Rhizomatous perennial herb, Asarum canadense L., Aristolochiaceae. Medicinal parts include the rhizomes and roots; used in Native American medicine for gastrointestinal discomfort, respiratory ailments and fever. Habit. North America, esp. Eastern U.S. and Canada. Constit. Flavonoids incl. kaempferol and quercetin glycosides; chalcononaringenin glycosides; volatile oil; aristolochic acid. Identification of flavonal and chalcone glycosides: T. Iwashina, J. Kitajima, Phytochemistry 55, 971 (2000). Determn of aristolochic acids and safety of extracts: B. T. Schaneberg et al., Pharmazie 57, 10 (2002).
Constit. Terpene (pinene), methyleugenol, borneol, linalool, geraniol.