Cynodon Dactylon: A Comprehensive Review of Its Photochemistry, Therapeutic Potential, and Cultural Significance

Abstract

Durva (Cynodon dactylon), commonly known as Bermuda grass, is a medicinally and culturally significant plant widely described in classical Ayurvedic texts. Possessing cold potency with bitter, astringent, and sweet tastes, it is traditionally used for managing conditions such as Kapha disorders, skin diseases, burning sensations, excessive thirst, and herpes. Phytochemical studies reveal that Durva contains a rich profile of Bioactive compounds including proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, alkaloids, ?-sitosterol, flavonoids, glycosides, carotene, vitamin C, essential oils, palmitic acid, and triticin. These constituents contribute to its diverse pharmacological actions. Durva also holds deep spiritual value in Hindu culture, especially in worship rituals of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing purity, protection, renewal, and prosperity. Beyond its cultural relevance, numerous preclinical studies highlight its therapeutic potential. Experimental research demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, anti-diabetic, haemostatic, and notably gastro protective activities. In ulcer models induced by alcohol, indomethacin, aspirin, ethanol, and pylorus ligation, Cynodon dactylon extracts markedly reduced ulcer index, improved mucosal integrity, and showed protective effects comparable or superior to standard drugs like ranitidine. Overall, this review highlights the traditional relevance, phytochemical richness, and scientifically validated medicinal properties of Durva. Its broad spectrum of biological activities supports its potential as a valuable herbal resource in modern therapeutic applications.

Keywords

Cynodon dactylon, phytochemical constituents, Gastroprotective activity, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Wound healing, Traditional Ayurvedic use

Introduction

Origin and Spread in India:

Historical evidence of Durva appears in Vedic and post-Vedic texts, with mentions dating back to 1500– 1000 BCE. It has been traditionally valued for its purity and resilience. The plant’s capacity to regenerate rapidly after being cut became a metaphor for renewal, immortality, and perseverance. In ancient Indian rituals and ceremonies (yajnas and pujas), Durva symbolized the everlasting nature of life and was used to invoke blessings of longevity, peace, and prosperity [8].

Symbolism and Ritual Importance:

Spiritually, Durva represents purity, resilience, and devotion. Its natural ability to regrow even after being repeatedly trimmed has made it a symbol of strength and eternal life. In rituals, it is considered to invoke Sattva guna — the quality of peace and clarity. Ayurveda also acknowledges its cooling and detoxifying properties. It is used in various remedies for inflammation, bleeding disorders, and purification therapies. The combination of its medicinal and spiritual properties makes Durva unique among sacred plants [9].

Purity and Strength:

For Cynodon dactylon, several qualitative parameters are used to assess its purity profile. The crude drug should contain no more than 2% foreign organic or inorganic material. The total ash content is expected to remain below 9%, indicating minimal contamination with earthy or mineral residues. The proportion of acid- Insoluble ash should not exceed 4.5%, reflecting limited silica or sand presence. Regarding extractive values, the alcohol-soluble extractive must be at least 3%, while the water-soluble extractive should be no less than 9.5%, ensuring adequate levels of active phytoconstituents [5].

Traditional Uses:

1. Durva is traditionally used in India as a rejuvenator and for wound-healing purposes [10].

2. Extracts of Durva have significant antioxidant and free-radical scavenging activities, supporting its use in traditional remedies for oxidative stress and skin ailments [11].

3. The grass is used in folk medicine for respiratory issues such as asthma, and scientific evidence shows a bronchodilatory effect in the tracheal strip test, consistent with that traditional use [12].

4. Durva has traditionally been employed for urinary disorders and kidney-stone conditions; experiments showed its decoction reduces stone formation and enhances antioxidant power in serum [13].

5. The plant features in Indian ritual and cultural contexts (e.g., offered to deities) and is noted in ethnobotanical reviews as a “medicinal herb which has been holding a sacred position in Indian culture” [14].

For Other Activities:

Immunity Booster [15]:

The immune-boosting (immunomodulatory) effect of the protein part of Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) was tested in healthy Swiss albino mice. The protein was given to the mice through an injection into the abdomen (intraperitoneal route). To check its effect on the immune system, scientists tested both humoral (antibody-related) and cellular (cell-based) immune responses using sheep red blood cells (RBCs) and the neutrophil adhesion test. The results showed a clear increase in the neutrophil count, antibody levels (haemagglutinating antibody titre), and delayed-type hypersensitivity response — meaning that the protein fraction helped strengthen the immune system of the mice.

Wound Healing [16]:

The wound-healing effect of the hydro-alcoholic extract of Cynodon dactylon (Bermuda grass) was tested using a skin wound (excision) model. Researchers measured how fast the wound closed (wound contraction) and how long it took for new skin to form (epithelization period). An herbal ointment was made with the extract in two strengths — 7.5% and 10% — and its effect was compared with a standard medicine, Cipladine (povidone-iodine).

Durva Grass in Epilepsy (Cynodon dactylon) [17]:

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. It affects about 1% of the population worldwide. Studies show that Durva grass has the ability to help control epileptic seizures due to its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Research on the aerial parts (leaves and stems) of Durva indicates that it helps reduce seizures by increasing serotonin and GABA levels in the brain — chemicals that calm nerve activity (Pal, 2008). Other studies found that Durva extract protects brain cells from damage caused by toxins and radiation, preventing memory loss and improving brain function in mice (Singh & Pandey, 2017; Poojary, 2019). The flavonoids in Durva grass act as strong antioxidants, helping to reduce brain stress and dysfunction (Kaliyaperumal et al., 2013). Ethanolic extracts of Durva significantly reduced seizure duration and intensity in animal studies, confirming its anticonvulsant activity (Garg & Paliwal, 2011). Further research also showed that Durva has both antiepileptic and antidepressant effects, likely due to its GABA-mimetic and serotonin-regulating actions (Ingale & Gupta, 2015).

Antidiabetic Activity [18]:

Studies show that Cynodon dactylon (Durva grass) has strong blood sugar–lowering (antidiabetic) properties. In diabetic rats, different doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg) of the aqueous extract were tested, and the 500 mg/kg dose was found to be the most effective in reducing blood sugar levels (Singh et al.). Other studies also showed that the ethanolic extract of the roots and stalks had good antidiabetic effects (Avvarai et al.). Treatment with the aqueous and non-polysaccharide fractions of Durva significantly reduced blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, LDL, and increased HDL in diabetic rats (Jerald et al.).

Bronchodilatory Effect [4]:

Studies on Cynodon dactylon (Durva grass) showed that its chloroform extract (CECD) helps relax the airways and reduce bronchospasm (airway tightening). In experiments on guinea pigs and rats, CECD protected against acetylcholine-induced bronchospasm and relaxed airway muscles in a way similar to standard drugs like atropine and verapamil. This effect is due to its antimuscarinic, calcium channel–blocking, and phosphodiesterase (PDE)–inhibiting actions, which help open the airways. The active compound scopoletin was identified as a key component responsible for this bronchodilator effect.

Anti-diarrheal Activity [19]:

Several solvent extracts of Cynodon dactylon, including hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of the whole plant, have been evaluated for their anti-diarrheal potential. The study utilized castor oil–induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal transit using the charcoal meal method, and enter pooling models in albino rats. Among all extracts, the methanolic extract demonstrated the most notable activity, producing a marked reduction in castor oil–induced diarrheal episodes. It also significantly slowed gastrointestinal motility and lowered the intestinal content weight in the enter pooling assay. These findings collectively suggest that C. dactylon possesses promising anti-diarrheal properties.

Anticancer Activity [6]:

The anticancer effect of Cynodon dactylon extract was investigated in Swiss albino mice after inoculation with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. The extract was administered orally at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight for ten consecutive days. The study reported that the extract increased the life span of the mice, as reflected by an improvement in mean survival time (MST) (Krishnamoorthy and Ashwini, 2011). An ethanolic extract of C. dactylon also showed anticancer activity in vitro, where a concentration of 0.625 mg/mL produced 52.6% inhibition against the HT-29 human colon cancer cell line (Kanimozhi and Ratha Bai, 2013). In another study, Saroja and Annapoorani (2012) evaluated the methanolic leaf extract of C. dactylon against ascitic lymphoma (ELA) in Swiss albino mice. Tumor induction was carried out by intraperitoneal injection of EAC cells (1 × 10? cells/mouse). The methanolic extract demonstrated significant antitumor activity and also showed hepatoprotective effects.

Anti-ulcer Activity [20]:

The anti-ulcer potential of Cynodon dactylon has been widely explored through various experimental models. In one study, gastric ulcers were induced in rats using indomethacin to evaluate the plant’s protective effect. Famotidine served as the standard reference drug. The animals received a 50% ethanolic extract of C. dactylon orally at doses of 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg, administered 30 minutes prior to Indomethacin treatment. Both doses produced notable protection, reducing indomethacin-induced ulceration by approximately 54.74%. Further investigations assessed the gastroprotective activity of C. dactylon against gastric mucosal injury triggered by indomethacin and alcohol. The animals were divided into two main groups based on the ulcerogenic agent—indomethacin or alcohol. In each model, the reference, standard, and test groups were Treated respectively with the ulcerogen, ranitidine (25 mg/kg), and juice triturate of C. dactylon (300 mg/kg) before exposure to the ulcerogenic stimuli. Four hours after induction, the rats were sacrificed, and the number, size, and ulcer index of lesions were recorded. The alcohol-induced ulcer group demonstrated the most pronounced protective effect in the C. dactylon- treated animals, showing superior results compared with both the reference and standard groups. In contrast, for indomethacin-induced ulcers, ranitidine pre-treatment yielded better outcomes than the plant extract. A significant reduction in ulcer index was also reported in models where ulcers were induced by aspirin, ethanol, and pylorus ligation. Histopathological examination of gastric tissues further confirmed the gastroprotective role of C. dactylon, demonstrating reduced mucosal damage and improved structural integrity in extract-treated animals.

CONCLUSION:

Durva (Cynodon dactylon) is a highly valuable medicinal plant enriched with significant therapeutic, cultural, and nutritional importance. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe it as a cooling, astringent, and hemostatic herb effective in managing a wide range of conditions such as bleeding disorders, skin diseases, burning sensation, excessive thirst, and inflammatory conditions. Its phytochemical profile—comprising Flavonoids, glycosides, β-sitosterol, alkaloids, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals—supports its diverse medicinal properties. Modern scientific studies further validate the traditional claims, demonstrating strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound-healing, anti-diabetic, and notably gastro protective effects of Durva extracts. Its ability to reduce ulcer index, protect gastric mucosa, and enhance healing in various experimentally induced ulcer models highlights its potential as a natural and safe therapeutic agent. The plant is also easy to cultivate, widely available, and environmentally sustainable, making it accessible for large-scale medicinal use. Overall, the collective evidence confirms that Durva is not only a sacred plant with deep cultural relevance but also a potent medicinal resource with significant pharmacological potential. Further clinical studies and standardization of its extracts may help incorporate this traditionally treasured herb into modern therapeutic formulations, ultimately contributing to safer and more effective herbal healthcare.                                          

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