarishta
  • Manasamitra Vataka
  • Chandraprabha Vati
  • Khadiradi Vati
  • Hingu Vachadi Churna

Current Availability

Available

  • In India: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka.
  • Out of India: China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Europe, Germany, Russia, Canada, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Australia, Oceania.

Phytoconstituents

Major classes of compounds

A comprehensive review reports that about 145 constituents have been isolated and identified from the plant. They belong mainly to the phenylpropanoids (including α-asarone and β-asarone), sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenes, with triterpenoid saponins and other compounds also described.[5]

Essential oil of the rhizome

GC/MS analysis of the rhizome essential oil showed β-asarone (79.54%) and α-asarone (8.47%) as the major constituents. The asarone content varies between plant chemotypes, so these figures apply only to the sample studied.[6]

Therapeutic Efficacy: Pharmacological Evidence

The evidence summarised below comes from animal and in vitro studies. No controlled human clinical trial of Acorus calamus was verified during the preparation of this monograph.

Nootropic activity (Medhya, Smrti daurbalya)

In an in vitro Ellman assay, the hydroalcoholic extract, the essential oil and the main constituents of the rhizome inhibited acetylcholinesterase. β-Asarone, the major constituent of the oil, showed the strongest inhibition. This offers a biochemical basis for the traditional use of Vacha to improve memory, although enzyme inhibition in vitro does not by itself prove a memory-enhancing effect in humans.[6]

Neuroprotective activity

Acorus calamus extract was reported to have a neuroprotective effect against middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced ischaemia in rats.[7]

Central nervous system and sedative activity (Unmada)

An ethanol extract of the rhizome was screened for central nervous system activity in mice and rats. It produced a number of actions similar to those of α-asarone, though it differed from it in some respects.[8]

Anticonvulsant activity (Apasmara)

The effect of Acorus calamus on behavioural, electroencephalographic and antioxidant changes was studied in ferric chloride-induced epileptogenesis in rats. The authors concluded that the plant has potential to be developed as an antiepileptic agent.[9]

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity

In rats, methanol and n-hexane extracts of the rhizome (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. Paw inflammation in the carrageenan model was significantly reduced.[10]

Gastroprotective activity (Shula, Adhmana)

Antisecretagogue, antiulcer and cytoprotective properties of Acorus calamus were reported in rats. This is consistent with its traditional use in colic and abdominal distension, but the data are from animals only.[11]

Safety, Toxicity, and Precautions

  • Asarone toxicity: The European Medicines Agency's herbal committee stated that α- and β-asarone are genotoxic and cause liver cancer in rodents. It advised caution with herbal products containing asarone, especially those from Acorus species.[12]
  • Precautions (inference, not from a cited study): High doses or prolonged use of crude, unstandardised preparations should be avoided, since asarone content varies between plant varieties. Pregnant women and young children should use Vacha only under qualified supervision.

Summary of Therapeutic Profile

Therapeutic Applications of Acorus calamus (preclinical evidence)
Indication Experimental finding Type of evidence
Memory and cognition (Medhya) Acetylcholinesterase inhibition by extract, oil and β-asarone In vitro
Neurological injury Neuroprotection against induced cerebral ischaemia Rat model
Epilepsy (Apasmara) Inhibition of ferric chloride-induced epileptogenesis Rat model
Pain, inflammation and fever Dose-dependent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects Rat models
Colic, abdominal distress Antiulcer, antisecretory and cytoprotective effects Rat model

References

  1. ↑ Rajput SB, Tonge MB, Karuppayil SM. An overview on traditional uses and pharmacological profile of Acorus calamus Linn. (Sweet flag) and other Acorus species. Phytomedicine. 2014;21(3):268–276. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2013.09.020. PMID: 24200497
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume II:74.
  3. ↑ Dr. Indradev Tripathi, Raj Nighantu of Pandit Narahari, ed.2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi; Pippalyadi Varga – 52.
  4. ↑ Prof. K.C. Chunekar, Bhavprakasha Nighantu, Reprint 2015, Chaukhambha Vishvabharti, Haritakyadi Varga, verse no. 102, p. 42.
  5. ↑ Sharma V, Sharma R, Gautam DS, Kuča K, Nepovimová E, Martins N. Role of Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) in neurological and metabolic disorders: evidence from ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and clinical study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(4):1176. doi:10.3390/jcm9041176
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Mukherjee PK, Kumar V, Mal M, Houghton PJ. In vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the essential oil from Acorus calamus and its main constituents. Planta Medica. 2007;73(3):283–285. doi:10.1055/s-2007-967114. PMID: 17286241
  7. ↑ Shukla PK, Khanna VK, Ali MM, Maurya R, Khan MY, Srimal RC. Neuroprotective effect of Acorus calamus against middle cerebral artery occlusion-induced ischaemia in rat. Human & Experimental Toxicology. 2006;25(4):187–194. doi:10.1191/0960327106ht613oa
  8. ↑ Vohora SB, Shah SA, Dandiya PC. Central nervous system studies on an ethanol extract of Acorus calamus rhizomes. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1990;28(1):53–62. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(90)90065-2
  9. ↑ Hazra R, Ray K, Guha D. Inhibitory role of Acorus calamus in ferric chloride-induced epileptogenesis in rat. Human & Experimental Toxicology. 2007;26(12):947–953.
  10. ↑ Bari MU, et al. Anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive, and anti-pyretic activities of Acorus calamus rhizome extracts in animal models. Pakistan Journal of Zoology. 2024. doi:10.17582/journal.pjz/20240506024014
  11. ↑ Rafatullah S, Tariq M, Mossa JS, Al-Yahya MA, Al-Said MS, Ageel AM. Antisecretagogue, anti-ulcer and cytoprotective properties of Acorus calamus in rats. Fitoterapia. 1994;65(1):19–23.
  12. ↑ European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing asarone. EMEA/HMPC/139215/2005. 2005.
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