Utilization and Phytochemical Analysis of Crowfoot Grass (Eleusine Indica)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Paragis with a scientific name Eleusine indica commonly known as crowfoot grass, dog's tail or wire grass is pulling some attention from herbal or alternative medicine consumers due to its discovered health benefits. According to the ‘The Healthy Hack,’ a website sharing health care hacks, boiling parts of Paragis (stem, leaves, roots) can cure pain and several illnesses such as cancer, ovarian cyst, mioma, kidney problems, arthritis, diabetes, wounds, parasitism, urinary tract infection (UTI), hypertension, fever, sprain, dysentery and even dandruff. Though various websites have already posted about it and many people are declaring the positive health benefits of this specific type of grass, such proofs and evidences are sufficient enough, thus needs further studies about this plant, to assure its safety and effectivity.

METHODS

To prepare the Paragis sample for the phytochemical analysis, it went through different processes and procedures. The sample was cut, air dried and grinded. The dilute solution from the grinded materials was macerated to dissolve the remaining soluble matter. The mixture was strained, pressed, filtered and was left to evaporate on a rotary evaporator to reduce the volume of solvents. The process of crude extraction follows which prepares the sample for the phytochemical analysis. Comparison between the phytochemicals present in paragis and phytochemicals used for remedies further deepens the analysis. For verification, it was submitted to the International Rice and Research Institute (IRRI).

RESULTS

After the phytochemical analysis, it was discovered that three phytochemicals are present in Paragis --saponins, tannins and cardiac glycosides. Each of the present phytochemicals has its own share of positive health benefits to its potential takers. However, negative side effects could still affect its users if taken with too much dosage. Regardless of the negative side effects, the data gathered from the phytochemical screening still proves that Paragis does have health benefits which makes the hypothesis true and accepted.

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher concluded that Paragis (Eleusine indica) do have phytochemicals that are capable of bringing positive health benefits to its takers but can also cause negative impacts due to its side effects that can be brought up by over dosage of the medication.