Pharmacological Properties and Ayurvedic Value of Indian Buch Plant (Acorus calamus): A Short Review

Abstract

Acorus calamus is a useful medicinal plant which gave benefit in different fields of medicines. This review deals with the different pharmacological activity of plant with different extract or solvents. This herb stimulates the power of intelligence and self expression in humans. This herb is generally used from the Ancient and Vedic periods due to its wonderful power of rejuvenation of brain, nervous system and normalizing the appetite. Acorus calamus is widely used in the pharmaceutical as well as on biotechnological scale because it has great potency and defense system. Acorus calamus has many wide varieties which were used in different studies possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-protective and anti-hepatotoxic activities. Article also deals with various marketed product of Acorus calamus.

Full text

Advances in Biological Research 5 (3): 145-154, 2011
ISSN 1992-0067
© IDOSI Publications, 2011
Corresponding Author: Rupali Singh, M. Pharm Research Scholar, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology,
Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bypass Road- Baghpat Crossing, Meerut - 250005,
Uttar Pradesh, India. Tel: +91 9761216468, E-mail: rupalisingh04py43@gmail.com..
145
Pharmacological Properties and Ayurvedic Value of Indian
Buch Plant (Acorus calamus): A Short Review
Rupali Singh, Pramod Kumar Sharma and Rishabha Malviya
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology,
Bypass Road- Baghpat Crossing, Meerut-250005, Uttar Pradesh, India
Abstract: Acorus calamus is a useful medicinal plant which gave benefit in different fields of medicines. This
review deals with the different pharmacological activity of plant with different extract or solvents. This herb
stimulates the power of intelligence and self expression in humans. This herb is generally used from the Ancient
and Vedic periods due to its wonderful power of rejuvenation of brain, nervous system and normalizing the
appetite. Acorus calamus is widely used in the pharmaceutical as well as on biotechnological scale because it
has great potency and defense system. Acorus calamus has many wide varieties which were used in different
studies possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-protective and anti-hepatotoxic activities. Article also
deals with various marketed product of Acorus calamus.
Key words: Acorus calamus % Sweet flag % Tumors % " asarone % Galangin % Anti inflammatory
INTRODUCTION simply categorized it as lekhaniya- reducing herb,
Acorus calamus or sweet flag or buch plant has been asthapanopaga (an adjunct to decoction enemas), sita
known for its beneficial and medicinal value in the Asiaprasamana (relieves cold sensation on the skin), samjna
since long time. From the ancient it is harvested on thesthapana (restores consciousness), vaya sthapana
commercial scale and mostly cultivated in the Asian(promotes longevity), arsoghna (anti-hemorrhoidal) and
region. It is a most valuable plant in the medical sciencessiro virecana (cleansing nasal therapy). This plant clears
almost throughout the India. In Ayurvedic science thethe main channels of toxins and obstructions of the
use of sweet flag is effective against wide varietiesnervous systems and sharpens the memory due to its
of illnesses. The word 'acorus' is originated from the Greek divine and nervine nature [1]. It is a highly valued herb
word 'acoron' used by the Dioscorids which in turnbecause it acts as a rejuvenator for the brain and nervous
derived from the 'coreon' word means ‘pupil’ because it is systems. In small doses it reduces the acidity in stomach
used in the treatment of eyes diseases and itsand used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa while large
inflammation. This plant showed anti-spasmodic,doses causes nausea and vomiting. The Acorus Calamus
carminative and anthelmintic properties. The rhizomes of has wonderful power of stimulating and normalizing the
this plant is widely used in the number of ailments likeappetite. It is externally used to treat the skin eruptions,
epilepsy, mental ailments, chronic diarrhea, dysentery,rheumatic pains, neuralgia, cancer dyspepsia and
bronchial catarrh, intermittent fevers and glandular,epilepsy. Its infusion causes an abortion and alleviates
abdominal tumors, kidney and liver troubles, rheumatism, the toothache. The root was chewed to encounter the
sinusitis and eczema. Other virtues of this plant include its problem of toothache and help to stop smoking. In many
mature leaves, act as an insect repellant when cut up andparts of India it is used to encounter the acidity, heartburn
stored in dry foods. In ancient times the buch plant isand dyspepsia [2]. The massage through the dry powder
mainly known as vaca literally means speaking. In theis benefitted in the obesity and further reduces the
Vedic periods it is used as a rejuvenative agent for thesubcutaneous fatty accumulations. Due to its antibiotic
brain and nervous systems. This stimulates the power ofactivity It is also used for wounds and ulcers cleansing.
self expression and intelligence. Maharishi Charka hasIn different systems the Acorus calamus is used in
especially, kapha and meda etc, trptighna (anti-saturative),

Advan. Biol. Res., 5 (3): 145-154, 2011
146
different ways like in 1) Agni Purana this plant is used insides. The leaves are free, alternate, green and wavy.1-3
the treatment of epilepsy and in rheumatic arthritis 2) inseeded having thin testa which is cylindrical in shape and
Siddha system the fresh root is used in the treatment ofgreen in color. Flowering and Fruiting occurs in July-
bronchial asthma 3) in Unani system it is used in theAugust; fruiting very rare.
treatment of flatulent colic, carminative, emetic, stimulant This plant is mostly grown in the Northern latitude
and as a bitter tonic 4) in Santal system it is used for thecountries around the World. Mainly grown in the North
treatment of the cold and cough, dry cough, haemoptysis,America and Northern and Eastern Asia and naturalized
indigestion 5) in Birhor system it is used for the medicalin Southern Asia and Europe since ancient periods. The
benefit in the alopecia, root as a massage, teethingcultivated plants are sterile triploids and originated from
problem in the children, malaria and cancer. Thethe hybrids between diploid and tetraploids forms. The
Indigenous Technical Know How are adopted by theroots are grown widely by the natives of Americans along
people from the Ancient time are used for accumulatingto be harvested as needed. Acorus calamus Linn.
the information evolved through experience over years(Araceae) is a native of Central Asia and Eastern Europe
and years [3]. and also has widespread use in the traditional system of
Description of Buch Plant [4] pain and diarrhoea. Acorus calamus L. sweet flag, is a
Kingdom :Plantae well-known medicinal plant that grows worldwide along
Subkingdom :Tracheobionta (Vascular plant) swamps, rivers and lakes. In India it grows in marshy
Superdivision : Spermatophyta (Seed plants) places up to 1800 meters height; mainly cultivated in the
Division :Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants) Kashmir, Manipur and Nagaland [5].
Class :Liliopsida (Monocotyledons)
Subclass :Arecidae Parameters for the Cultivation: This plant is hardy and
Order :Arales easily grown in the medicinal/ visionary gardens. The
Family :Acoraceae plant growth is started from the division of roots at least
Genus :Acorus L. from 5-6 cm piece of root most preferably clean, aromatic
Syn :Acorus griffithii Schott. A. belangeiiand free of any type of microbial infection. These plants
Schott, A. casia Bertol grow anywhere as long where an adequate amount of
English Name :The sweet flag. water is present and full sunshine.
Indian Name :Bach
Sanskrit Name :Vacha Weeding: This crop is weeded once every month for the
Trade Name :Boch 4 to 5 months when the plants blocks the rows in a thick
Botanical Name :Acorus calamus over.
Common Name of Buch Plant: Calamus root, sweet flag, Yield: The average yield of rhizome is 40 qt/ha. However,
rat root, sweet sedge, flag root, sweet calomel, sweet cane, yield could be increased with better agronomic practices.
sweet rush, beewort, muskrat root, pine root, racha, vaca.Irrigation: It is a water intensive crop similar to irrigated
Description: Sweet flag or buch plant is a grass-like,this crop is more suitable where water is not scarce. At the
rhizome forming, perennial that can grow to 2 meters high, initial stages of the crop, the field is raised to 10 cm till 20
resembling an iris. This plant found in the wet areas likedays [6].
ponds, lakes and ditches. It consists of long creeping
roots which spread out just below the surface of the soil.Active Constituent: The dried rhizome of Acorus calamus
It is mostly common with the cat tail. The leaves are thick, contain the yellow aromatic volatile oils having $ asarone
erect and are very similar in appearance to the iris butas a main constituent which contains the small quantity of
edges are crimped. The flower is very rarely grown in this sesquiterpenes and its alcohols; the rhizome also contains
plant if grown than it is 3-8cm long, cylindrical in shape,the choline, flavone, acoradin, galangin, acolamone,
greenish brown in color and covered with the multitudesisocolamone and aerial parts of plant contains lutcolin-6,8-
of rounded spikes. The fruits are small and berry-likec-diglucoside; chemical constituents vary in ecotypes and
containing few seeds. Flowers are grown from early to late polyploides. $ asarone is a genotoxic substance causing
summer depending on the latitude. The flowers are small, genetic mutation and tumors. Phenylpropanoid promotes
sessile and densely packed and 5-10 cm of spadix on alldefense mechanism in herbivores and ultra violet rays
medicine for gastrointestinal disorders such as colonic
paddy but duration of sweet flag is 10 to 11 months. So

Advan. Biol. Res., 5 (3): 145-154, 2011
147
Fig. 1: Structures of various chemical constituents of Acorus calamus
protection. It is also active in inducing the liver tumors.has been found that Chinese used this herb for the
Other constituents are " pinene, cineole, limonene, "treatment of constipation [8]. In Ayurvedic system the
terpineol, azulene, eugenol, camphene, * cadinene,Acorus calamus has been used as a magical root which
ethanol, galangin, magnesium, zinc, tannin, terpenes,cures asthma, fevers, bronchitis and all over it is a
menthol and camphor (Figure 1). The Asian varietiessedative. The paste of the Acorus calamus is applied
contain the varying amounts of $ asarone which causesexternally on the inflamed joints, rheumatism and in
the more sedate feeling after ingestion while Europeanrheumatic fever alleviates the pain and swelling. The
varieties yielded sesquiterpenoids which is psychoactiveadministration through nasal route is salutary in
agent and having good medicinal properties [7]. headache, heaviness, epilepsy and hysteria. In piles the
Medicinal Uses: Sweet flag used in Asia since last 2000helpful. The inhalation of the buch powder alleviates the
years for a number of beneficial and medicinal effects. Itheadache due to the migraine whereas the juice instilled
fumigation is done through the buch is effective and

Advan. Biol. Res., 5 (3): 145-154, 2011
148
into ears that mitigates the earache and tinnitus. Thethese studies it has been concluded that the extracts
decoction of this plant with camphor is more effective inwhich is obtained from the extract of the Acorus calamus
the cleansing of wounds and ulcers, as it possessesroot seems to shows the analgesic as well as an
antibiotic properties. The Indians of Alberta use calamusanticonvulsant effects which may be potentiated by the
in reducing the fever, prevention of toothache, headache,activity of GABA.
hangover, for oral hygiene and disinfect the teeth. The
Dakotas use the calamus in the treatment of diabetesPalani et al. [12]: Studied the therapeutic efficacy of
whereas other native’s tribes used in the treatment of
cough, carminative and as an infusion. When Indians use
the root of calamus they miraculously cured the long
diseases within a month. The Sioux natives use the whole
plant in making aromatic garlands; root used in the making
of tea for bowel pains, or rubbed, chewing the roots for a
general cureness. The root of Acorus calamus was used
as psychoactive, "witches flying ointments" when mixed
with solanacious herb during the middle ages. In the
Biblical times in Exodus it is mentioned as one of the most
important ingredients known as “holy anointing oil”. The
unpeeled, dried rhizome of Acorus calamus was listed in
the United State Pharmacopoeia and National Formulary
till 1916 for the medicinal use on the humans. It is also
used by the Canadian Trappers working in the Hudson
Bay Company used as a stimulant, chewing the small
piece of the rhizome whenever tired. Walt Whitman writes
the poetry about his beloved herb as “Leaves of Grass”.
Modern Use: It is mainly used in the mental ailments,
dysentery, nerve tonic and stomachic, in bronchitis,
dysentery, remittent fevers and emetic, in glandular and
abdominal tumors and in snake bites[9]. Acorus calamus
Linn. controls the tick in animals through its repellant
action[10].
Adulterants: The drug is adulterated with siliceous earth,
ground marsh mallow root and cereal flowers.
Pharmacological Activity of Acorus Calamus: The
following studies have been carried out to evaluate its
medicinal properties:
Jayaraman et al. [11]: Extracted the methanolic extract of
Acorus calamus and further studied analgesic effect onACME and ACAE treatment at various levels against the
the rat through the Writhing response and rat caudalAPM induced catalepsy in mice significantly reversed the
immersion method while the anticonvulsant effect wasstereotypy.
studied through the Pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures
method. The studies showed that Acorus calamus rootsPalani et al. [14]: Studied the efficacy of Acorus calamus
have significant anti-inflammatory and anticonvulsant
activity. It has been observed that when methanol extract
of Acorus calamus was administered orally at the doses
of the 100 and 200 mg/kg showed the protective effect
against the pain models in mice and this extract also
increased the latency period in the seizures. Through
Acorus calamus on acetaminophen induced male albino
rats for nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress. Acorus
calamus is a traditional plant mainly used for the
treatment of insomnia, melancholia, epilepsy, hysteria and
neurosis. The extract of the plant is used for the various
activities like immunosuppressive, antidiarrhoeal,
antiproliferative, antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities.
They studied the nephroprotective and antioxidant
activities of ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus on
acetaminophen induced toxicity in male albino rats.
The acetaminophen increased the level of hemoglobin,
total leukocyte count, packed cell volume, DLC, mean
corpuscular volume, granulocytes, raised body
weight, uric acid and platelet concentration. Acorus
calamus increased the activity of the renal superoxide
dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and
decreased the level of monodialdehyde content of
acetaminophen. They also find that the Acorus calamus
inhibited the hematological effect of acetaminophen.
The histopathological changes showed the protective
nature of the ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus against
acetaminophen induced necrotic tissues and renal
damage in rats.
Vengadesh et al. [13]: Studied the effect of Acrous
calamus leaves extract on dopaminergic system in mice
for neuromodulatory effect. They investigated the effects
of methanol extract and acetone extract of the plant leaves
against the apomorphine (APM) induced stereotypy and
haloperidol induced catalepsy. The ACME and ACAE
(Acorus calamus methanol extract and Acorus calamus
acetone extract) administration potentiated the haloperidol
induced catalepsy in mice. It was also found that the
on acetaminophen induced toxicity in rats for
antihepatotoxic and anti oxidant activities. They studied
the effect of ethanol extracted Acorus calamus and further
confer the hepatoprotective and anti oxidant activities by
biochemical and pathological observations against
acetaminophen induced liver injury in rats.

Advan. Biol. Res., 5 (3): 145-154, 2011
149
Lad et al. [15]: Studied the effect of acetone extract ofRajkumar et al. [20]: Used methanolic and aqueous
Acorus calamus in albino rat for their anti inflammatoryextract of Acorus calamus plant and further studied
activity. Anti inflammatory activity was evaluated usingcytotoxic effect. From whole study they concluded that it
paw edema model induced by formaldehyde injection inmight be act against the cytotoxicity in time and
the male rat. The inflammatory effect was completelyconcentration dependent manner .
diminished and the normal status of paw was achieved
when 25-75% acetone extract was tested againstSi et al. [21]: Found the in vitro and in vivo insulin
inflammation in male rat within 30 minutes.
Gilani et al. [16]: Studied the anti spasmodic and anti
diarrhoeal activity of Acorus calamus. In the studymice. They used Acorus calamus extract for in vivo
jejunum was isolated from the rabbit and further effect of studies and found suppression in blood glucose level
crude extract was evaluated. It was found that plantafter the 2g/kg glucose loading in the normal mice. Acorus
extract causes the spontaneous inhibition of high K(+)calamus extract had the hypoglycemic effects and "
induced contractions which resulting spasmolytic activity glucosidase inhibition and improves the postprandial
which is mediated through the calcium channel blockade. hyperglycemia and CVS complications .
Devi et al. [17]: Studied the anti microbial and antifungal Tariq et al. [22]: Used Pakistanian Acorus calamus and
activity of Acorus calamus rhizome and leaf. In this study further studied its importance and implementation as a
they used petroleum ether, chloroform, hexane and ethylbiopesticide. They proved that the essential oil of the
acetate extract of rhizomes and leaves and found thatAcorus calamus is safe as compared to the other
ethyl acetate extract was highly effective in anti fungalcommercial pesticides. This oil can be safely used in the
and anti yeast activity. The " and $ asarone is mainlyagriculture as well as in health sector. The essential oil of
responsible for the antimicrobial activities further it wasAcorus calamus has been tested on the cuts and wounds
established that $ asarone has high anti microbial activity and found that it was more effective as compared to the
as compared to the " asarone. other oils .
Wu et al. [18]: Studied the in vitro and in vivo insulinSingh et al. [23]: Showed the antifungal activity using
sensitizing activity of ethyl acetate fraction of Acorusmethanolic extract of Acorus calamus. It involves the
calamus. The consumption of glucose is mediatednumber of inducible defence mechanism against many
through the insulin which was detected in the rat skeletaldiseases or pathogens. Majority of them are induced but
muscle cells. It has been concluded from the whole studyafter recognition they become constitutive and non
that the insulin sensitizing Acorus calamus extract has the specific. Results easily established anifungal potential of
potential to be used in the treatment of diabetes andmethanolic extract of Acorus calamus.
cardio vascular complications without weight gain.
Lee et al. [19]: Evaluated the anti diabetic effect ofextract of Acorus calamus. The leaf extract protein of
Acorus calamus which inhibits the adipogenesis and
stimulates the lipolysis in 3T3- L1adipocytes. They
determined the molecular mechanism under the anti
diabetic activity of asarone. Treatment of diabetes
through differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through
suppression and expression of transcription factors,
enhancer binding protein-alpha and peroxisome
proliferator which activates the adipogenesis. It was
predicted that asarone reduced the intracellularAcorus calamus rhizomes with the phylogenetic
triglyceride levels in a dose dependent manner and can be placement of an endophyte fungus Fusarium oxysporum.
used in the treatment of the phosphorylation of hormoneThe fungus was effective against the gram positive and
sensitive lipase. gram negative micro organisms. An endophytic fungus
releasing " glucosidase inhibitory activity of ethyl acetate
fraction of Acorus calamus. The effects of serum glucose
were detected in the fasted and amylum challenged normal
Ghosh [24]: Evaluated peroxidase activity of leaves
Acorus calamus was purified through the
chromatography and peak giving fractions were tested for
the anti fungal activity by gel filtration using Superose 12
10/300 GL column. Through leaves of the plant peroxidase
enzyme activity was observed in the lumen of the xylem
and vessels.
Barik et al. [25]: Studied the antimicrobial activity of the

Advan. Biol. Res., 5 (3): 145-154, 2011
150
was isolated from the Acorus calamus rhizomes which are Shukla et al. [32]: Studied the effect of Acorus calamus
identified as Fusarium oxysporium [26]. In this study
phylogenetic tree was generated with the use of maximum
parsimony method for the relation establishment with
F.oxysporum in the different forms. Plants are mainly
prescribed as the drugs for anti cancer and anti microbial
agents. This plant is act as reservoir for some microbes
known as endophytes, which are important bioactive
metabolites for therapeutic use [27].
Pandy et al. [28]: Evaluated the methanol and
acetone extract of Acorus calamus leaves for their
CNS activity in mice. They showed the spontaneous
locomotors activity for immobility by time using through
forced timed swim test, diazepam induced sleeping
time and motor impairment assessment using rotarod for
CNS depression/ analyptic activity of ACME and
ACAE in mice.
Pradhan et al. [29]: Showed that Acorus calamus
possesses the ability for preventing the developmentthe epileptic treatment.
of FeCl induced epileptogenesis by modulating
3
antioxidant enzyme; exhibit the potentiality of AC to beMehrotra et al. [34]: Evaluated anti cellular and
developed as an effective anti epileptic drug. Through
the various methods which is used for inducing the
experimental epileptic models induces the recurrent
seizures and epileptic discharge similar to humans post
traumatic epilepsy through generation of free radicals into
sensorimotor.
Gaidhani et al. [30]: Evaluated anticancer activity of
Acorus calamus rhizomes. They prepared hydro alcoholic Kumari et al. [35]: Evaluated antioxidant defense system
extract of Terminalia chebula, rhizome of Acorus calamus
and root of Glycyrrhiza glabra and further studied their
antiproliferative activity on anti cancer cell. Results
predict the fact that all of these plant materials have
significant antiproliferative activity.
In one study Chaitali et al. [31]: Prepared ethanolic
extract of fourteen Indian Medicinal plants like Acorusactivation of anti oxidative defense system.
calamus, Asparagus racemosus, Aegle marmelos, Cassia
fistula, Gymnema sylvestre, Holarrhena antidysentrica,Mittal et al. [36]: Studied the potential of Acorus calamus
Minmusops elengi, Ocimum sanctum, Piper longum,
Sapindus trifoliatus, Terminalia arjuna, Termenalia
bellerica, Terminalia chebula and Withania somnifera
roots were and further evaluated for their cytotoxic, anti
tumor and pesticidal efficacy using brine shrimp Lethality
assay. Results showed that Acorus calamus extract have
significant anti tumor activity.
for inducing neurotoxicity against acrylamide for
increasing the activity of corpus striatum while dopamine
receptors decreased. These neurobehavioral changes are
occurring by ACR (acrylamide) for the treatment of
diseases with the Acorus calamus rhizome.
Yende et al. [33]: Showed the reversal neurotoxicity of
Acorus calamus in mice which is induced with the
phenytoin and Phenobarbital. The administration of
Acorus calamus at ED dose of phenytoin markedly
50
potentiated the anti convulsant activity of phenytoin. The
main reason is that the combination of Acorus calamus
with phenytoin does not show any significant effect on
the PTZ (pentelynetetrazole) induced convulsions. From
these studies they concluded that administration of
Acorus calamus with phenytoin and Phenobarbital
showed the synergistic effect. Hence it is confirmed that
the combined administration of Acorus calamus with
phenytoin and phenobarbital showed the better effect in
immunosuppressive potential of ethanolic extract of
Acorus calamus. The ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus
rhizome showed anti proliferative and immunosuppressive
properties. This extract causes the tumor necrosis through
which inhibits the proliferation of mitogen, antigen
stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in humans,
nitric oxide and interleukins-2.
in a Acorus calamus through the response of UV-B
radiations. It has been found that reactive oxygen species
(ROS) is produced due to the oxidative stress in plant
cells create through UV-B radiation. ROS denatures and
damage the cellular components. Through their studies
they concluded that exposure of Acorus calamus rhizome
to UV-B radiation affected the secondary metabolites with
in biotechnology and pharmaceutical field. They found
that Acorus calamus is widely used in Unani, Ayurveda
and Local Health Care Systems. It is used in the different
treatment of a variety of ailments and as insecticides, anti
bacterial, anti fungal, toxicant etc. It is belonging to the
monocotyledons group which is used in the medicinal
plants during the Ancient and Vedic periods. It is a stress

Advan. Biol. Res., 5 (3): 145-154, 2011
151
tolerator that causes the plasticity in the rhizome andanti spasmodic, carminative and anthelmintic. They mainly
shoots density with respect to the availability of afocused on the crude drug (Acorus calamus) which is
nutrient. $ asarone is less carcinogenic which makes ituseful in the identification and control to adulteration of
highly valuable in biotechnology and pharmaceuticalthe raw drug. So they concluded that heavy metals and
industries. Acorus calamus based markers play anpesticide residue estimation and microbial contamination
important role of the selection of desired germplasm. are essential for raw drugs and its formulation [39].
Jabbar and Hassan [37]: Studied the effect of AcorusFaruq et al. [40]: Show the antimutagenic activity
calamus on bronchodilation, which is mediated through
multiple pathways. Crude extract of Acorus calamus in the
guinea pig tracheal segments was more effective in the
carbachol response with the blockade of calcium
channels. In the crude extract of Acorus calamus the
calcium channel blockers and phosphodiesterase in the n-
hexane has a novel combination shows anti cholinergic
and anti depressant effect that provides the
pharmacological basis for various uses of Acorus calamus
in airways disorders.
Meena et al. [38]: Studied the preliminary and
physicochemical studies on the rhizome of Acorusthat help in reducing the mutagenicity are known as
calamus. It is perennial, semi aquatic, smelly plant foundantimutagens. The antimutagenic or protective effect has
in temperate and sub temperate zone and mainly used as been attributed towards many classes of phytochemicals
through the methanolic extract of four Ayurvedic
medicinal plants i.e, Acorus calamus, Hemidesmus
indicus, Holarrhena antidysentrica and Plumbago
zeylanica. These extracts are then tested at different
concentrations that showed no signs of mutagenecity to
Salmonella typhimurium tester strains. The four extract
was found to be in the order of A. calamus> H. indicus>
H. antidysentrica> P. zeylanica all showed the
antimutagenic activity. Mutagens are involved in
mutation and promotion of several diseases like cancer
which is most important in counteracting the
promutagenic and carcinogenic effects. Such chemicals
Table 1: Marketed Formulations of Buch plant
Formulations Company
1.Scavon Vet cream[45] Himalaya Drug Company, Makali, Banglore, India.
2.Acorus calamus Herbal Extract[46] Vidya Herbs Private Limited, Banglore, Karnataka, India.
3.Ayurvedic and Herbal Chemicals of Acorus calamus[47] Jenson Enterprises Private Limited, Chengalpattu, India.
4.Bulk Drugs of Acorus calamus[48] Hindustan Pharmaceuticals, Amritsar, India.
5.Varch oil[49] Herbotech Pharmaceuticals, Amritsar, India.
6.Ayurvedic tablets[50] Krishna Herbal Company, Chandigarh, India.
7.Anxi- 6[51] Kalhan Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, Jalandhar, Punjab, India.
8. Manufacturer and Exporter of Medicinal Herbs of Acorus calamus[52] Karthik Enterprises, Arokiapura Shanmugapura, Chottaian Thoppu, Tuticorin,
Tamil Nadu.
9.Herbal preparations of Acorus calamus[53] Sydler Remedies Private Limited, Mumbai, India.
10.Ayurvedic Preparations of Acorus calamus[54] Kebee Pharmachemie Private Limited andheri, Mumbai, India.
11.Perfumes, Vach oil, Alcoholic Drinks,toothpastes[55] Ram Prakash Company, Khari Baoli, New Delhi.
12.Botanical Insecticide (Vasambu)[56] Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and Bhuvicare Private Limited,
Tirunelveli.
13.Wholesale suppliers of Acorus calamus herbs[57] Tripti Herbal and Plantation Services, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
14.Nervine tonic, Antispasmodic[58] Salem Impex, Salem, Tamil Nadu.
15.Stresnil[59] Universal Pharmaceuticals Limited, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
16.Calamus Oil[60] Modern Natural Products, Mumbai.
17.Spices, Herbs, Essential oil and Natural products of Acorus calamus[61] The Pioneer Enterprises, Raudat Tahera, Mumbai.
18.Natural oil of Vacha [62] Bhagat Aromatics Limited, New Delhi.
19.Calamus Essential Oil[63] Katyani Exports, Pitam Pura, New Delhi.
20.Insecticides[64] Ajinkya Chemtech Private Limited, Pune.
21.Krush capsules[65] Prakruti Remedies Pvt. Ltd Karnataka (India).
22.Brainokan[66] Kangra Herb Private Limited, Kangra, HP.
23.Mahavishgarba Oil[67] Herbs forever, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
24.Herbal Skin Cream[68] EcoPure Naturals, Fairport Harbor,OH 44077.

Advan. Biol. Res., 5 (3): 145-154, 2011
152
present in foods like flavonoids and phenolic8. www. primaryinfo. com/acorus calamus.htm.
compounds[41]. In these plant extracts the mutagens
(NaN and MMS) show the inducing effect in one or more
3
tester strains. Acorus calamus extract showed the
decrease in revertants colonies against NaN induced
3
mutagenecity. The variations in the antimutagenic activity
are due to the differences in the active constituents and
combinations of other extracts [42].
Bhuvneshwari et al. [43]: Derives the derivatives against
fish pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila from Acorus
calamus residue for showing the antibacterial activity of
the plant. Eighteen compounds are isolated from the
Acorus calamus which is then microtiter to find out their
inhibitory concentration. The antimicrobial potency of the
substances was ranked through bioautographic assays.
Then the derivatives which are derived through the
isolation of plant has been predicted from the GC-MS,
UV, HNMR, CNMR,and IR spectroscopy related to $
1 13
asarone. The extracts of Acorus calamus have been found
to be possesess an anti bacterial activity. $ asarone in A.
calamus has stronger antibacterial property [44]. However
$ asarone concentration varies markedly among the oil
from A. calamus varieties.
CONCLUSION
Through this review it can be concluded that Acorus
calamus is a wonderful herb through which different
diseases have been cured from the Ancient and Vedic
periods. Hence it has been proved from the different
literature reviewed that Acorus calamus can be explored
successfully for various marketed formulation.
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