Nutgrass is a perennial herb that is considered to be a noxious weed in many areas. However, Ayurvedic practitioners have valued the root of the nutgrass plant for its medicinal qualities for many years. The nutgrass root has been touted as an aid for lightening the skin, reducing the effects of aging and controlling weight, although the research is limited. Extrapone is a specific formulation of nutgrass that is used to treat skin conditions.
Nutgrass root extract powder has been advertised as a natural skin lightener.Recent research has shown nutgrass root is effective at naturally lightening the color of the skin. This is due to its ability to inhibit the formation of the skin pigment melanin. The clinical trials have shown it inhibits melanin by more than 41 percent. However, no other information regarding clinical trials is available. Ayurvedic practitioners also use regular preparations of nutgrass root extract to treat other skin conditions, including fungus infestation, itching, rashes and herpes.
