Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Sweet Flag vs Lemon Verbena
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Sweet Flag and Lemon Verbena: they share 6 indicated uses (anxiety, bloating, cancer (anticancer research), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Sweet Flag | Lemon Verbena | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | 7/10 | 8/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Bloating | 7/10 | 7/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 7/10 | 7/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Indigestion | 7/10 | 7/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Nervous tension | 7/10 | 8/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Stress | 7/10 | 8/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Characteristic aromatic constituents - but beta-asarone is the toxic, safety-limiting compound.
Gives the lemon aroma and contributes to the calming and antimicrobial effects.
The principal polyphenol of the extract and a major antioxidant constituent.
Pharmacological Actions
Rhizome extracts and the constituent beta-asarone show antiproliferative, pro-apoptotic, anti-invasive and chemosensitizing/chemopreventive activity across gastric, bladder and esophageal cancer models (preclinical).
Traditional nervine for memory and concentration (preclinical neuroprotective, anticonvulsant and antidepressant-like activity)
Traditional nervine for memory and concentration (preclinical neuroprotective, anticonvulsant and antidepressant-like activity)
Traditional nervine for memory and concentration (preclinical neuroprotective, anticonvulsant and antidepressant-like activity)
Aromatic bitter / carminative for indigestion, bloating, flatulence and poor appetite (traditional)
Aromatic bitter / carminative for indigestion, bloating, flatulence and poor appetite (traditional)
Aloysia citrodora (lemon verbena) essential oil and extracts inhibit growth and migration of breast cancer and melanoma cells and reduce tumour size in vivo (preclinical).
Antioxidant - supports muscle recovery and reduces exercise-induced muscle soreness and oxidative stress; a placebo-controlled RCT of a lemon verbena extract found less loss of muscle strength and less soreness after exhaustive exercise
Anxiolytic / calming (anxiety) - also supported by a clinical trial of the closely related Aloysia polystachya
Carminative digestive aid (indigestion, flatulence)
Carminative digestive aid (indigestion, flatulence)
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Aromatic bitter / carminative for indigestion, bloating, flatulence and poor appetite (traditional)
Aromatic bitter / carminative for indigestion, bloating, flatulence and poor appetite (traditional)
Acorus calamus extract inhibits gastric cancer (AGS) growth and angiogenesis; its constituent beta-asarone induces apoptosis and suppresses invasion/EMT in gastric, esophageal and bladder cancer cells and sensitizes them to chemotherapy (preclinical).
Traditional nervine for memory and concentration (preclinical neuroprotective, anticonvulsant and antidepressant-like activity)
inferred from antidepressant action
Aromatic bitter / carminative for indigestion, bloating, flatulence and poor appetite (traditional)
Traditional nervine for memory and concentration (preclinical neuroprotective, anticonvulsant and antidepressant-like activity)
Anxiolytic / calming (anxiety) - also supported by a clinical trial of the closely related Aloysia polystachya
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) essential oil and extracts show antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic activity against breast cancer and melanoma cells in vitro and reduce tumour growth in mouse models (targeting HB-EGF/EGFR and ERK signalling) (preclinical).
Carminative digestive aid (indigestion, flatulence)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Sedative / sleep support (insomnia)
Antioxidant - supports muscle recovery and reduces exercise-induced muscle soreness and oxidative stress; a placebo-controlled RCT of a lemon verbena extract found less loss of muscle strength and less soreness after exhaustive exercise
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
SERIOUS: beta-asarone is hepatotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic in animal studies. Regulators have restricted internal use of asarone-containing Acorus calamus (the Asian high-beta-asarone varieties), and it is banned as a food additive in the USA. Avoid internal use except properly characterised beta-asarone-free preparations.
Do not use in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for prolonged periods. The North American variety (Acorus americanus) is essentially beta-asarone-free, but most commercial calamus is not.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Aromatic, semi-aquatic perennial herb spreading by a thick, branching, aromatic rhizome that creeps horizontally in mud at the water's edge. The leaves are erect, sword-shaped (ensiform), bright green and arranged in a fan like an iris, with a distinctive off-centre midrib and one crinkled, wavy margin. A small, finger-like, greenish-yellow flower spike (spadix) emerges obliquely part-way up a leaf-like flowering stem in summer, but in cool temperate climates the plant rarely sets viable seed and spreads mainly by rhizome division.[14]
Deciduous, aromatic shrub with slender, brittle branches and whorls of narrow, lance-shaped, rough-textured leaves that release a strong lemon scent when crushed. Small, pale lilac to white flowers are borne in loose terminal and axillary spikes in late summer.[1]
Habitat
Grows in shallow water and wet mud at the margins of ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers and marshes. Native to Asia and North America and long naturalised across Europe, where it was historically cultivated and traded for its aromatic rhizome.[14]
Native to South America (Argentina, Chile, Peru) and widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb in warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide, typically in sunny, well-drained garden sites.[1]
Harvesting
The rhizome is dug from autumn to early spring, when its aromatic oil content is highest, then washed, peeled and dried; the strong sweet-spicy fragrance released on cutting helps confirm correct identification against non-aromatic look-alikes such as yellow flag iris.[14]
Leaves are picked through the growing season, with the essential oil content and aroma at their best just before flowering; leaves are used fresh or dried quickly in a warm, shaded, airy place to preserve the lemon-scented volatile oil.[1]
Traditional Uses
Sweet flag rhizome is a classic aromatic bitter and nervine of Ayurvedic and East Asian traditional medicine, used for indigestion, bloating, flatulence and poor appetite, and as a nervine tonic for memory, concentration and mild nervous complaints.[14]
Lemon verbena leaf is a traditional South American and Mediterranean remedy for digestive complaints (indigestion, flatulence), as a calming, mildly sedative tea for anxiety and sleep, and is widely drunk as a fragrant culinary herbal tea.[1]
Preparations
Dried, peeled rhizome simmered in water as a bitter digestive and nervine decoction.
Dosage
Because beta-asarone is hepatotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic in animal studies and its content varies widely between varieties, no general dose is given here; internal use should be restricted to properly characterised, beta-asarone-free preparations under professional guidance. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph on Verbenae citriodorae folium gives, for adolescents, adults and elderly - for mild symptoms of mental stress, 5 g of the comminuted leaf in 100 mL of boiling water as a decoction three times daily; to aid sleep, 1-2 g in 200 mL as an infusion half an hour before bedtime; and for mild digestive complaints, 2-3 g in 200 mL as an infusion 1-3 times daily, or 1 g in 200 mL up to 5 times daily. Not recommended in children. If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks a healthcare practitioner should be consulted. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
- Sharma, V., Singh, I. and Chaudhary, P (2014) 'Acorus calamus (The Healing Plant): a review on its medicinal potential, micropropagation and conservation', Natural Product Research, 28(18), pp. 1454-1466. doi:10.1080/14786419.2014.915827 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2014.915827 - Khwairakpam, A.D., Damayenti, Y.D., Deka, A., Monisha, J., Roy, N.K. et al (2018) 'Acorus calamus: a bio-reserve of medicinal values', Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology, 29(2), pp. 107-122. doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2016-0132 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2016-0132 - Ukkirapandian, K., Kayalvizhi, E., Udaykumar, K.P., Kandhi, S. and Muthulakshmi, R (2022) 'The Neuroprotective Role of Acorus calamus in Developmental and Histopathological Changes in Autism-Induced Wistar Rats', Cureus, 14(9), pp. e29717. doi:10.7759/cureus.29717 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.29717 - Haran, P., Shanmugam, R. and Deenadayalan, P (2024) 'Free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity of Acorus calamus leaves extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus', Cureus, 16(3), pp. e55987. doi:10.7759/cureus.55987 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.55987 - Kalra, S., Sachdeva, H., Bhushan Pant, A. and Singh, G (2024) 'Acorus calamus Linn.: a novel neuroprotective approach for traumatic brain injury in Drosophila melanogaster', Brain Research, 1836, pp. 148953. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148953 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148953 - Joshi, R.K (2016) 'Acorus calamus Linn.: phytoconstituents and bactericidal property', World Journal of Microbiology & Biotechnology, 32(10), pp. 164. doi:10.1007/s11274-016-2124-2 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11274-016-2124-2 - Hao, Z., Zhang, Y., Cao, Y., Sun, Y., Wang, Y., Zhang, C., Liang, D., Liu, Y. and Feng, W (2023) 'Chemical constituents from Acorus calamus with potent anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective activities', Fitoterapia, 169, pp. 105591. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105591 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105591 - Olas, B. and Brys, M (2017) 'Is it safe to use Acorus calamus as a source of promising bioactive compounds in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases?', Chemico-Biological Interactions, 281, pp. 32-36. doi:10.1016/j.cbi.2017.12.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbi.2017.12.026 - Rajput, S.B., Tonge, M.B. and Karuppayil, S.M (2013) 'An overview on traditional uses and pharmacological profile of Acorus calamus Linn. (Sweet flag) and other Acorus species', Phytomedicine, 21(3), pp. 268-276. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2013.09.020 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2013.09.020 - Bai, Y., Sun, Y., Xie, J., Li, B., Bai, Y., Zhang, D., Liang, J., Xiao, C., Zhong, A., Cao, Y. and Zheng, X (2019) 'The asarone-derived phenylpropanoids from the rhizome of Acorus calamus var. angustatus Besser', Phytochemistry, 170, pp. 112212. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.112212 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2019.112212 - Huang, L., Feng, Z., Xiang, J., Deng, M. and Zhou, Z (2024) 'Anti-inflammatory compounds from the rhizome of Acorus calamus and their mechanism', Natural Product Research, 38(20), pp. 3669-3675. doi:10.1080/14786419.2023.2255919 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2023.2255919 - Das, B.K., Swamy, A.V., Koti, B.C. and Gadad, P.C (2019) 'Experimental evidence for use of Acorus calamus (asarone) for cancer chemoprevention', Heliyon, 5(5), pp. e01585. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01585 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01585 - Uebel, T., Hermes, L., Haupenthal, S., Muller, L. and Esselen, M (2020) 'alpha-Asarone, beta-asarone, and gamma-asarone: Current status of toxicological evaluation', Journal of Applied Toxicology. doi:10.1002/jat.4112 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/jat.4112 - He, X., Chen, X., Yang, Y., Liu, Y. and Xie, Y (2023) 'Acorus calamus var. angustatus Besser: Insight into current research on ethnopharmacological use, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmacokinetics', Phytochemistry. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113626 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2023.113626 - Liu, B. and Dan, W. and Wei, Y. and Zhang, Y. and Wang, C. and Lei, Y. and Hou, T. and Zhang, Y. and Gao, Y (2023) 'beta-asarone inhibits the migration, invasion, and EMT of bladder cancer through activating ER stress', Cancer Medicine, 12(12), pp. 13610-13622. doi:10.1002/cam4.6059 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cam4.6059 - Hu, Y. and Li, Z. and Gong, L. and Song, Z (2022) 'beta-Asarone suppresses TGF-beta/Smad signaling to reduce the invasive properties in esophageal squamous cancer cells', Medical Oncology, 39(12), pp. 243. doi:10.1007/s12032-022-01847-0 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12032-022-01847-0 - Tao, H. and Ding, X. and Wu, J. and Liu, S. and Sun, W. and Nie, M. and Pan, X. and Zou, X (2020) 'beta-Asarone Increases Chemosensitivity by Inhibiting Tumor Glycolysis in Gastric Cancer', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, pp. 6981520. doi:10.1155/2020/6981520 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6981520 - Rahamooz Haghighi, S. and Asadi, M.H. and Akrami, H. and Baghizadeh, A (2017) 'Anti-carcinogenic and anti-angiogenic properties of the extracts of Acorus calamus on gastric cancer cells', Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 7(2), pp. 145-156. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Anti-carcinogenic%20and%20anti-angiogenic%20properties%20of%20the%20extracts%20of%20Acorus%20calamus%20on%20gastric%20cancer%20cells - Wu, J. and Zhang, X.-X. and Sun, Q.-M. and Chen, M. and Liu, S.-L. and Zhang, X. and Zhou, J.-Y. and Zou, X (2015) 'beta-Asarone inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation', Oncology Reports, 34(6), pp. 3043-3050. doi:10.3892/or.2015.4316 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3892/or.2015.4316 - Sharma, V., Sharma, R., Gautam, D.S., Kuca, K., Nepovimova, E. and Martins, N (2020) 'Role of Vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) in Neurological and Metabolic Disorders: Evidence from Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Clinical Study', Journal of Clinical Medicine, 9(4). doi:10.3390/jcm9041176 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9041176 - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (2024) 'Acorus calamus (Sweet Flag)'. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acorus-calamus/ Traditional / reference
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/acorus-calamus/ - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (2024) 'Iris pseudacorus (Yellow Flag)'. Available at: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iris-pseudacorus/ Traditional / reference
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iris-pseudacorus/
- Bahramsoltani, R., Rostamiasrabadi, P., Shahpiri, Z., Marques, A.M., Rahimi, R. and Farzaei, M.H (2018) 'Aloysia citrodora Palau (Lemon verbena): A review of phytochemistry and pharmacology', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 2018. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.021 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.04.021 - Rashid, H.M., Mahmod, A.I., Afifi, F.U. and Talib, W.H (2022) 'Antioxidant and Antiproliferation Activities of Lemon Verbena (Aloysia citrodora): An In Vitro and In Vivo Study', Plants, 11(6). doi:10.3390/plants11060785 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11060785 - Abuhamdah, S. and Abuhamdah, R. and Howes, M.J.R. and Al-Olimat, S. and Ennaceur, A. and Chazot, P.L (2015) 'Pharmacological and neuroprotective profile of an essential oil derived from leaves of Aloysia citrodora Palau', The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 67(9), pp. 1306-1315. doi:10.1111/jphp.12424 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/jphp.12424 - Sprea, R.M. and Fernandes, L.H.M. and Pires, T.C.S.P. and Calhelha, R.C. and Rodrigues, P.J. and Amaral, J.S (2023) 'Volatile Compounds and Biological Activity of the Essential Oil of Aloysia citrodora Palau: Comparison of Hydrodistillation and Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation', Molecules, 28(11), pp. 4528. doi:10.3390/molecules28114528 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28114528 - El-Ouady, F. and Eddouks, M (2021) 'Antihyperglycemic and Antihyperlipidemic Effects of Lippia citriodora in Rats', Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders Drug Targets, 21(4), pp. 711-719. doi:10.2174/1871530320666200610153532 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2174/1871530320666200610153532 - Cadenillas, L.F., Hernandez, C., Bailly, S., Billerach, G., Durrieu, V. and Bailly, J.D (2023) 'Role of Polyphenols from the Aqueous Extract of Aloysia citrodora in the Inhibition of Aflatoxin B1 Synthesis', Molecules, 28(13), pp. 5123. doi:10.3390/molecules28135123 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135123 - Tammar, S., Salem, N., Aidi Wannes, W., Limam, H., Bourgou, S., Fares, N. and others (2021) 'Chemometric Profiling and Bioactivity of Verbena (Aloysia citrodora) Methanolic Extract from Four Localities in Tunisia', Foods, 10(12). doi:10.3390/foods10122912 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10122912 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2018) 'European Union herbal monograph on Aloysia citrodora Paláu (syn. Aloysia triphylla (L'Hér.) Kuntze; Verbena triphylla L'Hér.; Lippia citriodora Kunth), folium'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-aloysia-citrodora-palau-syn-aloysia-triphylla-lher-kuntze-verbena-triphylla-lher-lippia-citriodora-kunth-folium_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-aloysia-citrodora-palau-syn-aloysia-triphylla-lher-kuntze-verbena-triphylla-lher-lippia-citriodora-kunth-folium_en.pdf - Salama, Y. and Jaradat, N. and Hattori, K. and Heissig, B (2021) 'Aloysia Citrodora Essential Oil Inhibits Melanoma Cell Growth and Migration by Targeting HB-EGF-EGFR Signaling', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(15), pp. 8151. doi:10.3390/ijms22158151 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22158151 - Spyridopoulou, K. and Aravidou, T. and Lampri, E. and Effraimidou, E. and Pappa, A. and Chlichlia, K (2021) 'Antitumor Potential of Lippia citriodora Essential Oil in Breast Tumor-Bearing Mice', Antioxidants, 10(6), pp. 875. doi:10.3390/antiox10060875 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox10060875 - Buchwald-Werner, S., Naka, I., Wilhelm, M., Schutz, E., Schoen, C. and Reule, C (2018) 'Effects of lemon verbena extract (Recoverben) supplementation on muscle strength and recovery after exhaustive exercise: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial', Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. doi:10.1186/s12970-018-0208-0 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0208-0 - Hoseinifar, S.H., Shakouri, M., Doan, H.V., Shafiei, S., Yousefi, M., Raeisi, M. and others (2020) 'Dietary supplementation of lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) improved immunity, immune-related genes expression and antioxidant enzymes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)', Fish and Shellfish Immunology, pp. 379--385. doi:10.1016/j.fsi.2020.02.006 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2020.02.006 - Carmona, F., Coneglian, F.S., Batista, P.A., Aragon, D.C., Angelucci, M.A., Martinez, E.Z. and Pereira, A.M.S (2019) 'Aloysia polystachya powdered leaves are effective in treating anxiety symptoms: A phase-2, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 2019. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112060 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112060 - Afrasiabian, F., Mirabzadeh Ardakani, M., Rahmani, K., Azadi, N.A., Alemohammad, Z.B., Bidaki, R., Karimi, M., Emtiazy, M. and Hashempur, M.H (2018) 'Aloysia citriodora Palau (lemon verbena) for insomnia patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of efficacy and safety', Phytotherapy Research, 33(2), pp. 350--359. doi:10.1002/ptr.6228 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6228 - Perez-Pinero, S., Munoz-Carrillo, J.C., Echepare-Taberna, J., Munoz-Camara, M., Herrera-Fernandez, C., Garcia-Guillen, A.I. and others (2024) 'Dietary Supplementation with an Extract of Aloysia citrodora (Lemon verbena) Improves Sleep Quality in Healthy Subjects: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Study', Nutrients, 16(10). doi:10.3390/nu16101523 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101523 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.