cyperus rotundus

Cyperus rotundus is a perennial medicinal herb in the Cyperaceae family, commonly known as nut grass or musta. It is widely used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for its broad therapeutic properties. The rhizomes and tubers are rich in essential oils (containing over 27 compounds), flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and other bioactive constituents[1][2][7]. Traditionally and in modern herbal practice it has been used to treat digestive disorders (diarrhea, indigestion), fevers (including those with burning sensation), inflammation-related conditions (such as arthritis), menstrual irregularities and pain (dysmenorrhea), diabetes management (by improving insulin sensitivity), obesity/metabolic syndrome (via lipolytic activity), infections (antibacterial/antifungal/antiviral effects including potential against viral infections like COVID-19)[1][4][5][6]. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial/antifungal/mosquito-repellent activities; neuroprotective effects via modulation of oxidative stress pathways; hepatoprotective; cardioprotective; nootropic; antiandrogenic; antilipidemic/hypolipidemic actions[1][5]. Its mechanism of action is multifactorial—attributed to inhibition of Na+-K+ ATPase activity in the brain[6], regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha expression[5], enhancement of insulin sensitivity[7], antimicrobial action through essential oil components[2], antioxidant scavenging by flavonoids/phenolics[7], and modulation of lipid metabolism via AMPK pathway activation[5]. Cyperus rotundus is not a pharmaceutical drug but rather a botanical/dietary supplement or herbal remedy.

Other names

nut grassmustamustakmustakanagarmothapurple nutsedge