Chinese Herbs– Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi)

Xiang Fu is also known as Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome. The acrid, sweet, slightly bitter and neutral herb has been used in TCM as antibiotic, anti-inflammation, anti-pyretic agent and to lower blood pressure,  inhibit the contraction of uterus, regulates menses, treat ulcers, etc. by enhancing the functions of liver and the triple burner channels.

Ingredients
1. Cyperene
2. β-Scliene
3.  α-Cyperone
4.  β- Cyperene
5.  Patchoulenone
6. Limonene
7. 1,8-Cineol
8. β-Pinene
9. P-Cymene
10. Camphene
11. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Sedative properties
In the study to to determine scientifically the pharmacological properties of Cyperus rotundus, showed that rhizome of C. articulatus has pharmacological properties similar to those of sedatives. The sedative actions probably explain at least part of the therapeutic efficiency claimed for this plant in traditional medicine(1).
2. Analgesic activity
In the study to observe the analgesic effect and analysis the chemical components of essential oil (EOC) from fresh rhizome of Cyperus rotundus, researchers at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, found that the essential oil from fresh rhizome of Cyperus rotundus shows structure diversity and good analgesic effect(2).
3. Anti-allergic activity
Sesquiterpenes isolated from the Cyperus rotundus (CRE) strongly inhibited 5-lipoxygenase-catalyzed leukotrienes production. In addition, they inhibited β-hexosaminidase release by antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, with valencene having the highest inhibitory effect. CRE inhibited leukotrienes production and β-hexosaminidase release at 300 μg/mL. It was also found that the most active sesquiterpene (valencene) and CRE inhibited β-hexosaminidase degranulation by inhibiting the initial activation reaction, Lyn phosphorylation, in IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 cells, according to the study of the Kangwon National University(3).
4. Hepatoprotective activity
In the study to determine the methanol extract of Cyperus tegetum rhizome (MECT)  for its effect on paracetamol-induced liver damage in Wistar rats, found that MECT had remarkable hepatoprotective effect against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats(4).
5. Neuroprotective effects
In the study to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of a water extract of Cyperi rhizoma (CRE) against 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced neuronal damage in an experimental model of PD. In PC12 cells, found that CRE inhibited generation of reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase-3 activity, which were induced by 6-OHDA. CRE also showed a significant protective effect against damage to dopaminergic neurons in primary mesencephalic culture(5).
6. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of blood or Qi deficiency
2. Do not use the herb in case of Yin deficiency
3. Etc.

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11163936
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22233038
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21380805
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22754940
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20521982