Cyperus rotundus or ‘Nagarmotha’ or ‘nut grass’ is used in Ayurveda as a medicinal plant.
It is a weed that grows in all regions of the world but mainly used in India.
Its medicinal properties are attributed to its bioactive compounds like essential oils, flavonoids, terpenoids, cyperene, cyperol etc. T
he herb possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-dysenteric, carminative and diuretic properties.
Of the many Ayurvedic herbs, Cyperus rotundus is recommended for weight loss.
So let’s go over scientific evidence which support this idea.
Does Cyperus Rotundus Help in Weight Loss?
A study focused on highlighting the use of natural products for weight loss states that extract of Cyperus rotundus is potent enough to treat obesity.
The effect of C.rotundus tuber extract on weight control in obese rats was studied in France. In this study, the animals were given 45 or 220 mg/kg/day of the extract for 60 days.
It was observed that the extract caused a significant reduction in weight gain without affecting food intake or causing side effects.
The extract stimulated the breakdown of fats in the fat tissue by activating beta3-AR.
The beta3 adrenergic receptor is a protein present in fat tissue whose function is to support the breakdown of fats and stimulate the production of heat in fat tissue.
It was concluded that extract of C. rotundus tubers can be developed into a herbal supplement for weight loss.
A herbal preparation containing C.rotundus is proven to reduce body fat in an animal model by stimulating the burning of calories and increasing metabolism.
The other constituents of the mixture were Iris versicolor and Holoptelia integrifolia.
Another experimental study also states that the above-mentioned mixture helps in treating obesity by mobilizing fat from fat tissue and stimulating their conversion to energy.
Obese individuals tend to suffer from hampered antioxidant status which increases their susceptibility to other metabolic diseases especially diabetes.
C.rotundus has antioxidative potential which can ameliorate this condition.
C.rotundus extract is proven to have anti-diabetic property.
Oral administration of 500mg/kg/day of the extract for 7 days was to found to reduce blood sugar significantly in animals. This was claimed to be a result of its antioxidant property.
C.rotundus extract inhibits the activity of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes. These enzymes are involved in carbohydrate digestion.
This could help in lowering blood sugar and preventing weight gain from carbs.
Very little data is available to draw any conclusion regarding the effectiveness of C.rotundus as a weight loss supplement.
Though the evidence available from animal studies definitely indicates that it may help in weight loss more research in this aspect is necessary.
Dosage
Since there is not much information regarding the effectiveness of this herb, we would not recommend taking it without a health practitioner’s prescription.
Tinctures or capsules of the herbal preparation are available.
Precautions
No specific measures need to be taken while consuming C.rotundus.
As per traditional medicine, the herb is used to treat menstrual problems, therefore, avoid consuming it during pregnancy and lactation.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of Cyperus rotundus in promoting weight loss is verified by a few research studies.
But definitely, its in-vivo activity of promoting fat breakdown suggests that it can help in losing weight. How well it works practically still needs to be researched.
In case you have tried this herbal supplement or have any knowledge regarding its effect on body weight, do share it with us for benefit of our readers.