Related Terms

• Aristolochic acid, aristolochic acid I, Aristolochiaceae (family), Aristolochia fangchi, asarin, asarinin, asarone, asaroun, Asarum arifolium, Asarumcanadense, Asarum caudigerellum, Asarum caudigerum, Asarum europeum L., Asarum forbesii Maxim., Asarum hartwegii, Asarumheterotropoides var. mandshuricum, Asarum himalaicum, Asarum lemmonii, Asarum longerhizomatosum, Asarum marmoratum, Asarum naniflorum, Asarum sieboldii Miq., Asiasari radix, azarum, beta-sitosterol, broad-leaved asarabacca, black snakeroot, British Columbia wild ginger, Canada snakeroot, eucarvone, false coltsfoot, fang ji, Hartweg's wild ginger, hazlewort, Indian ginger, kakuol, little jug, long tail wild ginger, long-tailed wild ginger, ma dou ling, mandshuricum, marbled wild ginger, methyleugenol, mu tong, mu xiang, myristicin, N-isobutyldodecatetraenamide, naringenin, pentadecane, phenylpropanol, pluviatilol, public house plant, safrole, sangree root, sangrel, serpentaria, serpentary, sesamin, snakeroot, trans-aconitic acid, trans-isoasarone, trans-isomethyleugenol, wild ginger, wild nard, wild spikenard, xiexin, xi-xin, xixin.

• Note: The Aristolochiaceae plant family contains many plant species thought to have medicinal properties. Although the plants in this family may share similar constituents, Asarum species are the focus of this monograph (except where noted). Aristolochia species are discussed in a separate monograph.

• Note: Avoid confusion with bitter milkwort (Polygala amara) or senega (Polygala senega), as both are also known as snakeroot.

Background

• Asarum is known commonly as wild ginger and is in the Asarum genus, which consists of about 60 species of perennial woodland herbs. Asarum is a member of the Aristolochiaceae (birthwort) family.

• Asarum has been administered by those trained in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries as a pain relieving, anesthetic, fever inducing, antitussive, sweat promoting, diuretic (increasing urine flow), and hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) herb. Asarum has been applied on the skin to reduce premature ejaculation; however, more research is needed to assess asarum's effect on sexual dysfunction. Asarum europaeum has been used homeopathically for anxiety, excitability, nervousness, or melancholy.

• Asarum does not seem well tolerated in humans, except as a homeopathic agent. Aristolochic acid found in asarum has been reported to cause severe kidney failure resulting in dialysis, transplant, and death. Aristolochic acid may also be carcinogenic (cancer-causing).

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Abortifacient, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), analgesia (pain-reliever), anesthetic, antifungal, antioxidant, antipyretic (reduces fever), antitussive, bronchitis, cancer, conjunctivitis, diaphoretic (promotes sweating), diarrhea, diuretic (increases urine flow), emetic (induces vomiting), expectorant (expels phlegm), eye strain/fatigue, flatulence (gas), gastrointestinal disorders, headache, homeopathy, human papillomavirus, hypertension (high blood pressure), menstrual cramps, nausea, pain, premature ejaculation, rheumatism, sinusitis, stimulant, toothache, uterine stimulant.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• Based on the available scientific evidence, no dose has been proven safe or effective. In general, 20-30 grains of asarum powder 2-3 times a day (not for long-term use) has been used. 0.5oz. of powdered root in 1 pint of boiling water, 2-3 times daily, for a short-term duration has been used. To induce vomiting, 0.5-1 drachms as an individual dose has been used.

Children (younger than 18 years)

• There is not enough scientific evidence to safely recommend the use of asarum in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to asarum, its constituents, or related plants in the Aristolochiaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• In general, it appears that asarum is not well tolerated in humans except as a homeopathic agent. Aristolochic acid found in asarum has been reported to cause severe renal (kidney) failure resulting in dialysis, transplant, and death.

• Mild contact dermatitis was reported in an individual using Indian God Lotion®, a topical spray containing asarum root extract (0.2%), isopropyl alcohol, water, and perfume.

• Asarum may reduce blood levels of zinc.

• Avoid in individuals with existing renal (kidney) dysfunction or renal disease.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Asarum is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Aristolochic acid found in asarum has been reported to cause renal (kidney) damage resulting in dialysis, transplant, or death. Patients taking any medications that may be damaging to the kidneys, or any that are excreted through the kidneys, should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Aristolochic acid found in asarum has been reported to cause renal (kidney) damage resulting in dialysis, transplant, or death. Patients taking any herbs and supplements that may be damaging to the kidneys, or any that are excreted through the kidneys, should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.

• Asarum may reduce blood levels of zinc. Thus, asarum may interact with zinc supplements or multi-vitamin supplements. Caution is advised.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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