The Anti-Obesity Potential of Cyperus rotundus Extract Containing Piceatannol, Scirpusin A and Scirpusin B from Rhizomes: Preclinical and Clinical Evaluations

Abstract

Purpose

Obesity is a complex medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and fatty liver disease. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of Cyperus rotundus rhizome extract (CRE), standardized to contain Piceatannol, Scirpusin A, and Scirpusin B (5% total Stilbenoids) in overweight individuals. The mechanism of activity was evaluated in a diet-induced mice model of obesity and adipocytes in vitro.

Materials and Methods

The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of CRE were evaluated in 30 obese individuals with a BMI of 30 to 40 kg/m² for 90 days in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study. In vitro studies were carried out in differentiated 3T3 L1 adipocytes, and the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in high-fat diet-induced obese mice.

Results

The pilot clinical study showed a reduction in body weight with a significant decrease in waist circumference and BMI. The serum lipid profile showed a significant improvement in CRE-treated individuals. The extract was well tolerated, and no adverse effects were reported at the end of the study. CRE showed a dose-dependent adipogenesis reduction in vitro with an IC₅₀ value of 9.39 μg/mL, while oral administration of CRE reduced weight gain in diet-induced obese mice. The efficacy in mice was associated with reduced levels of leptin, corticosteroids, and serum lipid levels, with no adverse effects.

Conclusion

CRE has anti-adipogenic properties, is safe for human consumption, and effectively manages weight and hypercholesterolemia in overweight individuals.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Cyperus rotundus
• piceatannol
• Scirpusin A
• Scirpusin B
• obesity
• adipogenesis
• lipid levels
• leptin
• randomized clinical trial

Data Sharing Statement

The authors confirm that all the data pertaining to the clinical trial are included in the main manuscript and the supplementary section.

Acknowledgments

The animal study was conducted in collaboration with LIVEON BIOLABS Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, and the clinical study was conducted in Government Ayurvedic Medical College (GAMC), Mysore by Syncretic Clinical Research Services (SMO) and ClinWorld Private Limited (CRO). The authors thank Dr. Rajendra V (Principle investigator, GAMC, Mysore), Dr. Srinivasa M (Investigator for handling adverse events, Srinivasa Health clinic, Mysore), and Mr. Raveendranath Gaddam (Statistician) for their contribution to the clinical study. The authors gratefully acknowledge all the participants, doctors, and clinical trial monitors for their contribution.

Disclosure

All the authors are affiliated with Sami Labs Limited or Sabinsa Corporation. Data described in the current study partly forms the basis for the patent applications. Dr Muhammed Majeed has a patent Composition comprising scirpusin A and scirpusin B and anti-adipogenesis/anti-obesity potential thereof issued to Sami Labs; Dr Kalyanam Nagabhushanam has a patent US9782450 issued to Sami Labs Limited, a patent US10172903 issued to Sami Labs Limited, a patent US9387193 issued to Sami Labs Limited; Dr Beena Bhat has a patent US9387193 issued to Sami Labs; Dr Anjali Pandey reports a patent United States Of America US9387193; Dr Sarang Bani reports a patent United States of America US9387193. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.