Compound Profile
Alpha Asarone
Phenylpropanoid ether from Acorus species studied for CNS active and cholinergic effects.
Last reviewed: •1 source citedReport a correctionProfile-wide ·C Limited
Use extra caution — Safety evidence: preclinical toxicology evidence with no established human safety profile. Details
- Evidence
- Limited evidence
- Typical onset
- Varies by prep
- Safety rating
- Use extra caution: Use caution
- Best for
- GABA A Receptors, Acetylcholinesterase
Safety
Safety & Cautions
Elevated caution
Caution level: Elevated. One caution category applies — read it before use.
- Liver-SensitiveLiver-related caution language appears in the profile.
- Safety evidence
- preclinical toxicology evidence with no established human safety profile
- Who should avoid this?
- No specific evidence-backed contraindication is documented for this profile. This is not the same as established safety.
- Talk to a professional if
- your formulation, dose, or health context differs from the evidence summarized here.
Reviews identify cardiac, hepatic, reproductive, mutagenic, and carcinogenic signals in laboratory models, but these do not define human dose, incidence, or disease-specific contraindications.
Evidence Summary
Profile-wide ·C LimitedEvidence lens
Read as directional context, not settled clinical proof.
LimitedLimited evidence
Human clinical evidence: Not the primary signal
Mechanistic / preclinical: Mechanism mapped — Neurotransmitter Modulation · Stress Response Modulation · Neuroprotective Activity
Research maturity: Theoretical / mechanistic research — Mechanistic or unresolved evidence is kept separate from established human outcomes.
Safety boundary: Safety note available — Safety evidence: preclinical toxicology evidence with no established human safety profile.
This profile cites 1 human study.
Evidence Strength
Confidence estimate based on the design quality and consistency of published clinical trials.
Alpha Asarone has a limited evidence rating.
AdaptogenStress & Mood
Citation density
0.5
Sources
1
Effects
2
Research recency
Mixed recency
Evidence Grade
Grade C: Limited Evidence
Evaluation of methodological rigor, population reach, and evidence alignment.
- Design Match
- Narrative review
- Risk of Bias
- High
- Consistency
- Not assessed
Strongest recorded design is a narrative review, drawn from 1 recorded study, none of which measured an outcome in people.
How evidence grades work
Each grade reflects the strength and consistency of published human evidence — not marketing claims. Grades are based on study count, design quality, effect size, consistency, and recency.
- Strong
- Multiple RCTs, consistent direction, adequate effect size
- Moderate
- Some RCTs or consistent observational data in humans
- Preliminary / Mixed
- Animal or in-vitro only, or conflicting human data
- Traditional / Theoretical
- Traditional use only; no controlled human trials
Clinical Study Summaries (1)0 human evidence sources · 0 human trials · Participant totals not consistently reported · Consistency not yet classifiable
What the evidence actually shows
This table contains 1 structured source, including 0 human evidence sources; 0 are human trials.
| Study | Design | N | Dose | Duration | Population | Outcome | Result & magnitude | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pharmacology and toxicology of α- and β-Asarone: A review of preclinical evidence Chellian R et al. · Phytomedicine · 2017 Background | Narrative review Summarizes selected literature without the full prespecified search and selection methods of a systematic review. | — | — | — | — | — | — | PubMed → |
How Alpha Asarone Works
Simplified mechanism pathway based on preclinical and pharmacological evidence. Does not confirm clinical efficacy.
Mechanism Pathway — How Alpha Asarone Works
CompoundTarget / ReceptorMechanismEffect / Outcome
Dosing
- Common form
- capsule or standardized extract
- No standardized dose
- Our source data records the usual product form for this ingredient but no studied dose. Preparations differ widely, so follow the standardization on the product you actually have and speak to a clinician before starting.
Mechanisms & biological pathways
Preclinical mechanism details from scientific profiles; these represent plausible pathways but do not guarantee clinical efficacy in humans.
- Neurotransmitter Modulation
- Stress Response Modulation
- Neuroprotective Activity
- Cholinergic
- Neuroprotective
Botanical Context
Source botanicals and comparison guides related to Alpha Asarone.
Compare active botanicals
Compare & Sourcing
Compare side-by-side tradeoffs or verify active marker guidelines.
Safety first · Harm reduction
This information is educational and not medical advice. Start low, avoid risky combinations, and consult a licensed clinician before making health decisions—especially if you use medications, have diagnosed conditions, or are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Learn how we evaluate confidence, safety, and intensity on the methodology page.
Founder & Head Researcher · Oak Ridge, TN · Last reviewed August 2026
Editorial Review
Checked against primary sources, cited evidence, and contraindication language before publication. Evidence claims, safety language, and affiliate modules are reviewed independently. Not personal medical advice.
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