Sweet flag is a medicinal plant that has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Calamus is particularly suitable for treating loss of appetite and improving digestion.
Parts of calamus (Acorus calamus), such as the leaves and rhizomes, have traditionally been used in various medicinal preparations to treat health conditions. Among other things, the medicinal plant is used in Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and in traditional Chinese medicine against loss of appetite, colic, cramps, diarrhea, indigestion and flatulence, reports an Indian research team in the specialist journal Phytomedicine.
Various bioactive ingredients
According to the researchers, the effect against the symptoms mentioned seems to be due to the ingredients, with alpha and beta asarone being the predominant bioactive components in the plant. The team adds, however, that beta- and alpha-asarone have also been reported to be genotoxic and mutagenic, which limits their use at high doses.
A second independent study also reports on the effectiveness of calamus in treating loss of appetite, diarrhea and indigestion.
In particular, the therapeutic potential of essential oils, phenylpropanoids, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, xanthones, glycosides, flavones, lignans, steroids and inorganic ingredients are highlighted.
Scientifically proven effect
In an overview of the medicinal properties of sweet flag, it also becomes clear that numerous articles in scientific journals confirm the medicinal properties of sweet flag.
According to the research team, one of the studies evaluated pointed to a large number of secondary metabolites that may be responsible for the various medicinal properties found, such as the effect against diarrhea, indigestion (dyspepsia) and other health complaints.
Taken together, the results make it clear that calamus offers a natural and purely herbal option for improving appetite and treating various gastrointestinal disorders. Regarding the form of application and dosage, however, a medical consultation should be made in advance. (as)
