Parab, R. S. and Mengi, S. A. Evaluation of hypolipidemic activity of Acorus calamus Linn. in rats. Indian Drugs (India) 2003;40:25-29. Pratap, S., Kumar, P., Reddy, D., and Reddy, M. Toxicity studies of selected indian medicinal plants against house fly, Chrysomiya & Culex quinquifasciatus (MAPS-P-412).

May 22, 2025 - Use of calamus and its extracts is prohibited in the United States. Clinical studies are lacking to provide dosing recommendations. Contraindications have not been identified, but use in the United States is prohibited. Avoid use. Adverse effects (emmenagogic and genotoxic activity) have been documented. None well documented. Clinical studies are lacking due to concerns of toxicity.

But an active ingredient of this plant β-asarone has been termed as a potent pesticide and therefore this plant is considered toxic for human consumption. It has also been banned in different countries such as USA [41]. ... Acorus calamus Linn (Family: Acoraceae), commonly known “sweet flag” ...

2 weeks ago - Although calamus has been used for its fragrance and ingested, it has not been studied by rigorous clinical research. Individual medical reports of toxicity mention severe nausea and prolonged vomiting over many hours following oral uses.

August 16, 2025 - Calamus is not considered safe for long-term internal use due to beta-asarone’s potential toxicity. Most countries restrict calamus supplements.

Preparations of the plant Acorus calamus (calamus or sweet flag) (A. calamus) are available via internet trade and marketed as being hallucinogenic. In 2003-2006, the Swedish Poisons Information Centre received inquiries about 30 clinical cases of intentional intoxication with A. calamus products.

January 1, 2012 - However, there is no toxicological information available regarding its safety after exposure. The present study was designed to evaluate potential toxicity of an ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus Linn.

July 23, 2024 - Beta-asarone levels range from ... studies have raised concerns about potential liver toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and carcinogenic effects at high doses of beta-asarone....

February 1, 2018 - This review article summarizes the current knowledge of the chemical composition of different parts of A. calamus and their roles in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, as no human studies have been performed, the review only includes in vitro and animal studies. The paper also briefly reviews the toxicity of A.

January 16, 2026 - The essential oil derived from these high-ploid varieties can contain up to 96% beta-asarone, posing a significant health risk if consumed. Due to these toxicity concerns, the use of calamus and its derivatives as a food additive is prohibited ...

July 11, 2021 - Prasad, L., Khan, T. H., Jahangir, T., and Sultana, S. Acorus calamus extracts and nickel chloride: prevention of oxidative damage and hyperproliferation response in rat kidney. Biol Trace Elem.Res 2006;113(1):77-92. View abstract. Pratap, S., Kumar, P., Reddy, D., and Reddy, M. Toxicity studies of selected indian medicinal plants against house fly, Chrysomiya & Culex quinquifasciatus (MAPS-P-412).

Dinesh R. Shah · Acorus calamus is widely used in traditional medicine in various ailments. However, there is no toxicological information available regarding its safety after exposure. The present study was designed to evaluate potential toxicity of an ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus Linn.

September 6, 2012 - Overall, the findings of this study indicate that, HAE-AC is non-toxic and has at high dose, a mild but acceptable toxicity potential.

August 15, 2025 - The flesh extract exhibited a lethal concentration (LC50) below 1000 µg/mL, indicating low toxicity, unlike other parts. Extract concentrations from 25 µg/well to 200 µg/well showed increased antibacterial efficacy, especially in pericarp ...

January 15, 2022 - Results After 24 h of topical application, the A. calamus methanolic crude extract showed toxicity against secondary instar S. litura larvae (LD50 ~ 7.438 µg/larva). Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxy flavone), one of the isolated phenolic compounds, showed optimal control efficiency (LD50 ~ 2.752 µg/larva) ...

April 16, 2025 - Calamus oil is used in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, and perfumery, but its use is restricted due to safety concerns. Yes, Acorus calamus can be toxic due to the presence of beta-asarone, which has been associated with harmful health effects.

October 31, 2024 - ... Not for long-term use. Large doses may cause nausea and/or vomiting and tachycardia. Avoid during pregnancy due to possible emmenagogue effects. Use caution in immunocompromised individuals.

August 19, 2025 - “The present investigation demonstrates that the traditional medicine, the ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus lack potential toxicity, as it neither cause any lethality nor changes the general behavior in both the acute and chronic toxicity ...

In acute toxicity assay, a single oral 2000 mg/kg dose of extract did not reveal any signs of toxicity or mortality in mice, and the LD50 of the extract was noted to be >2000 mg/kg. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that rhizomes of A. calamus bear significant dose-dependent effects against intestinal helminths.