Extract Of Acorus Calamus Research Articles

Diuretic and antiurolithiatic activities of an ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus L. rhizome in experimental animal models

Acorus calamus is a plant commonly used as a traditional herbal medicine and possesses the wide range of pharmacological applications. The present study investigated the diuretic and antiurolithiatic activities of an ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus L. (Family: Araceae) rhizome (EEAC). For diuretic activity, three doses of EEAC (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg) were studied, and measurement of the urinary volume and electrolytes (Na+ and K+) concentration were taken as evaluation parameters. On the other hand, ethylene glycol induced urolithiasis (0.75% v/v in drinking water for 28 days) was used to study the antiurolithiatic effect of EEAC at the oral dose of 750 mg/kg in male Wistar albino rats. CYSTONE (750 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as a standard reference drug in the present study. After completion of the 28-days respective treatments, the level of various urolithiatic promoters in the biological samples (urine, serum and kidney homogenate) and renal function were used as criteria for assessing the antiurolithiatic effect of EEAC. Results indicate that, the EEAC (750 mg/kg, p.o.) produced significant increase in urine volume (p < 0.001) and urinary excretion of Na+ and K+ electrolytes (p < 0.05) in a pattern comparable to that of furosemide. In ethylene glycol induced urolithiatic model, EEAC significantly (p < 0.05) decreased excretion and deposition of various urolithiatic promoters as compared to urolithiatic control in a pattern comparable to that of CYSTONE. The EEAC supplementation also prevents the impairment of renal functions. The antiurolithiatic mechanism is mediated possibly through diuretic and nephroprotective actions of the active compounds of rhizomes.

Evaluation of Plant Extracts against Stemphylium Blight of Lentil

Experiments were carried out to evaluate five different plant extracts against lentil stemphylium blight (Stemphylium botryosum Walr.) at the Grain Legume Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during two winter seasons (2011/ 12 and 2012/13) using CRD in laboratory and RCBD in field conditions. Water extract of Acorus calamus at higher dose (8% W/V) was able to check the growth of the pathogen completely in-vitro. The mycelial growth inhibition (%) of Xanthoxylum armatum and Lantana camera at 8% concentration in PDA were 31.17 and 24.56 respectively. In the field experiment during 2011/12, extracts were sparingly effective for a short period. However the disease control (PDC) was higher in X. armatum treated plot (31.60%) followed by A. calamaus (28.69%) and L. camera (27.61%) when compared to unsprayed plot. The following year (2012/13) field experimental results also verified the effect of plant extracts against the disease. The lower Disease (%) Index (PDI) was obtained from the plots treated with A. calamus (35.33%) and X. armatum (35.55%). Higher crop yield was recorded from the plot treated with A. calamus (987.39 kg/ha) followed by X. armatum (972.78 kg/ha). Two years’ experimental results revealed that A. calamus and X. armatum were effective botanicals to manage lentil Stemphylium blight.Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 16, No.1 (2015) pp. 11-16

Compatibility of entomopathogenic fungiBeauveria bassianawith plant extracts evaluated against okra two spotted spider mite,Tetranychus urticaeKoch

Efficacy of aqueous fruit extract of Sapindus marginatus rhizome extract of Acorus calamus and NSKE 5% and compatibility of entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana (Buls.- criv.) Vuill with selected aqueous extracts against okra two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch was studied under laboratory conditions. The results revealed that the aqueous extract of S. marginatus showed highest acaricidal activity at 10%. In compatibility studies, A. calamus was highly detrimental to B. bassiana followed by S. marginatus. These extracts could be integrated with fungi in the biointensive integrated pest management (BIPM) programme.

In-Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Acorus Calamus Rhizomes

The above study attempts to evaluate the phytochemical and antimicrobial action of rhizomes of Acorus calamus Linn. belongs to the family Acoraceae, with different solvents. Rhizomes are used for different ailments like cough, bronchitis, asthma and for poor digestive functions. Clinically important bacteria viz Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC29737), Escherichia coli (ATCC2068), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC9027) and Candida albicans (ATCC0231) were used. The in-vitro antibacterial activity was performed by Agar well diffusion method. Ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus showed the highest zone of inhibition against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa and against the fungus C. albicans. However further studies are needed for their modes of action on bacterial cells.

Acorus calamus rhizome extract mediated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and their bactericidal activity against human pathogens.

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesis and characterization is an area of vast interest due to their broader application in the fields of science and technology and medicine. Plants are an attractive source for AgNP synthesis because of its ability to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites with strong reducing potentials. Thus, the present study describes the synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous rhizome extract of Acorus calamus (sweet flag). The AgNP formation was evaluated at different temperatures, incubation time and concentrations of AgNO3 using Response surface methodology based Box–Behnken design (BBD). The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM–EDS). The surface plasmon resonance found at 420 nm confirmed the formation of AgNPs. SEM images reveal that the particles are spherical in nature. The EDS analysis of the AgNPs, using an energy range of 2–4 keV, confirmed the presence of elemental silver without any contamination. The antibacterial activity of synthesized AgNPs was evaluated against the clinical isolates Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and it was found that bacterial growth was significantly inhibited in a dose dependent manner. The results suggest that the AgNPs from rhizome extract could be used as a potential antibacterial agent for commercial application.

Chemical Composition of the CO2-Extract of Acorus Calamus Obtained Under Subcritical Conditions

The obtained subcritical CO2 -extract of Acorus calamus was enriched with terpene hydrocarbons and oxygen- containing compounds (carotinoids, sterols, tocopherols, fatty acids) according to GC-MS investigations, which detected about 40 chemical compounds. Camphor, camphene, and β-pinene, which account for the anti-inflammatory effect of the plant extracts, had the greatest percentage contents.

Biological activities of green silver nanoparticles synthesized with Acorous calamus rhizome extract

Nanomedicine utilize biocompatible nanomaterials for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aqueous rhizome extract of Acorus calamus (ACRE) and evaluation of antioxidant, antibacterial as well as anticancer effects of synthesized A. calamus silver nanoparticles (ACAgNPs). The formation of ACAgNPs was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy and their average size was found to be 31.83 nm by DLS particle size analyzer. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) revealed spherical shape of ACAgNPs and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) data showed the presence of metallic silver. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated the presence of phenol/alcohol, aromatic amine and carbonyl groups in ACRE that were involved in reduction and capping of nanoparticles. ACRE and ACAgNPs exhibited substantial free radical quenching ability in various in vitro antioxidant assays performed in this study. ACAgNPs also displayed appreciable antibacterial activity against three different pathogenic bacteria and the growth kinetic study with Escherichia coli designated the inhibition of bacterial growth at the log phase. The cytotoxic effect of ACAgNPs was assessed by MTT assay in HeLa and A549 cells. The IC50 value of ACAgNPs respectively after 24 and 48 h was found to be 92.48 and 69.44 μg/ml in HeLa cells and in A549 cells it was 53.2 and 32.1 μg/ml. Apoptotic cell death in ACAgNPs treated cells was indicated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) and annexinV-Cy3 staining techniques. Staining with propidium iodide (PI) and 4′, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, dihydrochloride (DAPI) also confirmed nuclear changes such as condensation and fragmentation. Further, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay showed distribution of ACAgNPs treated cells in the late apoptotic stage. These findings emphasize that such biocompatible green nanoparticles with multifaceted biological activities may find their applications in the field of nanomedicine.

English

Extract of Acorus calamus (AC) and Ferula asafetida (FA) were tested against different bacterial pathogens by well-cut agar diffusion method. To analyzed the in vitro activities of A. calamus and F. asafetida, four different bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) were used. A. calamus had a broad spectrum antimicrobial effect against different bacterial pathogens. Streptomycin was used as standard drug with significant activity values, that is, 34 mm against S. aureus, 36 mm against S. epidermidis, 30 mm against B. subtilis and 24 mm against E. coli. Analysis of the data showing that, the crude extract of A. calamus in n-hexane exhibited superior activity against S. epidermidis. The dichloromethane extract of F. asafetida was found low against E. coli and B. subtilis. Results were compared concomitantly to standard drugs: streptomycin. Phytochemical screening of A. calamus and F. asafetida showed the presence of terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides and reducing sugar components. The high potency of A. calamus and F. asafetida against these microbes could provide an example of prospecting for new compounds. Based on the current conclusion, it can be accomplished that these plants have antimicrobial activity, which is as potent as standard antimicrobial drugs against specific microorganisms. Key words: Acorus calamus, Ferula asafetida, infection, inhibition, phytochemical screening, medicinal plants.

Mosquito larvicidal efficay of Acorus calamus extracts against Aedes aegypti L. larvae

ObjectiveTo evaluate the larvicidal activity of petroleum ether and ethyl alcohol extracts of Acorus calamus (A. calamus). MethodsPetroleum ether and ethyl alcohol extracts were extracted from plant materials through soxhlet extraction process and its efficacy was determined through bioassay method. Extracts were evaluated further for the determination of their LC50 and LC90 values. Observation of mortality response was assessed after 24 h. ResultsPetroleum ether and ethyl alcohol extracts of A. calamus produced 99% and 96% mortality at 125 mg/L respectively. Petroleum ether extract exhibited LC50 at 57.32 mg/L, LC90 at 120.13 mg/L, while ethyl alcohol extract exhibited LC50 at 64.22 mg/L, LC90 at 130.37 mg/L. ConclusionsPresent study indicated that A. calamus carries huge potential as a mosquito larvicide. This potential could be exploited for the development of safer and effective botanical mosquito larvicidal tool for the management of Aedes aegypti.

&lt;em&gt;In Vitro&lt;/em&gt; Anticholinergic and Antihistaminic Activities of &lt;em&gt;Acorus Calamus&lt;/em&gt; Linn. Leaves Extracts

The present investigation was aimed at determining the effects of hexane, acetone, methanol and aqueous extracts of Acorus calamus leaves (ACHE, ACAE, ACME and ACAQE) on cholinergic and histaminic system using isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle and guinea pig ileum. A dose dependent potentiation of Ach response (anticholinesterase like effect) was found with ACAE and ACME at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 mg/ml, but at higher dose of ACAE, ACME, ACAQE and ACHE (5, 20 mg/ml) inhibit the Ach response (antinicotinic effect). These results revealed biphasic effect of Acorus calamus leaves extracts on acetylcholine induced contractile response in isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle preparation (i.e. potentiation effect at lower dose and inhibitory effect at higher dose). Studies on isolated guinea pig ileum demonstrated antihistaminic effect in a dose dependent manner (100-1000 µg/ml) with ACAE, ACME and ACAQE. In addition, the dose dependent inhibition of Ach response (antimuscarinic effect) was observed with ACAE and ACME. In conclusion, Acorus calamus leaves extracts exerts antinicotinic, anticholinesterase like activities in isolated frog rectus abdominis muscle and antihistaminic, antimuscarinic effect in guinea pig ileum. It has been suggested that these observed activities can be further studied for therapeutic potential of Acorus calamus leaves in the treatment of cognitive disorders and asthma.

Phytochemical analysis and biological activities of selected medicinal plants

The antibacterial and antifungal activities of water and chloroform extracts of Acorus calamus, Aremisia annua, Chenopodium foloisom, Euphobia heliscopia and Cupressus sempervirens were carried out against six bacterial strains Bacillus subtillis, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococus aureus (Gram-positive), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi (Gram-negative), and fungal species Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. Phytochemical analysis was also performed using the literature methods. Among the studied medicinal plant extracts against the tested bacterial strain, E. helioscopia showed very promising results against both the gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial and fungal species followed by C. foloisom, A. annua and C. sempervirens which have low activity against the fungal. Relatively low activity was shown by A. calamus. The significant antibacterial activity of active extracts was compared with the standard antimicrobics, piperacillin (100 µg/disc) and gentamicin (10 µg/disc). Key words: Phytochemicals, Aremisia annua, Bacillus subtillis, antibacterial activity.

Neuroprotective effect of saponin rich extract of Acorus calamus L. in rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve-induced neuropathic pain

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTraditionally, Acorus calamus has been used for the treatment and management of headache, migraine, body ache and severe inflammatory pain in the Unani, Ayurveda and Indian system of medicine. Aim of the studyPresent study focuses on the evaluation of saponin rich extract of Acorus calamus (SRE-AC) in chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve induced neuropathic pain and neuronal functional changes in rats. Materials and methodsThe pain sensitive tests, i.e., thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia and sciatic functional index test, were performed on the different days, i.e., days 0, 1, 7, 14, and 21. The motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity was also measured on the 21st day. Tissue total protein, superoxide anion generation, total calcium, myeloperoxidase and TNF-α levels were estimated to assess biochemical changes. Histopathological evaluations were also performed. SRE-AC (20 and 40mg/kg) and pregabalin (10mg/kg, serving as a positive control) were administered orally for 14 consecutive days from the day of surgery. ResultsCCI produced significant (P<0.05) increase in thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, rise in sciatic functional index, decrease in nerve conduction velocity, along with biochemical and histopathological changes. Oral administration of SRE-AC and pregabalin significantly (P<0.05) ameliorated CCI-induced nociceptive pain threshold, sciatic functional and electrophysiological changes in a dose dependent manner. Further, tissue biochemical and histopathological changes were also attenuated. ConclusionSRE-AC has shown ameliorative effect in CCI-induced neuropathic pain which may be attributed to its multiple actions including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions.

Inhibitory effects of Acorus calamus extracts on mast cell-dependent anaphylactic reactions using mast cell and mouse model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAcorus calamus Linn. (Araceae) is a traditional herbal plant used for centuries to treat various allergic symptoms including asthma and bronchitis. Aim of the studyThe present study was focused to provide a pharmacological basis for the traditional use of Acorus calamus in allergic symptoms using the mast cell-dependent anaphylactic reactions in in vitro and in vivo models. Materials and methodsCell viabilities were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Dinitrophenyl-human serum albumin (DNP-HSA) induced β-hexosaminidase and interleukin (IL)-4 productions in IgE-sensitized rat basophilic leukaemia (RBL-2H3) cells were measured by enzymatic assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reaction mouse model was implemented for in vivo studies. ResultsHot water (HW), butylene glycol (BG), hexane (HE) and steam distilled (SD) extracts of Acorus calamus showed different cytoxicity levels evaluated in RBL-2H3 cells. Sub-toxic doses of HW extract suppressed the β-hexosaminidase secretion and IL-4 production significantly and dose dependently in DNP-HSA induced IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells compared to other extracts of Acorus calamus. Further, in vivo studies also revealed that the HW extract significantly inhibited the PCA reaction in mouse compared to the normal control group. ConclusionHW extract of Acorus calamus most effectively inhibited degranulation and IL-4 secretion in DNP-HSA-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells and also reduced the mast cell-mediated PCA reaction in mouse, providing a therapeutic evidence for its traditional use in ameliorating allergic reactions.

Acute and sub-acute oral toxicity profile of Acorus calamus (Sweet flag) in rodents

ObjectiveTo determine the acute and sub-acute oral toxicity profile of the hydroalcoholic extract of Acorus calamus (HAE-AC) in mice and rats respectively. MethodsIn acute toxicity study, mice were assessed to any alteration of general behavior and mortality rate within 24 h. Further, in sub-acute toxicity study, rats were used for assessment of mortality, body weight, hematological, biochemical and histopathological changes. ResultsSingle oral administrations of the HAE-AC 2 500–10 000 mg/kg induced increase in general behavioral abnormalities in mice. The mortality rate also increased with increasing dosage (median lethal dose; LD50 = 5 070.59 mg/kg). Daily single oral doses of HAE-AC 200, 500 and 1 000 mg/kg were observed to be well tolerated behaviorally after 28 days of dosing and induced no significant changes in body and organs weights of rats. Further, a mild rise in the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and histopatholological changes in liver tissue was noted at 1 000 mg/kg dose of HAE-AC. ConclusionsOverall, the findings of this study indicate that, HAE-AC is non-toxic and has at high dose, a mild but acceptable toxicity potential.

Antidiabetic activity of methanol extract of Acorus calamus in STZ induced diabetic rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the antihperglycemic activity of methanol extract of Acorus calamus (AC) rhizome in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. MethodsOral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in normal rats. Male albino rats were rendered diabetic by STZ (40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). 200 mg/kg of AC extract was administered orally to diabetic rats for 21 days to determine the antihyperglycemic activity by estimating various biochemical parameters. ResultsOral administration of AC methanol extract showed significant restoration of the levels of blood glucose level. After 21 days of treatment, blood glucose, lipid profile (total cholesterol, LDL and HDL-cholesterol), glucose 6-phosphatase, fructose 1,6 bis phosphatase levels and hepatic markers enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase) were decreased when compared with diabetic control. Plasma insulin, tissue glycogen, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels were increased significantly compared to diabetic control. Concurrent histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration by extract which were earlier necrosed by STZ. ConclusionsThe results exhibited that AC methanol extract possess potent antihyperglycemic activity in normal and STZ induced diabetic rats and so might be of useful in the management of diabetes. The phyto-treatment showed more efficient antihyperglycemic effect than the standard drug glibenclamide.

Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Some Therapeutic Plants and Protection of Radiation-induced DNA Damage by Zingiber montanum Extract

Free radical scavenging activities of rhizome extracts of Acorus calamus, Curcuma longa, Paris polyphylla, and Zingiber montanum were established in vitro Z. montanum in 60% methanol showed a significant radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 0.34 ± 0.06 mg.mL−1 and 0.68 ± 0.08 mg.mL−1 in DPPH and superoxide free radical assays. It also provided optimal protection of curcumin from thiyl free radicals generated by γ-radiolysis of glutathione. All the four species showed free radical scavenging properties, and the highest was observed with Z. montanum. Supplementation of Plasmid pBR322 DNA with 40μg Z. montanum extract showed a high DNA protection rate of 81.87% when exposed to100 Gy. The efficacy of Z. montanum in free radical scavenging and protection of DNA from radiation-induced damage suggests that it could be useful in radioprotection.

Toxicity study of ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus rhizome

Acorus calamus is widely used in traditional medicine in various ailments. However, there is no toxicological information available regarding its safety after exposure. The present study was designed to evaluate potential toxicity of an ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus Linn. rhizomes after acute and chronic administration in Wistar rats. In the acute toxicity study, female Wistar rats were treated with ethanolic extract by oral gavage at dose levels of 175, 550, 1750 and 5000 mg/kg body weight according to OECD 425. Animals were observed periodically during the first 24 h after administration of the extract, and daily thereafter for 14 days. In the chronic toxicity study, the ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus was administered orally at doses of 0, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight daily for 90 days in Wistar rats. The effects on clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, organ weight, haematology, clinical biochemistry, as well as histology, were studied. No mortality was observed, but clinical signs like abdominal breathing, piloerection and tremors were observed for 30 min in rats dosed with 1750 mg and 5000 mg/kg body weight of extract. No statistical significant data in body weight and feed consumption were observed. Haematological and biochemical analysis showed no marked differences in any of the parameters. Pathologically, neither gross abnormalities nor histopathological changes were observed. The ethanolic extract of A. calamus does not appear to have toxicity on acute and chronic administration in Wistar rats. Key words: Acorus calamus, acute toxicity, chronic toxicity

Aqueous-methanolic extract of sweet flag (Acorus calamus) possesses cardiac depressant and endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated coronary vasodilator effects

This investigation was aimed to probe the pharmacological base of medicinal use of Acorus calamus in ischemic heart diseases. Effect on heart parameters was studied in isolated rabbit heart while coronary vasodilator effect was studied in isolated bovine coronary arterial rings, suspended in tissue baths filled with Krebs solution, maintained at 37°C, aerated with carbogen and responses were measured on PowerLab data acquisition system. In Langendorrf's perfused rabbit heart, the crude extract of Acorus calamus (Ac.Cr) at 0.01-10 mg/mL partially suppressed force of ventricular contractions (FVC), heart rate (HR) and coronary flow (CF). The ethylacetate fraction completely suppressed FVC, partially suppressed HR and CF, while the nHexane fraction exhibited similar effect on FVC and HR but increased CF, similar to methacholine and arachidonic acid. In bovine coronary arterial preparations, Ac.Cr caused inhibition of U46619 (20 nM)-precontractions, which was blocked in presence of increasing concentration of K(+) (4.8-20 mM), tetraethylammonium (1 μM) and SKF525A (10 μM), similar to arachidonic acid and methacholine, indicating K(+) channels activation and possible involvement of endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). Activity-directed fractionation revealed that EDHF-mediated activity is concentrated in the nHexane fraction. When tested against high K(+), the ethylacetate fraction was found more potent than parent crude extract and nHexane fraction. These data indicate that Ac.Cr mediates coronary vasodilator effect primarily through EDHF, responsible for the increase in CF, while the cardiac depressant effects may be due to the presence of additional cardiac depressant constituent(s), thus provides possible mechanistic basis to its medicinal use in ischemic heart diseases.

Antifungal and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the crude extracts of Acorus calamus, Tinospora cordifolia and Celestrus paniculatus

The antifungal activity of methanolic crude extracts of Acorus calamus, Tinospora cordifolia and Celestrus paniculatus was investigated against Alternaria solani, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium sp., Bipolaris sp. and Helminthosporium sp. at different concentrations (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 μg/ml). At 5000 μg/ml, crude extract of T. cordifolia is found to be highly effective against Helminthosporium sp. followed by A. calamus against A. solani. On the other hand, at 5000 μg/ml, C. paniculatus showed better activity against A. solani and Helminthosporium followed by A. calamus against A. solani at 4000 μg/ml. At 5000 μg/ml, all the three crude extracts showed least activity against fungus C. lunata and Fusarium sp. except A. calamus that showed better activity against C. lunata. The increase in the production of phenolic acid in the extract can be correlated with the induction of resistance in treated plants against phytopathogenic fungi. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis of the crude extract of medicinal plants showed six different phenolic acids (benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid and tannic acid) present in varying amounts. The results of the study provide scientific basis for the use of the plant extract in the future development as antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory agent.

Radioprotection by α-asarone: Prevention of genotoxicity and hematopoietic injury in mammalian organism

α-Asarone (1-propenyl-2,4,5-methoxybenzol), one of the active components of Acorus calamus extract, was examined for its efficacy as a radioprotector in mice exposed to lethal and sublethal whole-body γ-radiation. Oral administration of α-asarone 1h prior to the radiation exposure reduced radiation induced alterations in the endogenous antioxidant defense systems. The radiation induced cellular DNA damages as revealed by comet assay, micronuclei formation and chromosomal aberrations were also significantly reduced following the asarone treatment. α-Asarone administration enhanced the endogenous spleen colony formation and reduced radiation-induced mortality and facilitated recovery from the radiation-induced loss of body weight in mice surviving after 8Gy γ-radiation exposure. These studies highlight the role of α-asarone as a good natural radioprotecting agent with therapeutic implications in case of radiation-exposure scenarios.