Asarone Explained

Asarone is chemical compound of the phenylpropanoid class found in certain plants such as Acorus and Asarum. There are two isomers, α (or trans) and β (or cis).^[1] As a volatile fragrance oil, it is used in killing pests and bacteria.^[2]

Pharmacology

The main clinical symptom of asarone is prolonged vomiting that sometimes lasted more than 15 hours. Asarone is not metabolized to trimethoxyamphetamine as has been claimed by online vendors.^[3]

The Council of Europe Committee of Experts on Flavouring Substances concluded that β-asarone is clearly carcinogenic^[4] and has proposed limits for its concentration in flavorings such as bitters made from Acorus calamus (sweet flag).^[5]

β-Asarone exhibits anti-fungal activity by inhibiting ergosterol biosynthesis in Aspergillus niger.^[6] However, the toxicity and carcinogenicity of asarone means that it may be difficult to develop any practical medication based on it.^[7]

See also

• Elemicin
• 2,4,5-Trimethoxypropiophenone

Notes and References

1. Beta asarone has CAS# 5273-86-9
2. Asha DS, Ganjewala D . 2009 . Antimicrobial activity of Acorus calamus (L.) rhizome and leaf extract . Acta Biol. Szeg. . 53 . 1 . 45–49.
3. Björnstad K, Helander A, Hultén P, Beck O . Bioanalytical investigation of asarone in connection with Acorus calamus oil intoxications. J Anal Toxicol. 33. 9. 604–9. 2009. 20040135. 10.1093/jat/33.9.604. free.
4. Cartus. Alexander T.. Stegmüller. Simone. Simson. Nadine. Wahl. Andrea. Neef. Sylvia. Kelm. Harald. Schrenk. Dieter. 2015-08-26. Hepatic Metabolism of Carcinogenic β-Asarone. Chemical Research in Toxicology. 28. 9. 1760–1773. 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.5b00223. 26273788. 0893-228X.
5. 8 January 2002 . Opinion of the Scientific Committee on Food on the presence of β-asarone in flavourings and other food ingredients with flavouring properties . European Commission Scientific Committee on Food .
6. Venkatesan. Ramya. Karuppiah. Prakash Shyam. Arumugam. Gnanamani. Balamuthu. Kadalmani. 2017-11-10. β-Asarone Exhibits Antifungal Activity by Inhibiting Ergosterol Biosynthesis in Aspergillus niger ATCC 16888. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences. 89. en. 173–184. 10.1007/s40011-017-0930-4. 46005148. 0369-8211.
7. 10.1002/ptr.2650090604 . Anthelmintic and pesticidal activity of Acorus gramineus (Araceae) is associated with phenylpropanoid asarones . 1995 . Perrett . Sheena . Whitfield . Philip J. . Phytotherapy Research . 9 . 6 . 405. 84823162 .