The asarones, including α-asarone and β-asarone, were first isolated from volatile oils of plants of the genus Acorus, which are used in Ayurvedic medicine. β-Asarone is noted for its neuroprotective effects, as it ameliorates depression, reduces dopamine-induced neurotoxicity, and attenuates damage in a model of stroke. In isolated neurons and in brains, β-asarone blocks autophagy, reduces inflammation, and inhibits apoptosis. While β-asarone inhibits apoptosis in neurons, it induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells. It also has antimicrobial effects.