Rapid determination of β-asarone-free Acorus calamus cytotypes by HPTLC

Acorus calamus L., of Araceae is an aromatic herb, indigenous to Central Asia and Eastern Europe. The fragrant oil obtained by alcoholic extraction of the rhizome is mainly used in the pharmaceutical and oenological industries. Nevertheless, the occurrence of β-asarone [(Z)1, 2, 4-trimethoxy-5-prop-1-enyl-benzene] limits the possibility of its use due to its carcinogenic properties. The β-asarone content in A. calamus is dependant on the ploidy level of the plant. The aim of the study is to distinguish between the diploid and tetraploid plants of A. calamus containing low and high β-asarone respectively, using simple and easy to perform phytochemical methods. HPTLC profile of the alcoholic extracts of the diploid and tetraploid plants of A. calamus showed visible and distinct variations. Therefore this method could be used to screen low and high β-asarone containing varieties of A.calamus.