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.

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).

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” ...

October 25, 2025 - 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.

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.

June 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).

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.

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.

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.

A. calamus leaves, rhizomes and its essential oil possess many biological activities such as antispasmodic, carminative and are compiled in a simple approach in this review. This review presents a pragmatic description that deals with chemical constituents, toxicology, ethnobotany and pharmacological properties of A.

The extract exhibited moderate potential interaction in CYP3A4 (IC50 = 46.84 μg/mL) and CYP2D6 (IC50 = 36.81 μg/mL), while α-asarone showed higher interaction in CYP3A4 (IC50 = 65.16 μg/mL) and CYP2D6 (IC50 = 55.17 μg/mL) [169]. These outcomes indicated that both extracts and α-asarone interacted quite well in drug metabolism and also had an inhibitory effect on CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. The drug-drug interaction effect of the A. calamus extract and its main chemical constituent (α and β-asarone) needs to be studied in more CYPs isomers, like CYP2C9 and CYP2E1. In acute and sub-acute toxicity of the hydro-alcoholic extract of A.

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 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 ...

5 days ago - Calamus offers potential health benefits for your dog, but it should be used with caution and under expert guidance. The dosage must be carefully considered to avoid the risk of toxicity. Consultation with a veterinarian or specialized veterinary practitioner is essential before using calamus, especially for long-term use or in combination with other medications.

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.

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.

November 6, 2024 - European calamus, which has lower beta-asarone content, is sometimes considered safer, but its use is still advised with caution. High doses or extended use are not recommended, especially in children or pregnant women. Due to its potential toxicity, dosing for calamus should be approached cautiously.

It is a carcinogen and should not be used in aromatherapy. Calamus gets its name from the Greek word for reed, calamos.