Woolly grass

Woolly Grass (Imperata cylindrica): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity and Botanical Classification

Woolly grass in English is the name of a plant defined with Imperata cylindrica in various botanical sources. Imperata cylindrica (commonly known as cogongrass or kunai grass) is a species of perennial rhizomatous grass native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Africa, and Southern Europe. It has also been introduced to Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Southeastern United States.

I. cylindrica is a member of the Gramineae family. According to "The Plant List," I. cylindrica is the only accepted name for the plant relative to other synonyms including I. cylindrica var. Africana (Andersson) C.E.Hubb., I. cylindrica var. condensata (Steud.) Hack., I. cylindrica var. cylindrica, and I. cylindrica var. europaea (Andersson) Asch. & Graebn., etc. It has the synonym Calamagrostis lagurus (L.) Koeler among others.

Other common names in English include kunai grass, blady grass, satintail, spear grass, sword grass, thatch grass, alang-alang, lalang grass, cotton wool grass, kura-kura, and keri, among other names. In East Asian medical traditions, the dried rhizome carries well-established pharmaceutical names: the dried rhizomes of Imperata cylindrica have been commonly used in China named "Bai mao gen," in Korean named Mo-Geun-Chu-Chul-Mul, and in Japan as a crude drug named "Boukon (Imperata rhizome)."

1.1 Morphology

I. cylindrica is a perennial herb about 25–120 cm tall. Its culms often have 1–4 nodes and its tough and scaly rhizomes spread widely. Imperata cylindrica is perennial, with basal leaves 3–100 cm long, 2–20 mm wide, and stiff with scabrous leaf-blade margins. The flowering head is loosely cylindrical with abundant white silky hairs concealing the flowering parts. It is these dense, wool-like white floral hairs that give the plant its common English name "Woolly Grass."

1.2 Common Preparations and Supplement Forms

Extracts from its rhizome and root are used for urinary complaints and bleeding in traditional settings, while standardized root extracts now appear on skincare labels for long-lasting hydration. The medicinal portion used depends on the context of application:

• Dried rhizome decoction (TCM/East Asian medicine): The usual processing methods of I. cylindrica are decocting with water, and it is also considered for external use. A therapy dosage of 9–30 g of I. cylindrica has been recommended in the 2015 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
• Fresh rhizome juice: Decoct 15–30 g and double the fresh. The fresh is better. The fresh juice could be taken directly.
• Granulated/powdered extract: Rhizome (Bai Mao Gen) is decocted or granulated for internal formulas.
• Cosmetic-grade root extract: Root extract (cosmetic grade) is typically a water-glycerin extract standardized for potassium. Moisturizers and serums typically include 0.5–3% Imperata cylindrica Root Extract.
• Methanol/ethanol root extract: Used in preclinical and pharmacological research studies.

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2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

The rhizome of Imperata has been recorded in multiple versions of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and it is also traditionally and ethnically used as a medicinal herb in Japan and Korea. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the rhizome of Imperata could be used either alone or in combination with other herbal medicines to cure hematuresis, jaundice with damp-heat pathogen, emesis, hemorrhage, and for reducing fever, causing diuresis, and anti-inflammatory effects.

TCM pharmacopoeial literature from multiple dynasties documents successive evolving uses of the plant: Based on "Shen Nong's Herbal Classic (Han Dynasty)," I. cylindrica was used to invigorate the spleen and replenish qi. Complying with "Ming Yi Bie Lu" (Han Dynasty), I. cylindrica was used for irregular menses. According to "Ben Cao Gang Mu" (Ming Dynasty), the main function of I. cylindrica was to promote diuresis to eliminate edema and achieve hemostasis. In "Ben Jing Feng Yuan" (Qing Dynasty), I. cylindrica was described as a treatment for frequent vomiting.

In traditional Chinese medicine precepts, Imperata has a sweet taste, a cold property, and works on the Lung, Stomach, and Urinary Bladder channels. It functions to cool the blood and stop bleeding, and to clear heat from the lung and stomach and promote urination. Among the conditions it treats are vomiting, febrile diseases that cause excessive thirst, edema, dysuria, and bleeding.

A variety of classical formulas containing I. cylindrica are widely used in TCM clinic. For the purpose of compatibility of medicines, I. cylindrica was typically matched with Morus alba L. for treatment of asthma. Moreover, I. cylindrica can be used in combination with Puerariae lobatae Radix to relieve high fever with perspiration. Besides, I. cylindrica and Rhizoma phragmitis can be used to lower the negative Qi to stop vomiting.

2.2 Southeast Asian Traditional Medicine

Imperata cylindrica (L.) Räuschel (family Poaceae) is a perennial grass known in different traditional medicines in Southeast Asia for the treatment of a wide range of infectious diseases, particularly bacterial infections. It is also used as an antifungal remedy in ringworms and other skin infections.

In Southeast Asia and Africa, alang-alang is used in traditional medicine for treating a wide range of ailments. Its rhizome is used for treating blood system disorders, nausea, indigestion, and jaundice. In China the rhizome is used as a diuretic, a restorative tonic, and to stop bleeding; in Southeast Asia it is used for treating diarrhoea and dysentery.

It is ethnically unique to the Mizo tribes, where the leaves are used as the main construction materials for thatched roofs in traditional houses, and the rhizome-roots are used directly as anthelmintic agents. Crushed and juiced, or directly chewed, they are consumed for the treatment of intestinal infection, and are known to be effective for both tapeworm and roundworm species.

2.3 Ayurvedic and South Asian Traditions

In Ayurveda and folk medicine, Woolly Grass has been employed as a diuretic, fever reducer, and tonic for digestive health. In the Ayurvedic tradition, the plant is known as "Darbha." In southern India, rural healers used a poultice of crushed leaves to soothe sunstroke victims during harvest seasons. Sri Lankan traditional medicine prescribed Darbha decoctions for urinary tract disorders as early as the 9th century.

2.4 African Ethnomedicine

In African contexts, Imperata cylindrica is a medicinal spice used in traditional medicine to cure several ailments including cancer, wounds, hypertension, and inflammation. In Eastern Nigeria, aqueous extracts of Imperata cylindrica (commonly known as spear grass in English, or Ata in Igbo languages) have been used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction due to diabetes mellitus by traditional healers. The flowers and roots have been used as antibacterial, diuretic, skin-softening (emollient), antipyretic (febrifuge), salivating (sialagogue), anticoagulant (styptic), and soothing (tonic) agents. The roots are specifically used for the treatment of jaundice, edema, and hematological disorders such as blood urine (hematuria), blood vomit (hematemesis), and nosebleed (epistaxis).

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3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

To date, 72 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from I. cylindrica. Among these compounds, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, and glycosides are the major constituents.

3.1 Triterpenoids

I. cylindrica contains multiple triterpenoids. To date, 16 triterpenoid compounds have been isolated from I. cylindrica. Among them, most compounds are pentacyclic triterpenoid sapogenins. The basic skeleton of the pentacyclic triterpenoid sapogenins can be divided into fernane and arborane.

Arundoin and cylindrin are the first set of compounds isolated from I. cylindrica, which were methyl ethers of fernane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid sapogenins, and friedelin is an arborane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin. Additionally, some other triterpenoids such as 14-epiarbor-7-en-3β-ol, 14-epiarbor-7-en-3β-yl formate, and 14-epiarbor-7-en-3-one can also be found in this category.

3.2 Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a typical category of compounds present in I. cylindrica plants, including mainly chromone and other characteristic flavonoid structures. Some characteristic flavonoids that have been separated and identified from I. cylindrica include tricin, caryatin, jaceidin, 5-methoxyflavone, 5-hydroxyflavone, and flavone.

One identified chromone compound showed significant neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity at 10.0 µM concentration in primary cultures of rat cortical cells.

3.3 Phenolic Compounds

The 43 phytochemicals isolated by various investigators mainly from the roots of I. cylindrica could be classified as bioactive phenolic compounds (coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, lignan glycosides, nor-lignans, phenolic acids, and aurone), with a few belonging to the group of terpenoids (sesquiterpenoids and triterpenoids), steroids and phytosterols.

A 2024 gastroprotective study using UHPLC-MS/MS analysis identified key phenolic constituents: thirty-six main active compounds, including 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and p-hydroxybenzoic acid, were identified and analyzed for their interaction with key protein targets using molecular docking and dynamic simulations.

3.4 Glycosides, Polysaccharides, and Other Constituents

Screening of the ethanol extracts of I. cylindrica showed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, coumarin, and terpenoids. The rhizomes have also been shown to contain arundoin, cylindrin, fernenol, cylindol, cylindrene, graminones, and imperanene.

The hydrating ability of the root extract is due to the chemical composition of the rhizomes, which contain natural osmoprotective compounds such as 3-dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), potassium, starches, and sugars. A specific polysaccharide (ICPC-a) has been isolated and characterized: ICPC-a is a linear glucan, weighing 45 kDa, consisting of α-D-1,3-Glcp and α-D-1,6-Glcp.

3.5 Proposed Mechanisms of Action

Laboratory studies have cataloged triterpenoids (such as arundoin and cylindrin), flavonoids, and polysaccharides with anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and immunomodulatory actions.

• Anti-inflammatory pathway: A compound identified in I. cylindrica, 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol, promotes anti-inflammatory response through suppression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation.
• Gastroprotective pathway: This combined approach highlighted the therapeutic pathways involved, particularly the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. It is suggested that BMG's complex multi-target action can potentially be harnessed to develop effective treatments for gastrointestinal toxicity.
• Osmoprotection (skin hydration): Osmoprotective compounds are thought to be able to increase intracellular osmosis, meaning water is drawn into the skin cells.
• Lipid metabolism: Metabolomics analysis suggested that ICPC-a modulates lipid metabolism by influencing the glycerophospholipid pathway and the enzyme LPCAT3.
• Immunomodulation: Polysaccharides from Imperata display immunostimulatory properties in cell and animal models, including macrophage activation and potential prebiotic effects in digestion-resistant assays.

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4. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

It is important to note at the outset that a few human studies exist, but most evidence remains preclinical or formula-based. The following sections characterize the quality of evidence for each use area.

4.1 Anti-inflammatory Activity

Preclinical evidence (in vitro / animal): Investigations of pharmacological activities of I. cylindrica revealed that this edible medicinal herb exhibits a wide range of therapeutic potential including immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and liver protection activities both in vivo and in vitro.

Evidence strength: Predominantly preclinical. No independently replicated, placebo-controlled human clinical trials specifically isolating the anti-inflammatory effect of woolly grass as a single agent were identified in the peer-reviewed literature surveyed.

4.2 Diuretic Activity

Traditional basis: The rhizomes of I. cylindrica have been used as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, or antipyretic agent in traditional herbal medicine.

Human clinical evidence (negative finding): A placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study assessed diuretic activity in human subjects. The diuretic effect of four traditional Vietnamese herbal remedies from Zea mays, Imperata cylindrica, Plantago major, and Orthosiphon stamineus, all claimed to produce an increase of diuresis, was assessed. No influence was recorded for the 12- and 24-hour urine output or on the sodium excretion for any of the drugs when tested under standardized conditions. The study indicates the need for critical review of the present recommendations regarding therapy with plant materials in countries relying on empiric traditions.

Evidence strength: The single available double-blind, placebo-controlled human clinical study found no measurable diuretic effect. This directly contradicts the traditional claim. Animal models suggest mechanistic plausibility but do not override the negative human finding.

4.3 Gastrointestinal / Gastroprotective Effects

Preclinical/network pharmacology evidence: BaiMaoGen (BMG) is a TCM herb commonly used in health supplements and has been observed to offer protective effects against gastrointestinal disorders; however, the specific bioactive compounds and their molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. A 2024 study in Scientific Reports employed UHPLC-MS/MS and systems network pharmacology to map active compounds to gastroprotective biological targets.

Gastroprotection has systems pharmacology and compound mapping suggesting multi-target defense against gastric irritation and oxidative stress; clinical translation is unproven.

Evidence strength: Preliminary; currently limited to in silico, in vitro, and network pharmacology modelling. No human clinical trials specifically demonstrating gastroprotection from I. cylindrica have been published.

4.4 Lipid Lowering / Cholesterol Effects

Animal evidence: In vivo tests showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of I. cylindrica reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels more effectively than the ethanol extract, but did not affect HDL levels in rats with hypercholesterolemia. A specific dose tested: the fraction of ethyl acetate administered at 15 mg/200 g body weight was capable of lowering total cholesterol levels significantly (P=0.002) and lowered LDL levels (P=0.006) but was unable to increase HDL levels (P=0.190).

In hyperuricemia mouse models, a specific polysaccharide fraction (ICPC-a): significantly improved total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein levels, and hepatic lipid deposition. The liver/body weight ratio decreased, and markers of liver damage, inflammation, and dyslipidemia improved.

Evidence strength: Animal models only; no human clinical trials on lipid-lowering effects of I. cylindrica as a single agent have been identified in peer-reviewed literature.

4.5 Hepatoprotective Effects

Preclinical evidence: A significant hepatoprotective activity was observed upon co-administration of the methanolic extracts of I. cylindrica with CCl₄ (a classic model of chemically induced liver injury in rodents).

Evidence strength: Preclinical (rodent model) only; no human data available.

4.6 Antimicrobial Activity

In vitro evidence: A Cameroonian botanical investigation of Imperata cylindrica found that the methanol extract afforded a total of seven compounds, including five hitherto unreported compounds comprising three flavonoids and two C-15 isoprenoid analogues. The crude methanol extract and isolated compounds showed considerable antibacterial potency against a panel of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial strains.

Imperata also has antibacterial properties; some studies have shown it can combat both Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus dysenteriae.

Evidence strength: In vitro only; no human clinical trials on antimicrobial applications.

4.7 Anticancer / Cytotoxic Activity

In vitro evidence: In vitro investigations have shown the cytotoxic effects of the methanolic root extract of I. cylindrica against a panel of cancer cell lines including leukemia cells (CCRF-CEM and HL-60), breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231-bcrp Clone 23), human wild-type HCT116 colon cancer cells, and pancreatic cancer cells Mia PaCa-2.

The cytotoxicity of ICR was previously reported in a panel of human cancer cell lines, including multi-drug resistant phenotypes; the methanol extract of this plant has been shown to induce apoptosis in leukemia CCRF-CEM cells, mediated by the alteration of mitochondrial membrane potential.

Regarding the aerial parts: Investigation revealed the weak cytotoxic effect of the methanol leaf extract against the human oral squamous carcinoma cell line SCC-9, and the ethyl acetate extract of I. cylindrica leaf showed an antiproliferative activity against colorectal cancer cells HT-29.

Evidence strength: All evidence is in vitro (cell line studies). No animal tumor models or human clinical trials have been reported. In vitro cytotoxicity does not equate to clinical anticancer efficacy.

4.8 Skin Hydration (Topical, Cosmetic Use)

Mechanism: In cosmetics, root extract is prized for water-binding and osmoprotective effects that support longer skin hydration. Due to its extraordinary water-retaining ability, Imperata cylindrica Root Extract is used as the main active ingredient in Sederma's Moist 24™, which provides all-day-long moisturization. Cogon grass extract helps to draw moisture into skin cells, increasing the cytoplasm and allowing hydration to take place throughout the day.

Clinical/efficacy data (cosmetic context): In clinical studies with a preparation containing Imperata cylindrica Root Extract, treated skin showed a 20% increase in hydration after 24 hours compared to a control. Manufacturer efficacy data suggest greater effects at specific formulation concentrations: according to efficacy data from the manufacturer, 2% of ABS Imperata cylindrica Extract is able to increase the level of skin moisturization by almost 45%, which is 88% more effective than the untreated control.

Comparative study: However, an independent comparative study found limitations: in terms of comparative effectiveness, Imperata cylindrica came up somewhat short in a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. The study compared four hydrogels with different moisturizer actives and although all formulas did hydrate the skin, the one with Imperata cylindrica extract performed less well than the same formula with urea or sugar-based hydrating trio called Aquaxyl.

A multi-ingredient clinical study involving I. cylindrica in a moisturizer blend found that: the test product was proven effective for having significantly increased skin hydration (according to corneometry) and was extremely efficient for its action on the signs and symptoms of skin dryness. This study involved one hundred volunteers clinically evaluated through medical examination and subjective self-evaluation, regarding the efficacy and safety of the product.

Evidence strength: Topical hydration is biologically plausible and supported at the finished-product level in in vitro, ex vivo, and observational clinical work when Imperata root extract is one component of a broader hydration technology. The strongest limitation is that most clinical studies use multi-ingredient formulas, making it impossible to isolate the specific contribution of I. cylindrica extract alone.

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5. Body Systems and Health Areas

Investigations of pharmacological activities of I. cylindrica revealed that this edible medicinal herb exhibits a wide range of therapeutic potential including immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and liver protection activities both in vivo and in vitro. The principal body systems with which woolly grass is associated in both traditional and modern research contexts are:

• Urinary / Renal System: TCM use for promoting urination, treating edema and dysuria; preclinical diuretic signals; one clinical study found no significant human diuretic effect.
• Hematological / Hemostatic System: Traditional use for stopping bleeding (hemostasis) in epistaxis, hematuria, hematemesis, as described in multiple ethnobotanical traditions.
• Gastrointestinal System: BaiMaoGen has been observed to offer protective effects against gastrointestinal disorders in preclinical contexts; used historically for nausea, vomiting, and jaundice.
• Hepatic System: Preclinical evidence of hepatoprotective and lipid-modulating effects.
• Cardiovascular / Metabolic System: Animal studies on cholesterol and triglyceride reduction; hypertension research noted in the literature.
• Integumentary System (Skin): Modern cosmetic application for topical moisture retention and osmoprotection.
• Immune System: Immunomodulatory activity including macrophage activation documented in cell models.
• Neurological System: One flavonoid constituent showed neuroprotective activity against glutamate-induced toxicity in cell culture, though no human data exist.

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6. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages

6.1 Internal / Oral Dosage (Traditional Medicine)

A therapy dosage of 9–30 g of I. cylindrica has been recommended in the 2015 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. For fresh rhizome applications, the dosage is 9–30 grams via decoction; or 30–60 grams of fresh product, mashed juice, for external use. TCM references commonly cite a decoction dosage of 15–30 g, with the fresh herb at double this amount.

6.2 Internal / Oral Dosage (Experimental/Research Context)

An experimental oral extract range has been noted in investigational contexts, with typical topical range of 0.5–3% Imperata cylindrica root extract in moisturizers; experimental oral extract ranges of 200–600 mg/day pending further trials.

In animal toxicology research, sub-chronic oral dosing was evaluated: ICR was orally administered daily to male and female rats at different doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg per body weight) for 30 days.

6.3 Topical / Cosmetic Dosage

Moisturizers and serums typically include 0.5–3% Imperata cylindrica Root Extract. The efficacy data cited above for the cosmetic grade Sederma extract was measured at a 2% concentration in the finished formula.

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7. Safety Considerations and Interactions

7.1 Preclinical Safety Profile

The most detailed oral toxicity data comes from animal studies. A 2020 study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies by Nayim et al. conducted both acute and sub-chronic toxicity assessments:

• Acute toxicity: The plant extract was administered orally to female rats at a single dose of 5000 mg/kg for 14 days. From the results of the acute oral toxicity assay, ICR was found to be non-toxic at the dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight.
• Sub-chronic toxicity: During the period of sub-chronic toxicity testing, observation of signs, behavior and health status of the animals showed no abnormality in the groups treated with ICR as compared to the controls. Significant variation of the relative body weights of heart and kidney were observed at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight.
• Biochemical changes at high doses: Significant decreases of aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine levels, low-density lipoprotein concentration, triglyceride, and total cholesterol were observed. In males, a significant decrease in the level of granulocytes with an increase in lymphocytes and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration levels was noted. Histological examinations performed on kidney and liver showed a normal kidney architecture and liver with slight degeneration at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight.

The authors' conclusion was that ICR is safe for acute oral administration; however, for long-term oral administration, safety measures should be taken. Oral sub-chronic exposure of ICR at lower doses is recommended while higher doses around 1000 mg/kg body weight should be discouraged.

7.2 Human Safety Signals and Cautions

No acute and sub-chronic toxicities have been found in rats administered with Imperata cylindrica root extracts. However, the transfer of these findings to humans requires caution, as no comprehensive human safety trials exist.

The following safety cautions have been identified based on the pharmacological properties of the herb:

• Potential interaction with diuretics: Avoidance is recommended if a person has kidney disease, or takes diuretics or anticoagulant therapy without clinical supervision.
• Anticoagulant interaction risk: The traditional hemostatic use of the herb, combined with the presence of identified coumarin-class compounds in its phytochemical profile, suggests a potential interaction with anticoagulant medications, though this has not been formally established in human pharmacokinetic studies.
• Pregnancy: Avoidance is recommended if pregnant or breastfeeding. No human safety data in pregnancy are available.
• Organ weight variation at high doses: The sub-chronic animal study found significant variation in relative heart and kidney weights at 1000 mg/kg, a signal that warrants caution about high-dose prolonged use, though this dose level does not correspond to typical human use.

7.3 Contamination and Quality Control

Because I. cylindrica is widespread in tropical regions and considered a noxious weed in many areas, wild-harvested material carries inherent risks of heavy metal contamination from degraded soils, pesticide exposure from agricultural land, or misidentification. The existing literature indicates that these herbal plants could be taken both internally and externally and is regarded as a safe and effective treatment strategy when properly processed, though adequate quality control remains essential for commercial preparations.

7.4 Limitations of Existing Safety Data

A few human studies exist, but most evidence remains preclinical or formula-based. Most of the associated medicinal uses of Imperata cylindrica roots in traditional medicine are not backed by scientific studies. This means the safety profile in diverse human populations, across prolonged usage durations, and in individuals with comorbid conditions or polypharmacy, remains largely uninvestigated.

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8. Summary of Evidence Quality

The overall evidence base for Imperata cylindrica / Woolly Grass as a dietary supplement or therapeutic agent as of the most recent literature reviewed reflects the following pattern:

• Traditional use: Well-documented across multiple independent medical traditions (TCM, Ayurveda, Southeast Asian, African ethnomedicine), spanning at least two millennia, for urinary, hemostatic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory indications.
• Phytochemistry: Thoroughly characterized; over 72 compounds identified including triterpenoids (arundoin, cylindrin, friedelin), diverse flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, polysaccharides, and osmoprotectants. Mechanisms are plausible but mostly unconfirmed in humans.
• Preclinical pharmacology: Broad range of activities documented in cell lines and animal models (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, lipid-lowering, gastroprotective), providing biological plausibility for multiple traditional claims.
• Human clinical evidence: Very sparse and largely negative or inconclusive for internal medicinal uses. The only identified double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial (on diuretic action) found no significant effect. The clearest human-level data relate to topical skin hydration in multi-ingredient cosmetic formulas, where efficacy signals exist but cannot be attributed to I. cylindrica in isolation.

References

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