Oils, Asarum

Chemical properties

The several known Asarum species find various applications, depending on the botanical classification. A. canadense, not to be confused with A. europaeum L., is a perennial herb growing preferably in shady, humid, woody areas in Canada and the northern United States. European Asarum differs from the Canadian variety, not only in its main constituents, but also in its vegetative form. The essential oil from A. europaeum is poisonous and is not prepared for commercial use. Aristolocholic acid is the toxic constituent. The rhizome is the only part used. Canadian snakeroot has a strong, characteristic, spicy odor and flavor reminiscent of ginger.

Physical properties

The steam-distilled essential oil is a yellow to yellow-amber liquid. The distillation waters are often cohobated for the total yield of essential oil of approximately 3.0%.

The Uses of Oils, Asarum

In perfumes; flavoring in foods.

Definition

Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. Asarum, Aristolochiaceae.

Essential oil composition

Main constituents include α-pinene, d-linalool, l-borneol, l-α-terpineol, geraniol, eugenol, methyl eugenol, a lactone, an azulene compound and various fatty acids. Two chalcone glycosides were isolated, together with seven known flavonol glycosides, from the leaves of Asarum canadense. The structures of the chalcone glycosides were established as chalcononaringenin 2?,4?-di-O-glucoside and chalcononaringenin 2?-O-glucoside-4?-O-gentiobioside.*