Acorus Tatarinowii Extract
Also known as: Acorus tatarinowii, Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma, ATR, Shi Chang Pu, Acorus tatarinowii Schott
Overview
Acorus tatarinowii extract is derived from the rhizome of the Acorus tatarinowii plant, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb. It is primarily used for neurological and cognitive disorders, including cognitive enhancement, neuroprotection, and as a potential treatment for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). The extract contains bioactive compounds such as α-asarone and β-asarone, which are volatile oils believed to be responsible for its pharmacological effects. While research is emerging, including some clinical trials and systematic reviews, the quality of evidence is currently limited, often involving combinations with other herbs like Polygala tenuifolia, and studies frequently suffer from low to moderate methodological quality and small sample sizes.
Benefits
Acorus tatarinowii, particularly when combined with Polygala tenuifolia, has shown some potential benefits in cognitive function. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicated modest improvements in global cognition, as measured by MMSE and ADAS-cog scores, in Alzheimer's disease patients compared to conventional drugs alone. However, the overall quality of this evidence was rated as very low to moderate, limiting confidence in these findings. Preliminary clinical data also suggest that inhalation of ATR volatile oil combined with electroacupuncture might improve cognitive outcomes in post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) patients, though robust RCT data are lacking. Animal toxicity studies have indicated a low acute and subacute toxicity profile, suggesting a favorable safety margin in preclinical settings.
How it works
The neuroprotective and cognitive-enhancing effects of Acorus tatarinowii are primarily attributed to its main active constituents, α-asarone and β-asarone. These volatile oils are thought to exert their effects through multiple mechanisms, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways. By mitigating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and preventing programmed cell death, these compounds may help protect neuronal cells from damage. Additionally, they are believed to modulate various neurotransmitter systems, which could contribute to improved cognitive function. However, the precise bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of these volatile oils in humans are not yet well-characterized.
Side effects
Animal studies on Acorus tatarinowii water extracts have shown a favorable safety profile, with no mortality observed and only mild, transient side effects such as reduced activity or loose stools in mice at high doses. These effects resolved quickly. In human clinical trials, primarily involving combinations of ATR with other herbs, no serious adverse events have been reported. However, comprehensive human safety assessments are largely lacking, and the long-term safety of Acorus tatarinowii, especially when used alone, remains to be fully established. Potential drug interactions and contraindications have not been well studied, and individuals should exercise caution, particularly if taking other medications or having pre-existing health conditions.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing for Acorus tatarinowii extract when used alone. Clinical studies predominantly investigate its use in combination with other herbs, such as Polygala tenuifolia, and these studies employ variable dosing regimens. Animal studies have utilized water extracts at doses scaled for mice, but clear human equivalent doses have not been defined. While volatile oil inhalation has been explored for post-stroke cognitive impairment, standardized protocols for this application are also not established. Due to the lack of clear guidelines and comprehensive human safety data, individuals should consult a healthcare professional before using Acorus tatarinowii, especially concerning appropriate dosage and potential interactions.
FAQs
Is Acorus tatarinowii effective alone?
Most clinical evidence involves combinations with other herbs, especially Polygala tenuifolia; the efficacy of Acorus tatarinowii when used in isolation remains unclear and requires further research.
Is Acorus tatarinowii safe?
Animal data support safety at tested doses with no significant toxicity. Human data are limited, but no major safety concerns have been reported in studies using it in combination with other herbs.
How soon do effects appear?
Clinical trials vary in duration, with treatment periods typically ranging from several weeks to several months before potential effects on cognitive function are observed.
Can Acorus tatarinowii replace conventional Alzheimer's disease treatments?
Current evidence does not support Acorus tatarinowii as a replacement for conventional Alzheimer's disease treatments. It may be considered as an adjunctive therapy, but more robust research is needed.
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 modest cognitive improvements but highlighted the very low to moderate quality of evidence due to methodological limitations and small sample sizes in included RCTs.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1268000/full – This source likely contributes to the systematic review findings, providing details on the methodology or specific studies included. It underscores the need for higher quality research to confirm the benefits of the herbal combination for cognitive disorders.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10815298/ – This article, likely a part of the systematic review or a related publication, discusses the evidence for Acorus tatarinowii and Polygala tenuifolia. It emphasizes the current limitations in clinical evidence, such as heterogeneity and risk of bias, preventing firm conclusions on efficacy.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38283842/ – This PubMed entry corresponds to one of the systematic reviews, confirming its focus on the combination of Acorus tatarinowii and Polygala tenuifolia for cognitive improvement. It points to the need for more rigorous studies to establish definitive therapeutic roles.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/brb3.70631?af=R – This source discusses a study suggesting that inhalation of Acorus tatarinowii volatile oil combined with electroacupuncture may improve cognitive outcomes in post-stroke cognitive impairment patients. However, it notes the lack of detailed RCT methodology and sample size, limiting the assessment of its quality and generalizability.
