Cyperus Rotundus Extract
Also known as: Nutgrass extract, Purple nutsedge extract, Musta extract, Cyperus rotundus L. Extract
Overview
Cyperus rotundus L. extract is derived from the rhizomes of the Cyperus rotundus plant, a perennial sedge widely recognized in traditional Ayurvedic and other folk medicine systems. This herbal extract contains a rich array of bioactive compounds, including α-cyperone, cyperalin A, and various essential oils, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic properties. Research indicates its potential utility in addressing metabolic health concerns, such as obesity and dyslipidemia, as well as exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects and preventing neuropathic pain. While its traditional uses are extensive, modern scientific investigation is moderately mature, with a growing body of in vivo and clinical studies supporting its benefits. However, comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses specifically focusing on C. rotundus extract are currently limited, suggesting an ongoing need for further high-quality human trials to solidify its evidence base.
Benefits
Cyperus rotundus extract demonstrates several evidence-based benefits. A high-quality randomized controlled trial (n≥30) over 90 days showed significant anti-obesity and lipid-improving effects in overweight individuals. Supplementation led to notable reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL, and VLDL, alongside a significant increase in HDL (p < 0.01). This suggests strong evidence for its role in metabolic health. Furthermore, preclinical research indicates its potential in preventing neuropathic pain. An animal study demonstrated that oral C. rotundus extract and its active metabolite α-cyperone effectively prevented paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in mice by reducing cold and mechanical allodynia and modulating noradrenergic receptor expression. This provides moderate evidence for neuroprotective effects. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo models have shown its anti-inflammatory activity, with methanol extracts inhibiting inflammatory mediators, attributed to compounds like cyperalin A. This suggests moderate evidence for its anti-inflammatory properties. Generally, the extract has been well-tolerated in both clinical and animal studies, with no serious adverse events reported.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Cyperus rotundus extract is multifaceted, primarily attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition. Its metabolic benefits, particularly in improving lipid profiles and reducing adiposity, are likely mediated through the modulation of lipid metabolism pathways within the body. For its neurological effects, specifically in preventing neuropathic pain, the active compound α-cyperone is thought to play a key role by modulating noradrenergic signaling and influencing tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the locus coeruleus, thereby reducing pain signal transmission. The anti-inflammatory properties are believed to stem from its phytochemicals, such as cyperalin A, which inhibit various pro-inflammatory mediators and pathways. The active constituents, including α-cyperone, have demonstrated oral bioavailability, as evidenced by their efficacy in animal models, allowing them to exert their systemic effects.
Side effects
Cyperus rotundus extract appears to have a favorable safety profile, generally considered safe at the doses studied in both human clinical trials and animal models. No significant toxicity has been observed, even at high doses in animal models, with an LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg for its essential oils. In clinical trials, no common side effects were reported at a frequency greater than 5%. Similarly, animal and human studies have reported either minor or no uncommon/rare side effects. However, specific drug interactions have not been extensively studied. Therefore, caution is advised when combining Cyperus rotundus extract with medications that affect lipid metabolism or the central nervous system, due to the potential for additive effects. While no clear contraindications have been established, pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult with a healthcare provider before using this supplement due to limited data in these populations. Overall, the safety data suggests it is well-tolerated for short-to-medium term use, but long-term safety and comprehensive drug interaction profiles require further investigation.
Dosage
Based on available research, the effective dosage of Cyperus rotundus extract for metabolic benefits, particularly in overweight individuals, was studied over a 90-day period in a clinical trial. While the exact dose was not specified in the summary, such extracts are typically administered in the hundreds of milligrams range daily. In animal studies, an oral dose of 500 mg/kg was found to be effective for preventing neuropathic pain in mice. The maximum safe dose, derived from animal toxicity studies, indicates no toxicity at doses up to 5000 mg/kg for the essential oils, suggesting a wide safety margin. For optimal efficacy, daily oral administration is recommended, consistent with the design of the clinical trial. It is advisable to use a rhizome extract standardized for its active compounds, such as α-cyperone, to ensure consistent potency and therapeutic effects.
FAQs
Is it safe for long-term use?
Current data suggest good safety for up to 3 months of use. Longer-term safety data are limited, so extended use should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
How soon do benefits appear?
Clinical trials showed metabolic benefits after 90 days of consistent use. Neuropathic pain prevention was observed acutely in animal models.
Can it be combined with other supplements?
There is no specific data on interactions with other supplements. Caution is advised due to limited interaction studies; consult a healthcare provider.
Is it effective for weight loss alone?
It improves lipid profiles and reduces weight parameters, but it should be combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes for optimal results.
Research Sources
- https://www.dovepress.com/the-anti-obesity-potential-of-cyperus-rotundus-extract-containing-pice-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-DMSO – This randomized controlled trial investigated the anti-obesity potential of Cyperus rotundus extract in overweight human subjects over 90 days. It found significant reductions in body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and adverse lipid markers (TC, TG, LDL, VLDL), alongside an increase in HDL, demonstrating its efficacy and safety for metabolic health.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443348/ – This review and animal toxicity study assessed the safety profile of Cyperus rotundus. It concluded that the extract exhibits no significant toxicity even at high doses in mice and rats, indicating a generally safe profile for consumption, though human toxicity data is less extensive.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11679560/ – This preclinical study utilized a mouse model to investigate the effect of Cyperus rotundus extract and α-cyperone on paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. It demonstrated that both the extract and its active metabolite effectively prevented neuropathy by modulating noradrenergic signaling, suggesting neuroprotective properties.
