(Acorus Calamus) 

INTRODUCTION :
Acorus calamus (calamus) is an iris-like perennial that can reach 1,2 meter in height and is native to Cental Asia. Calamus' root (the rhizome) is rich in aromatic oils and can be used for an aphrodisiastic- and psycho-active preparation.
The ancient Egyptians knew of the existence of Acorus c. and provided the plant serimoniously (organic rests of Acorus c. were present in the tumb of Tutankhamun), but if the Egyptians were aware of its aphrodisiastic properties is unknown.

EFFECTS :
The psilcybin reactions usually begins with restlessness and nausea. After a period of emotional disturbances, the visual and auditory hallucinations appear. Time and space perception are seriously altered. Autonomic changes : evelation of body temperature, dilation of pupils, increased bloodpressure and increased respiratory rate.

DURATION :
The effects appear within 2 hours after ingestion and last for 8-12 hours.

USAGE :
The powdered rhizomes can be inbibed as a tea, taken as a snuff and smoked. When taken orally 2-5 gram of the dried rizhome should be provided pro person, 20-50 gram should be sufficient for a psycho-active tea. .

CHEMISTRY :
The oils in the rhizomes of Acorus calamus contain eugenol and asarone. Both compounds undergo biotransformation in vivo, but asarone probably is the natural precursor to TMA-2 (2,4,5 trimethoxyphenylisopropylamine); asarone can be converted through an aminationprocess to TMA-2. Safrole, the active constituent of Sassafras albidum undergoes a similar bioactivation-process.
Because TMA-2 is structurally very similar to mescaline, amphetamine and the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline, it might replace the neurotransmitters from the storage vesicles in the nerve endings.
Asarone is a potential carcinogenic agent.

MODIFIERS :
- Amphetamine and amphetamine-like stimulants (Ephedra species) intensify the effects
- MAO-inhibitors can be dangerous
- Hashish or marihuana usually produces a positive feeling.
- Alcohol alters the effects

REFERENCES :
- Hoffer, Abraham and Humphry Osmond
1967, The hallucinogens
- Hoffmann, Albert and Richard Evans Schultes
1973, The botany and chemistry of hallucinogens
- Ratsch, Christian
1998, Enzyklopadie der psychoaktiven pflanzen
- Snyder, Solomon h.
1996, Drugs and the brain
- Stafford, Peter
1974, The psychedelic encyclopedia
- Trachsel, Daniel and Nicolas Richard
2000, Psychedelische chemie

Text by Wout / Copryright by Amazing Nature