Purple nutsedge

Related Terms

Adenosine, alkaloids, alpha-copaene, alpha-cyperone, alpha-rotunol, ammiol, aristolone, benzo-alpha-pyrone (coumarin), beta-cyperone, beta-pinene, beta-rotunol, beta-selinene, beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol glucoside, boeai, caffeic acid, calcium, camphene, caryophyllene alpha-oxide, chaguan humatag, chlorogenic acid, chrysoeriol, cineole, clovane-2,9-diol, cocograss, copaene, cypera-2,4(15)-diene, Cyperaceae (family), cyperadione, cyperene, cyperenone, cyperine, cyperol, cyperolone, cyperorotundene, cyperotundone d-copadiene, Cyperus rhizome, Cyperus rotundus, d-epoxyguaiene, d-fructose, d-glucose, ellagic acid, epiorientin, essential oil, ethyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, (E)-caffeoylmalic acid, flavonoids, gamma-cymene, gondla, gondla jadi, hama-suge, isocurcumenol, isocyperol, isolongifolen-5-one, isorhamnetin, isokobusone, isotorundene, kaempferol, kangen-karyu (KGK), khellin, khellol glucoside, kili'o'opu, kobusone, limonene, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, luteolin, magnesium, manganese, methanol (MeOH), muskezamin, musta, mustakone, mutha, myricetin, myristic acid, nagar motha (Hindi), n-butyl-beta-D-fructopyranoside, nootkatone, norcyperone, norrotundene, nutsedge, nutgrass, oleanolic acid, oleanolic acid 3-o-neohesperidoside, oleic acid, orientin, pakopako, patchoulenone, p-coumaric acid, p-cymol, pectin, peroxycalamenene, polyphenols, protocatechuic acid, purple nut, quercetin, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-rutinoside, red nut, roekoet teki, rosenonolactone, rotundene, rotundine A, rotundine B, rotundine C, salicylic acid, se'd (Arabic), sedge, selinatriene, sesquiterpene alkaloids, sitosteryl (6'-hentriacontanoyl)-beta-D-galactopyranoside, so ken chiu, so ts'ao, souchet, stearic acid, stigmasterol, stigmasterol glucoside, sugeonol, sugetriol triacetate, tage-tage, tagernut, teki, tetralone, tiririca, topalak, tricin, tryptophan, uridine, visnagin, vitexin woeta, xiang fu (Mandarin Chinese).

Background

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) is a species of sedge (Cyperaceae family) native to Africa, southern and central Europe, and southern Asia. Sedges are a family of grass-like flowering plants. Purple nutsedge is considered an invasive weed in North America and is a common lawn weed. The therapeutic components of purple nutsedge are located in the tubers (a type of underground stem), which resemble nuts in appearance (hence the name nutsedge).
Purple nutsedge has been used extensively in Asian therapies, especially Indian (Ayurvedic), Chinese, and Japanese (Kampo) traditions, to treat a wide variety of ailments, including bacterial infections, inflammation, and pain. In traditional medical systems in the Middle East, both fresh and dried forms of purple nutsedge have been used in a paste to heal skin wounds, ulcers, and sores.
Modern research on purple nutsedge has investigated its possible antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and weight control effects. At this time, there is a lack of high-quality human trials supporting the efficacy of purple nutsedge for any indication.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose of purple nutsedge in adults. Traditionally, purple nutsedge tea has been taken by mouth (prepared by boiling the powdered rhizome (underground stem) in water).

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Purple nutsedge may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Purple nutsedge may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Purple nutsedge may also interact with antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidiarrheals, anti-inflammatory agents, antimalarial agents, cholinesterase inhibitors, and drugs that affect GABA.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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