An Integrated Study of Durva (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.): Ayurveda, Astrology, and Pharmacological Dimensions

Durva (Cynodon dactylon(L.)Pers.) is a perennial creeping grass that grows throughout the country. It can be found abundantly in wet, marshy areas, fields, or irrigated lands, mostly during the rainy season. It has fibrous cylindrical roots with minute hair-like roots arising from the main root, slender smooth prostrate, leafy, yellowish green colour stem, with lanceolate, acute glaucous green leaves.^[1]

Durva is widely used in Ayurveda as well as in contemporary science. Numerous research studies in medical science have demonstrated the therapeutic utility of durva. Whether it is churna, swarasa,  taila, lepa, etc., either for internal or external application, durva can be used by formulating in various forms, proving to be as ‘bahukalpam’.

It is rich in flavonoids, glycosides & alkaloids that are responsible for its antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, diuretic, cardiovascular, antiarrhythmic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial activity &  for daha pitta shaman, kaphanashana, bastishotha, mutrakricchra, shotha, raktavikar, visarpa, vatarakta, kustha,  tvakavikara, unmada, garbhapat, netrabhishyanda, jwara etc., it is also indicated for grahabadha and bhutabadha as per Raj Nighantu.^[3]

Durva has the prime place in Hindu rituals. It is one of the favourite things of Shri Ganesha, without them puja is said to be incomplete. Similarly, durva leaves are used in grahana kala; they are kept in water or food preparations until grahana kala is over. Similarly, it is considered representative of ‘Rahu’ in the Navagrahavatika. ^[4]Though these understandings seem to be myths, they hold a scientific rationale behind them.

METHODOLOGY

This study was designed as an integrated interdisciplinary review combining Ayurveda literature; Bhavprakash Nighantu, Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga hridaya. Astrological texts Mantreshwara’s Phaladeepika, Varahamihira’s Brihat Samhita, and modern pharmacological research on Cynodon dactylon (L)Pers.. the methodology adopted a literary review of classical texts, database- based pharmacological literature search, and correlational analysis between traditional knowledge systems and contemporary scientific findings. The aim was to catalogue existing knowledge and identify meaningful convergences and divergences between these three distinct knowledge systems, thereby generating an integrated understanding of Durva’s therapeutic significance.

Astrological Significance Of Durva

Surya, Chandra, Budha, Guru, Bruhaspati, Mangala, Shukra, Rahu, and Ketu are the navagrahas described in classics. In Navagrahavatika, one plant is described as a representative plant for each planet. These plants are planted in a particular direction to get the beneficial effects from these planets. Astrologers often advise individuals to spend time in the close vicinity of the plant corresponding to their planet.^[4] Though Rahu and Ketu are not the actual physical planets, they are considered as shadow planets that are responsible for solar and lunar eclipses. They represent the north node & south node of the moon.^[5] In the Navagrahavatika, Durva is the representative of Rahu^[4]

Durva is governed by the Karka rashi. Roopa of Venus is described as that of green leaves of Durva.^[6]

Rahu is said to be responsible for causing heart palpitations, skin diseases, mental derangement, poisoning, pain in legs, trouble from serpents & pichaccha and ills to wife & children.^[7]

All Navagraha control specific parts of the body. Rahu, along with Ketu, governs the ‘Sparsha’ whose adhisthan is tvaka. They also tend to cause pain to the body and soul. They govern the excretory organs^[8]

Rahu Swaroopa is described to have a dark complexion, tall stature, suffering from pama, hikka & other skin diseases, claims of falsehood often have their own beliefs that defy established principles, is cunning, condemns and criticises people, & lacks intelligence.^[9]

Durva In Ayurveda

Durva is laghu, Snigdha, Madhur, Kashaya, tikta, Madhura vipaka, shita virya and kaphapittashamak. Externally it is used for kshata, vrana due its Stambhana, Ropana, Dahaprashamana and varnya gunas. Its swarasa or lepa is used for the external application. It is also useful in netrabhishyanda, daha, Pittaja shiroroga, shitapitta, infected wound, tvakaroga.^[3]

Internally it is consumed due to its Medhya property in treatment of unmada, apasmara, due to its Stambhana nature it is beneficial in atisara, chardi, pravahika, raktapitta, raktapradara. It is used for treating upadamsha, garbhastrava, garbhapata, and yonivikara, as it helps in stopping the bleeding, gives strength to the uterus and nurtures it. Acts as antagonist in vishaprayoga therefore useful in vishachikitsa.^[10]

Phytoconstituents & Their Activity

Whole plant of durva is reported to have the presence of Syringic acid, Isoorientin, Arundoin, Luteolin, Apigenin, Orientin, Ascorbic acid, beta-Ionone, Furfuryl alcohol, Furfural, Vanillic acid, Docosanoic acid, Palmitic acid, Phenylacetaldehyde, Isovitexin, Tritriacontane, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, Triglochinin, Friedelin, beta-Carotene, Ergometrine, Ergometrinine, Ferulic acid, 4-Hydroxycinnamic acid, Vitexin, beta-Sitosterol, 6,10,14-Trimethylpentadecan-2-one, Stigmasterol acetate, Phytol, beta-Sitosterol-d-glucoside,Tricin, 2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)propanoic acid^[11]

Luteolin, apigenin, and tricin are potent anti- inflammatory agents, inhibit cancer cell proliferation & reduce oxidative stress. Orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, and isovitexin are known for cardioprotective, neuroprotective & anti- analgesic properties. Syringic, vanillic, ferulic, & 4 Hydroxybenzoic Acids are the phenolic acids that act as strong antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, & help in managing blood glucose levels. β- sitosterol & Stigmasterol acetate are well known for lowering ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol & providing anti- inflammatory support for prostate health. Friedelin is a triterpenoid often cited for its antipyretic and gastroprotective properties. Phytol is a precursor to vitamins E & K and exhibits significant antimicrobial & sedative effects. Β- carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid crucial for vision, immune function, & skin integrity. palmitic & docosanic Acids are the saturated fatty acids that provide emollient properties & serve as metabolic energy sources. 6,10,14- trimethylpentadecan-2-one is known for its antimicrobial & phermonal activities.

Ferulic acid, luteolin, and apigenin provide a triple action approach to blood sugar management. They inhibit alpha- glucosidase and alpha-amylase, slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates after a meal. Ferulic acid improves glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. These antioxidants protect beta cells from oxidative damage, preserving the body's natural insulin production.

Beta sitosterol & stigmasterol are structurally similar to cholesterol. In the human gut, they compete for absorption, effectively lowering LDL. Orientin & vitexin are potent cardioprotectants. They help relax blood vessels, which can lead to a reduction in blood pressure and improve circulation. Flavonoids and certain alkanes like tritriacontane increase urine volume, helping to flush out toxins. Syringic and vanillic acids help reduce the concentration of calcium oxalate in urine.

Apigenin is known to bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, providing a mild sedative and anti-anxiety effect. Isoorientin and vitexin cross the blood-brain barrier to reduce neuroinflammation, leading to slowing down the progression of neurogenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Palmitic acid and ascorbic acid accelerate collagen synthesis, leading to faster tissue repair and wound closure.^[12]

An LC-MS study was conducted wherein Harmine, a powerful alkaloid, was discovered for the first time which is known for neuroprotection and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.^[25]

THERAPEUTIC UTILITY

Analgesic and antipyretic activity ^[13]

Study establishes the anti-pyretic and analgesic activity of aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon in healthy albino Wistar rats of both sexes. It was found that the aqueous extract at the dose of 600mg/kg showed a significant decrease in rectal temperature

Antidiabetic & hypolipidemic activity^[14]

This study identifies the aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon as a potent treatment for diabetes. At an optimal dose of 500mg/kg, the extract performed similarly to the standard drug tolbutamide, reducing blood glucose by 31% in normal rats and 59% in severely diabetic rats after two weeks. Beyond managing sugar levels, it significantly improved lipid profiles by lowering LDL(77%) & triglycerides (29%) while increasing HDLcholesterol(18%), suggesting strong potential for both glycemic control & cardiovascular protection.

Cardioprotective activity^[15]

The study investigated cardioprotective effects of Cynodon dactylon rhizome extract on arrhythmias in isolated rat hearts. Researchers found that lower concentrations (25- 50μg/ml) significantly reduced the frequency and durations of ventricular tachycardia (VT) & ventricular ectopic beats (VEBs) during both ischemia & reperfusion. Notably, the extract also demonstrated a concentration- dependent positive inotropic effect, suggesting that it protects the heart by increasing myocardial contractility and improving haemodynamic stability.

Wound healing and antioxidant activity^[16]

Researchers tested 15% aqueous extract ointment on both Wistar rats & human clinical cases of chronic wounds, comparing against a placebo & the standard antibiotic framycetin. Results showed significant improvements (?< 0.05) in wound contraction, tensile strength, & hydroxyproline levels. Plants' high content of phenolic acids & flavonoids provides anti-oxidative activity necessary to stimulate collengesis, necessary for treatment of chronic wounds.

Antimicrobial activity^[17]

Study demonstrates significant antimicrobial potential of propanol extract of Cynodon dactylon against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Using the well diffusion assay, it was found that the extract effectively inhibited Gram-positive pathogens, with maximum activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus.

Methanolic extract possesses potent antioxidant &broad spectrum antimicrobial properties. Palmitic acid, hydroquinone, & sitosterol as primary constituents contribute to a free radical scavenging activity that rivals BHT. The extract showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, Bacillus cereus & Escherichia coli & exhibited antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger at higher concentrations. ^[18]

Ethanol and aqueous extract were tested against 100 clinical strains. Ethanol extract exhibited persistent inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, & proteus vulgaris. Both extracts suppressed the growth of the fungus Candida albicans. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of palmitic acid, triterpenoids, ergnovine, ergnovinine, and beta-carotene^[19]

Diuretic activity^[20]

Oral administration of Aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon root stalk at a dose of 100 mg, 250mg, 500mg, 750 mg/kg body weight showed diuretic activity in male Wistar albino rats.

Activity on kidney stones^[21]

The study evaluated the protective effects of Cynodon dactylon decoction against kidney stone formation in rats. Results demonstrated that a minimum dose of 200mg/kg significantly reduced the incidence of calcium oxalate stones and improved the body's antioxidant status by increasing serum thiol content and total antioxidant power. While lower doses and the stone-inducing agent (ethylene glycol) were associated with increased urine volume and weight loss, the 200mg/kg treatment helped preserve kidney health and mitigate oxidative stress.

PCOS Management^[22]

Study concluded that 500mg/kg of cynodon dactylon hydroalcoholic extract effectively reverses letrozole induced PCOS in female Sprague Dawley rats when compared against Metformin 150mg/kg with treatment of 28 days, normalized LH/FSH ratio, decreased testosterone and estrogen, increased progesterone levels, reduced number of cystic follicles, while increasing corpus luteum and secondary follicles, proving that extract can restore ovulation and repair uterine defects. Further molecular docking was conducted to simulate how specific compounds bind to PCOS-related receptors.

Modification of cotton gauze using Cynodon dactylon extract^[23]

Study demonstrated that cotton gauze treated with the Cynodon dactylon aqueous extract via the exhaust method creates a potent antimicrobial barrier suitable for medical textiles. The treated fabric achieved a remarkable 99.99% reduction in Staphylococcus aureus and 22% in Escherichia coli, significantly outperforming many commercial antibacterial treatments, while maintaining a safe, non-irritating profile for skin contact when tested on albino rabbits. FTIR and SEM analysis confirmed that the plant’s phytochemicals successfully bonded to the fibres, increasing weave density and durability without sacrificing breathability. Furthermore, EDX analysis identified key trace elements like manganese and magnesium, which contribute to the fabric’s long-term antimicrobial stability even after repeated laundering.

Anticancer activity^[24]

The study evaluated the anticancer potential of phytoconstituents from Cynodon dactylon using in silico molecular docking against the cancer-related protein target 6JXT lung cancer receptors. Nine compounds, mainly flavonoids such as orientin, vitexin, luteolin, apigenin, ferulic acid, p-Coumaric acid, Hydroquinone, Levoepicatechin, were analysed using tools like PyRx and AutoDock Vina to determine their binding affinity. The results showed that orientin & vitexin(9.2kcal/mol) exhibited the strongest binding interactions, followed by β-sitosterol & luteolin, indicating higher stability with the target protein, while phenolic acids showed weaker activity. Overall, the study suggests that flavonoids from Cynodon dactylon possess significant potential as anticancer agents.

DISCUSSION

The integrated study of Durva (Cynodon dactylon (l.)Pers.) reveals a remarkable convergence of ayurveda, astrological, and pharmacological knowledge systems that, when examined together, present a coherent and scientifically grounded picture of this perennial grass.

Astrological Correlations and their Scientific Rationale

In the Navgrahavatika, Durva is designated as the representative plant of Rahu, the shadow planet formed by the north node of the moon, responsible along with Ketu for causing solar and lunar eclipses.^[5] while Rahu and Ketu are not physical planets, their influence in classical Jyotisha is considered profound and far reaching, particularly in relation to human health and wellbeing.^[5] Rahu is specifically attributed with causing heart palpitations, skin diseases, mental derangement, poisoning, pain in legs, trouble from serpents, and distress to family members.^[7] Along with Ketu. Rahu governs Sparsha whose adhisthana is twaka (skin), and is known to cause pain to both body and soul while governing the excretory organs.^[8] The Rahu Swaroopa is described as one with dark complexion, tall stature, suffering from pama(scabies/itch) and hikka(hiccough), and afflicted with skin diseases.^[9]

When this astrological characterisation is placed alongside the pharmacological profile of Durva, the correspondence emerges as systemic and scientifically meaningful rather than coincidental. Phytochemical studies confirm that Durva is rich in flavonoids such as luteolin, apigenin, orientin, vitexin, and isoorientin; compounds with well documented anti inflammatory, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antimicrobial properties that directly address each of the ailments attributed to malefic Rahu.^[11] Skin diseases governed by Rahu find their remedy in Durva’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant constituents.^[12] Mental derangement finds its pharmacological counterpart in apigenin’s ability to bind to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, producing mild sedative and anxiolytic effects, while isoorientin and vitexin cross the blood brain barrier to reduce neuroinflammation and slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.^[12] This neuroprotective dimension of Durva has been further strengthened by recent LC-MS study which identified harmine; a powerful β carboline alkaloid known for neuroprotection and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders, which further provide basis for Durva’s indication as Medhya  and  unmadahara.^[25] Heart palpitations attributed to Rahu correspond directly to the cardioprotective activity of orientin and vitexin, which relax blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and improve haemodynamic stability, as demonstrated in isolated rat heart models.^[15] The excretory organ disturbances governed by Rahu align with Durva’s established diuretic activity and its protective effects against calcium oxalate kidney stone formation.^[20,21] Pain attributed to Rahu is addressed by the analgesic and antipyretic activity of aqueous extract at 600 mg/kg.^[13]

The association of Durva with Venus through its roopa, described as that of green leaves of Durva,and its governance by Karka rashi, may further reflect an ancient intuitive classification of plants according to their humoral and systemic effects, particularly their cooling, nurturing, and reproductive system supporting properties, which align with both Venus’s domain in classical astrology and Durva’s uterotonic and garbhasthapana properties.^[6] The traditional astrological advice to spend time in proximity to one’s Navagraha representative plant may thus carry a subtle but real therapeutic dimension, wherein sustained exposure to and use of Durva would naturally provide its phytochemical benefits to those constitutionally predisposed to Rahu- governed ailments.^[4]

Convergence of Ayurvedic & Modern Pharmacological Understanding

The ayurvedic characterisation of Durva as kaphapittashamak, Medhya, stambhana, and Raktashodhaka properties matches to its modern pharmacological profile.^[3]

Durva which is described as Medhya and indicated in Unmada(psychosis) and apasmara(epilepsy), is finds compelling support in  apigenin’s GABAergic activity through benzodiazepine receptor binding, and neuroprotective flavonoids orientin and isoorientiin that reduce neuroinflammation and protect against neurodegenerative progression.^[32,12] This theory is further proven to be true due to recent discovery of harmine in LC-MS analysis of Cynodon dactylon (l)Pers which is a β-carboline alkaloid with established monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity, is a neuroprotective and has therapeutic relevance in neuropsychiatric disorders like depression, Parkinson’s disease & Alzheimer’s disease.^[25] This discovery of harmine further validates indication of durva in diseases related to manovha srotas.^[25]

The antidiabetic activity was found at 500mg/kg which showed reduction in blood glucose by 59% in diabetic rats that matched the standard drug tolbutamide while simultaneously improving lipid profiles by lowering LDL by 77% & triglycerides by 29% while raising HDL by 18%, which backs its use metabolic disorders and its role in Pittaja disorders, since oxidative metabolic dysregulations has close parallels with pitta aggravation in ayurvedic pathophysiology.^[3,14] Ferulic acid, leutolin, and apigenin offers triple action blood sugar management through alpha-glucosidase and alpha amylase inhibition, improved glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and beta cell protection from oxidative damage representing the multi target pharmacological mechanism.^[12]

The cardiovascular protection offered by Durva further provides evidence for its indication in hridroga. Study on isolated rat hearts demonstrated that concentrations of 25-50μg/ml of Cynodon dactylon rhizome extract significantly reduced the frequency and duration of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular ectopic beats during ischemia & reperfusion with comcentration dependent positive imotropic effect effect that improved myocardial contractility and haemodynamic stability.^[15] The kashaya rasa and stambhana property might be correlated to this antiarrhythmic activity^[3,15]

Use of durva in raktapitta, raktapradara and garbhastrava involving abnormal bleeding and uterine instability is supported by the hemostatic properties found in pharmacological studies, as well as by the presence of ergometrine and ergometrinine which are potent uterotonic alkaloids.^[2,19] These alkaloids validate use of durva in garbhastrava by strengthening uterus and arresting bleeding.^[9,19]

A significant recent study further extended this validation into the context of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). The study concluded that 500mg/kg of Cynodon dactylon hydroalcoholic extract effectively reversed letrozole introduced PCOS in female Sprague- Dawley rats when compared against metformin 150 mg/kg over 28 days of treatment.^[22] it normalised the LH/FSH ratio, decreased elevated testosterone and estrogen levels, reduced cystic follicles, increased progesterone, corpus luteum & secondary follicles, which is necessary to restore ovulation & repair uterine structural defects.^[22] Further molecular docking was conducted how specific phytoconstituents bind to PCOS-related receptors, identifying the flavonoids responsible for hormone normalisation.^[22] this finding validates the use of Durva for Yonivikaras, artavdushti.^[3]

The anticancer potential of Durva’s phytoconstituents has also been demonstrated through in silico molecular docking against the lung cancer protein target 6JXT. Study found that nine phytochemiclas showed strong binding interactions indicating high stability with target protein.this again establishes rakta pitta janya vyadhihara property of durva^[3,24]

Wound Healing and Skin Diseases

One of the most compelling validation of ayurvedic wisdom in modern pharmacology is found in the wound healing and dermatological activity of Durva. it is known for its vranaropana, Dahaprashamana, stambhana and varnya karma making it one of the main choice of drug for kshata and vrana. Its swarasa, lepa, taila is directly applied over the injuries or wounds.^[3,9]

A clinical and experimental study testing 15% aqueous extract ointment of Durva on both Wistar rats and human clinical cases of chronic wounds showed statistically significant improvement in wound contraction, tensile strength and hydroxyproline content which is a key marker of collagen synthesis and tissue remodelling.^[16] Study revealed that not only it heals wounds merely by antimicrobial suppression but also through biological mechanisms. Palmitic acid and ascorbic acid present in plant directly accelerates collagen synthesis, leading to faster tissue repair and wound closure. While ferulic acid creates favourable oxidative environment for cellular proliferation and migration.^[12] Luteolin and apigenin reduce inflammation by at the wound site by inhibiting pro inflammatory cytokines thereby allowing faster proliferative and remodelling phases.^[12] These all phytoconstituents and their actions helps in understanding the indications of Durva, i.e vranaropana, dahashaman, varnya etc.^[3,16]

This classical wound care understanding has now found a remarkable contemporary extension in the domain of medical textile technology. Study discovered that cotton guaze treated with aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon created a potent  antimicrobial barrier suitable for medical textiles.^[23] The treated fabric achieved 99.99% reduction in staphylococcus aureus & 22% reduction in e.coli, while maintaining a safe, non irritating profile for skin contact confirmed by acute dermal irritation testing on albino rats. It maintained its antimicrobial effect even after washing.^[23]

The relevance of Durva in skin diseases (twakvikaras) is deeply embedded in both its ayurveda and vedic astrology. Durva is indicated for Kushta.visarpa, shitapitta, vtarakta and general twakavikaras^[3]. Its shita virya addresses the daha, shotha caused  due to pitta dosha, a characteristic in pittaja twakavikaras. Kashaya rasa helps managing of weeping, oozing skin lesions due to its stambhana karma.^[3,9] The broad spectrum antimicrobial activity of durva is relevant to to infectious skin conditions. Study confirmed that propanol extract effectively inhibits multidrug resistnt gram positive pathogens with maximum activity against Staphylococcus aureus.^[17] Methanolic extract showed potent antioxidant and broad spectrum antimicrobial properties with palmitic acid, hydroquinone, and sitosterol as primary constituents.^[18] Ethanol and aqueous extract were tested against 100 clinical strains  and inhibitory activity was discovered against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and antifungal activity against Candida albicans.^[19]

The anti-inflammatory flavonoids; luteolin, apigenin and tricin in Durva reduce inflammatory cell proliferation and oxidative stress which helps in chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.^[11,12] β carotene, ascorbic acid does inhibition of melanin synthesis and stimulates collagen production which helps in curing skin lesions or scars left behind while ferulic acid provides photoprotective effects by absorbing ultraviolet radiation further proving varnya property of Durva.^[12] the astrological understanding further deepens this understanding, rahu is specifically  attributed with causing pama and skin diseases and governs Sparshendriya whose adhisthan is twaka.^[7,8] The fact that the very planet that is represented by Durva is specifically linked to the skin diseases and tvaka suggests that there is link between astrology & medical therapeutics.^[4,7]