Physiochemical and toxicological studies of the medicinal plant Cyperus rotundus L (Cyperaceae)

Summary: The herb Cyperus rotundus L (Cyperaceae) is used by the traditional medicine practitioners of ayurvedic medicine in India for CNS disorders like loss of memory, depression and epilepsy. Though some of these properties have been evaluated, stream lined scientific evaluation is lacking to support the possible association between CNS disorders and C. rotundus. The present study was carried out to identify and characterize the phytochemical constituents and metal contents of the medicinal plant C. rotundus and to determine its toxicity. Qualitative chemical analysis confirmed the presence of phenols, tannins, glycoside and flavonoids. Physiochemical analysis revealed that the herb C. rotundus has low ash value and moderate water and alcohol solubility. Metal analysis revealed the presence of metal contents copper, lead, nickel and cadmium. Characterization of constituents using TLC technique exhibited 6 fractions and HPTLC analysis exhibited 13 peaks. Acute toxicological studies showed no mortality or morbidity up to 2000mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats. Sub chronic toxicity study revealed that, food, water consumption and body weight of animals didn’t vary significantly. But the hematological parameters showed an increase in WBC count and Hemoglobin level. The kidney function and liver function didn’t change even after long term exposure. Industrial relevance: The herb Cyprus rotundus L (Cyperaceae) is used by the traditional medicine practitioners of ayurvedic medicine in India for CNS disorders like loss of memory, depression and epilepsy. The present study scientifically evaluated the physiochemical and toxicological effects of C. rotundus. The results obtained will help in identification and isolation of bioactive constituents for new therapeutic targets Keywords: Cyperus rotundus; HPLC; thin layer chromatography; physicochemical analysis; Sub chronic toxicity study.