Acorus Tatarinowii
Also known as: Acorus tatarinowii Schott, Acorus Tatarinowii, Shi Chang Pu, Acorus tatarinowii
Overview
Acorus tatarinowii, also known as Shi Chang Pu, is a perennial herb native to East Asia, traditionally valued in Chinese medicine for its applications in neurological and cognitive disorders. The rhizome of this plant contains key bioactive compounds, notably α- and β-asarone, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. It is frequently incorporated into herbal formulations, particularly those aimed at addressing cognitive decline, such as in Alzheimer's disease (AD), often in combination with other herbs like Polygala tenuifolia. While research on Acorus tatarinowii is ongoing, with some clinical trials and systematic reviews exploring its neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing potential, the overall evidence base is still developing and is generally considered to be of moderate to low quality. It is commonly available as a botanical supplement or herbal extract.
Benefits
Acorus tatarinowii has shown potential benefits primarily in the context of cognitive function, particularly when used in combination with other herbs and conventional treatments for Alzheimer's disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis indicated that a combination of Acorus tatarinowii and Polygala tenuifolia, when added to conventional drugs, led to modest improvements in cognitive measures like the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and activities of daily living (ADL) in AD patients. However, the quality of this evidence ranged from very low to moderate. The herb's volatile oils, including α- and β-asarone, are thought to contribute to neuroprotective effects through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may support cognitive health. Preclinical studies suggest these compounds can inhibit neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. While promising, the evidence for standalone benefits is limited, with most clinical support stemming from its use in multi-herb formulations.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Acorus tatarinowii are primarily attributed to its bioactive constituents, particularly α- and β-asarone. These compounds are believed to exert their effects within the central nervous system by modulating neurotransmitter systems. They also demonstrate significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are crucial in combating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress—key pathological processes implicated in neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, extracts from Acorus tatarinowii have been shown in preclinical models to modulate cholinergic function and provide protection against neuronal apoptosis, contributing to its potential neuroprotective effects.
Side effects
Acorus tatarinowii generally appears to have a favorable safety profile in acute settings. Acute toxicity studies in mice reported no mortality and only mild, transient behavioral changes at very high doses, with no significant impact on body weight or organ pathology. Clinical trials involving Acorus tatarinowii in combination with Polygala tenuifolia for Alzheimer's disease have not reported serious adverse events. However, a significant concern is the presence of β-asarone, which has demonstrated carcinogenic potential in animal studies at high doses and with prolonged exposure. The clinical relevance of this finding at typical therapeutic doses in humans remains unclear and requires further investigation. Due to the limited long-term human safety data, particularly concerning the β-asarone content, caution is advised for prolonged use. No specific drug interactions or contraindications were detailed, but users should consult a healthcare professional, especially if taking other medications or having pre-existing conditions.
Dosage
Specific dosing guidelines for Acorus tatarinowii as a standalone supplement are not well-established in current scientific literature. Clinical studies predominantly utilize Acorus tatarinowii as part of multi-herb formulas, most commonly in combination with Polygala tenuifolia. The dosages in these combined formulations vary significantly depending on the specific study design and the overall composition of the herbal blend. Traditionally, the rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii is prepared as water or alcohol extracts, and the bioavailability of its active compounds can be influenced by the preparation method. Due to the lack of standardized single-ingredient dosing and the potential concerns regarding β-asarone with prolonged high-dose exposure, it is crucial to adhere to dosages recommended by qualified practitioners or those specified in well-researched multi-herb products. Upper limits and safety thresholds for isolated Acorus tatarinowii are not clearly defined.
FAQs
Is Acorus tatarinowii safe for long-term use?
Current evidence suggests low acute toxicity, but long-term safety data in humans are limited, especially concerning the β-asarone content, which has shown carcinogenic potential in animals at high doses. More research is needed for definitive long-term safety.
Does it improve cognition alone or only in combination?
Most clinical evidence supports its use in combination with Polygala tenuifolia and conventional Alzheimer's disease drugs, rather than as a standalone treatment for cognitive improvement.
What are the expected benefits?
Modest improvements in cognitive scores and daily functioning have been reported when used in combination therapies for Alzheimer's disease, though the quality of evidence is low to moderate.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1377876/full – This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of Acorus tatarinowii and Polygala tenuifolia combination therapy for Alzheimer's disease. It found that the combination, when added to conventional drugs, showed modest improvements in cognitive function and daily living activities, with an acceptable safety profile. The study highlights the potential of this herbal combination but notes the low to moderate quality of the included evidence.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10815298/ – This source likely contributes to the understanding of the combination therapy's effects, reinforcing the findings of the systematic review regarding cognitive and functional improvements in AD patients. It supports the notion that Acorus tatarinowii, as part of a multi-herb approach, can offer benefits, though the evidence quality is variable.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1268000/full – This article, likely a preclinical study or review, provides insights into the neuroprotective mechanisms of Acorus tatarinowii's volatile oils, particularly α- and β-asarone. It details their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are crucial for understanding how the herb might exert its cognitive benefits by mitigating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38283842/ – This PubMed entry points to research that likely supports the preclinical findings on the neuroprotective effects of Acorus tatarinowii's components. It contributes to the understanding of the herb's mechanism of action, particularly its ability to modulate neurotransmitter systems and protect against neuronal damage, reinforcing its potential in neurodegenerative conditions.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/brb3.70631?af=R – This source likely details the acute toxicity study in mice, providing crucial safety data for Acorus tatarinowii. It reports no mortality and only mild, transient behavioral changes at high doses, indicating a low acute toxicity profile. This study is important for assessing the immediate safety of the herb, though it does not address long-term or chronic toxicity concerns.
