Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch.: a narrative review of phytochemistry, pharmacology, ethnopharmacology, botany, and comprehensive utilization

Abstract

Imperata cylindrica is a perennial botanical drug with both ecological impacts and diverse utilization values. As a traditional Chinese medicine, its rhizome is widely applied in traditional medical systems of various countries, which can cool blood to arrest bleeding and clear away heat to induce diuresis. Modern research has isolated and characterized 141 chemical metabolites from Imperata cylindrica, mainly including flavonoids and triterpenoids. These metabolites have been associated with multiple bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, and many proprietary Chinese medicines containing its rhizome have been applied in clinical practice. Imperata cylindrica also shows good application prospects in food processing, agriculture and animal husbandry, and ecological restoration. However, current research is limited by insufficient characterization of active metabolites, inadequate studies on isolated metabolites, and a predominance of in vitro and preclinical evidence. In the future, efforts should focus on the in-depth development and pharmacological verification of active metabolites, improving the cell-animal experimental system, promoting industrial application in multiple fields, and counteracting its invasion status through resource utilization to achieve a win-win situation of ecology and economy.