ABSTRACT

Arundo donax L. belongs to the family Poaceae. It has been found in the Mediterranean, North Africa, India and Pakistan. It grows in hilly locations in India. It grows up to 2100-2440 m in the Himalayas. Commonly, A. donax L. is known as Giant Reed in English and Narakata in Hindi. Traditionally it is used in the treatment of dropsy and cancer. It is the active ingredient of an Ayurveda formulation, “Virataradi Kashaya,” which is used in the treatment of urinary calculi, retention of urine and abdominal pain in homeopathy A. donax L. is used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. A. donax L. contains many beneficial phytoconstituents such as protein, fat, total carbohydrate, fibers, lignin, α-cellulose, hemicelluloses, alkaloids (tryptamine, bufotenidine, gramine and arundamine), etc. A. donax L. has been found to possess many pharmacological properties like antibacterial and antifungal effects, anthelmintic effects, antifeedant activity, antiproliferative effect, effect on milk production and fattening performance, central nervous effect, hypotensive effect, antispasmodic effect, anti-acetylcholine effect, uterine stimulant effect and neuromuscular blocking activity. It is an essential ingredient of herbal expectorants. This review might be a vital tool for researchers who seek to work in this area.