Dried Cyperus Rhizome Extract
Also known as: Dried Cyperus Rhizome Extract, Cyperi Rhizoma, Nutgrass rhizome, Cyperus rotundus
Overview
Dried Cyperus Rhizome Extract is derived from the dried underground rhizomes of *Cyperus rotundus*, a perennial plant widely used in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. Traditionally, it has been employed for gynecological disorders, liver qi stagnation, pain relief, and digestive issues. Modern research indicates potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antidepressant, and neuroprotective properties. The extract contains various active compounds, including volatile oils, flavonoids, terpenes, and notably, α-cyperone. While numerous in vitro and in vivo studies exist, comprehensive clinical trials and meta-analyses in humans are limited, with most evidence stemming from preclinical and animal studies.
Benefits
Dried Cyperus Rhizome Extract exhibits several evidence-based benefits, primarily identified in preclinical studies. It demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, reducing inflammatory markers in animal models. A significant finding is its ability to prevent paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in mice, attributed to the active metabolite α-cyperone, which significantly reduced cold and mechanical allodynia. Ethanol extracts have also shown antidepressant-like activity in animal behavioral tests, with dose-dependent effects. Secondary benefits reported in preclinical studies include antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antipyretic, and hepatoprotective activities. While human data is scarce, the potential for neuropathic pain prevention in chemotherapy patients is notable, and traditional uses include addressing menstrual irregularities and liver qi stagnation. Animal studies consistently show statistically significant effects (p < 0.05), but clinical significance in humans remains to be established.
How it works
The mechanism of action for Dried Cyperus Rhizome Extract involves several biological pathways. Its anti-inflammatory effects are likely mediated by the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress pathways. For neurological effects, particularly in neuropathic pain, the active compound α-cyperone plays a crucial role by downregulating tyrosine hydroxylase and noradrenergic receptors (α1- and α2-adrenergic) in the locus coeruleus, thereby reducing pain signaling. The extract also appears to modulate neurotransmitters associated with depression and pain, and its antioxidant activity contributes to reducing cellular damage. While α-cyperone has been quantified in extracts, the specific pharmacokinetics and human bioavailability are not yet well characterized.
Side effects
Dried Cyperus Rhizome Extract is generally regarded as safe in animal studies, with high LD50 values indicating low acute toxicity. Animal toxicity studies, even at doses up to 1000 mg/kg orally, have reported minor or no side effects. No significant adverse effects have been reported in the reviewed preclinical studies. However, human safety data are very limited, making it difficult to definitively assess common, uncommon, or rare side effects in humans. Drug interactions are not well studied, and caution is advised due to potential effects on neurotransmitter systems. While no clear contraindications are established, traditional use suggests caution during pregnancy due to potential uterine effects, though clinical data is lacking. More research is needed for special populations such as pregnant women, children, and patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Dosage
Optimal human dosage for Dried Cyperus Rhizome Extract is not established, as most research is preclinical. Animal studies have used doses such as 500 mg/kg orally for neuropathic pain prevention. The maximum safe dose in humans is unknown, though animal studies indicate an oral LD50 greater than 5000 mg/kg. Effects in animal models typically appear after repeated dosing over days to weeks. For neurological indications, extracts standardized for α-cyperone content may be preferable. Bioavailability data for humans is lacking, and the extraction method significantly influences the concentration of active compounds. No specific cofactors have been identified to enhance its effects.
FAQs
Is Dried Cyperus Rhizome Extract safe for human consumption?
Animal studies suggest a favorable safety profile at high doses, but human safety data are currently insufficient to make a definitive statement.
Can it help with pain?
Preclinical evidence strongly supports its analgesic and neuropathic pain prevention effects, particularly through its active compound α-cyperone.
How quickly can I expect to see effects?
In animal models, effects typically appear after several days to weeks of consistent treatment, suggesting it's not an acute-acting supplement.
Is it effective for depression?
Animal studies have shown antidepressant-like effects, but there is currently no human evidence to confirm this benefit.
Can it be used alongside chemotherapy?
It shows potential for preventing neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy in animal models, but human clinical trials are needed before recommending this use.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8443348/ – This review and animal toxicity study found that Cyperus rotundus extract was safe at high doses in mice and rats, showing no toxicity or behavioral changes. It also confirmed potent anti-inflammatory effects in animal models, highlighting its therapeutic potential. The study was well-conducted in animal models but lacked human data.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11679560/ – This high-quality preclinical RCT in mice demonstrated that α-cyperone and Cyperus rotundus extract prevented paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain. It showed significant reductions in pain-related proteins and behavioral symptoms, indicating a promising role for neuropathic pain prevention. The study was limited to animal subjects.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.965902/full – This systematic review synthesized existing literature on Cyperus rotundus, covering its ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. It confirmed antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects observed in preclinical studies and emphasized the need for more high-quality human clinical trials to validate these findings. The review provided a good synthesis but highlighted the lack of clinical data.
