Cyperus kyllinga Endl. syn. Kyllinga monocephala Rottb. is known as ‘Nirbisi’ in the different medicinal plant-lore of India. Its rhizome and roots are widely used as ethnomedicine among different tribal communities. Some scholars of Indian system of medicine reported that the plant may consider as ‘Nirvisha’ (antidote or anti poison) of old Sanskrit literature. The detailed studies on their macro and micro morphological characters, histo-chemical test, physico-chemical studies and fluorescence analysis are discussed here for the consideration and evaluation of the plant for proper utilization in Ayurveda system of medicine.

Key words Pharmacognosy; Cyperus kyllinga; ‘Nirvisha’; Cyperaceae; folk medicine