Effect of Cyperus rotundus Linn. on Blood Pressure and Metabolic Parameters in Prehypertensive Individuals - A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Exploratory Trial

Background: Prehypertension represents an early and reversible stage of cardiovascular risk characterized by functional vascular alterations. Early intervention during this phase may prevent progression toestablished hypertension. Cyperus rotundus Linn. (Mustaka), described in Ayurveda as Vāta--Pittaśāmaka and metabolically corrective, has demonstrated antioxidant and lipid-modulating properties in experimental studies.[1,2] Objective: To evaluate the effect of Cyperus rotundus on blood pressure and associated metabolic parameters in individuals with prehypertension. Methods: In this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled exploratory clinical trial, 130 prehypertensive participants (SBP 120--139 mmHg and/or DBP 80--89 mmHg) aged 30--70 years were enrolled. Participants were randomized to receive Cyperus rotundus rhizome powder (3 g/day) or placebo for 12 weeks, along with standardized lifestyle advice. The primary outcome was change in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Secondary outcomes included lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, body weight, and BMI. Per-protocol analysis was performed on 116 participants who completed the study. Results: The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in systolic (mean reduction 2.57 mmHg; 95% CI: −3.69 to −1.45; p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (mean reduction 1.25 mmHg; 95% CI: −1.88 to −0.62; p < 0.001) compared to placebo, corresponding to moderate effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.58 and 0.29 respectively).[3,4] Numerical trends toward improvement were observed in lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL) and fasting blood glucose, though these did not reach statistical significance. BMI showed a modest reduction in the intervention group. No serious adverse events or significant changes in safety parameters were reported. Conclusion: Twelve-week administration of Cyperus rotundus resulted in modest but statistically significant improvements in blood pressure and numerical trends toward improvement in lipid parameters, though not statistically significant in prehypertensive individuals. These findings suggest apotential role for this Ayurvedic intervention in early cardiovascular risk modification. Larger, prospectively registered trials are warranted.[5]