Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
of 6.6 mg/cm
2
(Bream et al.,
2009), and the above compounds also have
shown antitumor properties. The decoction made from the leaves of this
species cures bronchitis, cholera, and food poisoning. The stem is used as
an antidote and antipyretic agent. The root extracts possess antiasthmatic,
antipyretic, and sedative properties. The plant extract is also used internally
for treating diarrhea, fever, vomiting, coughs, lung abscesses, and urinary
tract infections. On the other hand, the extracts with gypsum are used exter-
nally for halitosis and toothache.
CYPERUS ARTICULATUS
LINNAEUS
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Poales
Family: Cyperaceae
Common name: Jointed latsedge
Distribution: Southern United States, Africa, Central Asia, Australia, South
America, Africa
Habitat: Damp, marshy, and looded areas along rivers and streams
Description: This plant (2 m long) grows from dividing rhizomes (2 × 1.5 cm).
It has tall, green, and ibrous stems. There are small white lowers at the top
of its stem.
Compounds and activities: This species is known to produce various com-
pounds, such as alkaloids (lavonoids), polyphenols, saponins, tannins, and
terpenes. Two sesquiterpenes, viz., corymbolone and mustakone, isolated
from the chloroform extract of the rhizomes exhibited antiplasmodial prop-
erties (IC
50
= 4.53 and 0.64 µm against NF 54 and IC
50
= 8.14 and 1.15 µm
against EN 36, respectively) (Bero et al., 2009). The cyperotundone and
α-cyperone isolated from this species are known to be potential pain reliev-
ers, like aspirin and ibuprofen, besides possessing antimalarial properties.
While the methanolic extract of this species possesses anticonvulsant prop-
erties, the decoction of its rhizomes has sedative activities. Traditionally,
the extract of this species is used as a cough remedy, in addition to lavoring
food and manufacturing cosmetics.
