Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Imperata cylindrica: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Background: Imperata cylindrica is a medicinal spice used in traditional medicine to cure several ailments including cancer, wounds, hypertension, and  inflammation. The current study aimed to compile phytochemicals and pharmacological data on Imperata cylindrica.

Methods: A bibliographic study was carried out by analyzing conventional textbooks, authentic published studies, and consulting wide-reaching accepted scientific  databases. In this review, an attempt is being made to establish an up-to-date chemical profile of I. cylindrica and the classification of its compounds in  the main classes of plant secondary metabolites. Moreover, our study highlights the traditional usage of I. cylindrica and the reported investigations regarding the  pharmacological properties of this plant.

Results: The 43 phytochemicals isolated by various investigators mainly from the roots of I. cylindrica could be classified  as bioactive phenolic compounds  (coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, lignan glycosides, nor-lignans, phenolic acids, and aurone), few of them also belong to the  group of terpenoids (sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids), steroids and phytosterols. Based on the examined published data, the roots, and leaves of I.cylindrica are outstanding cytotoxic agents against  several sensitive and resistant primary cancers through apoptosis induce, G1 cell cycle arrest (roots), and G2/M cell cycle arrest (leaves). Moreover, the root  extract prevents metastasis invasion through inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/Snail pathway and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) process via modulation  of certain key genes. I. cylindrica tackles the growth of sensitive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogenic microorganisms from various species and potentiates  the antimicrobial activities of certain families of antibiotics towards MDR bacterial strains. The plant also has significant antihypertensive, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-  parasitic, antioxidant activity, and several other pharmacological properties. Various studies characterized the Imperata cylindrica root extract as non-toxic to humans by oral route.

Conclusion: From the outcome of this review, I. cylindrica is a potent candidate for drug formulation against primary and metastatic cancers, some drug-resistant  microbial infections, and hypertension