Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass
Cyperus alternifolius
Cyperus alternifolius, also known as umbrella sedge or water umbrellabell, is a plant traditionally used in traditional medicine practices primarily in India and Sri Lanka. While it has not been extensively documented for specific medicinal uses, studies have highlighted its potential environmental applications. Research indicates that Cyperus alternifolius can accumulate high levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and enhance nitrogen removal under certain conditions in vegetated biofiltration systems treating wastewater, particularly healthcare wastewater. Full-scale constructed wetlands utilizing this plant showed effective antibiotic removal rates exceeding 90%. No significant safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for Cyperus alternifolius to date.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Cyperus alternifolius accumulated the highest total mass of PFAS among evaluated emergent wetland plants.
- Cyperus alternifolius enhanced nitrogen removal under specific conditions in vegetated biofiltration systems treating high-ammonia wastewater.
- Four pilot-scale wetland systems using ignimbrite substrate and Cyperus alternifolius showed high removal rates of nitrate, phosphate, and colour from healthcare wastewater.
- The study found that full-scale constructed wetlands using Cyperus alternifolius achieved antibiotic removal rates exceeding 90% in various systems.
Frequently asked questions
What is Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass?
Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass (Cyperus alternifolius) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Cyperus alternifolius accumulated the highest total mass of PFAS among evaluated emergent wetland plants.
How strong is the evidence for Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass?
The strongest finding for Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass?
Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass is also known as: Souchet.
Is Umbrella sedge, Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella palm, Umbrella plant, Umbrella grass a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Removal of antibiotics in constructed wetlands: a review and bibliometric analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nitrogen removal from high-ammonia wastewater using vegetated biofiltration systems: Insights from 18-month mesocosm study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Water-level variations modulate ether-linked PFAS uptake and partitioning in emergent wetland plants. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Nutrient and colour removal from healthcare wastewater: using gravel/ignimbrite bed constructed wetlands with Cyperus alternifolius. literature abstract metadata