Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Aristolochic acid, aristolochic acid I, Aristolochiaceae (family), asarabacca, asarin, asarinin, asarone, asaroun, Asarum arifolium, Asarum canadense, Asarum caudatum, Asarum caudatum viridiflorum , Asarum caudigerellum, Asarum caudigerum, Asarum europeum L., Asarum forbesii Maxim., Asarum hartwegii, Asarum heterotropoides 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, broad-leaved asarabacca, British Columbia wild ginger, Canada snakeroot, Canadian snakeroot, Canadian wild ginger, eucarvone, European wild ginger, false coltsfoot, fang ji, Hartweg's wild ginger, haselwort, hazlewort, Indian ginger, kakuol, Lemmon's wild ginger, 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.
• Combination product examples: Indian God Lotion® (wild ginger root extract, isopropyl alcohol, water, perfume).
• 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.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Based on historical use and available research, asarum does not seem well tolerated in humans, except as a homeopathic agent. Aristolochic acid, a constituent found in asarum and in the plant species of the Akebia, Aristolochia, Arisaema, Clematis, and Stephania genera, has been reported to be carcinogenic in laboratory studies and in humans to cause kidney damage from renal failure resulting in dialysis, transplant, or death (1;​2;​3).
• 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 an analgesic, anesthetic, antipyretic, antitussive, diaphoretic, diuretic, and hypotensive herb. (4).
• Asarum europaeum has been used homeopathically for anxiety, excitability, nervousness, or melancholy.
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Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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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.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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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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