Musta (Cyperus Rotundus)
Nutgrass rhizome, used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine for bloating and diarrhoea. It appears in one small unblinded IBS trial as part of a three-herb mix; alone it has only laboratory and animal data.
Evidence last reviewed: August 2026
What the science says
- One small combination trial in IBS Limited evidence
A randomized study in 40 IBS patients found an 8-week capsule of Mentha longifolia, Cyperus rotundus and Zingiber officinale improved symptoms comparably to mebeverine. There was no placebo arm, the sample was small, and Cyperus was one of three herbs.
- Preclinical gastrointestinal effects Limited evidence
A comprehensive review of Cyperus rotundus documents antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antidiarrhoeal activity across rodent and in-vitro studies, with no confirmatory human data.
Dosage & safety
Studied doseTraditional use is 1–3 g/day of rhizome powder; extracts follow label directions. No clinically established dose.
SafetyHuman safety data are thin. Traditional texts use musta as an emmenagogue, so avoid in pregnancy. Possible additive effects with glucose- and blood-pressure-lowering drugs have not been studied.
Scientific references
Where to buy
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Related in Gut health
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