Health Risks of β-Asarone

Here's an analysis of the potential health risks associated with β-asarone, a compound found in Acorus calamus (sweet flag) and related herbal products, based on the provided sources.

β-asarone is a phenylpropanoid found in certain plants, particularly those of the Acorus genus.[2] While Acorus calamus has been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, including its potential neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and other properties, the presence of β-asarone raises significant health concerns.[3]

According to the European Medicines Agency, β-asarone is considered potentially toxic, and a limit of exposure from herbal products has been temporarily set until a full benefit/risk assessment is completed.[1] Studies have shown that β-asarone can induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.[1] Furthermore, the Council of Europe Committee of Experts on Flavouring Substances concluded that β-asarone is clearly carcinogenic.[2]

Regulatory Concerns and Monitoring

The potential for hepatotoxicity is a significant concern. One study investigated the hepatotoxic potential of asarones in human hepatocytes (THLE-2 cells).[1] The results indicated that β-asarone, along with α-asarone and an extract of a product containing asarones, reduced cell viability in a dose-dependent manner.[1] The study also found that β-asarone induced oxidative stress, as indicated by increased lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion in the hepatocytes.[1] Moreover, β-asarone was found to induce caspase-3/7 activation, suggesting cell death by apoptosis.[1]

Studies have shown that some herbal products contain β-asarone levels exceeding recommended limits.[1] This highlights the importance of monitoring β-asarone levels in herbal products to safeguard consumer safety, especially for vulnerable populations like young children.[1]

Due to the potential toxic effects of β-asarone, regulatory bodies have taken action to limit its presence in certain products. The European Council has limited the presence of β-asarone to a maximum of 1 mg/kg in alcoholic beverages and seasoning for snack food and 0.1 mg/kg in other food stuffs and beverages.[1] A limit of exposure from herbal medicinal products of ~115 μg/day, i.e. about 2 μg/kg bw/day has been instituted temporarily until a full benefit/risk assessment has been carried out.[1]

β-asarone poses potential health risks, including genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and hepatotoxicity. Regulatory bodies have set limits on its presence in certain products. It is crucial to monitor β-asarone levels in herbal products and to conduct further investigations into its toxicity to ensure consumer safety.

Conclusion

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