Xiang Fu (Cyperus rotundus) (Cyperus rotundus)

Xiang Fu (Cyperus rotundus) is not typically consumed as a food source, so a standard macronutrient profile (protein, fat, carbohydrate per serving) is not clinically relevant. Its medicinal value lies in its bioactive compounds. Key constituents include: **Essential Oils (0.5–1.5% of dried rhizome):** α-cyperone (major sesquiterpene, ~15–25% of essential oil), β-selinene (~5–12%), cyperene (~8–15%), rotundone (~2–5%), cyperotundone, patchoulenone, and isocyperol. **Flavonoids:** luteolin, quercetin, and kaempferol glycosides (total flavonoid content approximately 1.5–3.5 mg/g dry weight), contributing to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. **Polyphenols and Tannins:** total phenolic content approximately 15–30 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract; condensed tannins present at ~5–10 mg/g. **Terpenoids:** triterpenoids including oleanolic acid and ursolic acid (trace to ~0.5 mg/g). **Alkaloids:** trace amounts reported but not well-quantified. **Minerals (approximate, per 100 g dried rhizome):** potassium (~800–1200 mg), calcium (~150–300 mg), magnesium (~100–200 mg), iron (~8–15 mg), zinc (~3–6 mg), manganese (~2–5 mg), and phosphorus (~100–250 mg). **Dietary Fiber:** the dried rhizome contains significant crude fiber (~15–25% by weight), though this is not the primary therapeutic component. **Vitamins:** minor amounts of vitamin C (~2–5 mg/100 g dry weight) and B-vitamins (trace). **Starch and Sugars:** rhizome contains ~30–40% starch and small amounts of simple sugars (~3–5%). **Bioavailability Notes:** The sesquiterpene-rich essential oil is moderately lipophilic, and bioavailability is enhanced when administered with warm water or in formulations containing lipid carriers. Flavonoid glycosides have moderate oral bioavailability (~10–30%) due to intestinal hydrolysis and first-pass hepatic metabolism. Decoction (traditional preparation method) effectively extracts polar phenolics and flavonoids but may reduce volatile terpenoid content; alcohol-based tinctures better preserve essential oil constituents. Co-administration with qi-moving herbs (e.g., Chen Pi) in traditional formulas is believed to enhance absorption and systemic distribution.