# Vacha > Vacha (Acorus calamus) is a plant used in Ayurveda. WHO/JECFA evaluated beta-asarone in Food Additives Series No. Anti-neuroinflammatory: Beta-asarone suppresses TNF-alpha and IL-1beta secretion, reducing neuroinflammation. Blood-brain barrier penetration: Both alpha- and beta-asarone cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling direct CNS activity. ## Key facts - **Botanical name:** Acorus calamus - **Pharmacopoeia status:** WHO/JECFA evaluated beta-asarone in Food Additives Series No. 16 (1981), determining carcinogenic risk from chronic exposure. FDA banned calamus as human food additive in 1968 (21 CFR 189.110). Not approved as a drug. Despite bans in Western regulatory frameworks, Acorus calamus (Vacha) remains in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and is widely used in traditional Indian, Chinese, and Unani medicine systems. The regulatory divergence between traditional use and modern safety assessments remains unresolved. ## Names and identification | Language | Name | |----------|------| | English | Vacha | ## How does it work? - Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition: Beta-asarone is the major constituent showing maximum AChE inhibitory potential, protecting cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease models. - Anti-neuroinflammatory: Beta-asarone suppresses TNF-alpha and IL-1beta secretion, reducing neuroinflammation. - Blood-brain barrier penetration: Both alpha- and beta-asarone cross the blood-brain barrier, enabling direct CNS activity. - [Antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) neuroprotection: Alpha-asarone normalizes increased superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation, restores catalase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, and [vitamins](/glossary/compounds-t-z/#vitamins) C and E in brain regions. - GABAergic and NMDA modulation: Alpha-asarone shows anticonvulsant activity via GABA antagonist and NMDA receptor agonist properties. - Sedative/tranquilizing: Asarones potentiate hypnosis in vivo through CNS depressant activity. - [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/): Volatile compounds demonstrate activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus through membrane disruption. ## Modern Research (Meta-Analysis) **Total PubMed publications found:** 1037 ### Key Research Papers #### 1. Role of Vacha ( **Authors:** Sharma Vineet, Sharma Rohit, Gautam DevNath Singh et al. **Journal:** Journal of clinical medicine (2020) **PMID:** 32325895 > Vacha (... **Keywords:** Acorus calamus, clinical trial, ethnomedicinal, metabolic application, neurological, [neuroprotective](/reference/neuroprotective/), pharmacological action, phytochemistry, toxicity #### 2. Acorus calamus var. angustatus Besser: Insight into current research on ethnopharmacological use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics. **Authors:** He Xirui, Chen Xufei, Yang Yan et al. **Journal:** Phytochemistry (2023) **PMID:** 36871902 > A. calamus var. angustatus Besser is an important traditional medicinal herb commonly used in China and other Asian countries. This study is the first systematic review of the literature to thoroughly analyze the ethnopharmacological application, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacokinetic properties of A. calamus var. angustatus Besser and provides a rationale for future research and prospects for application in clinical treatment. Information on relevant studies investigating A. calamus var. angustatus Besser was collected from SciFinder, the Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Elsevier, ResearchGate, ACS, Flora of China, and Baidu Scholar, etc. up to December 2022. In addition, information was also obtained from Pharmacopeias, books on Chinese herbal classics, local books, as... **Keywords:** Acoraceae, Acorus calamus var. angustatus Besser, Ethnopharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacology, Phytochemistry, Toxicology #### 3. Anticonvulsant activity of raw and classically processed Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) rhizomes. **Authors:** Bhat Savitha D, Ashok B K, Acharya R N et al. **Journal:** Ayu (2012) **PMID:** 23049196 > The rhizome of Vacha (Acorus calamus) has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of various ailments, such as epilepsy, headache, eye disorders, insomnia, loss of memory, etc. Previous studies demonstrated that Vacha rhizome is having significant anticonvulsant activity against various induced seizures models in experimental animals. Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia of India has advocated Shodhana (purificatory procedures) to be done prior to its use. In the present study a comparative anticonvulsant activity of raw and Shodhita (classically processed) Vacha rhizomes were screened against Maximal Electro Shock (MES) seizure model to assess the effect of classical purificatory procedure on pharmacological action of Vacha. Phenytoin was used as standard antiepileptic drug for comparison. P... **Keywords:** Acorus calamus, anticonvulsant, epilepsy, phenytoin, shodhana, vacha #### 4. Acorus calamus: a bio-reserve of medicinal values. **Authors:** Khwairakpam Amrita Devi, Damayenti Yengkhom Devi, Deka Anindita et al. **Journal:** Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology (2018) **PMID:** 29389665 > Many plants are found to possess reliable pharmacological properties and have started to attract the attention of researchers. One such holistic plant is Acorus calamus, commonly known as sweet flag, belonging to the rhizomatous family Acoraceae. The different parts of this plant, such as the leaves and rhizomes, are used traditionally in different medicinal preparations for the treatment of various ailments including arthritis, neuralgia, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, kidney and liver troubles, eczema, sinusitis, asthma, fevers, bronchitis, hair loss, and other disorders. Many reports have also appeared in mainstream scientific journals confirming its nutritional and medicinal properties. Biochemical analysis of the plant has revealed a large number of secondary metabolites that may be responsibl... **Keywords:** Acorus calamus, biological properties, phytochemicals, traditional medicine #### 5. Acorus calamus (The Healing Plant): a review on its medicinal potential, micropropagation and conservation. **Authors:** Sharma Vikas, Singh Isha, Chaudhary Priyanka **Journal:** Natural product research (2014) **PMID:** 24824923 > Acorus calamus L., a tall, perennial, grass-like monocot plant from the Acoraceae family, is a well-known plant in Indian traditional medicines for centuries. It is a highly valued herb as it acts as a rejuvenator for brain and nervous system. It is a main medhya drug, which has the property of improving the memory power and intellect. Rhizomes of the plant are widely used in the treatment of number of ailments such as epilepsy, mental ailments, chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, abdominal tumours, kidney and liver troubles, and rheumatism. A. calamus leaves, rhizomes and its essential oil possess many biological activities such as [antispasmodic](/glossary/pharmacology/#antispasmodic), carminative and are compiled in a simple approach in this review. This review presents a pragmatic description that deals with chemical constit... **Keywords:** Acorus calamus, anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, conservation, pharmacological activities, phytoconstituents, toxicity #### 6. Radioprotectors: Nature's Boon. **Authors:** Lang Damanpreet Kaur, Singh Harwinder, Arora Arpita et al. **Journal:** Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry (2021) **PMID:** 33494677 > Major approach in controlling as well as eradicating the cancerous growth is through radiotherapy, but this treatment leads to toxicity in the normal cells, leading to secondary malignancies, teratogenesis, and necrosis. More than 15,000 malignancies occur due to exposure to harmful radiations during computed tomography scans. Natural products are non-toxic; there have been reports that herbal products, when given along with radiation, have shown increased tumor control property. The discussed agents in this review have potential antioxidant, [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/), free radical scavenging, metal chelating, and anti-inflammatory properties.... **Keywords:** Acorus calamus, Podophyllum hexandrum, Radioprotective agents, Tinospora cordifolia., Xylopia aethiopica, [hesperidin](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#hesperidin) #### 7. Is it safe to use Acorus calamus as a source of promising bioactive compounds in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases? **Authors:** Olas Beata, Bryś Magdalena **Journal:** Chemico-biological interactions (2018) **PMID:** 29273563 > Acorus calamus has a rich history in natural medicine, and offers many health benefits. The plant has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, [diuretic](/reference/diuretic/), antiurolithiatic and other properties. Moreover, various parts, especially the rhizome and roots, are sources of a range of bioactive phenolic compounds with beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. 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. calamus and its products for human health, especially regarding the cardiovascular system.... **Keywords:** Acorus calamus, Bioactive compounds, Cardiovascular diseases, Toxic properties #### 8. Experimental evidence for use of **Authors:** Das Bhrigu Kumar, Swamy Ahm Viswanatha, Koti Basavaraj C et al. **Journal:** Heliyon (2019) **PMID:** 31193009 > Cancer is one of the major non-communicable diseases posing substantial challenges in both developing and developed countries. The options available for treatment of different cancer are associated with various limitations, including severe toxicity, drug resistance, poor outcomes and a high risk of relapse. Hence, an increased attention and necessity for screening of various phytochemicals from natural sources for superior and safer alternative has been ongoing for several decades. In recent years, phytochemicals like galantamine, erwinaze, rivastigmine, [resveratrol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#resveratrolresveratrol) from natural sources have been found to be important therapeutic targets for the treatment of various diseases including cancer, neurodegeneration, diabetes, and cardiovascular effects. ... **Keywords:** Biochemistry, Cancer research, Cell biology, Evidence-based medicine, Molecular biology, Oncology ## What do recent clinical trials show? - Narayana DBA, Mukne A 2025. [Reporting negative Ames test results for Indian Acorus calamus L., rhizome, extracts, and beta asarone](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40844059/). *Indian journal of pharmacology*. PMID [40844059](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40844059/) · [doi:10.4103/ijp.ijp_391_24](https://doi.org/10.4103/ijp.ijp_391_24) Indian A. calamus rhizome extracts and beta-asarone tested negative in Ames mutagenicity assay, challenging earlier assumptions about genotoxicity, though carcinogenicity concerns from chronic feeding studies remain. - Huang Y, Li Z, Ma Y and others 2024. [Screening for Active Compounds of Acorus calamus against SARS-CoV-2 Viral Protease and Mechanism Prediction](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38543111/). *Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)*. PMID [38543111](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38543111/) · [doi:10.3390/ph17030325](https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17030325) Identified 8 active components from 24 isolated compounds that exhibited significant inhibitory effects on SARS-CoV-2 PLpro, suggesting antiviral potential. - Desai KR, Ranade JR, Nagane RM and others 2025. [Comprehensive In Vitro Safety Assessment of Acorus calamus Rhizome Oil Using OECD-Compliant New Approach Methods: Classification as a GHS Category 1B Sensitiser and Category 2 Irritant](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41441227/). *Toxics*. PMID [41441227](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41441227/) · [doi:10.3390/toxics13121006](https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13121006) Classified as GHS Category 1B sensitiser and Category 2 irritant using OECD-compliant new approach methods, providing standardized safety classification for the rhizome oil. - Al-Mijalli SH, Mrabti HN, Abdallah EM and others 2025. [Acorus calamus as a promising source of new antibacterial agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus: Deciphering volatile compounds and mode of action](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39894234/). *Microbial pathogenesis*. PMID [39894234](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39894234/) · [doi:10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107357](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2025.107357) Volatile compounds from A. calamus demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, with mode of action deciphered. - Uebel T, Hermes L, Haupenthal S and others 2021. [α-Asarone, β-asarone, and γ-asarone: Current status of toxicological evaluation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33236787/). *Journal of applied toxicology : JAT*. PMID [33236787](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33236787/) · [doi:10.1002/jat.4112](https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.4112) Comprehensive toxicological review found cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity described for propenylic asarone isomers with varying reliability levels. Toxicological data remain rare and not critically evaluated in the 21st century. - Ukkirapandian K, E K, Udaykumar KP and others 2022. [The Neuroprotective Role of Acorus calamus in Developmental and Histopathological Changes in Autism-Induced Wistar Rats](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36340563/). *Cureus*. PMID [36340563](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36340563/) · [doi:10.7759/cureus.29717](https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.29717) Demonstrated neuroprotective effects in autism-induced animal models, showing developmental and histopathological improvements in brain tissue. ## Recent safety updates - FDA BANNED (1968): Calamus and its products are prohibited from direct addition or use as human food in the United States (21 CFR 189.110) due to beta-asarone carcinogenicity in chronic rat feeding studies. - Beta-asarone produced dose-dependent increase in leiomyosarcomas in the intestine of male rats at doses causing severe toxicity and increased mortality. - European Council limits: beta-asarone content restricted to 0.1 mg/kg in non-alcoholic drinks and 1 mg/kg in alcoholic drinks. - Classified as GHS Category 1B sensitiser and Category 2 irritant for rhizome oil (2025 OECD assessment). - Indian variety (diploid) contains highest beta-asarone content; North American variety (diploid) contains primarily alpha-asarone with much lower beta-asarone. - 2025 Ames test found negative mutagenicity results for Indian extracts and beta-asarone, but this does not negate chronic carcinogenicity concerns. - Reported adverse events in humans: prolonged vomiting in 7 consumers exposed to asarones from A. calamus. - No human long-term safety or carcinogenicity studies exist. ## What is it made of? ### Key Active Markers - Derived from constituent herbs (see individual herb profiles) - Standardized on primary bioactive markers **Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification) ## Dosage forms and preparation **Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Taila (medicated oil), Nasya (nasal drops), Lepa (paste) **Standard Dosage:** 250 mg-1 g powder twice daily (low dose due to beta-asarone content); Nasya: 2-4 drops per nostril; NOT for prolonged internal use **Bioavailability:** beta-Asarone (primary active compound) has good oral bioavailability (~45-60%) with rapid absorption and blood-brain barrier penetration. However, it is classified as potentially genotoxic and carcinogenic (EFSA, FDA), severely limiting acceptable daily intake. alpha-Asarone has similar pharmacokinetics but lower toxicity concerns. Acoramone and other [phenylpropanoids](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#phenylpropanoids) are moderately bioavailable. Nasya administration allows direct CNS delivery via olfactory pathway, requiring lower doses. **Optimal Timing:** Morning on empty stomach for cognitive enhancement; Nasya in early morning; NOT recommended at bedtime **Standardized Extract:** Essential oil: quantify beta-asarone content (specify acceptable limit based on target market); hydroethanolic extract standardized to total phenylpropanoids >5% with beta-asarone content clearly declared. For low-asarone products: beta-asarone <0.1% in finished product. **Shelf Life:** Powder: 12-18 months; Essential oil: 24 months; Capsules: 24 months; Nasya oil: 12-18 months **Storage:** Airtight, light-resistant containers at 15-25 deg C. Keep out of reach of children. Label must clearly state beta-asarone content and regulatory status for target market. **Marker Compounds:** beta-Asarone, alpha-Asarone, Acoramone, [Eugenol](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#eugenol), Cis-methyl isoeugenol, Calamenol, [Galangin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#galangin), Acorenone ### Extraction Methods - Steam distillation for essential oil - Hydroethanolic extraction (60-70% ethanol) - Supercritical CO2 extraction - Aqueous decoction - Hexane extraction for beta-asarone-rich fraction ### Synergistic Combinations - [Brahmi](/herb/brahmi/) (Bacopa monnieri) - [nootropic](/glossary/pharmacology/#nootropic) synergy - Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) - cognitive enhancement combination - [Jatamansi](/herb/jatamansi/) (Nardostachys jatamansi) - calming and memory-enhancing synergy - [Ashwagandha](/herb/ashwagandha/) - [adaptogenic](/reference/adaptogenic/) and neuroprotective combination - Honey as anupana - facilitates CNS penetration per traditional texts --- Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/vacha/ ## Sources - Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0) - PubMed / NCBI (1037 publications) - AgeAyurveda Product Catalog - Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases) - Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice. Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.