Background: Lymphedema is clinically manifested as swelling in the extremities due to abnormal accumulation of protein rich in the extravascular interstitial space resulting in irreversible structural changes to the limb (s). The aim of this explorative work was to evaluate the effect of Cyperus rotundus root (CRR) ethanolic extract in a mouse tail model of secondary lymphedema. Method: Mice were temporally anaesthetised under sterile condition and the skin from the tail was removed from distal part of the trunk after leaving 1cm of distance. The animals were divided into Experimental control (EC) and Cyperus rotundus root (CRR) 80 mg/kg b.w. /day) treated groups. Change in tail volume and circumference were monitored for 20 days. TNFα, SOD and catalase were estimated from blood obtained through retro-orbital at day 0, 5, 10 and 15. Further TS of upper part of the tail skin was stained with H&E stain to document histological changes mRNA level of COX-2 was estimated from the skin. RESULTS:  EC group showed gradual rise in tail oedema post-surgery (PS), elevated inflammation, oxidative stress and histopathological alterations. However in CRR (80 mg/kg b.w./day) treated group shown the reduced tail oedema after post-surgery. TNFα, SOD and catalase levels were significantly less in CRR then EC group supporting anti-inflammatory potential. CRR protected the tail from structural damage. It also down regulated the expression of COX-2 in comparison to EC group. Conclusions: CRR ethanolic extract significantly attenuated secondary lymphedema indicating it potential for therapeutic use.

Effect of ethanolic extract of Cyperus rotundus reduces the surgical induced secondary lymphedema and oxidative stress in adult mice tail