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 Gen info
- Genus was first described by Linnaeus in 1759 under the basionym Lagurus cylindricus. It was renamed by French entomologist and botanist Palisot de Beauvois to its current name Imperata cylindrica.
(61)
- Etymology: The genus Imperata is named after Ferrante Imperato, an Italian renaissance apothecary and botanist. (38) The specific epithet cylindrica, Latin for cylindrical, likely refers to the shape of the flowerhead.
- Imperata cylindrica (cogon grass or kunai grass) is a species of perennial rhizomatous grass native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, Africa, and souther Europe. It is a highly flammable pyrophyte, and can spread rapidly by colonizing disturbed areas and encouraging more frequent wildfires.
(61)
-
Speargrass is one of the most dominant and noxious weeds in agricultural and non-agricultural fields. It is a prolific seed producer, when detached from stalks the seeds
are carried by wind at long distances, and difficult
to eradicate because of persistent rhizomes. It is ranked as the world's seventh worse weed. In Nigeria, it is reported to have the potential to invade 260 million hectares of land.
- Cogon grass is a pyrophyte, highly flammable even when still apparently green. Because of density and high biomass, cogongrass provides a high fuel load, enabling wildfires to burn faster, higher, and hotter. After a fire, the grass will recolonize the area using its rhizome network, which is unaffected by the fire. (61)
- Environmental impact: Cogon grass is considered the worst perennial grass weed of southern and east Asia. Millions of farmland hectares are abandoned each year in West and Central Africa each year. It has been nominated into the "100 World's Worst" invaders by the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Groups and is on the Federal Noxious Weeds List in the USA. (70)
 Botany
Kogon is an annual,
erect, tufted grass, 30 to 80 centimeters high with a prominent underground
stem. Rhizomes are much extended, equally noded and white. Stems
are solid, rather slender; nodes glabrous or bearded. Leaves are flat, linear-lanceolate, 20 to 50 centimeters long, and
5 to 9 millimeters wide, stiff with scabrous margins. Flowers are in panicles, exserted, dense, subcylindric,
white, 10 to 20 centimeters long, 5 to 15 centimeters in diameter, silvery-silky.
Callus hairs copious, about twice as long as the glumes. Spikelets
1- to 2-flowered, 2 to 4 millimeters long, in pairs, its axis continuous.
Stamens 1 or 2, anthers large.
Distribution
- Native to the Philippines.
-
Throughout the Philippines,
in open, rather dry lands, often
forming extensive cogon grasslands called cogonales, ascending to 2,300 meters in altitude.
- Propagated through the stoloniferous rhizome or the downy caryopsis
(fruits) from a mature spike.
- Also found
in tropical Asia and Africa to Australia and Polynesia.
- In many places, a devastating noxious weed; in some places, cultivated as an ornamental plant.
- In Indonesia, considered a troublesome perennial grass.
(37)
 Constituents
- Study isolated a new lignan glycoside, impecyloside, from the rhizome.
- Fractionation of methanolic extract of rhizomes of Imperata cylindrica yielded a new compound, 5-hydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone (1), together with three known compounds, 5-hydroxy-2-[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone (2), flidersiachromone (3), and 5-hydroxy-2-styrylchromone (4). (see study below) (2)
- Study of rhizomes isolated a new lignan, 6-acetyl-1-[4,4'-dihydroxy=3,3'-dimethoxy-B-D-fructofuranosyl]-a-D-glucopyranoside, named impecyloside. (8)
- Rhizomes have yielded arundoin, cylindrin, fernenol, cylindol, cylindrene, graminones and imperanene.
- Methanolic extract of aerial parts yielded tannins and saponins. (see study below) (18)
- Study on silicon concentration yielded 13,705 ± 9,607 mg/kg dry weight. Silicon was found as an important constituent of cell walls of the epidermis of the whole plant. (19)
-
Aerial parts yielded four methoxylated flavonoids 1-4 , β-sitosterol-3-0-β-D-glucopyranosyl-6 '
-tetradecanoate 5 , 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde 6, together with daucosterol, β-sitosterol and α-amyrin 7-9. (see study below) (11)
- Chemical investigation isolated 13 compounds identified as: three phenylpropanoids, 1-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-1,2,3-propanetriol (1), 1-O-p-coumaroylglycerol (2), 4-methoxy-5-methyl coumarin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (3); four organic acids, 4-hydroxybenzene carboxylic acid (4), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (5), vanillic acid (6), 3, 4-dihydroxybutyric acid (7); one phenolic compound, salicin (8); and five triterpenes, namely, arundoin (9), cylindrin (10), fernenol (11), simiarenol (12), glutinone (13).
(23)
- Phytochemical screening of roots yielded alkaloids, carbohydrates including reducing sugars, phytosterols, tannins, saponins, and proteins as major bio-compounds. (39)
- All solvent extracts of whole plant yielded bioactive components such as tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, quinines, glycosides, terpenoids, phenols, coumarin and steroid. (see study below)
(41)
- The 43 phytochemicals isolated from various studies mainly from the roots can be classified as bioactive phenolic compounds (coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, lignan glycosides, nor-lignans, phenolic acids and aurone), a few in the group of terpenoids (sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids), steroids and phytosterols. (see study below) (52)
- Study of ethanol extract of I. cylindrica roots yielded a total polyphenol content of 1.109% gallic acid equivalent, total flavonoid content of 0.1 quercetin equivalent; and Sinensetin and Imperatin in Fractions 1 to 11 in concentrations of 0.0157 and 0.0178 mg/kg extract, respectively. (see study below) (53)
- Phytochemical screening of water and 70% alcohol extract of roots yielded presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and gallic tannins,
with absence of polyterpenoids, cathechin tannins, and quinones; and saponins only in the water extract. The leaf extract showed polyphenols, flavonoids, polyterpenoids, gallic tannins in both water and alcohol extracts, with alkaloids and saponins only in the water extract. (see study below) (56)
Properties
- Cogon grass is a pyrophyte, highly flammable even when still apparently green. Because of density and high biomass, cogongrass provides a high fuel load, enabling wildfires to burn faster, higher, and hotter. After a fire, the grass will recolonize the area using its rhizome network, which is unaffected by the fire.
-
Sweet tasting.
- Considered antifebrile, anthelmintic, antibacterial, diuretic, febrifuge,
restorative, styptic, tonic.
- Grass is known for Fe hyperaccumulation and biomineralization capacities. (19)
- Studies have suggest immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, anti-platelet aggregation, anticoagulant, vasodilative, antibacterial, antihypertensive, larvicidal, antioxidant, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, nephroprotective, diuretic, biosorbent, antithrombotic, antiproliferative, migration inhibitory, antidepressant properties.
Parts
used
- Spikes and roots.
- Collect the underground
portion, remove the roots, and clean.
- Cut into pieces. Fry with a strong fire until the covering turns
yellow, sprinkle with clean water and sun-dry.
- The inflorescence may also be collected and sun-dried for use.
 Uses
Edibility
· Young inflorescences and shoots are edible after cooking.
- Fibrous roots are pleasant to chew; contains starch and sugar. (25)
- Ash of plant used as salt substitute.
(25)
- In Lesotho, rhizomes are eaten raw by herdsmen. In Kenya, Kipsigi children chew them for their sweet flavor. (71)
- The aerial parts and dried rhizomes can be powdered and used as sweetener. (71)
Folkloric
· In traditional medicine, roots have been used for wound healing, sores, cancers, hypertension, fever, hematuria, constipation, back pain, and as aphrodisiac; leaves used for wounds sores, aches, and scabies; flowers for scabies. (52)
-- It was first recorded in the Chinese medical classic "Shen Nong's herbal Classic" (Han Dynasty), used for invigorating the spleen and replenishing qi. Complying with "Ming Yi Bie Lu" (Han Dynasty), it was used for irregular menses. According to "Ben Cao Gang Mu" (Ming Dynastry) it was used as diuretic to eliminate edema, and for hemostasis. A treatment dose of 9-30 g of I. cylindrica was recommended in the 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. (53)
· In many Tagalog provinces, decoction of fresh roots used for dysentery.
· In the Ayta communities in Dinalupihan, Bataan, leaf and root decoction drunk for coughs and colds, fever, hypertension, kidney stones and dizziness. Extract of pounded leaves applied to wounds. (34)
· Decoction of fruiting spikes used as vulnerary; used as sedative when taken internally.
· Decoction used as blood purifier and as diuretic.
· For hemoptysis,
hematuria, and nose bleeding (epistaxis): a decoction of 30 to 60 gms
of the herb.
· For urinary tract infections: drink a decoction of 80 to 120
gms of fresh rhizomes.
· Painful outgrowth at the tongue. Use 30 to 90 gms dried rhizome,
or 60 to 120 gms of fresh rhizome in decoction.
· Has also been used for diabetes, wound healing, arthritis.
· Root used in the treatment of nose bleeds, hematuria, edema.
· Decoction of root as anthelmintic.
· Decoction of fruiting spikes used as vulnerary; taken internally, as sedative.
· Decoction used as blood purifier and diuretic.
- Used for ringworm and other skin infections.
- Roots crushed and juiced or chew directly for intestinal infections, for tapeworm and roundworm species.
(39)
 · In Chinese medicine, it is a constituent of many herbal formulations. Used as a
diuretic and anti-inflammatory. Also, runners used to make restorative, haemostatic and antifebrile medications..
· In Vietnam, fresh roots used as diuretic; leaves used for kidney stones.
· In Uganda, fresh leaves are chewed or decoction drunk three times daily to treat intestinal worms. (30)
· As a traditional Chinese herb, reported to have functions of clearing heat and cooling blood. and a hemostatic effect. (31) In traditional Chinese medicine, rhizomes used for painful urinary dysfunction, heat induced nosebleeds. (45)
· Plant is an ingredient in Ayurvedic formulary. Used in traditional practices for treatment of bacterial infections, helminthes. Used as astringent in conditions like arthritis, diarrhea,cancers, gonorrhea, and for diuresis. (36)
· In Indonesia, crushed roots are applied on wounds and sores. Decoction of roots drunk to treat aches and pains. Decoction of roots with avocado and Orthosiphon aristatus leaves drunk for kidney diseases. Pounded flower applied on scabies. In West Java, decoction of root drunk to treat hypertension. In Central Java decoction of roots with roots of Areca catechu , black sugar cane, and papaya root drunk to treat urinary stones. In Papua, root decoction drunk for fever. (40)
· In tropical Africa, decoction of rhizome used as diuretic, to purify the blood, and treat dysentery, colic, hypertension, and venereal diseases. Macerated rhizomes used to treat cough; pulped-up plant with
Shea butter used as embrocation for coughs. Decoction of leaves drunk to treat furuncles. In Senegal, Fula people drink rhizome decoctions for treatment of schistosomiasis. In Congo, ash from burnt roots used to treat jaundice and digestive problems. In Southern African, infusion of crushed roots used for treatment of hiccups and indigestion. In Madagascar, decoction of dried plants used as mouthwash for treatment of sore throat, neuralgia, and intestinal worms. In Nambia, ground stems used as cosmetics. (71)
Others
• Fiber/Paper: Fiber from leaves used for paper-making.
• Roof thatch: Stems used for making roof thatches in rural Quezon. In some places, grown for this purpose.
• Stuffing: Inflorescences used for stuffing pillows and cushions (25)
• Agroforestry: Planted on sandy soil to prevent erosion. Provides excellent ground cover. (25) Fast growing rhizomes make it suitable for erosion control and stabilizing slopes. (71)
• Crafts: Leaves woven to make mats, bags, and raincoats. Inflorescences used for stuffing pillows and cushions. (25)
• Fodder: Fermented feed given to swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). (59) In Nigeria, tender new growth used as short-term supplement in emergency pasture in Africa.
• Briquettes: Chopped reeds of cogon grass are mixed with starch and pressed into briquettes. Combustion testing showed initial ignition time of 3.23-4.46 min, combustion duration 13.14-17.50 min, and speed of combustion 1.029-1.270 g/minute. (59)
• Mulch: Mulch of whole plant given to field of corn to inhibit weeds growth and enhance crop production. (59) Used for mulching coffee and banana plantations.
Studies
• Antidiabetic / Roots: Study evaluated the antidiabetic effect of aqueous extract of dried roots obtained by infusion in mice. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin. Results showed one week after discontinuation of treatment, blood glucose increased with glibenclamide and remained normal in batches treated with extract. Histological sections showed reconstituting cells. The extract's normalization of blood glucose and lowering of glycated hemoglobin supports its traditional use in the treatment of diabetes. (1)
• Neuroprotective / Rhizomes: Fractionation of methanolic extract of rhizomes of Imperata cylindrica yielded a new compound, 5-hydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone (1), together with three known compounds, 5-hydroxy-2-[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]chromone (2), flidersiachromone (3), and 5-hydroxy-2-styrylchromone (4). Of these compounds compounds 1 and 2 showed significant neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced
neurotoxicity in primary cultures of rat cortical cells. (2)
• Immunomodulating activity:
Isolation and partial characterization of immunostimulating polysaccharides
from Imperata cylindrica. Crude extract and some of the purified polysaccharides enhance the proliferation of murine splenocytes. (3)
• Anti-Platelet Aggregation: Antiplatelet Aggregating Activity
of Extracts of Indonesian Medicinal Plants: All eight
Indonesian medicinal plants, including Imperata cylindrica, studied
showed inhibitory effects on platelet aggregation. (4)
• No Diuretic Effect: (1) Study assessed the diuretic effect of four traditional Vietnamese herbal remedies – Zea mays, Imperata cylindrica, Plantago major and Orthosiphon stamineus. The study failed to show any effect on urine output and sodium excretion and indicates the need for critical reviews on the recommendations of empiric traditional use of plant materials. (2) In a study on treatment of dysuria and diuretic effects of five indigenous Thai medicinal plants, the rhizome of IC apparently inhibited the urination of rats. (see study below: 65)
• Vasodilative Effect: The study yielded two novel lignans, graminones A and B. Graminone B showed inhibitory activity on the contraction of the rabbit aorta. (5)
• Impecyloside: A new lignan, 6-acetyl-1-[4,4'-dihydroxy=3,3'-dimethoxy-B-D-fructofuranosyl]-a-D-glucopyranoside, named impecyloside, was isolated from the rhizomes of IC. (8)
• Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Studies / Roots: Study evaluated a water extract of roots for acute and subchronic toxicities. A single dose of 5,000 mg/kg administered to male and female rats did not produce signs of toxicity. For subchronic toxicity test, no toxicity was observed with doses of 300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kbw administered orally for 90 days. (10)
• Hepatoprotective / Phytochemicals: Study of the methanolic extract of IC yielded four methoxylated flavonoids 1-4 and B-sitosterol-3-O-B-D-glucopyranosyl-6'-tetradecanoate, isolated for the first time from IC, together with four other compounds. Results showed a significant hepatoprotective activity on co-administration of ME of IC with CCl4. (11)
• Paper Product Feasibility Study: Study evaluated the feasibility of cogon grass as substitute for cardboard, food packaging, souvenir making uses. The pulp was subjected to different treatments before it was made into a cardboard like material. Treatment C, with 5% water and 7.5% starch showed to be the best treatment. (14)
• No Uric Acid Lowering Effect: Study evaluating the uric acid (C5H4N4)4) lowering potential of cogon grass showed no hypouricemic effect. (15)
• Antibacterial / Aerial Parts: Study evaluated the antibacterial effect of three extracts of aerial parts against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Results showed the aqueous extract had very potent antibacterial activity compared with the other extracts. Imperata cylindrica showed antibacterial activity as well as effective inhibition of microbial growth. (17)
• Anthelmintic / Aerial Parts: Study evaluated the in vitro anthelmintic activity of methanolic extract of roots of Imperata cylindrica against Indian earthworms Pheretima posthuma. Results showed maximum anthelmintic activity comparable to standard drug albendazole. Extract phytoconstituents—tannins and saponins—might have contributed to the potent anthelmintic activity. (18)
• Vasodilative and Antihypertensive Effects / Leaves: Study evaluated the antihypertensive effect of an ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica leaves using cat and rabbit models. The extract exhibited a significant dose-dependent reduction in amplitude of smooth muscle contraction of rabbit jejunum. The heart pressure of cats was significant reduced, with no effect on heart rate. The ethanolic leaf extract exhibited vasodilative antihypertensive properties similar to the mechanism of adrenaline and suggests a potential use in the management of hypertension. (20)
• Anticoagulant: Study evaluated the hematological effect of Imperata cylindrica (cogon grass) as an anticoagulant. Results showed significant anticoagulant activity possibly through action on the extrinsic cascade of clotting probably by binding with the antithrombin. (21)
• Larvicidal / Culex sp. / Roots: Study evaluated the larvicidal effect of Imperata cylindrica root decoction against Culex sp. larvae. The root decoction exhibited a larvicidal effect against Culex sp. larvae third and fourth instars. However, Abate® gave better result. The weak effect may be due to small amounts of flavonoids in the cogon grass root. Another possibility is that the decoction method produces less than maximum amount of flavonoid. (22)
• Antioxidant / Phytochemical Analysis: Study evaluated the flavonoid and phenol content of Imperata cylindrica by hot water extraction using various solvents i.e., chloroform, methanol, and petroleum ether. Chloroform extract yielded highest flavonoid content (30.88 mg QE/g dw) followed by PE (22.05 mg QE/g dw) and ME (75 mg QE/g dw). Chloroform extract also showed highest total phenolic content (7.54 mg GAE/g dw), while PE and ME showed 5.03 mg and 3.63 mg/GAE/g dw, respectively. Results suggest cogon grass is a good source of antioxidants. (26) Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH and hydrogen peroxide (h2O2) assay. Results showed concentration dependent scavenging activity on DPPH with IC50of 2.14 µg/ml. H2O2 assay showed IC50 of 2.221 µg/ml. (see constituents above) (39)
• YY-312 (Herbal Extract Powder) / Body Fat Reduction in Overweight Adults / Clinical Trial: A 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial evaluated YY-312, a herbal extract powder from Imperata cylindrica, Citrus unshiu, and Evodia officinalis, for safety and efficacy in body fat reduction in overweight adults. Results showed the YY-312 treatment exhibited significantly greater reduction in body fat vs placebo. All safety parameters were within normal limits with no serious adverse events. (27)
• Anti-Cancer / Human Squamous Carcinoma Cell Line / Leaves: A previous study reported that Imperata cylindrica extract inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. This study evaluated the anticancer properties of a leaf extract of I. cylindrica using oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line SCC-9. Treatment significantly reduced the clonogenic potential and inhibited cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle in the G2/M phase. DNA fragmentation showed the cell death was caused by apoptosis. Results suggest potential for the extract as a lead compound for formulation of anticancer agents for treatment of oral cancers. (28)
• Antimicrobial / Leaves and Rhizomes: Study evaluated the antimicrobial properties of various extracts of leaves and rhizomes of Imperata cylindrica against five clinical isolates of four bacteria ands one fungus i.e., E. coli, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and C. albicans. Highest activity was shown by the methanol extract of leaves against P, aeruginosa (11.67 ± 8.14 mm) at 50 mg/ml. (29)
• Herbal Toothpaste in Reducing Gingivitis / Clinical Trial: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel allocation clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of toothpaste containing Rhizoma Chuanxiong (rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong) and Rhizoma Imperata (rhizome of Imperata cylindrica) extracts in reducing gingivitis.
Results showed the toothpaste containing R. chuaniong and R. imperata extracts was well tolerated and significantly reduced gingivitis and bleeding. There was also improvement at molars, and the more serious the baseline, the better the efficacy was. (31)
• Tabanone / New Phytotoxic Constituent / Aerial Parts: Study of total essential oil extract of aerial parts of cogon grass for phytotoxic constituents by bioactivity-guided fractionation yielded megastigmatrienone, 4-(2-butenylidene)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1 one (tabanone), a mixture of four stereoisomers responsible for most of the activity. Tabanone inhibited the growth of frond area of lesser duckweed, root growth of garden onion, and fresh weight gain of garden lettuce with 50% inhibition values of 0.094, 3.6, and 6.5 mM, respectively. (32)
• Glyphosate and Imazapyr / Herbicides for Cogon Grass Control: Cogongrass is one of the most invasive perennial grasses worldwide and has progressively infested managed and natural habitats. Study evaluated the herbicides glyphosate and imazapyr over a 3-year period. Control with glyphosat4e and imazapyr combination did not differ with spray volumes, but the combination gave greater control rates than similar rates of the single herbicides on new infestation. (35)
• Anticancer / Human Breast Cancer Cell Line (MCF-7) / Antioxidant / Whole Plant: Study evaluated various extracts of whole plant for antioxidant and anticancer effect against human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). The methanol extract showed 50% inhibition of free radical scavenging activity. MTT assay showed the methanolic extract inhibited the proliferation MCF-7 cells with IC50 of 83.10 µg/ml and was also shown to promote apoptosis. (41)
• Antihypertensive / Roots: Study evaluated the antihypertensive effect of methanolic extract of roots of alang-alang (Imperata cylindrica) on NaCl-induced hypertension in rats. Reference drugs were amlodipine and captopril. Results showed the reference drugs and root extract showed antihypertensive effects. Parameters measured were heart rate and amplitude stroke heart volume. Dose of 90 mg/kbw gave highest effect. (42)
• Phytoconstituents / Antihepatitis / Rhizomes: Study of rhizomes of I. cylindrica var. major (Jess.) yielded 16 compounds. Five compounds were identified: dimethyl 4,4^-dimethoxy-5,6,5^,6^-dimethylene-dioxybiphenyl-2,2^-dicarboxylate (1), p-coumaric acid (2), arundoin (3), cylindrin (4) and palmitic acid (5). Compound 1 had significant activity of antihepatitis. (43)
• Effect on Ovarian Activity and Estrus Behavior / Gavage / Roots: Study evaluated the effect of short-term gavage of ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica root on ovarian activity and estrus behavior of female mice. Results showed significant reduction of follicle-stimulating hormone serum level and folliculogenesis. (44)
• Antihyperglycemic / Roots: Study evaluated the inhibitory activity of methanolic extract of roots on glucose absorption level in intestine of male Wistar rats. Dose used as 90 mg/kbw, same dose found to have antihypertensive activity. Results showed antihyperglycemic activity with significant (p<0.05) reduction in glucose absorption in intestines of rats. (46)
• Cosmetic / Elasticity Maintaining, Hydrating and Anti-Wrinkle / Invention: Invention concerns a cosmetic formulation containing an imperata plant extract, in particular, Imperata cylindrica, for maintaining skin elasticity, long lasting hydrating effect, to provide an anti-wrinkle effect, countering harmful effects of ageing and pollution, among others. (47)
• Low Serum Cholesterol After Olive Oil Gavage: Study evaluated the effect of Imperata cylindrica extract on cholesterol absorption rate in mice as pretreatment before acutely given olive oil gavage. Results showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in serum cholesterol level, suggesting potential use as antihypercholesterolemic therapy. (48)
• Three-Herbal Decoction / Antihypertensive: In Indonesia, rural communities use decoction extract of Centella asiatica, Justicia gendarussa, and Imperata cylindrica to treat hypertension. This study evaluated the effect of decoction of CA (9mg), JG (9mg) and IC (5.4mg), once daily for 5 weeks. Results showed the extract decoction of CJI lowered systolic blood pressure and protected the heart by oxidative stress diminution on spontaneous systolic rat. Results suggest potential for CJI in the treatment of hypertension. (49)
• Anti-Inflammatory / Anti-Platelet: Study evaluated an ethanol extract of cogon grass in an STZ-induced diabetic mice model for effects on hematologic profile. No anemia was noted but there was suppression of leukocyte and platelet count. Results suggested potential effect as anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet on diabetic mice. (50)
• Phytochemistry and Pharmacology / Review: Review is a compilation of phytochemical and pharmacological data on I. cylindrica, highlighting the traditional uses and reported investigations. Studies have shown to roots and leaves as outstanding cytotoxic agents against sensitive and resistant primary cancers through apoptosis induction, G1 cells cycle arrest (roots), and G2/M cell cycle arrest (leaves). Root extracts prevents metastasis invasion through inhibition of P13K/AKT/Snail pathway and epithelial to mesenchyma transition (EMT) process via modulation of certain key genes. IC has shown antimicrobial activity towards MDR bacterial strains, along with significant antihypertensive, antihyperglycemic, anti-parasitic, antioxidant and other pharmacological properties. Studies have shown the root extract to be non-toxic to humans by oral route. Review suggests IC is a potent candidate for drug formulation against primary and metastatic cancers, drug-resistant microbial infections, and hypertension. (see constituents above) (52)
• Antioxidant / Polyphenols and Flavonoids / Sinesetin and Imperatorin / Roots: Study of ethanol extract of I. cylindrica roots yielded a total polyphenol content of 1.109% gallic acid equivalent, total flavonoid content of 0.1 quercetin equivalent, and antioxidant activity by DPPH assay IC50 of 824.30 µg/ml. Sinensetin and Imperatin were identified in Fractions 1 to 11 with concentrations of 0.0157 and 0.0178 mg/kg extract, respectively. (53)
• Antihyperlipidemic / Review: Review was designed to evaluate existing studies on efficacy of I. cylindrica to lover blood lipid levels. Constituent studies have revealed saponin, glycosides, flavonoids, and phenols. Review of studies demonstrated two active compounds in I. cylindrica: flavonoids and saponins, which were beneficial in reducing blood lipid levels. In vivo studies and clinical trials have suggested decrease in total levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. Further in vivo and randomized control trials were suggested. (54)
• Phytochemicals / Antioxidant / Medicinal Plant Parameters / Leaves: Study reported on the four parameters leaves of I. cylindrica as basis of used as medicinal plant: total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total tannin content, and antioxidant activity. Percentages of TPC, TFC, TTC, and IC50 of DPPH activity were 9% GAE, 2.1% QE, 5.6% TAE, and 100.5 ppm, respectively. Comparatively, root extracts showed 5.8% GAE, 0.64% QE, 3% TAE, and 241 ppm, respectively. Results suggest all the leaf parameters have a positive effect on health and suitable to be promoted as a medicinal plant. (55)
• Toxicity Assessment / Roots and Leaves: Study evaluated water, 70% ethanol, and 30% acetone extracts of leaves and roots, obtained by maceration and reflux methods, and toxicity tested by brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA). Qualitative analysis revealed presence of alkaloids, polyphenolic compounds, saponins, and polyterpenoids. Toxicity endpoint was lethal concentration 50 (LC50). Leaf extracts LC50 was between 489.78 to 1066.6 µg/mL. Root extracts LC50 was between 341-98 to 1530 µg/mL. The compounds justifies its use as a medicinal plant. According to Clarkson classification, the root extracts are moderate toxic (LC50 168.47 µg/mL) and the leaf extracts weakly toxic (LC50 527.25 µg/mL). Extrapolation done in relation to the Gosselin, Smith, and Hodge scale, characterize I. cylindrica root and leaf extracts as non-toxic to humans by oral route. (see constituents above) (56)
• Antibacterial / Antiparasitic / Roots: GC-MS analysis of methanol extract of roots yielded 14 volatile compounds, the most abundant of which were n-hexadecanoic acid and (Z)-18-octadec-9-enolide. Other compounds such as 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 6-methylenebicyclo [3.2.0] hept-3-en-2-one and phenol,2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) are known biologically active compounds. The extract was effective against all bacteria tested that included Gm(-) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumonia, and Gm(+) Bacillus subtilis. It was also effective against two avian intestinal worms: tapeworm Raillietina echinobothrida and roundworm Ascaridia galli. (57)
• Antidiabetic / α-Glucosidase Inhibitory: Study evaluated Imperata cylindrica as an antidiabetic agent. Virtual screening yielded numerous bioactive compounds such as 5-methoxyflavone, 6-hydroxy-5-methoxyflavone, 7-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-methylcoumarin, and Siderin, which have potency as drug-like compound with higher binding affinity to alpha glucosiase as target protein compared with Miglitol as control drug for alpha-glucosidase. Future invivo and invitro studies are suggested to evaluate the compounds for antidiabetic effect against alpha-glucosidase. (58)
• Antidiabetic / Effect on Testosterone Levels / Roots: Study evaluated the effect of aqueous extract of I. cylindrica roots on blood glucose and testosterone levels in diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced by Alloxan. Different doses of I. cylindrica extract caused dose dependent increase in testosterone levels. Sugar levels were significantly reduced. Phytochemical analysis showed presence of carbohydrates and flavonoids. Flavonoids have been found to possess antidiabetic properties via modulatory effects on blood sugar transporter by enhancing insulin secretion, reducing apoptosis and promoting proliferation of pancreatic ß-cells, reducing insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress in muscle. They are also involved in the onset of penile erection and improved sexual performance. (60)
• Antimetastatic in Human Cervical Cancer / Roots: Study evaluated the cytotoxicity of methanol root extract of I. cylindrica on a panel of human cervical cancer cells and its anti-migratory and anti-invasive effects and its mechanism of action against metastatic cell line CaSki. I. cylindrica extract showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo in mice bearing tumors. The extract significantly inhibited cell migration and cell invasion. Genes involved in cancer progression and metastases of cervical cancer, CD24 and TIMP-4, were significantly downregulated and upregulated, respectively. The root extract significantly inhibited P13/AKT/Snail signaling pathway and blocked the EMT of CaSki cells. Study provides the anti-metastatic mechanism of action toward human cervical cancer and suggested potential for development into selective chemotherapy. (62)
• Nephroprotective / Roots: Study evaluated the nephroprotective effects of cogon (I. cylindrica) root aqueous extract in Spraque-Dawley rats with gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Extract doses of 100, 500, and 1000 mg were used. There was significant decrease in serum creatinine. BUN decreased as extract concentration increased. Results suggest nephroprotective effect especially in the early stages of AKI. Effect was attributed to flavonoids and reducing substances, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the root aqueous extract. (63)
• Alternative Low-Cost Cellulose Source / Roots: Study reports on the used of Imperata cylindrica as raw material to produce cellulose. Cellulose was extracted through removal of lignin and hemicellulose. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was synthesized through alkalinization using NaOH and carboxy-
methylation using monochloroacetic acid (MCA). Na-CMC is cellulose-derived material widely used in many industrial applications, such as pharmaceutical excipients, thickener, binder, and emulsifying agent. The optimum condition for Na-CMC synthesis was 15% NaOH and ratio of MCA to cellulose 0.80. Study suggests I. cylindrica is an potential and excellent alternative cellulose in the pharmaceutical industries. (64)
• Diuretic Activity / Leaves: Study evaluated the diuretic activity of Imperata cylindrica leaves on rat, using doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Results showed I. cylindrica increases diuresis, natriuresis, and kaliuresis, but did not affect urine pH. Results suggest a mild diuretic effect, which may be via action at the ascending Loop of Henle or the diluting zone. (65)
• Biosorbent Activity / Oil Spills / Leaves: Study evaluated cogon grass (CG) as a natural sorbent for oil spill clean up. CG is inherently hydrophobic and oleophilic, meaning it absorbs both oil and water. Modification of CG was easy and affordable, with a product of high stability, high crude oil capacity, low water retention and high reusability. CG may be less efficient than other natural sorbents, but owing to its oil/water selectivity properties, it is a cost-effective method with high potential to combat oil spills. (66)
• Androgenic Effect / Leaves: Study evaluated the effect of aqueous, methanol and chloroform root extracts of Imperata cylindrica on serum levels of testosterone in alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. The extracts increase testosterone levels to varying degrees with the methanol extract showing highest activity of 27.42%, from baseline of 3.23 ng/ml to 4.45 ng/ml after 28 days (p 0.l0001). (67)
• Nephroprotective / Azithromycin-Induced Nephropathy / Roots: Study evaluated the protective effects of I. cylindrica root extract on renal function and potential mechanisms against azithromycin-induced nephropathy in rats. Treated rats showed improved renal function markers. Histological analysis indicated less kidney damage, with notable reductions in tubular dilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration. Molecular studies revealed decreased level of TNF-α and IL-6, and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT. Root extract effectively mitigates renal damage induces by azithromycin, primarily through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. (68)
• Hepatic Enzyme Effects / Roots: Study evaluated the effects of aqueous extracts of I. cylindrica roots on hepatic enzyme levels of alloxan-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, AP) were significantly changed (p<0.05) in rats treated with alloxan, while extract treatment significantly changed the parameter levels to normal. Results suggest different doses of root extracts were beneficial in mending alloxan-induced damages to the liver of tested Wistar rats. (69)
• Antibacterial / Roots: Study evaluated the phytochemicals and antibacterial activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of I. cylindrica roots against S. aureus and E. coli using agar well diffusion method. The ethanolic extract showed highest zones of inhibition against the bacterial isolates: 18.3 at 200 mg/mL and16.0 at 200 mg/ml, respectively. MICs were 25% for both E. coli and S. aureus in the EE, and 50% against E. coli and 25% for S. aureus in the aqueous extract. (71)
• Antithrombotic Effect / Roots: Study evaluated the effects of Imperata cylindrica and Moringa oleifera as antithrombotic agents in mice. Effects were examined on pulmonary thrombosis in vivo and bleeding time parameters. Two extracts were given orally for seven days prior to thrombosis induction. Pre-treatment with Imperata cylindrica and M. oleifera prevented paralysis and death by collagen-epinephrine induced pulmonary thrombosis in mice in a dose-dependent manner. Mouse tail bleeding time was significantly prolonged, with I. cylindrica showing more potency. Results suggest both extracts have potential activity as antithrombotic agents in vivo. (72)
• Anticancer / Antiproliferative and Migration Inhibitory of HSC-3 Cell Lines / Leaves: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type of oral cancer, up to 90% of malignancies in the oral cavity. Cogon grass leaf extract can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and migration by withholding the cell cycle in the gap 1/synthesis (G1/S) and gap 2/mitosis (G2/M) phases. The levels of MMP-s and MMP-9 is decreased and cancer does not progress. In vitro study evaluated the effect of Imperata cylindrica leaf extract on proliferation and migration of human oral squamous carcinoma-3 (HSC-3) cell lines. Seven concentrations were used: 640, 320, 160, 80, 40, 20 and 10 ppm. MTT and scratch assay showed a I. cylindrica leaf extract can inhibit proliferation and migrations of HSC-3 cells. (73)
• Biosorbent for Removal of Iron / Powdered Grass: Iron (II) sulfate is a waste byproduct in metal industries, contributing to excess iron in bodies of water. Iron (II) sulfate removal techniques, which include precipitation, filtration, and oxidation, are effective but more complex and expensive. Study evaluated the potential of cogon grass as a low-cost adsorbent for removal of ferrous sulfate. Cogon grass was proven to be an effective adsorbent for removing iron (II)( from synthetic water setting, exhibiting adsorption capacities (200-350 mg/g) and removal efficiencies (60-90%) comparable to other known water contaminant adsorbents. FTIR analysis identified functional groups (hydoxyl and carbonyl) that facilitate binding of ferrous sulfate to cogon grass. These groups, along with congograss's inherent cellulose and lignin content indicate the biomass's utility in adsorbing heavy metals effectively. (74)
• Antidepressant / Roots: Study evaluated the antidepressant effects of I. cylindrica root extract using animal models of Forced Swim Test and Tail Suspension Test on Swiss albino mice. Fluoxetine was used as standard and root extract doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg p.o. The root extract significantly reduced immobility duration in the test groups, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for depressive disorders. (75)
• Antiviral Assessment Against SARS-CoV2: Study evaluated I. cylindrica for phytochemicals that display inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro), a highly conserved protein against coronaviruses. Molecular docking and in silico pharmacokinetic assay of 72 phytocompounds as ligands and Mpro targets identified only eight phytochemicals (bifendate, cylindrene, tabanone, siderin, 5-hydroxy-2-[2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl]-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, maritimin, 5-methoxyflavone, and flavone) that displayed high binding affinities with Mpro. Pharmacokinetic and toxicological assays revealed tabanone was the best and safest for development of an inhibitory agent against coronavirus main protease. Study provides baseline for further invitro and invivo assessment of the phytochemical against Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 variants. (76)
• Cosmetic Use / Anti-Ageing/ Invention: The invention concerns compositions for cosmetic or dermatopharma-ceutical use containing sufficient amount of Imperata plant extract, in particular, I. cylindrica. The compositions are advantageous for maintaining skin elasticity through a high and long-lasting hydrating effect (due to high potassium concentration), to provide an anti-wrinkle effect, countering harmful effects of ageing, pollution, physical and chemical attacks on the skin; hair tonus through high sulphur content (DMSP or sulpholipids) of said extracts. (77)
Availability
Wild-crafted. |
