Analysis of Chemical Constituents and Antiparasitic Activities of the Extracts of Imperata cylindrica

Abstract

With little known pharmacological potentials, Imperata cylindrica is infamous as an invasive grass. But to the Mizo people, the rhizome-root part is a convenient and potent remedy for intestinal helminthiasis. It is an acclaimed effective deworming agent against both tapeworm and roundworm infections, which makes it more interesting for the fact that antiparasitic drugs are usually active against a particular group of helminthic worms. GC-MS analysis of the chloroform extract indicated the presence of 13 volatile compounds, among which trans-13-Octadecenoic acid was by far, at relative abundance of 98.4%, the most abundant. There were 17 compounds in the petroleum ether extract with n-hexadecanoic acid at relative abundance of 99.7% is the major compound. Biologically active compounds such as 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, 6-methylenebicyclo [3.2.0] hept-3-en-2-one, campesterol, and stigmasterol were detected. An in vitro test showed that both the extracts were effective against the tapeworm Raillietina echinobothrida but only the chloroform at the highest concentration (20 mg/ml) was effective on the roundworm Ascaridia galli. These data imply that the plant extracts are a potential source of antiparasitic compounds.