Waj turki (Acorus calamus Linn.) commonly called as sweet flag is a medicinal plant,
belonging to the family Acoraceae. It is also known by various other names in different parts
of the world like Bach, Safed bach, Dekhand, Aqurun, Aqarun, Barj, Karunak, Ood-ul-waj,
Wabi, Warak, Leni, Aburevan, Kamni kathi, Agar turki, and many more. It possesses
diuretic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, brain tonic,
emmenagogue, aphrodisiac, phlegm resolvent and demulcent properties mentioned in
classical Unani literature. The rhizome of this plant is used to treat diseases such as epilepsy,
insanity, loss of memory, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, cough, pleurisy, numbness, paralysis,
diseases of eye, dribbling of urine, insect bite etc by Unani Physicians. It contains two main
bioactive compounds ?- asarone and ?- asarone. Glucosides, glycoside, flavonoid, saponin,
tannin, mucilage, volatile oil, alkaloid, essential oil, starch etc. are also present in it. Many
pharmacological activities have been recently reported like anti-microbial, anthelmintic,
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-cancerous, hypolipidemic, anti-diabetic, neuro-protective, nephron-protective etc. This review paper discusses the details of Waj turki
(Acorus calamus Linn.) like macroscopic and microscopic structure, temperament, chemical
constituents, adulterants, pharmacological actions, uses in diseases, recent pharmacological
studies, dose, important formulations and adverse effects mentioned in Unani as well as its
modern pharmacology and gives an incentive to utilize this wonderful drug in various
disorders.
Keywords: Waj turki, Acorus calamus, Unani Medicine
Publication date: 01/08/2022
https://ijbpas.com/pdf/2022/August/MS_IJBPAS_2022_6286.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2022/11.8.6286
