GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF DICHANTHIUM ANNULATUM: A REVIEW

Abstract

Dichanthium annulatum herb belongs to Poaceae family; also referred to as marvel grass. It grows to a height of about 25cm. Due to its straightforward and affordable development from seed, it is used as forage. The present review was based on the geographical description and pharmacological properties of dichanthium annulatum. It is indigenous to regions of Africa, the Middle East, and tropical Asia. It has been brought to many different regions of the world for cultivation, and in some, like Australia, it has established itself as a native species. This pasture grass is well-liked in various regions. It can be harvested for hay and silage and used in fields to graze livestock. It can grow in a wide range of soil types, including those with a lot of clay and sand, poor drainage, and a little saline and alkaline soil. It creates turf that can withstand pressure from grazing animals. It can bounce back from fire and drought, but it can't stand frost and shade as well. Although it doesn't need fertiliser, it does benefit from a little more nitrogen. It concluded that D. annulatum is versatile herb having diverse pharmacological activities including antioxidant, antioxidant activity index, DNA damage protection assay, antimicrobial assay, and cytotoxic activity. It also reported for protective effect against DNA damage. These biological properties are reported due to numerous phytochemicals present in the D. annulatum herb.