Cyperus Root Extract
Also known as: Nutgrass, Purple nutsedge, Cyperus root, Cyperus root extract, Cyperus rotundus
Overview
Cyperus root extract is derived from the tubers or rhizomes of *Cyperus rotundus*, a perennial weed found globally. Historically, it has been utilized in various traditional medicine systems for its purported benefits in gastrointestinal, inflammatory, metabolic, and menstrual disorders. The extract contains a diverse array of bioactive phytochemicals, including sesquiterpenes like α-cyperone, flavonoids such as quercetin, phenolic acids, and essential oils, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic properties. While preclinical and early clinical studies show promise, the research on Cyperus root extract is still in its nascent stages, with a limited number of high-quality human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and no comprehensive meta-analyses available to date. The current evidence base is predominantly derived from preclinical studies and animal RCTs, indicating a need for more robust human clinical investigations to fully establish its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Based on preclinical and animal studies, Cyperus root extract (CRE) shows several potential benefits. Animal RCTs indicate that CRE can contribute to metabolic improvements, including a reduction in obesity and enhanced glucose metabolism. This effect is attributed to its ability to inhibit digestive enzymes like α-amylase and lipase, which reduces carbohydrate and fat absorption, and its modulation of hepatic enzymes, leading to lower blood glucose and increased glycogen storage. These findings are supported by studies showing significant improvements in diabetic and obese rat models. Furthermore, CRE has demonstrated potential in wound healing; when incorporated into silver nanoparticles within hydrogels, it significantly enhanced wound contraction and tissue regeneration in animal models, suggesting a promising topical application. Other reported effects from preclinical research include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, and antidepressive properties. However, these broader effects require substantial clinical validation in humans, as the current evidence is primarily from in vitro and animal studies.
How it works
Cyperus root extract exerts its effects through multiple mechanisms. For metabolic benefits, it inhibits digestive enzymes such as α-amylase and lipase, thereby reducing the absorption of dietary carbohydrates and fats. It also modulates hepatic carbohydrate metabolism by increasing glycogen synthase activity and suppressing glycogen phosphorylase, which enhances glycogen storage and helps lower blood glucose levels. Phytochemicals like quercetin and phenolic acids present in the extract may also stimulate insulin secretion and aid in the repair of pancreatic β-cells in diabetic models. The extract's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are likely mediated by its sesquiterpenes and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. In the context of wound healing, CRE acts as a reducing agent, facilitating the formation of silver nanoparticles that possess antimicrobial and tissue regenerative properties.
Side effects
Cyperus root extract is generally considered safe based on current preclinical data. Toxicological studies in rodents have reported high LD50 values (up to 5000 mg/kg orally), indicating low acute toxicity. These studies have shown no significant adverse effects on animal behavior, hematological parameters, or organ histology at the tested doses. There are no commonly reported or serious adverse effects documented in preclinical models. Furthermore, the reviewed literature does not indicate any documented drug interactions or contraindications for Cyperus root extract. However, it is crucial to note that human safety data are very limited. Therefore, caution is advised when considering its use until more comprehensive clinical data become available to fully assess its safety profile in humans, including potential side effects, drug interactions, or contraindications.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Cyperus root extract due to a lack of sufficient clinical trials. Animal studies investigating metabolic effects have utilized doses ranging from 200 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg body weight daily. It is important to recognize that the form of the extract (e.g., ethanolic, aqueous) and the specific preparation method can significantly influence its bioavailability and overall efficacy. Without human clinical data, it is not possible to define optimal or safe human doses. Further research, specifically high-quality human randomized controlled trials, is essential to determine appropriate and safe dosage ranges for various therapeutic purposes in humans, as well as to identify any upper limits or safety thresholds.
FAQs
Is Cyperus root extract safe?
Preclinical data in rodents suggest a high safety margin with no significant toxicity observed at high doses. However, human safety data are very limited, and more research is needed.
What benefits can be expected from Cyperus root extract?
Based on animal studies, potential benefits include anti-obesity, antidiabetic, and wound healing effects. Other preclinical findings suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
How quickly do the effects of Cyperus root extract appear?
Animal studies show metabolic improvements over several weeks. For topical applications, wound healing effects have been observed within 17 days in animal models.
Are there human clinical trials for Cyperus root extract?
Currently, human clinical trials are very limited. Most of the promising evidence comes from preclinical and animal studies, necessitating more rigorous human RCTs.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443348/ – This review and toxicology study, primarily based on animal models, reported high LD50 values for Cyperus rotundus extract (over 5000 mg/kg), indicating low acute toxicity. It found no significant behavioral or biochemical toxicity in mice and rats, suggesting a favorable safety profile in preclinical settings, though human data are lacking.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-03555-x – This animal RCT demonstrated that hydrogels containing Cyperus root extract-mediated silver nanoparticles significantly enhanced wound contraction and epithelial regeneration in rats. The study, though on a small sample, suggests potential for topical wound healing applications due to the extract's ability to facilitate tissue repair.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10937842/ – This animal RCT on diabetic and obese rats (n≥30) showed that Cyperus root extract at 200 mg/kg improved hepatic glycogen levels, reduced blood glucose, and inhibited digestive enzymes. The findings suggest anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects, providing moderate-quality evidence for its metabolic benefits in a single species.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2021/4014867 – This source, likely a review, discusses various pharmacological properties of Cyperus rotundus, including its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, and antidepressive effects observed in preclinical studies. It highlights the diverse bioactive compounds responsible for these activities but emphasizes the need for further clinical validation.