Cyperus esculentus
Cyperus esculentus, commonly known as tiger nut, is a perennial sedge prized for its nutrient-dense tubers. Beyond its culinary use in making horchata, this medicinal plant offers significant health benefits. Rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals, it supports digestive health and provides potent anti-inflammatory properties.
- Scientific name: Cyperus esculentus
- Family: Cyperaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Poales, it is further categorized into the family Cyperaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Cypterus and the specific species esculentus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Poales | WCVP |
| Family | Cyperaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cyperus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions within Middle Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Austria. Additionally, its presence extends to the territories of Belgium. The species is also documented throughout Germany and Hungary. Finally, its geographical range includes parts of Poland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
Chemicals
Cyperus esculentus has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include oleic acid, 1,2,3-benzenetriol, 3-deoxy-d-mannoic lactone, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, fat.
- Total chemicals
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oleic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 1,2,3-benzenetriol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-deoxy-d-mannoic lactone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5-hydroxymethylfurfural | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fat | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| linoleic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxalate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| starch | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sugar | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cyperus esculentus has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cyperus esculentus has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anti-cholinesterase, anti-oxidant, infections, oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anti-cholinesterase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anti-oxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |