Rotundus Tubers Research Articles

Mature Tubers of Cyperus rotundus Confer Flooding Tolerance by Adopting A “Low-oxygen Quiescence Strategy”, which may Contribute to Its Emergence in Rice Fields

Abstract Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) is one of the world’s resilient upland weeds, primarily spreading through its tubers. Its emergence in rice fields has been increasing, likely due to changing paddy farming practices. This study aimed to investigate how C. rotundus, an upland weed, can withstand soil flooding and become a problematic weed in rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields. The first comparative analysis focused on the survival and recovery characteristics of growing and mature tubers of C. rotundus exposed to soil flooding conditions. Notably, mature tubers exhibited significant survival and recovery abilities in these environments. Based on this observation, further investigation was carried out to explore the morphological structure, non-structural carbohydrates, and respiratory mechanisms of mature tubers in response to prolonged soil flooding. Over time, the mature tubers did not form aerenchyma but instead gradually accumulated lignified sclerenchyma fibers, with lignin content also increasing. After 90 days, the lignified sclerenchyma fibers and lignin contents were 4.0 and 1.1 times higher than those in no soil flooding (CK). Concurrently, soluble sugar content decreased while starch content increased, providing energy storage, and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity rose to support anaerobic respiration via alcohol fermentation. These results indicated that mature tubers survived in soil flooding conditions by adopting a “low-oxygen quiescence strategy”, which involves morphological adaptations through the development of lignified sclerenchyma fibers, increased starch reserves for energy storage, and enhanced anaerobic respiration. This mechanism likely underpins the flooding tolerance of mature C. rotundus tubers, allowing them to endure unfavorable conditions and subsequently germinate and grow once flooding subsides. This study provides a preliminary explanation of the mechanism by which mature tubers of C. rotundus from the upland areas confer flooding tolerance, shedding light on the reasons behind this weed’s increasing presence in rice fields.

Operational parameters optimization of convection air-drying with ultrasound pretreatment of Cyperus rotundus L. tubers by RSM

Drying is an important step in the postharvest processing of agricultural products, as it allows the product to be preserved by reducing water activity to safe values, which stops microorganism growth and enzymatic reactions. In this context, the objective of this study was to assess how various drying temperatures, combined with ultrasonic pretreatment, affect drying rates and essential oil production. Assays were conducted according to a Central Composite Rotational Design, considering two factors with the following intervals: duration of the ultrasonic bath from 0 to 40 min, drying air temperature from 40 to 70 °C. The optimization was carried out using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation and its constituents were identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Histochemical analyses of fresh tubers were performed. The Midilli model was the one that best described the drying kinetics of Cyperus rotundus in all treatments. The drying time of C. rotundus tubers was dependent only on temperature (decreasing linear effect), it was possible to describe the variation in drying time as a function of temperature. It was not possible to adjust a model for ultrasonic bath time or drying temperature that would optimize both essential oil yield and the drying time of C. rotundus tubers. However, in this study, shorter drying times were observed compared to previous studies on C. rotundus tubers drying in the shade at room temperature. A total of 29 chemical constituents have been identified in the essential oil extracted from C. rotundus tubers, of which the majority are: 3,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-carboxaldehyde (19.23%); caryophyllene oxide (17.63%); and α-cyperone (9.54%). Histochemical analyses of C. rotundus tubers showed the presence of starch, phenolic compounds, and lipids.

The Effect of Using Aqueous Extract of Cyperus Rotundus Tubers on Characteristics and Shelf Life of Chicken Nuggets

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of the Cyperus ‎rotundus tubers ‎on fat oxidation and stored frozen chicken nuggets' physical and microbial ‎characteristics. The extract was incorporated into minced poultry meat at concentrations of 0% (control), 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%, and the treated samples were stored for periods of 1 and 30 days at -18°C. The addition of Cyperus rotundus extract significantly improved the pH values and water-holding capacity of the treated nuggets (T2, T3, T4, and T5) compared to the control (T1) across both storage durations. Moreover, a notable reduction in lipid oxidation markers (peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA), free fatty acids (FFA), and total volatile nitrogen (TVN) was observed in the treated samples relative to the control. Additionally, a significant decrease in the total coliform bacteria count was evident in the treated nuggets, which inversely correlated with the concentration of the Cyperus rotundus extract. The findings suggest that the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus tubers beneficially affects the quality and safety of chicken nuggets, enhancing their shelf life when stored at -18°C for up to 30 days‎‎‎.

Effects of Aquatic Extracts of Cyperus Rotundus Tubers on the Level of Blood Sugar in Healthy and Diabetic Rats

In this investigation, the effectiveness of aquatic extracts of Cyperus rotundus tubers was examined. The aerial parts of the curly plant (Teucrium polium) and the fruits of the carob plant (Prosopis farcta) help reduce levels of glucose, cholesterol, and blood triglyceride levels of healthy male rats and those with induced diabetes. With alloxan and compared with the effect of insulin. It has been shown that aqueous extracts of saad, jaada, and carob caused the levels of the blood sugar decreasing significantly. In healthy plus rats with diabetes. The results of this study show that the aqueous extract of Saad tubers caused a significant decrease in the lipid and cholesterol content of all but the aquatic extract of carob fruits prompted a notable drop in the quantity of triglycerides only, while the aqueous extract did not change the aerial parts of the increase in the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in rats with diabetes.

Antiobesity and antidiabetes effects of Cyperus rotundus rhizomes presenting protein tyrosine phosphatase, dipeptidyl peptidase 4, metabolic enzymes, stress oxidant and inflammation inhibitory potential

Diabetes is a significant global health concern that increases the vulnerability to various chronic illnesses. In view of this issue, the current research aimed to examine the effects of administering an extract derived from the tubers of Cyperus rotundus L (CrE) on obesity, type 1 diabetes, and liver-kidney toxicity. Through the utilization of HPLC-DAD analysis, it was discovered that the extract contained several components, including quercetin (47.8%), luteolin glucoside (17%), luteolin (7.56%), apigenin-7-glucoside (6.29%), naringinin (4.52%), and seven others. In vitro experiments they have demonstrated that CrE effectively inhibited key digestive enzymes associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, such as DPP-4, PTP1B, lipase, and α-amylase, as evidenced by their respective IC50 values are about 23, 51,83, and 67 μg/ml respectively. Furthermore, when diabetic rats were administered CrE, the activity of pancreatic enzymes linked to inflammation, namely 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO), hyaluronidase (HAase), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), was significantly suppressed by 48, 41, 75, and 47%, respectively. Moreover, CrE exhibited protective effects on pancreatic β-cells by inhibiting the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) by 65% and the induction of superoxide Dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities by 62, 108, and 112% respectively as compared to diabetic untreated rat. Additionally, CrE significantly inhibited the activities of intestinal, pancreatic, and serum lipase and α-amylase activities. In diabetic rats, CrE administration suppressed glycogen phosphorylase (GP) stimulated glycogen synthase (GS) activities by 45 and 30%; and this increased liver glycogen content by 45%. Furthermore, CrE modulated key hepatic enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, including hexokinase (HK), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P), and fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP). Notably, the average food and water intake (AFI and AWI) of diabetic rats treated with CrE was reduced by 15 and 16% respectively as compared to those without any treatment. Therefore, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of Cyperus rotundus tubers in preventing and treating obesity and diabetes.

Antifungal Activity of Selected Indigenous Medicinal Plants in Sri Lanka Against Candida Infections

Candida infections have been recorded as an emerging health concern among immune- compromised patients, infants and pregnant women in Asia, Africa and Europe. Skin diseases, genital infections, candidiasis and candidemia caused by overgrowth of symbiotic Candida species in the human body are treated by antifungal drugs. The common drugs viz., fluconazole, flucytosine, amphotericin B, nystatin, etc. are responsible for more side effects in the human body while Candida species are indicating a resistance towards them. Therefore, the continuous discovery of antifungal compounds against Candida infections is an essential process. Thus, the current study focused on the determination of the antifungal activity of water extracts of selected indigenous medicinal plants in Sri Lanka towards Candida infections. Three common indigenous medicinal plants; Cyperus rotundus (roots, tubers, leaves and flowers), Acalipha indica (roots, stem, leaves and flowers) and Aloe barbadensis Miller (gel and leaves) were collected and their water extracts (10 g/25 mL) were screened for the antifungal activity against two common Candida species; Candida glabrata and Candida parapsilosis using disk diffusion method. Briefly, the pathogenic bacterial lawns were prepared by spreading equalized solutions of C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis on Muller Hinton Agar supplemented with 2% glucose. Sterile paper disks soaked with 30 µL of water extracts of each plant part were placed on pathogen lawns. Sterile distilled water was used as the negative control. The plates were incubated at 37° C overnight and observed for clear zone formation. According to the results, the water extract of C. rotundus tubers indicated an inhibitory action by giving clear inhibition zones against both tested Candida species. All other water extracts of medicinal plants indicated negative inhibitory actions against tested Candida species. The results revealed that C. rotundus tubers consist of antifungal activity against C. glabrata and C. parapsilosis. Hence, C. rotundus tubers can be used as an effective treatment for infections caused by the tested Candida species.
 
 Keywords: Antifungal activity, Candida infections, Indigenous medicinal plants, Cyperusrotundus, Water extracts

The Impact of The Non-Polar Extract from Cyperus Rotundus Tubers on The Rats' Hepatotoxicity Induced by Alpha-Cypermethrin

The Impact of The Non-Polar Extract from Cyperus Rotundus Tubers on The Rats' Hepatotoxicity Induced by Alpha-Cypermethrin

Effects of Dietary Tuber Ethanolic Extract of Nut Grass (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) on Growth, Immune Response, and Disease Resistance in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Nut grass (Cyperus rotundus Linn.) is a weed that grows in all tropical, subtropical and temperate regions of the world, including areas where it grows on saline soil. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of C. rotundus tuber extract in the diet on the growth performance and disease resistance of Nile tilapia. Various components of phytochemical importance of nut grass, including sugars/carbohydrates, terpenoids, tannins, and flavonoids were found in C. rotundus. Tilapia (n = 25 fish/group in triplicate) were fed with different levels of nut grass extract including 0 (control; T1), 0.4 (T2), 0.8 (T3), and 1.6 (T4) g/kg for 60 days in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment. After the feeding trial, the highest weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) were observed in the T4 group, but it was not significantly different from T3 (Nile tilapia fed with a 0.8 g/kg) (p > 0.05). The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the T3 group. Moreover, the fillet, crud lipid content, and blood chemical profiles (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol, and malondialdehyde (MDA)) in fish fed with 1.6 g/kg were highest when compared in all groups. In addition, the T3 group presented with the immune response parameter found in red blood cells (RBC), lysozyme activity, and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase activity (SOD)) being higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). The highest survival (93.33%) was observed in fish fed with 0.8 g/kg (T3) after a 14 day challenge with Streptococcus agalactiae. Thus, it was concluded that nut grass extract at 0.8 g/kg can be used to improve the growth performance and the tendency for resistance to S. agalactiae in Nile tilapia.

Condicionamento de sementes com qualidade de luz e extrato de Cyperus rotundus L. modula a germinação e o crescimento inicial de plântulas de Moringa oleifera

Improving plant germination is essential to guarantee better quality seedlings. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate whether the seed priming with light quality (LIQ) and the aqueous extract of Cyperus rotundus (AEC) tuber could modulate the germination and initial growth of Moringa oleifera L. seedlings. The experimental design was a completely randomized in the 4x4 factorial scheme, composed of four LIQ conditions (white, blue, red, and distant red light) and four AEC concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100%). Seed priming with red light reduced the average emergence time, while blue, red, and extreme red lights associated with 50% of aqueous extract of C. rotundus increased shoot initial length and photosynthetic pigment accumulation. Seed priming with blue light resulted in seedlings with a shorter final shoot length. However, application of 100% of aqueous extract of C. rotundus reversed this. The white light in combination with concentrations of 50 and 100% of AEC promoted a higher relative shoot growth rate of seedlings. The research revealed that seed priming with light quality and aqueous extracts of C. rotundus tubers modulates the germination and initial growth of M. oleifera seedlings. More work needs to be done to determine the responsible compounds in AEC that is responsible for priming growth as phytohormones.

Citrullus colocynthis fruit resin and Cyperus rotundus tuber resin: Assessing their analgesic effects with hot plate and writhing tests

Citrullus colocynthis fruit resin and Cyperus rotundus tuber resin: Assessing their analgesic effects with hot plate and writhing tests

The Effect of Using Different Levels of Cyperus Rotundus Tubers in the Diet on the Productive Performance Characteristics of Broilers

The experiment was conducted at the Poultry Research Station of the General Authority for Agricultural Research / Ministry of Agriculture from 12/5/2022 to 23/6/2022, the aim of studying the effect of adding different levels of Cyperus rotundus tuber powder to the diet on the productive performance of broiler chickens, using 225 chicks (Ross 308), one day old, with an average starting weight of 42.26 gm/chicks, distributed randomly to five treatments each treatment included 3 replications (15chicks/replicate), and the experimental treatments included the following: the first treatment (T1), the control treatment, was fed on the standard diet (without any addition), T2, T3, T4 and T5 was the addition of Cyperus rotundus tubers powder at a rate of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4%, respectively. The results showed a significant improvement (P<0.05) in the average live body weight, weekly weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency at ages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 weeks in favor of the bird treatments fed on tuberculosis powder compared to the control treatment. It can be conclude from this study that the addition of tubers powder to broilers diets led to an improvement of productive performance of broilers.

Cyperus rotundus tubers resin from Algeria: a promising source of natural antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective compounds

Abstract This study evaluated the properties and potential applications of Cyperus rotundus tubers resin, a herbaceous plant native to North Africa, Asia, and Australia. The resin was evaluated for yield, phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory potential, and sun protection factor (SPF). Results showed that the resin contained five types of phenolic compounds, namely vanillic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, and rutin. The resin exhibited significant antioxidant activity in all assays tested, with IC50 values ranging from 0.0638 to 0.454 mg/mL. The SPF value of the resin was determined to be 5.794, suggesting its potential as a sunscreen. The resin also showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in both human serum albumin (HSA) and egg albumin denaturation assays. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that Cyperus rotundus tubers resin is a promising source of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It has the potential to be used in a variety of applications, including food and beverage products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This study is an important step in understanding the properties and applications of Cyperus rotundus tubers resin. The results indicate that this natural product has great potential in a variety of health applications.

Anti-leukemic activity of Cyperus rotundus L. on human acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells in vitro

Context: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukemia. Currently, many people use medicinal herbs for the treatment of cancers. Nut grass (Cyperus rotundus L.) is a medicinal plant widely used in conventional medicine due to its role as an anti-cancer. Aims: To evaluate the effect of Cyperus rotundus tuber (CRT) ethanolic extract on cell proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle, and apoptotic of HL-60 cells. Methods: HL-60 cells line as a model for AML was cultured under the influence of CRT extract concentrations (35.4, 354, and 3540 µg/mL) for 48 h. Furthermore, the cell was subjected to carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester staining for proliferation, using a CD117 marker for differentiation. Annexin V-FITC and PI for cell cycle and apoptosis. The effect of this herb was studied by flow cytometry. The data were statistically analyzed with one-way ANOVA (p≤0.05) and the Tukey test using SPSS version 16 for Windows. Results: The results showed that the CRT inhibited proliferation activity, differentiation, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Conclusions: The data clearly showed the potential anti-cancer activity of CRT on HL-60 cells and suggested that it could help develop promising therapeutic agents for AML treatments.

Anti urolithiatic activity of Cyperus rotundus tubers: In silico, In vitro and In vivo approaches

The present research evaluated the anti urolithic potential of Cyperus rotundus tubers extract using in silico, in vitro and in vivo techniques. In silicostudy was performed of Cyperus rotundus constituents and pathological protein oxalate oxidase (PDB Id: 2ETE). In vitrostudy, nucleation and aggregation assay involved for assessment of ethanol extract of Cyperus rotundus tuber (50-3000 µg/ml).In vivo studies involved that the Cyperus rotundusethanolic extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg B.wt.) wastreatedonsodium oxalate induced urolithiatic rats for seven days,evaluated kidney function by urine and serum biochemical analysis and statistical analysis performed usingGraphPad prism5 software.In silico results showedthat Cyperus rotundus constituents,Humulene epoxide, 4-Oxo-alpha-ylangene, Cubebol were exhibited better binding energyonoxalate oxidase.Ethanolic extract of Cyperus rotundustuber was exhibited nucleation, aggregation of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals inhibition in dosedependent manner. Sodium oxalate treatment was triggered biochemical changesin the urine that have been substantially prevented by the ethanolic extract of Cyperus rotundus tuber. The current findings Cyperus rotundus anti urolithic activity due to antioxidant essential oils. The molecular docking results could be used to optimize lead and develop the appropriate urolithiasis treatment.

Light restriction associated with halosulfuron methyl application efficiently reduces the number and mass of tubers of Cyperus rotundus L

This study evaluated the effect of light availability in the culture environment and the application of a post emergence herbicide, halosulfuron methyl, on the management of Cyperus rotundus. The experiment was arranged in a 2 × 6 factorial design; the first factor was two levels of light availability: photosynthetically active radiation at 1180.4 and 411.6 µmols m−2 s−1, and the second factor was halosulfuron methyl doses from 28.13 to 140.62 g ha−1. Photosynthetic efficiency, biomass allocation, accumulation of starch in tubers, and percentage control of C. rotundus were evaluated from 7 to 28 days after herbicide application. Doses greater than 70.30 g ha−1 of halosulfuron methyl were efficient to control C. rotundus, regardless of light availability. However, C. rotundus was managed faster under full sunlight than under shading. The efficiency of the photosystem, starch accumulation, and biomass formation decreased with increasing doses of halosulfuron methyl. In a shaded environment, a dose of 28.13 g ha−1 was sufficient to reduce 96.74% of the dry mass and 91.33% of the number of C. rotundus tubers. The decrease in light intensity associated with the use of halosulfuron methyl represents a promising practice for the control of C. rotundus.

Quantification of the Water Absorption Pattern of Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) Tubers and Evaluation of Their Sprouting Behavior in Different Storage Conditions

Quantification of the Water Absorption Pattern of Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) Tubers and Evaluation of Their Sprouting Behavior in Different Storage Conditions

Amelioration of neurotoxicity induced by esfenvalerate: impact of Cyperus rotundus L. tuber extract

The main objective of this current study was to assess the protective role of Cyperus rotundus L. (CR) extract against oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and inflammation induced by esfenvalerate in rats. The total phenol (TP) and total tannins (TT) were estimated by Folin ciocalteu and total flavonoids were evaluated by aluminum chloride methods. The methanol: acetone: H2O with ratio 2:2:1 extract of C. rotundus tubers was determined antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS•+scavenging activities, and ferrous chelating, reducing power activities assays. Antioxidant activities of C. rotundus tuber extract exhibited 224.25, 191.47, and 218.77 μg/ml against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•), and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•) radicals and Fe2+-chelating, respectively expressed as IC50 while reducing power showed 119.88 μg/ml expressed as EC50. C. rotundus tuber extract’ analysis showed a presence of several phenolic and flavonoid compounds identified by HPLC. Albino Wistar rats were divided into normal control, C. rotundus alone treated esfenvalerate, and treated (Esfenvalerate + CR) groups. The dose of C. rotundus extract was100 mg /kg BW, while the dose of esfenvalerate was 0.533 mg/kg BW orally. Administration of esfenvalerate decreased the levels of brain reduced glutathione (GSH), and paraoxnase-1(PON-1), and decreased acetylcholinesterase activity along with increasing the levels of brain malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), furthermore, increased serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), adiponectin, and lipocalin-2. On the other hand, treatment with C. rotundus extract significantly showed a protective effect against esfenvalerate by ameliorating levels of antioxidant enzymes, acetylcholine esterase, and inflammatory markers. The present study elicited a prophylactic effect of C. rotundus against neural damage induced by esfenvalerate in experimental rats.

PHARMACOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS OF CYPERUS ROTUNDUS TUBER EXTRACT IN MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE INDUCED EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL

Nowadays obesity is the major health problem due to food habit and life style of people. Nature and natural compounds possess lots of health benefits. To explore the therapeutic benefit of Cyperus rotundus in this work, we have evaluated the anti-obesity potential on Monosodium glutamate (MSG) induced obese rats. Methanolic extract of tubers of Cyperus rotundus was administered at the dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg/oral after 45 d of treatment and a significant improvement in body weight, organs and lipid profile was observed as compared with MSG induced obese rats. Nowadays obesity is a common metabolic disorder in developed and developing countries. It was observed that Cyperus rotundus tuber possesses anti-obesity potential and protective action on heart and liver.

XANTHINE OXIDASE INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF METHANOL EXTRACT FRACTIONS OF VARIOUS INDONESIAN ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL PLANTS

Objective: Hyperuricemia involves an increase in serum uric acid levels, resulting in kidney damage, increased mortality, and reduced quality of life.Inhibitors of xanthine oxidase, which catalyzes the last step in uric acid synthesis, are targets for therapeutic intervention.Methods: An ethnopharmacological approach, screening four native Indonesian herbal medicinal plants with reported activity against hyperuricemia,was used for preliminary studies, fractionating methanolic extracts by solvent partitioning. Fractions were then tested in vitro for xanthine oxidaseinhibitory activity, and the most active fraction was then subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening.Results: The target tissue of the four herbal medicinal plants investigated was Indian bay leaf (Syzygium polyanthum Wight.), God’s crown fruit(Phaleria macrocarpa Boerl.), snake fruit peel (Salacca edulis Reinw.), and Job’s tears tuber (Cyperus rotundus Linn.). Each sample was extracted bymaceration with 80% methanol. The concentrated extract was then fractionated by the liquid-liquid partition method (1:1 v/v) using n-hexane, ethylacetate, butanol, and methanol sequentially as solvents. The results revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction was the most active fraction. S. polyanthumleaf and C. rotundus tuber showed the greatest potential in inhibiting xanthine oxidase, with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of 18.43 and10.50 μg/ml, respectively. Enzyme kinetics analysis shows that each plant fraction works as a competitive inhibitor of xanthine oxidase.Conclusion: Preliminary screening identified the ethyl acetate fractions of two native Indonesian herbal medicinal plants as showing potential foranti-hyperuricemia activity.

Effect of selected herbal formulations on anthropometry and body composition in overweight and obese individuals: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study

BackgroundObesity is currently one of the biggest health challenges, worldwide. In the absence of safe and effective drug/s for the management of obesity, two polyherbal formulations namely Trimad (comprising of Cyperus rotundus tubers, Embelia ribes fruits and Plumbago zeylanica roots) and Triphala (combination of Terminalia chebula, Termenalia bellerica and Phyllanthus emblica fruits) were evaluated for their effects in overweight and obese individuals. MethodologyWith permission of the Ethics Committee, a double blind, placebo controlled, randomized clinical study was conducted. A total of 120 individuals of either sex, between 18 and 60 years of age, with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 were recruited for the study. Overweight individuals received aqueous extract of either the study drugs or placebo, in the form of tablets weighing 500 mg, at a dose of 2 tablets twice daily while obese individuals received 2 tablets thrice daily. All individuals were followed for 4 months; 3 months with medicines and thereafter 1 month without medicine. Anthropometric measures viz. weight (kg), circumferential measures of waist, hip, neck, mid upper arm, mid thigh (cms) and body composition (fat and muscle mass) were recorded at monthly intervals. ResultsBoth the Trimad and Triphala treated individuals showed significant weight loss as compared to placebo at the end of 3 months. The number of individuals demonstrating ≥ 5% decrease in weight were significantly more in Triphala group as compared to placebo. The formulations also significantly decreased circumferential measures and body fat percentage. Further, the patients reported improvement in allied health ailments such as decrease in fatigue. ConclusionBoth formulations Trimad and Triphala have demonstrated a promising role in reducing weight, circumferential measures and body fat.