Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Calamus rhizome (Acorus calamus), also known as sweet flag, has a long history of use in various traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Unani. Traditionally, it has been used for a variety of ailments, including as a remedy for infections, due to its perceived antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Historical texts and ethnobotanical records indicate its use in treating wounds, respiratory infections, and digestive disorders thought to be related to infections. However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Some in vitro studies have shown that extracts of Acorus calamus possess mild antibacterial and antifungal activity against certain pathogens, but these effects are generally modest and have not been established in clinical trials. Moreover, concerns about the safety of calamus rhizome—particularly the presence of β-asarone, a potentially carcinogenic compound—have led to restrictions on its use in some countries. Overall, while traditional use of calamus rhizome for infections is well documented, there is insufficient scientific evidence to robustly support its efficacy for this purpose, and its safety profile is questionable for regular or high-dose use. Therefore, its use for infection remains primarily justified by tradition rather than strong scientific validation.

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