# Agastache (Agastache rugosa)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/agastache
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-20
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Agastache rugosa, Korean mint, Giant hyssop, Wrinkled giant hyssop, Huo Xiang, Purple giant hyssop, Indian mint, Pogostemon cablin

## Overview

Agastache rugosa, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Huo Xiang, contains the primary bioactive compound rosmarinic acid along with essential oils including methylchavicol (estragole) and limonene. These compounds exert anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects by suppressing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) pathways and protecting gastric mucosal tissue.

## Health Benefits

• Gastric mucosal protection: Animal studies showed more than 60% protective effects against gastritis at 100 mg/kg/day.[1] • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation): In vitro studies demonstrated decreased nitric oxide production in LPS-induced cells.[1] • Anti-emetic: Traditionally used to combat nausea, with anecdotal evidence supporting efficacy.[3] • Digestive support: Used to improve appetite and relieve bloating.[4] • Cytotoxic potential: Volatile oils exhibit antiproliferative effects on gastric cancer cell lines.[2]

## Mechanism of Action

Rosmarinic acid in Agastache rugosa inhibits NF-κB signaling, reducing downstream production of pro-inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO) via suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in macrophages. The essential oil constituent methylchavicol acts on 5-HT3 receptors and muscarinic pathways, which may underlie the herb's traditional anti-emetic application. Gastroprotective effects are partially attributed to enhanced [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) E2 synthesis and increased mucin secretion, which reinforce the gastric mucosal barrier against ulcerogenic insults.

## Clinical Summary

Preclinical animal studies demonstrated greater than 60% gastroprotective efficacy at 100 mg/kg/day in rodent models of experimentally induced gastritis, suggesting meaningful mucosal barrier reinforcement. In vitro cell-based assays using LPS-stimulated macrophages showed significant reduction in nitric oxide production, supporting an [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mechanism, though these findings have not yet been replicated in randomized controlled human trials. Human clinical evidence remains largely absent, with current support derived from traditional TCM use, animal models, and cell culture studies. The overall evidence base is preliminary, and well-designed clinical trials in human populations are needed before efficacy claims can be substantiated.

## Nutritional Profile

Agastache rugosa (Korean mint/Huo Xiang) is used primarily as a medicinal herb rather than a food source, so macronutrient data is limited; however, key compositional data is available. Bioactive compounds dominate its profile: the essential oil fraction (0.5–1.5% of dry weight) is rich in methylchavicol (estragole, 40–80% of essential oil), along with limonene (~5–15%), anisaldehyde, and β-caryophyllene. The aerial parts contain rosmarinic acid (a major phenolic acid, reported at approximately 1–3% of dry weight), acacetin (5,7-dihydroxy-4′-methoxyflavone), tilianin (acacetin-7-O-glucoside), and agastachoside. Total polyphenol content has been measured at roughly 20–50 mg GAE/g dry extract in standardized preparations. Flavonoid content includes luteolin and apigenin glycosides. The herb contains modest amounts of dietary fiber in whole dried form (~10–15% of dry weight as crude fiber). Mineral content includes calcium (~1,200–1,500 mg/100g dry), potassium (~1,800–2,200 mg/100g dry), magnesium (~200–300 mg/100g dry), and iron (~15–25 mg/100g dry), though these figures reflect dried herb concentrations not typical therapeutic doses. Vitamin content includes trace amounts of vitamin C and B-complex vitamins. Bioavailability note: rosmarinic acid demonstrates moderate oral bioavailability (~1–10% systemic absorption in human studies); essential oil constituents like methylchavicol are lipophilic and absorb readily through gastrointestinal membranes. Most therapeutic use involves aqueous decoctions (3–9g dried herb), significantly diluting absolute compound concentrations delivered per dose.

## Dosage & Preparation

Animal studies suggest a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day for extracts in gastritis models. In vitro [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects observed at 100-200 μg/mL. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Agastache rugosa is generally considered safe at traditional culinary and herbal doses, but the essential oil constituent methylchavicol (estragole) is classified as a potential carcinogen at high or prolonged doses based on rodent studies, warranting caution with concentrated extracts or essential oil forms. Due to its effects on serotonergic (5-HT3) and cholinergic pathways, theoretical interactions exist with antiemetic drugs such as ondansetron and with anticholinergic medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid therapeutic doses given insufficient safety data and the presence of pharmacologically active essential oil compounds. Individuals on anticoagulant therapy should use caution, as rosmarinic acid carries mild platelet-inhibiting properties that could potentiate bleeding risk.

## Scientific Research

The research lacks specific human clinical trials or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs. The primary evidence comes from in vitro and animal studies, indicating preliminary efficacy.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Agastache rugosa has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, primarily to treat nausea, vomiting, and digestive disorders. It is considered a 'warming' herb that addresses 'dampness' in the digestive system.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginger, peppermint, chamomile, licorice root, fennel

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Agastache rugosa used for in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In TCM, Agastache rugosa (Huo Xiang) is primarily used to resolve dampness, harmonize the stomach, and relieve nausea, vomiting, and bloating associated with digestive disorders. It is a central ingredient in the classical formula Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, which is still widely used today for acute gastroenteritis and summer-damp conditions.

### What are the active compounds in Agastache rugosa?

The primary bioactive compounds in Agastache rugosa include rosmarinic acid, acacetin, tilianin, and an essential oil fraction rich in methylchavicol (estragole), limonene, and anisaldehyde. Rosmarinic acid is considered the principal anti-inflammatory constituent, while the volatile oils are largely responsible for the herb's aromatic, carminative, and anti-emetic properties.

### Does Agastache rugosa have any proven anti-inflammatory effects?

In vitro studies have demonstrated that Agastache rugosa extracts significantly reduce nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated macrophage cell lines, an effect mediated through iNOS suppression downstream of NF-κB inhibition by rosmarinic acid. While these cellular findings are promising, human clinical trial data confirming anti-inflammatory efficacy in vivo are currently lacking.

### What is the recommended dosage of Agastache rugosa?

In traditional TCM practice, the dried herb is typically used at 5–10 grams per day as a decocted tea. Animal gastroprotection studies employed doses of approximately 100 mg/kg/day of standardized extract, which does not directly translate to a validated human equivalent dose without pharmacokinetic bridging studies. No standardized clinical dosing guidelines have been established based on controlled human trials.

### Is Agastache rugosa safe to take with other medications?

Agastache rugosa may interact with antiemetic drugs acting on 5-HT3 receptors, such as ondansetron, due to overlapping pharmacological targets in its essential oil constituents. Rosmarinic acid has demonstrated mild antiplatelet activity in preclinical models, suggesting a potential additive bleeding risk when combined with anticoagulants like warfarin or antiplatelet agents such as aspirin. Patients on these medications should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing with Agastache rugosa extracts.

### Can Agastache rugosa help with nausea and digestive discomfort?

Agastache rugosa has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine for relieving nausea and digestive complaints. While clinical evidence remains limited, traditional applications and anecdotal reports suggest it may help combat nausea and bloating by supporting digestive function. The herb's traditional anti-emetic properties are thought to work through its volatile oil compounds, though more human studies are needed to confirm efficacy.

### Is Agastache rugosa safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical data on Agastache rugosa's safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it should be avoided or used only under professional guidance during these periods. Pregnant and nursing women should consult with a healthcare provider before use to minimize potential risks. Traditional use does not guarantee safety in these sensitive populations.

### How does Agastache rugosa compare to other herbs for digestive support?

Agastache rugosa differs from common digestive herbs like ginger and fennel in that it combines anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, and gastric-protective properties in a single herb. While ginger is better-studied for nausea and fennel for bloating, Agastache uniquely offers documented mucosal protection in animal models at moderate doses. The choice between them depends on individual digestive concerns and the specific symptom profile being addressed.

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