What is it about?
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes breathing problems due to inflammation in the airways. In this study, we tested whether a natural plant called Acorus calamus (used in traditional medicine) could help reduce inflammation in a laboratory model of allergic asthma. We gave an extract of the plant to mice with asthma-like symptoms and found that it helped reduce signs of inflammation in their lungs. These results suggest that Acorus calamus may have potential as a natural treatment to support asthma care, but more research is needed in humans.
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Why is it important?
This study is among the first to scientifically evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Acorus calamus in an established animal model of allergic asthma. While Acorus calamus has a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially for respiratory and inflammatory conditions, its effects in asthma have not been widely explored using modern biomedical methods. Given the rising global incidence of asthma and the growing interest in plant-based therapies with fewer side effects, our findings are both relevant and timely. By bridging traditional knowledge with experimental validation, this work contributes to the search for alternative or complementary treatments for asthma and may open new directions for drug development based on herbal medicines.
Perspectives
As someone trained in both traditional pharmacy and modern pharmacology, I’ve always been passionate about uncovering the scientific basis behind medicinal plants used for centuries. This study represents a meaningful step in that journey. Acorus calamus has long been valued in traditional medicine systems for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, and it was deeply rewarding to explore its potential through experimental research. What makes this work especially important to me is its relevance to conditions like asthma, which affect millions worldwide. I hope our findings will encourage further investigation into safe, natural approaches that complement conventional therapies, and continue building bridges between traditional wisdom and modern science.
zeinab zaheri abdevand
Ahvaz Jondishapour University of Medical Sciences
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of Acorus calamus L. ethanolic extract on ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in mice, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, May 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119903.
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