Evidence supporting the use of: Calamus rhizome
For the health condition: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Calamus rhizome (Acorus calamus), also known as sweet flag, is used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and various folk medicines. Its application for digestive complaints, including symptoms compatible with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)—such as bloating, gas, and abdominal discomfort—has a long history. In Ayurvedic practice, calamus is believed to stimulate appetite, improve digestion, and relieve gastrointestinal spasms. However, there is a marked lack of robust modern clinical trials specifically evaluating calamus rhizome for IBS. Most available scientific literature focuses on its general antispasmodic, carminative, and anti-inflammatory properties, but these are based on in vitro or animal studies, not well-controlled human trials. Furthermore, safety concerns have been raised due to the presence of β-asarone, a compound found in some calamus varieties, which is considered potentially carcinogenic. Regulatory restrictions on calamus (especially the β-asarone-containing varieties) further limit its widespread use as a therapeutic agent for IBS. In summary, while calamus rhizome has traditional use for digestive ailments, there is little to no high-quality clinical evidence to justify its specific use for IBS, and safety concerns remain significant.
More about Calamus rhizome
More about Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Other ingredients used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
2'-Fucosyllactoseakkermansia muciniphila
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
alpha-pinene
amino acids
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bilberry
bio ecolian (proprietary)
blackberry
Indian frankincense
butyrate triglyceride
chen pi
chia seed
chlorella
cinnamon
turmeric
curcumin
fennel
flaxseed
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
ginger
green banana
green tea
guar gum
cellulose
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
l-glutamine
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lovage
marshmallow
oat
pectin
peppermint oil
plum fruit
pomegranate
potato starch
butyric acid
psyllium
quercetin
resveratrol
saccharomyces boulardii
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
streptococcus thermophilus
tributyrin
vitamin D
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
hyssop
atractylodes
ferula assafoetida
anise
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
chrysanthemum
senna
white oak
algae
Agastache
Asafoetida
Alexandrian senna
Agrimonia pilosa
Betony
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Boswellia
Bacillus licheniformis
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bacillus
Cumin
Coriander
Citron
Cannabidiol
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Enterococcus
Enzyme Blend
Fig
Fiber
Quince
Rhubarb
Other health conditions supported by Calamus rhizome
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Addictions (general remedies for)
Appetite (deficient)
Asthma
Belching
Boils
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Indigestion
Infection
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Jaundice (adults)
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Sore Throat
Wounds and Sores