Phytomedicinal properties of Cynodon dactylon (L.) pers. (durva) in its traditional preparation and extracts

Abstract

BackgroundPharmacotherapy with Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. (CdL) (Sanskrit name durva) has been described in Ayurvedic text. The traditional preparation of Cynodon dactylon, called swaras (juice), has rarely been evaluated for its phytochemical quality and phytomedicinal activities. PurposeIn this study, we aimed to perform the characterisation of phytochemicals, quantification of chemical markers, and evaluation of in vitro and ex vivo biological activity of CdL juice (durva swaras). MethodsThe cultivated CdL (durva) was authenticated by a botanist, and macro–microscopic examination was performed before bio-deposition. Fresh green juice (S) of CdL was prepared and further lyophilised (JL); additionally, water (W), hydroalcoholic (HA), and alcoholic (A) extracts were prepared. The phytochemical constituents in all extracts were qualitatively analysed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The chemical markers in JL were identified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. To optimise biological activity, the age of the plant was evaluated as a factor influencing the antioxidant activity of S using an in vitro DPPH assay. In addition, an ex vivo proliferation assay of mouse splenocytes was performed after treatment with the extracts, and the effects of the extracts on immunomodulation and inflammatory cytokines were assessed. ResultsThe specific morphological characteristics of CdL, namely narrowly linear leaves with light-green stem, along with its macro–microscopic features were confirmed, and the plant specimen was bio-deposited. The phytoconstituents (range: 62–72 compounds) in all extracts were qualitatively confirmed. The chemical markers p-coumaric acid (0.48%) and trans-ferulic acid (0.35%) in JL were quantified. Plants aged 6 months and above showed the most potent activity. The free radical-scavenging activity of the extracts ranged from 60% to 75%; the IC50 of the extracts (range: approximately 450–650 μg/mL) was higher than that of vitamin C (2.8 μg/mL). The effective concentration for proliferation of splenocytes treated with JL and W (0.45–62.5 μg/mL) varied widely compared with that of splenocytes treated with A and HA (0.45–1.95 μg/mL). Significant reductions in the levels of pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4) cytokines were observed after JL treatment compared with those after concanavalin A treatment. ConclusionsOur findings are of biological significance because we quantitatively confirmed the chemical markers in CdL. Moreover, the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of JL as well as its ability to reduce inflammatory cytokines were determined.