Acorus calamus: a bio-reserve of medicinal values

Abstract

Acorus calamus, commonly known as sweet flag, is a rhizomatous plant whose leaves and rhizomes are used traditionally for arthritis, neuralgia, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, kidney and liver troubles, eczema, sinusitis, asthma, fevers and bronchitis. Biochemical analysis has revealed a large number of secondary metabolites responsible for its medicinal properties. The review summarises the ethno-medicinal uses, botanical description, phytochemical constituents, biological activity and molecular targets of the plant.