(Acoraceae) Acorus calamus L

Local name(s):  (Harng khao; Varnnarm; Slaepnarm)

Medicinal use(s): to treat pain, migraine, headache); CNS disorders

Part(s) used: rhizome.

Field Characters: Perennial, semi-aquatic herb. Rhizome creeping. Leaves 50-100 cm long, margins entire, slightly wavy, amplexicaul in fascicles. Flowers on cylindrical spadix, ovules numerous.

Locality: Luang Prabang Province, Luang Prabang District, Sangkhalok Village.

Habitat: 

Altitude: 530 m asl. 

Collector(s): B. Southavong, D.T. Kien, M.V. Sinh

Collection number(s): Southavong 082 (=LAOS_082)

Collection Date: January 26, 2000

Additional information:  

Project:  ICBG

Synonyms, images, taxonomic description: 

Medicinal properties:

Bai D, Li  X, Wei Y, Wang S, et al. Advances in extraction methods, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, molecular targets and toxicology of volatile oil from Acorus calamus var. angustatus Besser. Front. Pharmacol 2022, Sec. Ethnopharmacology, volume 13. 1004529.  https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.1004529/full

Dewangan C, Kashyap R,  Patel S, Sahu GK. Acorus Calamus: An Ancient Remedy with Modern Medicinal Applications. Intl J Sci Res Technol 2025, vol. 02, issue 02.  Article Id IJSRT/

Middha SK, Usha T, Hemavathi KN, et al.  Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Therapeutic Benefit of Acorus Calamus (Vacha): A Comprehensive Scientific Review. In Press. Available online January 28, 2026. DOI: 10.2174/0113895575406751251124041250

 Rajput SB, Tonge MB, Karuppayil SM. An overview on traditional uses and pharmacological profile of Acorus calamus Linn. (Sweet flag) and other Acorus species. Phytomedicine 2014, 21(3):268-76. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2013.09.020