Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) Root
Also known as: Cyperus rotundus Linn., Nagarmotha, purple nut sedge, nutgrass, musta, Cyperus rotundus
Overview
Cyperus rotundus, commonly known as Nagarmotha, is a perennial plant found in tropical and temperate regions. Its root/rhizome is widely used in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda, for its therapeutic properties. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, cyprotene, and beta-sitosterol. Nagarmotha has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments, including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, infections, pain, and metabolic diseases. While preclinical studies suggest several potential benefits, clinical evidence from high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is limited. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in humans. It is available in various forms, including powders, extracts, and essential oils.
Benefits
Nagarmotha exhibits several potential health benefits supported by preclinical evidence. It demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects in animal models, attributed to compounds like beta-sitosterol and flavonoids. It also possesses analgesic properties, supported by traditional use and preclinical studies. Ethanolic extracts show antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains. Alcoholic extracts of the tuber accelerate wound closure and improve tensile strength in rat wound models. Furthermore, extracts inhibit platelet aggregation in vitro and ex vivo, with (+)-nootkatone identified as a potent constituent. Traditional use and some pharmacological studies suggest benefits for gastrointestinal health. Other reported effects, mostly from preclinical studies, include sedative, antipyretic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, anticonvulsant, and anticancer activities. However, clinical significance and effect sizes in human trials are not well-quantified, and most evidence derives from animal or in vitro studies.
How it works
The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Nagarmotha are likely mediated through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and the modulation of oxidative stress pathways. Its antiplatelet activity involves the inhibition of platelet aggregation induced by collagen, thrombin, and arachidonic acid, with (+)-nootkatone playing a key role. The antimicrobial effects may result from bioactive phytochemicals disrupting bacterial cell membranes or interfering with microbial metabolism. Wound healing enhancement may be due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties facilitating tissue repair. Absorption and bioavailability data are limited, but the active constituents include volatile oils and flavonoids, which may have variable oral bioavailability.
Side effects
Cyperus rotundus extracts are generally considered safe in traditional doses. However, comprehensive clinical studies documenting side effects are lacking. No significant adverse effects have been reported in animal models at therapeutic doses. Drug interactions and contraindications are not well-documented in the reviewed literature. Due to insufficient safety data, caution is advised for special populations, including pregnant or lactating women and children. Further research is needed to fully characterize the safety profile of Nagarmotha and identify potential risks associated with its use.
Dosage
Due to the variability in preparations and the lack of clinical trials, there is no standardized dosing established for Nagarmotha. Traditional use involves powdered rhizome or extracts. Experimental studies have used doses ranging from 100 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg in animals. The optimal human dose and maximum safe dose remain undefined. Formulations include powders, alcoholic extracts, and essential oils. Until further research is conducted, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before using Nagarmotha, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
FAQs
Is Nagarmotha safe for daily use?
Traditional use suggests it is safe, but clinical safety data are limited. Consult a healthcare professional before daily use.
How long does it take to see benefits?
Preclinical studies show effects within days to weeks, but human data are lacking. Results may vary.
Can it be used for specific conditions like arthritis or diabetes?
Some preclinical evidence supports this, but robust clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy.
Is it effective as an antimicrobial?
It shows antibacterial activity in vitro, but clinical efficacy is unproven. More research is needed.
Research Sources
- https://ijrpr.com/uploads/V5ISSUE6/IJRPR29873.pdf – This narrative review summarizes the pharmacological activities of Cyperus rotundus, highlighting its antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and insecticidal properties. It identifies (+)-nootkatone as a key active compound inhibiting platelet aggregation in vitro. The review is limited by its reliance on mostly preclinical data and the absence of randomized controlled trials.
- http://ijrpns.com/article/UPDATED%20REVIEW%20ON%20CYPERUS%20ROTUNDUS%20_NAGARMOTHA_.pdf – This review article compiles the pharmacological effects of Cyperus rotundus, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiabetic, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects, supported by various studies. The review lacks meta-analyses or RCT data and primarily summarizes preclinical and traditional use. It provides a broad overview of potential therapeutic applications based on available research.
- https://ayushdhara.in/index.php/ayushdhara/article/download/465/398/1077 – This literature review focuses on specific pharmacological activities of Cyperus rotundus, confirming anti-inflammatory, wound healing, antimicrobial, and anticonvulsant activities in animal models. It notes that a wound healing ointment showed significant improvement over control in animal studies. The evidence is primarily from animal studies, and no clinical trials are included.
- https://asianjpr.com/HTMLPaper.aspx?Journal=Asian+Journal+of+Pharmaceutical+Research%3BPID%3D2024-14-4-4 – This research article likely explores the pharmaceutical aspects of Cyperus rotundus. Further details would be needed to provide a more comprehensive summary of its findings, limitations, and contributions to the existing body of knowledge.
