Common Name:

Calamus/Sweet flag  

Botanical Name:

Acorus calamus L.

Source:

Wild crafted

Introduction / Varity of plant / Method of extraction / Distilled organ:

The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the dried comminuted rhizomes of Acorus calamus L.

1. Organoleptic Properties

Appearance

Slightly viscous liquid

Color

Yellow to yellowish brown

Aroma

Warm woody-spicy

2. Physico-chemical Properties

Specific gravity

1.0695 to 1.0795 at 23º C

Optical rotation

[-] 0.2º to [-] 0.5º at 23º C

Refractive index

1.5335 to 1.5589 at 23º C

Acid number

0.6 to 2.5

Ester number

2 to 12

Ester number after acetylation

8.5 to 12

Solubility

Soluble in 0.4 to 1.5 volumes of 80% alcohol

3. Uses

(a) In perfumes of the woody oriental type; in spice blends and flavors for alcoholic beverages

(b) Medicinal & Aromatherapy use: Calamus causes increased dilation of spleenic vessels, an important factor in regulating blood pressure