Compound Monograph
Beta-asarone
Beta-asarone is a phenylpropanoid from calamus and related plants, notable as a constituent of concern because of its toxic and genotoxic properties.
Sources · 2
Where Does It Come From?
Beta-asarone is a naturally occurring phenylpropanoid, found in Calamus / sweet flag and 1 other source. It is flagged as toxic and a known carcinogen.
Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Beta-asarone is the cis isomer of asarone, a phenylpropanoid found in the rhizome and essential oil of calamus (Acorus calamus) and related Acorus species. It is one of the main reasons calamus is treated with caution, since the compound accounts for much of the plant’s distinctive aroma and also its toxicity.
Toxicity & Safety
Beta-asarone is regarded as toxic and has shown genotoxic and carcinogenic activity in animal studies, leading several regulators to restrict or prohibit its use in food and to limit the asarone content of calamus preparations. High-asarone calamus and its oil are generally considered unsafe for internal use, and use during pregnancy should be avoided.
