A panoramic review on Acorus calamus / waj turki, its ancestral use and more

Abstract

Background: Acorus calamus Linn the botanical family Acoraceae, which is referred as a semiaquatic perennial, known as “sweet flag” or “calamus”. The prevalence of it is extremely high in Manipur, the Naga Hills, and along the borders of bodies of water. It is widely distributed across India, both cultivated and natural habitats, such as plains and lowlands, Elevations that reaches up to 2200 m in the Himalayan region. The mystical root was used by the Indian Ayurvedic medical tradition as a general sedative and to treat a variety of illnesses such as Asthma, fever, bronchitis. The plant is thought to have aphrodisiac properties according to folk botany traditions of Arabic, Roman, and later European cultures.Objective: The present review is first of its kind to discuss the Unani perspective of Acorus calamus elaborating its ancestral uses and functions.Methodology: The literature search encircled scientific databases, publications and ancient Unani literature books for traditional usage, chemical profiling, and pharmacological activities and so on. Results: The rhizomes are believed to have antispasmodic, carminative, anthelmintic, aromatic, nauseating, expectorant, and sedative, nervine and stimulating qualities. They are also applied in the management of epilepsy, psychological disorders, long term diarrhoea, bronchial catarrh, glandular issues, dysentery, periodic fevers, and abdominal tumors. Saponins, flavonoids, and essential oils are among the constituents of the A. calamus Rhizome. In Unani system of medicine it is used in Convulsions, Palsy, GI disturbances, used as Emmenogogue, strengthens memory used in respiratory disorders and more as it possess properties of Muqawi e asaab, Kasir riyah, Muqawwi meda, Muqawwi Bah, Mushil Safra Balgham, Souda, Munaqi e Dimagh etc. Conclusion: Acorus calamus, with its rich history in traditional medicine, presents a promising source for natural remedies supported by its active constituents and pharmacological activities. However, further molecular studies are needed to validate the potential of A. calamus.