Cyperus rotundus

Botanical

What is it

Cyperus rotundus (nut grass, musta, or nagar motha) is a perennial sedge whose tubers (rhizomes) are widely used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine for digestive, menstrual, and inflammatory conditions.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Digestive support (traditional use)

Mixed Evidence

Long Ayurvedic and TCM history for digestion and menstrual support. Modern clinical evidence is limited.

How it works

The tubers contain essential oils (cyperene, alpha-cyperone), flavonoids, and sesquiterpenes. Laboratory studies suggest anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and mild antimicrobial activity. In Ayurveda, musta is used in formulas for digestive sluggishness, painful menstruation, and as part of gut-supportive blends. Clinical evidence in humans is limited; most studies use animal models or test extracts in laboratory settings.

Dosage

No established RDA. Traditional Ayurvedic doses are 3-6 g of powdered tuber daily, or equivalent in extracts. Follow product labeling.

When and how to take it

WHEN: Often divided into 2-3 doses daily. HOW: Take with warm water; in Ayurveda, often combined with other digestive herbs.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Powdered tuber

Whole tuber dried and powdered, used in Ayurvedic formulations.

Traditional form; variable extract content.

Standardized extract

Concentrated extracts used in modern supplements.

More consistent active compound content.

Safety

Generally safe at traditional doses. Side effects are uncommon but may include mild GI upset. Long-term safety data in humans are limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited safety data. Use cautiously with diabetes or antihypertensive medications.

Interactions

Limited interaction data. Theoretical interactions with diabetes medications and antihypertensives based on animal studies.

Frequently asked questions

Is musta the same as Cyperus rotundus?⌄

Yes. Musta is the Sanskrit name; Cyperus rotundus is the botanical name.

References

Cyperus rotundus on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Cyperus rotundus on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cyperus rotundus (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.