Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) — Hermetica Encyclopedia
Herbs (Global Traditional) · Ayurveda

Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus)

Provisional Moderate Scorebotanical

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant containing cyperotundone and α-cyperone as primary bioactive compounds. These sesquiterpenes exert antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis and inflammatory mediator release.

Screened PMID Records
Reported Benefits
Pending
Synergy Review
At a Glance
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupAyurveda
Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate
Primary Keywordnagarmotha benefits
Nagarmotha close-up macro showing natural texture and detail — rich in digestive aid, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory
Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) — botanical close-up

Origin & History

Nagarmotha growing in Peru — natural habitat
Natural habitat

Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) is a perennial sedge plant native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with rhizomes serving as the primary medicinal part. Active compounds are extracted from the rhizomes through steam distillation for essential oils or solvent methods like ethanol or n-hexane extraction. The plant belongs to the Cyperaceae family and contains rich concentrations of sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenoids, particularly α-cyperone and cyperene.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Cyperus rotundus (Nagarmotha) rhizomes have been traditionally utilized as astringent, antitussive, aromatic, diaphoretic, diuretic, analgesic, and antispasmodic agents, with references appearing in ancient Ayurvedic literature. The herb has been integrated into traditional Indian medicinal systems, though the exact duration of historical use remains unspecified.Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

The research dossier reveals a complete absence of human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Cyperus rotundus. All available studies focus on preclinical investigations examining antimicrobial and anticancer potential, along with phytochemical composition analyses, with no PubMed-indexed human efficacy data available.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"fiber": "Approximately 5-10% by weight", "protein": "Approximately 3-5% by weight"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin C": "Trace amounts", "Vitamin E": "Trace amounts"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "Approximately 20-50 mg per 100g", "Potassium": "Approximately 200-300 mg per 100g", "Magnesium": "Approximately 30-50 mg per 100g"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"flavonoids": "Quercetin - trace amounts", "essential oils": "Cyperene, Rotundone - concentrations vary, typically 0.5-1% of oil content", "phenolic compounds": "Caffeic acid - trace amounts"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The bioavailability of these compounds can vary significantly based on preparation methods and individual digestive health. Essential oils and phenolic compounds may be more bioavailable in oil extracts."}

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Nagarmotha's sesquiterpenes, particularly cyperotundone and α-cyperone, demonstrate antimicrobial activity by disrupting bacterial cell membrane integrity and inhibiting protein synthesis. These compounds also modulate inflammatory pathways by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production and reducing oxidative stress markers. The diuretic effects appear to involve modulation of renal sodium-potassium channels, though specific mechanisms require further investigation.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Current evidence for nagarmotha consists primarily of preclinical studies and traditional use documentation. In vitro studies have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 125-500 μg/ml. No randomized controlled trials in humans have been conducted to validate traditional claims of diuretic, antispasmodic, or astringent properties. The evidence base remains limited to laboratory studies and historical Ayurvedic texts.

Also Known As

Cyperus rotundusPurple NutsedgeNut GrassJava GrassRed Nut SedgeCoco GrassMustaBhadra

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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