Phytochemical analysis and in vitro anthelmintic activity of Imperata cylindrica underground parts

Abstract

Background Imperata cylindrica is considered as an agricultural weed, but it is a valuable plant in the traditional medicines of Southeast Asia. In the Mizo traditional medicine of India and Myanmar, the rhizomes and roots are used as a remedy for bacterial, fungal and intestinal helminth infections. Methods An extract of the whole underground parts was prepared in Soxhlet apparatus using chloroform as a solvent. After concentrating in a vacuum rotary evaporator, the extract was analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Anthelmintic activity was tested in vitro against the tapeworm Raillietina tetragona and the roundworm Ascaridia galli. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the structural changes on the helminths after treatment with the plant extract. Results Twenty-two compounds were identified from the plant extract out of which fatty acids were the predominant compounds. Palmitic acid was the most abundant. Bioactive phytosterols such as campesterol and stigmasterol were also detected. The plant extract was significantly effective on both the helminths and showed dose-dependent anthelmintic activity as that of albendazole. The tapeworm treated with the plant extract showed deformities on the suckers, clumping of the spines, tegumental folds and erosion of microtriches. Extensive damage was also seen on the roundworm including cuticular shrinkage, collapse of the lips, and formation of warty surface throughout the body. Conclusion I. cylindrica extract effectively killed and caused detrimental effects on parasitic tapeworm and roundworm. The study therefore validates the traditional usage among the Mizo people, and guarantees further investigation on the exact compound(s) and mechanism of action.

Attenuation of Seizures, Cognitive Deficits, and Brain Histopathology by Phytochemicals of Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv (Poaceae) in Acute and Chronic Mutant Drosophila melanogaster Epilepsy Models

“… 37 , 93 and these have strong antioxidant properties. 94 , 95 Therefore, the herb can be utilized in the development of therapeutic molecules 47 , 96 - 100 due to the neuroprotective attributes of flavonoids, polyphenols, and chromones that have been demonstrated in brain cells of rodents 37 - 39 via antioxidant and receptor inhibition mechanisms 37 - 39 and these mechanisms are linked to antiseizure, antiepileptogenic, and cognitive deficit alleviation attributes in rodents with neurological disorders. 40 , 41 …”

Anti-helmintic Activity of Myrtus communis L. Fruit Ethanol Extract on Nematodes of Caenorhabditis elegans and The Determination of Possible Active Ingredients

“…Compounds such as beta-seline, palmitic acid, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid, and camphene, which we determined as a result of GC-MS analysis of Myrtus communis L. fruit ethanol extract, were found in many plants have anthelmintic effects [28][29][30][31][32][33][34].…”

A Traditional and Pharmacological Approach of Medicinal Plants in Mizoram, India

“…The methanol extract of Millettia taiwaniana roots are also known to possess significant anthelmintic activity at 20 mg/ml against intestinal tapeworms Taenia tetragona and Raillietina galli [24,25]. Likewise, the chloroform extract of Imperata cylindrica roots have exhibited anthelmintic activity against R. tetragona and A. galli [26]. Ilex khasiana, locally known as KZ thing also showed activities in which the methanol extract of leaves exhibited a concentration dependent increase in anthelmintic activity against R. tetragona [27].…”