Cyperus scariosus

Cyperus scariosus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
(unranked):	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Cyperaceae
Genus:	Cyperus
Species:	C. scariosus
Binomial name
Cyperus scariosus R.Br.

Cyperus scariosus, also known in English as cypriol and in Hindi as Nagarmotha, is a plant of the Cyperaceae family, that grows wild in the Madhya Pradesh region of India. Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), a cosmopolitan weed, is found in all tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world. In India, it is commonly known as Nagarmotha and it belongs to the family Cyperacea. The major chemical components of this herb are essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids, sesquiterpenes, cyprotene, cyperene, aselinene, rotundene, valencene, cyperol, gurjunene, trans-calamenene, cadalene, cyperotundone, mustakone, isocyperol, acyperone, etc., Research studies have shown that it possesses various pharmacological activities such as diuretic, carminative, emmenagogue, anthelminthic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-dysenteric, antirheumatic activities. An extensive review of the ancient traditional literature and modern research revealed that the drug has numerous therapeutic actions, several of which have been established scientifically, which may help the researchers to set their minds for approaching the utility, efficacy and potency of nagarmotha.

Uses

It is highly prized in India for its roots and is used in aromatherapy, as a perfume and for many other purposes.

Biological effects

A number of potential pharmacological effects have been studied in animals, but its effects in humans are unknown. The methanol extract of C. scariosus leaves has shown pain relieving effects and has reduced the elevated blood glucose levels of hyperglycemic mice. Aqueous-methanolic extract of Cyperus scariosus showed hepatoprotective properties in mice. An oil isolated from Cyperus scariosus showed anti-inflammatory activity C. scariosus causes immunosuppression by inhibiting Th1 cytokines in mice. Nagarmotha (C. rotundus) is a perennial plant and is one of the most invasive weeds known, having spread out to a world-wide distribution in tropical and temperate regions. The plant is mentioned in the ancient ayurvedic medicine Charaka Samhita. Ayurvedic physicians uses the plant, known as musta or musta moola churna, for treating fevers, digestive system disorders, dysmenorrhea and other maladies. Modern alternative medicine recommends using the plant to treat nausea, fever and inflammation; for pain reduction; for muscle relaxation and many other disorders.

Chemical constituents

Steam distillation of the tubers of cypriol yields 0.075–0.080% of an essential oil, the principal content of which is cyperene.

Etymology

• Latin name: Cyperus scariosus
• English name: Umbrella Sedge
• Sanskrit name: Nagaramustaka, Bhadramusta
• Hindi name: Nagarmotha