Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
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
Xiang Fu (Cyperus rotundus) is a traditional Chinese herb containing α-cyperone and cyperotundone as primary bioactive compounds. These sesquiterpenes regulate hormonal balance by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and reducing inflammatory prostaglandins.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Xiang Fu comes from the rhizome of Cyperus rotundus, a perennial plant found in many parts of the world. The rhizomes are harvested, cleaned, and dried for medicinal use.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Studies suggest Xiang Fu may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Xiang Fu (Cyperus rotundus) is not typically consumed as a food source, so a standard macronutrient profile (protein, fat, carbohydrate per serving) is not clinically relevant. Its medicinal value lies in its bioactive compounds. Key constituents include: Essential Oils (0.5–1.5% of dried rhizome): α-cyperone (major sesquiterpene, ~15–25% of essential oil), β-selinene (~5–12%), cyperene (~8–15%), rotundone (~2–5%), cyperotundone, patchoulenone, and isocyperol. Flavonoids: luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol glycosides (total flavonoid content approximately 1.5–3.5 mg/g dry weight), contributing to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Polyphenols and Tannins: total phenolic content approximately 15–30 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract; condensed tannins present at ~5–10 mg/g. Terpenoids: triterpenoids including oleanolic acid and ursolic acid (trace to ~0.5 mg/g). Alkaloids: trace amounts reported but not well-quantified. Minerals (approximate, per 100 g dried rhizome): potassium (~800–1200 mg), calcium (~150–300 mg), magnesium (~100–200 mg), iron (~8–15 mg), zinc (~3–6 mg), manganese (~2–5 mg), and phosphorus (~100–250 mg). Dietary Fiber: the dried rhizome contains significant crude fiber (~15–25% by weight), though this is not the primary therapeutic component. Vitamins: minor amounts of vitamin C (~2–5 mg/100 g dry weight) and B-vitamins (trace). Starch and Sugars: rhizome contains ~30–40% starch and small amounts of simple sugars (~3–5%). Bioavailability Notes: The sesquiterpene-rich essential oil is moderately lipophilic, and bioavailability is enhanced when administered with warm water or in formulations containing lipid carriers. Flavonoid glycosides have moderate oral bioavailability (~10–30%) due to intestinal hydrolysis and first-pass hepatic metabolism. Decoction (traditional preparation method) effectively extracts polar phenolics and flavonoids but may reduce volatile terpenoid content; alcohol-based tinctures better preserve essential oil constituents. Co-administration with qi-moving herbs (e.g., Chen Pi) in traditional formulas is believed to enhance absorption and systemic distribution.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
The primary compounds α-cyperone and cyperotundone inhibit prostaglandin E2 synthesis and modulate estrogen receptor activity. These sesquiterpenes enhance hepatic cytochrome P450 enzyme activity, promoting phase I and II detoxification pathways. The herb's monoterpenes interact with GABA receptors and serotonin pathways to provide anxiolytic and mood-stabilizing effects.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Limited human studies have examined Xiang Fu's effects, with most research conducted in animal models. A small clinical trial (n=60) showed 40% reduction in dysmenorrhea severity after 3 months of treatment. Rat studies demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory activity with 50-70% reduction in inflammatory markers at 200mg/kg doses. Most evidence remains preliminary, requiring larger randomized controlled trials for definitive therapeutic claims.
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