Does Calamus Contain Harmful Chemicals?

Calamus (Acorus calamus) contains chemicals that raise safety concerns.[4] The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited its use in food products due to the presence of beta-isoasarone, a chemical that has been linked to cancer.[4]

The primary toxicological concern associated with calamus is the carcinogenic effects of asarone, particularly beta-asarone.[2] Studies have shown that both alpha- and beta-asarone exhibit mutagenicity.[2]

The content of beta-asarone can vary significantly among different species of calamus, ranging from 0% to 96%.[4] This variability means that some products may pose a greater risk than others.[4]

Safety and Regulations

Individual medical reports of toxicity mention severe nausea and prolonged vomiting over many hours following oral uses.[4] Laboratory studies of its extracts indicate other forms of toxicity, due mainly to the emetic compound β-asarone.[4]

A. calamus and its derivatives were banned from use as human food or as a food additive in 1968 by the United States Food and Drug Administration.[32] Although limits on consumption in food or alcoholic beverages (115 micrograms per day) were recommended in a 2001 ruling by the European Commission, the degree of safe exposure remained undefined.[33]

Therefore, calamus is considered LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth due to the presence of potentially harmful chemicals, including beta-isoasarone, which has been linked to cancer.