A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Cyperus scariosus

Abstract

Cyperus scariosus R. Br. (Family Cyperaceae), is an important medicinal plant in Indian System of Medicine found wildly in different parts of the country. It is pestiferous perennial, delicate slender sedge wildly used for extraction of essential oil. Phytochemical studies have shown that the essential oil consists of polyphenol, flavonol, glycoside, alkaloid, saponins, sesquiterpenoids as major chemical components of this herb. The essential oil of rhizomes of C. scariosus have pleasant aromatic odour and possess various biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antioxidants, growth regulating properties, analgesis, antidiabetic, hypotensive and splasmolytic. The phytochemical and pharmacological activities of C. scariosus have supported its traditional as well as prospective uses as a valuable ayurvedic plant. This review covers the phytochemistry and pharmacological activites of the plant and its essential oil.