PRELIMINARY PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF KUSHA (IMPERATA CYLINDRICA BEAUV)

Abstract

Backgroud: Kusha (Imperata cylindrica Beauv.) is distributed throughout the tropical and temperate regions. It is common in India, tropical Africa, southern Europe, Afghanistan, Ceylon, Malaya, Java, China, Japan and Australia. According to Ayurveda its roots are used in conditions such as Mootrakruchchra¸ Ashmari, Raktapitta, Pitaprakopa, etc. Aim: To investigate preliminary pharmacognostical and phytochemical parameters of plant drug. Materials and Method: Identification of the plant was done as per the standard guidelines given in the floras. Preliminary physico-chemical and phytochemical screening was done and after achieving the idea of phyto constituents group, quantitative test of sugar content and volatile oil content and thin layer chromatography studies were carried out for different organic solvent extracts. Results: The presence of air cavities in the root and stolon of Kusha indicates that the plant is mesophytic. Aqueous extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, tannins, carbohydrates and sugars. Conclusion: The findings of the study will be helpful in the identification of Kusha plant.