Tradition to therapeutics: Sacrificial medicinal grasses Desmostachya bipinnata and Imperata cylindrica of India

Desmostachya bipinnata (L.) Stapf. (Fam. Poaceae) and Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. (Fam. Poaceae) also traditionally known as Kusha and Dharbha respectively are two grasses that form vital ingredient in various Vedic sacrifices (Yagnas) and rituals. They are found along river beds and plains throughout India and are well known for their medicinal properties as supported by traditional Ayurvedic scriptures and are a vital component in traditional medicinal formulations such as Tripanchamool, Kusadya-ghrita and Kusablecha, etc. to treat many disorders such as dysentery, diuresis, jaundice, skin infections etc. The current review enlightens the bioactive molecules such as flavonoids, glycosides etc. isolated from these grasses so far. Emphasis is laid on the various therapeutic applications of extracts or biomolecules characterized from these medicinal grasses. Reports of antimicrobial, diuretic, anti-ulcerogenic and other activities from both of these plants suggest involvement of various bioactive principles. Also, the future perspectives concerned with medicinal properties of these sacred grasses is discussed.