A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF CYNODON DACTYLON: BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, AND MEDICINAL SIGNIFICANCE

Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers., commonly known as Durva or Doob grass, is a widely distributed perennial grass belonging to the family Poaceae and holds significant importance in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. This review compiles and analyzes its botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, and pharmacological activities. The plant is rich in bioactive constituents including flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, and essential minerals, which contribute to its diverse therapeutic potential. Extensive ethnomedicinal use includes treatment of bleeding disorders, diabetes, inflammation, infections, and urinary ailments. Scientific studies have validated its pharmacological properties such as antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ulcer, diuretic, analgesic, and hepatoprotective activities. Various experimental models have demonstrated its efficacy in regulating glucose metabolism, improving cardiovascular function, and promoting wound healing. The presence of multiple phytoconstituents supports its broad-spectrum biological activities. This review highlights the correlation between traditional knowledge and modern pharmacological findings, emphasizing the therapeutic importance of Cynodon dactylon as a promising source for drug development and herbal formulation research.