Cyperus rotundus L

Musta
Section/Chapter Herb database/Musta
Botanical name(s) Cyperus rotundus L
Family Cyperaceae
Availability Available
Team Dravyaguna
Year of publication 2026
Publisher Charak Samhita Research, Training and Skill Development Centre
DOI Awaited

Cyperus rotundus, commonly known as musta (मुस्ता), mustaka, or nut grass, is a perennial sedge native to Africa, southern and central Europe, and southern Asia. While widely categorized as an invasive agricultural weed, the rhizomes and tubers of C. rotundus have been utilized for centuries in traditional medicine systems, including Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).[1][2]

In traditional medicine, it is primarily indicated for gastrointestinal disorders, fevers, inflammatory conditions, and gynecological irregularities.[1] Modern pharmacological research has investigated these traditional claims, identifying a wide array of bioactive compounds and validating its efficacy in gastrointestinal stability, inflammation management, gastroprotection, and specific dermatological applications.[2][3]

Therapeutic uses

Agnimandya,Ajeerna(indigestion), trushna(thirst), Jwara(fever), sangrahani , shwasa(dyspnea), kasa(cough), mutrakruccha(dysuria), stanyavikara(breast milk disease), sutikaroga, atisara(diarrhea), amavata(rhematoid arthitis), krumiroga(worms).[4]

Synonyms in Charak Samhitas

Musta, Ghana, Mustaka, Gundra, Bhadramusta, Nagaramusta, Krodakaseruka, Vanya, Varidanadakam(musta grows near water resources), Kuruvinda, Nalad

Synonyms in bhavprakasa nighantu- gundra

Varieties

Raja Nighantu

Mentioned 2 types[5]

  1. Musta
  2. Nagaramusta

Ayurvedic pharmacological properties

Properties
Sr.no. Pharmacological criteria Properties
1 Taste (rasa) Pungent (katu), Bitter (tikta),  Astringent (kashaya)
2 Potency (veerya) Cold (sheeta)
3 Post digestion effect (vipaka) Pungent (katu)
4 Qualities (guna) Light (laghu), Rough (ruksha)
5 Actions (karma) Pacify Kapha and Pitta

Reference in Charak Samhita and its actions

Herbs and their activities
Sr.no. Reference in Charak Samhita Activity
1 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 3/5 Siddhatama churna pradeha
2 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(3) Lekhaniya(emaciating) mahakashaya
3 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(11) Truptighna (anti-satiety) mahakashaya
4 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(14) Kandughna(anti-pruritic/itching) mahakashaya
5 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(18) Stanyashodhana (galacto-purifiers) mahakashaya
6 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 4/9(29) Trishna nigrahana (reducing thirst)mahakashaya
7 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/22 Dhuma varti dravya(therapeutic inhalation for prevention of disease)
8 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 5/64 2.Anu taila dravya
9 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 21/22 Management of obesity
10 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 23/10 Santarpanajanya vikara chikitsa(Treatment of Over-nutrition disease)
11 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 23/12 Santarpanajanya vikara chikitsa(Treatment of Over-nutrition disease)
12 Cha.Sa.Sutra Sthana 25/40 Agrya Sangraha(collections of best food articles, factors and drugs in various conditions)
13 Cha.Sa.Vimana Sthana 8/135 Vamana dravyani(medicines used in therapeutic emesis)
14 Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 8/32 Garbha shalya chikitsa
15 Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/16 Preparations of Trivrut
16 Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/46 Vyoshadi Modaka
17 Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/52 preparation of Trivrittadi Modak
18 Cha.SaKalpa Sthana 7/57 Sharadkalina Trivrut Yoga
19 Cha.Sa.Kalpa Sthana 7/61 Sarvaritu Trivrut Yoga
20 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 1/1/58 In formulation of dwitiya Brahma rasayana
21 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/145 When patient is suffering with Pipasa in Jwara as an ingredient of Shadanga paniya, used as shruta sheeta jala
22 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/197,198 Used as kwath(decoction) or sheeta kashaya for  trushna, deepana, doshapachana, jwara,aruchi  and mukhavairasya
23 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/201,202 Used as Satat, anyedyushka and chaturthaka jwara
24 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/205 As an ingredient of Vatsakadi kashaya
25 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/206 As an ingredient of Madhookadi kashaya
26 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/207 Used in Vibaddha Dosha (adhered to dhatus)
27 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/210 As an ingredient of Bruhtyadi kashaya for Sannipata jwara
28 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/219 As an ingredient of Pippalyadi Ghrita
29 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/223 As an ingredient of Vasadi Ghrita for Jeerna jwara
30 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/224 As an ingredient of Baladi Ghrita
31 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/243 Used as Kalka in formulation of Patoladi niruha basti
32 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/246 Used as kalka in formulation of Aargvadhadi niruha basti
33 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/248 Used as Kalka niruha basti
34 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/258 As an ingredient of Chandanadya taila
35 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 3/343 Used in Punaravrtaka jwara as an ingredient of Kirattiktadi kwatha
36 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/31 When patient is suffering with trusha(excessive thirst) as an ingredient of hriberadi paniya
37 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/45 In Yavagu Prayoga (Medicated gruels )
38 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/60 As a vamana(emesis) dravya
39 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/71 As an ingredient of lehya yoga
40 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/74 As an ingredient of kiratatiktadi churna
41 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/78 Raktapitta-shamaka yoga in ugra raktapitta
42 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 4/81 As an ingredient of Priyangvadi peya
43 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 5/119 Ingredient in Trayamanadya Ghrit for Pittaj Gulma(abdominal lumps)
44 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/26 Sarva Prameha nashak yoga
45 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/27 Used for making decoction in Kaphaja prameha(Urinary Diseases including diabetes)
46 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/30 Used for making decoction in Pittaja prameha(Urinary Diseases including diabetes)
47 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/32 Used for making decoction in Pittaja prameha(Urinary Diseases including diabetes)
48 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/3 Trikantakadhya Tail/Ghrit in Vata-kaphaja prameha(Urinary Diseases including diabetes)
49 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 6/40 Ingredient in Phalatrikadi Kvath
50 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/46 As Asthapan Basti dravya(enema)
51 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/65 Ingredient in Mustadi Churna
52 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/77 Ingredient in Kanakabindurishta
53 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/91 Ingredient in Sidhdharthak snana and Lepa

Abhyantar and Bahya-shodhanarth

54 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/102 Bahyaprayogarth tail in Kushtha(skin disease)
55 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/113 Ingredient in Kanakakshiri Tail
56 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/142 Ingredient in Tiktashatpala Ghrit
57 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 7/144 Ingredient in Mahatikta Ghrita
58 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 8/137 As a Kaval dravya for Mukhashodhanarth
59 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/46 Ingredient in Kayasthadi varti
60 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 10/48 Ingredient in Mustadi varti
61 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 11/16 As a diet and drinks in treatment of  Kshatakshina(ematiation)
62 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/23 In treatment of Vataj Shvayathu(oedema)
63 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/41 Ingredient in Krishnadi Churna
64 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/43 Ingredient in Kshara Gudika
65 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/65 For Lepa(external application), Abhyangadi  Bahyaprayogarth
66 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 12/71 As a Lepa(external application) dravya in Kaphaj Shvayathu
67 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 13/159 In formulation of pipplyadi lavana
68 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/98 Kalka of this drug is used for aampachan( with usnodaka)
69 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/99 Churna of this drug with combination of vaca,ativisa, etc. is given in aam and shoola yukta mala
70 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/126 As an ingredient of Chandanadhya ghrita
71 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/129 As an ingredient of Nagaradya churna
72 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/132 This drug is used in treatment of pittaja grahani as an ingredient of Bhunimbadya churna
73 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/138 As an ingredient of Kiratadya churna (Pittaja Grahani chiktsa)
74 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/158 As an ingredient of Mulasava
75 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/188 Used in preparation of Panchama Kshara
76 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/60 As an ingredient of Vishaladi Phanta
77 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/47 As an ingredient of Katukadya Ghrita
78 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/70 As an ingredient of Navayasa Loha
79 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/73 As an ingredient of Mandura Vataka
80 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/94 As an ingredient of Punarnava Mandura
81 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/103 As an ingredient of Mandura Vataka
82 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/119 As an ingredient of Vyoshadi Ghrita
83 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 16/87 As an ingredient of Shilajatu Vataka
84 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 17/123 As an ingredient of shatyadi churna
85 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/51 As an ingredient of dusparshadi leha
86 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/69 As an ingredient of manahshiladi dhuma
87 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/87 As an ingredient of leha in pittaja kasa
88 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/92 As an ingredient of twakadi leha
89 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/112 As an ingredient of katphaladi kwatha
90 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/114 As an ingredient of pathadi kalka
91 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/118 As a yoga dravya.
92 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/118 As a yoga dravya.
93 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/120 As a yoga dravya.
94 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/121 As a yoga dravya.
95 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/163 As an ingredient of kashmaryadi ghrita
96 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/176 As an ingredient of jivantyadi leha
97 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 18/120 As a yoga dravya.
98 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/20 As a pramathya dravya
99 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/22 As a ama pachaka dravya
100 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/50 As a pana dravya
101 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/52 As a yoga dravya in treatment of pittaj atisara
102 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 19/104 As a kwatha dravya
103 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 20/38 As an ingredient of Kaphaja chhardihara yoga
104 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/54 For kashaya pana
105 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/88 For pradeha(external application) prayoga in Kaphaja visarpa
106 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/130 Used in granthi visarpa.(acute spreading erysepalas)
107 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 21/74 As an ingredient of Kaliyadi pralepa
108 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/77 As an ingredient of Mahagandha hasti agada
109 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 23/77 As an ingredient of Mahagandha hasti agada
110 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/145 Used as swarasa where pittaja madatyaya is associated with sarakta kasa, Parshvashoola, Stanashoola, Daaha & Hradayotkleda
111 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/150       Used as sheeta kashaya in Trushna
112 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 24/166 Used for doshapachana in kaphaja madatyaya
113 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/190 As an ingredient of Tejohvadi churna
114 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/198 As an ingredient of Mrudvikadi churna
115 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/201 As an ingredient of Katukadi kashaya
116 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/208 As an ingredient ofKhadiradi gutika
117 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/226 As an ingredient of Kshara taila
118 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/235 Used in Kaphaja netra roga
119 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 26/239 Used in Kaphaja netra roga for Aashchotana karma
120 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/113 As an ingredient of Mustadi upanaha
121 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/151 As an ingredient of Bala taila
122 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 28/161 As an ingredient of Amrutadi taila
123 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/51 Used as Yoosha.
124 Cha.Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 29/136 Used as Upanaha dravya in Vataja vatarakta

Dose

  • 3-6 gm powder
  • 20-30 ml kwatha[6]

Important formulation

As per A.P.I.[7]

  • Mustakarista
  • Mustakadi kwatha
  • Ashokarishta
  • Mustakadi churna
  • Mustakadi lehya
  • Dhanyapanchaka kwatha
  • Piyusavalli rasa
  • Mahalakshadi taila
  • Sadangapaniya

Current availability

Available

Current researches

Phytochemistry

Phytochemical evaluations have isolated more than 550 distinct secondary metabolites from the rhizomes of C. rotundus.[2] The primary bioactive fractions driving its therapeutic efficacy include:

Medical research and efficacy

Gastrointestinal effects

In Ayurvedic pharmacology, C. rotundus is classified as a digestive stimulant (Deepana) and carminative (Pachana). Modern in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the plant exhibits antidiarrheal and antimicrobial properties through non-bactericidal mechanisms.[8] Research demonstrates that a crude decoction of the tubers significantly inhibits the proliferation of the protozoan Giardia lamblia.[8] Furthermore, the extract reduces the adherence and invasive capabilities of pathogenic Escherichia coli and Shigella flexneri to intestinal epithelial cells, while concurrently neutralizing enterotoxin-induced cytotoxicity.[8]

Anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic activity

Preclinical models have validated the traditional use of C. rotundus in treating painful and febrile inflammatory states. In animal models of carrageenan-induced paw edema, ethanolic extracts of the rhizomes demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin.[3] Additionally, alcoholic extracts have shown significant antipyretic action in yeast-induced pyrexia models, achieving body temperature reductions statistically similar to aspirin.[3] These effects are primarily mediated by the essential oil and sesquiterpenoid fractions interacting with nociceptive and inflammatory pathways.[2]

Gastroprotective mechanisms

Unlike synthetic NSAIDs, which frequently compromise gastric mucosal integrity, C. rotundus has demonstrated gastroprotective qualities.[9] In vivo evaluations using 70% methanolic extracts showed a dose-dependent prevention of aspirin-induced gastric ulceration.[9] The mechanism is associated with a significant upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes—specifically superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)—alongside a marked reduction in tissue lipid peroxidation.[9]

Dermatological applications

Clinical trials have explored the anti-androgenic potential of C. rotundus essential oil for topical applications in dermatology.

  • Hair reduction: Due to the anti-androgenic activity of its constituent flavonoids, topical application of the essential oil has been investigated as a method for reducing unwanted body hair.[10] In a randomized controlled trial comparing the oil against Alexandrite laser epilation and placebos, the topical C. rotundus oil achieved hair reduction results statistically equivalent to laser treatment for dark hair, while significantly outperforming laser therapy on white hair without adverse effects.[10]
  • Post-laser recovery: Additional clinical evidence indicates that the topical application of C. rotundus essential oil effectively mitigates post-laser skin irritation and erythema (redness), demonstrating a healing profile comparable to 1% hydrocortisone cream.[11]

Toxicology and safety

Toxicological evaluations indicate that C. rotundus possesses a favorable safety profile when prepared in standard therapeutic dosages.[1] Acute and chronic toxicity studies in animal models have shown no evidence of genotoxicity or significant systemic organ toxicity, corroborating its long history of clinical use in traditional medicine.[1][2]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Peerzada, A. M.; Ali, H. H.; Naeem, M. (2015). "Cyperus rotundus L.: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 174: 540–560. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.012. 
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Xue, B.-X.; He, R.-S.; Lai, J.-X. (2023). "Phytochemistry, data mining, pharmacology, toxicology and the analytical methods of Cyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae): a comprehensive review". Phytochemistry Reviews. 22 (5): 1353–1398. doi:10.1007/s11101-023-09870-3. 
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Kamala, A.; Middha, S. K.; Karigar, C. S. (2018). "Plants in traditional medicine with special reference to Cyperus rotundus L.: a review". 3 Biotech. 8 (5): 257. PMC 5924404Freely accessible. PMID 29740536. doi:10.1007/s13205-018-1328-6. 
  4. Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 5:55
  5. Dr. Indradev Tripathi , Raja Nighantu of pandit Narhari, ed.2006, Chaukhambha Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi, pippalyadi varga 140,143
  6. Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 5:55
  7. Anonymous. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Part I. 1986; Volume 5:55
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Birdi, T. J.; Daswani, P. G.; Brijesh, S.; Tetali, P. (2011). "Studies on the activity of Cyperus rotundus Linn. tubers against infectious diarrhea". Indian Journal of Pharmacology. 43 (3): 340–344. PMC 3113391Freely accessible. PMID 21713042. doi:10.4103/0253-7613.81502. 
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Thomas, D.; Govindhan, S.; Baiju, E. C. C. (2015). "Cyperus rotundus L. prevents non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric mucosal damage by inhibiting oxidative stress". Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology. 26 (5): 485–490. PMID 25803212. doi:10.1515/jbcpp-2014-0093. 
  10. 10.0 10.1 Mohammed, G. F. A. E.-K. (2014). "Topical Cyperus rotundus Oil: A new therapeutic modality with comparable efficacy to Alexandrite laser photo-epilation". Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 34 (2): 298–305. PMID 24488741. doi:10.1177/1090820x13518801. 
  11. Mohammed, G. F. (2021). "The effectiveness of Cyperus rotundus essential oil in reducing the side effects of laser hair removal". Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 21 (4): 1501–1505. PMID 34310860 Check |pmid= value (help). doi:10.1111/jocd.14301. 

External links

IMPPAT database https://cb.imsc.res.in/imppat/phytochemical/Cyperus%20rotundus