Grassleaf sweetflag / shi chang pu (石菖蒲)

Acorus tatarinowii

Chinese

Safety information

Toxicity: Beta-asarone is a concern — genotoxic/carcinogenic in rodent studies and present at high levels in the oil; ATR crude reviews report no carcinogenic/teratogenic/mutagenic signal at typical doses, but long-term high-dose data lacking.

Contraindications: Yin-deficiency with heat, excess sweating, seminal emission (TCM); avoid high-dose/prolonged use given beta-asarone.

Interactions: Additive CNS effects (theoretical).

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

in formula (for phlegm misting the orifices) · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

decoction · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Traditional use: opens the orifices, vaporizes phlegm, quiets the spirit, harmonizes the stomach; confusion/dull senses, poor memory, epilepsy, phlegm patterns

Proposed mechanism: volatile oil dominated by alpha- and beta-asarone — neuroprotective (Alzheimer/depression/epilepsy models)

Dosage note (descriptive only): avoid high-dose/prolonged use given beta-asarone

Evidence:Preclinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

poor memory phlegm patterns confusion Epilepsy / seizures

Nutritional notes

n/a

Healing traditions

Chinese

Sources (1)

[E29] Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma chemical/pharmacology/pharmacokinetics/toxicity review (Front. Pharmacol.)

All sources →