INTRODUCTION:

Typha elephantina Roxb., (Figure 1) is a Perennial aquatic plant. It belongs to genus Typha Linn., commonly known as Cattails¹. First description of Typha elephantina was given by Roxburgh (1832)². It is a gigantic, gregarious hydrophyte grows dominantly in fresh waters lagoons pools, brackish marshy areas³^,⁴. It appears like grasses that may attain height between two - five meters⁵. Leaves are thick and broad with flattened leaf blades and consist of aerenchymatous spongy tissues⁶. It contains special type of light cinnamon brown colored female inflorescences⁴. It generates huge quantity of pollens⁶. The plant has a widespread rhizome framework with horizontal and vertical divisions that extend to a distance of more than 1.5 m across the soil⁷.

Geographically Typha elephantina is widely distributed among several continents except Antarctica⁸, and southern equatorial region of Africa². Moreover, It is native to North Africa, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Iran⁹. In addition, it exists extensively in Bangladesh and Myanmar¹⁰. In north India Typha elephantina is common in swamps^11,12. It shows peak vegetation during the late summer and monsoon times (June-September)⁷. In India, it is grown non commercially for preventing soil erosion ¹³. It has long roots that can establish embankments by binding loose soil¹⁴.

SYNONYMS:^6,15,16

Sanskrit : Eraka

Bengali : Hogala

English : Elephant Grass, Bulrush, Indian Reed-Mace

Hindi : Erakaa, Pateraa

Marathi : Raamabaan

Bengali : Hogala

Fig. 1. Typha elephantina Roxb.

DESCRIPTION:
Roots:

It is a massive gregarious bog plant with erect grass-like equitant roots and dark green springy rootstock¹³. Its roots reaches up to fifteen centimeter in length with 4mm girth, grows in the form of clusters and emerges from stems base; color is green initially which changes to light brown, secondary and tertiary rootlets emerges out with longitudinal fissures from its base, its central yellow core can be seen by its transverse section; odor and taste is indistinguishable¹⁶.

Rhizomes:

The rhizomes of the plant are very sturdy and located 0.8-2.0 meters deep beneath the surface. There is presence of firmly bunched scale leaves in Internodes of the rhizomes. Vertical shoots are radiated from rhizomes having scale leaves and slanting buds. An aerial shoot originated from every vertical branch. New shoot generates from the bud upon the damage to the older on from proximal internodes. Growth of lateral buds occurs prominently if apical meristem gets damaged².

Leaves:

Leaves are thick, solid and trigonal in shape and has a ridge on the abaxial surface². Structural support is contributed by trigonal cross-section and V-shape of the leaf blade¹⁷, further the rigidity to leaves is enforced by its neutral axis¹⁸. Leaves are slightly funneled above, rounded below and have wavy-margin above the center¹³. In addition, have spongy texture due to aerenchymatous spongy tissues⁶.

Inflorescence:

Male flowers in this species comprise a solitary longitudinally dehiscent anther. It has long anther. The plant produces colossal amount of pollen, which are created in tetrads. The apex of staminate bracteoles are either spatulate or club shape². There is gap between male and female inflorescence. Bracteoles are present in female inflorescences¹⁷. Female florescence is longer in size and the gynophores hair emerges legitimately from fertile flower’s base. It has short and broad spatulate stigma. The carpodia has round apex. The female bracteoles are straight and are indented at apex, may or may not have an undeveloped mucronate apex².

Seeds:

Seeds are about 1mm long and 0.3mm in width. Removal of the seeds is a tedious process². Each spike contains 117, 000 to 268, 000 tiny seeds. Seeds are pollinated by wind and germinate in favorable conditions including high moisture and low level of oxygen. The best depth of seed germination is one inch however seeds may germinate in 16 inch deep waters.¹⁹

Microscopic characters:

Pollen grains: Typha elephantina has pollen grains in tetragonal tetrads. Length of pollen grains is (33.21- 35.12) ±1.19μm, and breadth (35.21- 38.33) ± 1.15μm²⁰. Fiber: leaves of Typha elephantina contain fiber cells having tapered and pointed ends. It has the longest fiber among several other species of Typha. Its length ranges from 1.56mm to 2.90mm, whilst the width of fibers varies from 4.20μm to 8.00μm²¹. It has filiform stigmas moreover leaves lacks fiber cables that are found in other typha species. It carries lignified vascular bundles¹⁷. Transverse section of root showed a mono layer epidermis, next to it is a broad cortex having 3 zones; the external cells of cortex having compactly packed parenchyma cells in several layers in continuation with next zone comprising of rounded or oval stretched parenchyma cells. And its core area has colossal air covered by couple of layers of thin walled tightly packed parenchyma cells – core of the root has proper monocotyledonous structure consisting of xylem and phloem vessels¹⁶.

Powder characteristics:

The powder study of roots reveals the presence of circular to oval thin walled symmetrically stretched parenchyma cells along with small fractions of trabeculae. Fiber fragments have very narrow lumen accompanied by scalari form and border-pitted tracheids¹⁶.

TRADITIONAL USES:

Typha elephantina has been utilized traditionally, for its therapeutic value to treat several diseases, during fourteenth to sixteenth centuries including burning syndrome, different blood disorders, bacterial infections like erysipelas, blood clotting disorders, Cystitis, burning during micturition, calculus, swelling, oligospermia, and ulcers²². Moreover, in eastern Asia it was used traditionally for its aphrodisiac action as well as for treating Strangury Hansen’s disease and spleen enlargement²³. The male and female spikes were used in treating wounds and ulcers as medicated absorbent²⁴. Rhizomes shows astringent and diuretic action in folk medicine, in addition used to treat dysentery, gonorrhea and measles^25-27. Paste of rhizomes was used for boils, wounds, burns, scabs, and smallpox¹⁵. Pollen were used for internal and external bleeding including uterine bleeding and nose bleeds²⁸. Conventionally stem and root of Typha elephantina, in collaboration with several other plants, has been used for the treatment of Gout and rheumatism²⁹.

Typha elephantina is also grown as non-food commercial crop in tidal waterlogged areas as an emergent hydrophyte³. It is used for making thatching huts and houseboats³⁰ and were utilized for making wicker boats during floods to cross rivers¹³. The cuticle of stems has been involved for weaving hats, in addition, its blend with cotton is used to make gloves³¹. Sheaths of leaf were incorporated in making of dolls and small toy ducks for children by Chippewa Indians³². Immature inflorescence was used as food⁴. Tender rhizomes are proclaimed that they are similar to asparagus in taste. Its parts including roots pollen and flowers were eaten in different parts of India^16,33.

PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS:

Phytochemical studies manifests that sugars, proteins, tannin, flavonoid, glycoside, resin and alkaloid are present in Typha elephantina^34,35. Ethanol extract of fruits of Typha elephantina validate the availability of 4 phytoconstituents including Pentacosane, 1-triacontanol, β-sitosterol and β-sitosteryl-3-O- β-D-glucopyranoside¹. Presence of Some other constituents was also given in literature including cholesterol, quercetin and lanosterol, isorhamnetin, pentacosane and plant sterols (Figure 2)^{16, 28}. Another study proclaimed that it also contains varying concentrations of Calcium, Nitrogen and Phosphorus along with magnesium²¹.

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES:

Analgesic activity:

Different Fractions of Typha elephantina methanol extract were utilized to manifests its analgesic activity. Model used was acetic acid induced writhing in mice. Dose dependent analgesic effect was exhibited in chemical induced pain. Ethyl acetate fraction at 400 mg/kg dose showed most promising results³⁴. Methanol extract of plant Typha elephantina was also evaluated for its Anti-inflammatory activity using two different models including acetic acid induced writhing test along with formalin induced hind paw licking test. Two doses that is 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg were taken, both signifies concordant inhibition of pain, in both the models, in comparison to the standard²³.

Anthelmintic activity:

Methanol extract of leaves and roots of Typha elephantina was studied to estimate its anthelmintic action. For the study earthworm were tested against different concentrations of the methanol extract and standard drug (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg/ml). Parameters including time of earthworm paralysis and time of earthworm death were compared between extract and reference. The methanol extract showed anthelmintic activity equivalent with standard³⁶

Cytotoxic activities:

Cytotoxic effect of methanol extract of leaves and roots was examined against brine shrimp nauplii. Vincristine sulphate was taken as reference standard. Various concentrations of extract and reference standard were taken (400, 200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.123, 1.563 μg/ml) and (40, 20, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.3123, 0.1563 μg/ml) respectively. Leaves extracts showed concordant cytotoxicity in contrast to the reference standard³⁶.

Anti-inflammatory activity:

Anti-inflammatory capability of methanol extract of inflorescence of Typha elephantina was estimated. Different models were used.

For in vivo screening, paw edema model along with cotton pellet granuloma model was used. On the other hand, in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by three methods including protein denaturation, proteinase action and hypotonic saline induced hemolysis of RBC. At dose of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 750mg/kg, extract showed a comparable depletion in paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma in contrast to 10mg/kg standard Diclofenac sodium. The methanol extracts at varying concentrations altogether restrained protein denaturation due to heat along with proteinase activity, displayed significant membrane stabilization through hindering breakdown of RBC’s in comparison to standard drug Aspirin³⁷.

Anxiolytic activity:

Typha elephantina methanol extract was tested for evaluating its anxiolytic action. Two models were incorporated into study including elevated Plus Maze and Hoal Board model into the study. 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight dose of extract was administered to Albino mice. 200mg/kg dose not exhibited any significant results in comparison to standard drug Diazepam that is 1mg/kg; however at 400mg/kg it manifests comparable results with reference²³.

Wound healing activity:

Typha elephantina inflorescence was screened for its wound healing tendencies. Methanol extract of dried inflorescence was prepared. Incision and excision wound models were included for activity, using Wistar rats. Effect of Typha elephantina gel and inflorescence bandage was evaluated for their wound healing capacities in comparison to the povidone iodine. The elasticity of the wound was taken as screening parameter that determines the formation of collagen strands at injured surface. From the analysis of different biochemical parameters it can be concluded that Typha elephantina inflorescence has powerful wound healing activity²⁴.

In-vitro antioxidant activity:

Typha elephantina antioxidant capability was assessed by using three methods i) DPPH free radical scavenging activity ii) hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and iii) lipid peroxidation method. Quercetin was taken as standard. DPPH free radical scavenging method exhibited significant activity of extract, the IC50 value obtained was 66.84μg/mL in comparison to 19.30μg/mL in Quercetin. Lipid peroxidation method exhibited value 57.91μg/mL IC 50 of extract, whereas, Quercetin showed IC 50 value of 45.17μg/mL. In addition hydroxyl radical scavenging activity manifested IC 50 value 44.79μg/mL, however standard showed IC 50 value of 48.33μg/mL. Three different antioxidant study leads to a conclusion that Typha elephantina inflorescence extract has strong antioxidant potentials²⁴.

Thrombolytic activity:

Methanol extract of entire plant of Typha elephantina was coordinated for screening of thrombolytic activity. Human erythrocytes were taken for the investigation and streptokinase was utilized as standard. Different concentrations of plant extract were used such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 7 and 10mg/ml among these 4mg/ml exhibited maximum thrombolytic that is 33.33% of clot lysis in comparison to positive control that is 100μl Streptokinase, which exerted 40.13% clot lysis activity. Negative control revealed that clot lysis did not occur when water was added to the clot³⁸.

Membrane stabilizing potential:

The membrane stabilizing activity of Typha elephantina plant extract was studied at varying concentrations. It was estimated using two different methods: i) Hypotonic solution induced erythrocyte haemolysis ii) Heat induced erythrocyte haemolysis method. Human blood was used for procurement of erythrocytes for the examination; acetyl salicylic acid was taken as reference standard. The methanol extract tested at varying concentration including 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9mg/ml, exhibited dose dependent inhibition of haemolysis in case of heat induced condition and in hyponotic solution induced haemolysis extract just protected the RBC membrane³⁸.

Miscellaneous:

Research was carried out to evaluate the kinetic parameters of Typha elephantina leave in exclusion of chromium (VI) from industrial wastes. Couple of mathematical models was incorporated into analysis that is Langmuir’s, Freundlich’s along with Temkin’s models, to investigate capacity of Typha elephantina leaves in removal of chromium (VI) from industrial effluents. Maximum adsorption of chromium (VI) was manifested at pH 2.0. The tendency of adsorption of studied adsorbent was 30.61mg/g for chromium (VI) concentration of 400ppm in addition dose of 10g/L at 25°C. chromium (VI) removal capacity obtained was 44.8%⁵.

In another study Nitrogen use efficiency by Typha elephantina was evaluated, as per method³⁹. With enhancement of supply of nitrogen level from 30, 60 and 90kg ha-1, number of leaves per unit area increases significantly, elaborated the role of Nitrogen fertilizer.

A study on leaves of Typha elephantina was conducted to manifest its morphologic characteristics. Microscopic Analysis signifies that it has over 4m long leaves without fiber cables. And the structure is maintained by a specific cross-sectional geometry. This unique characteristic of this plant differentiated it from other species of genus Typha^1,17.

CONCLUSION:

Plants offer a numerous range of natural assets that serve as basic food, clothing, and livelihood requirements. In addition, Herbal compounds were being used for its therapeutic values since very old times, in both structured forms including Ayurveda and Unani medicines, as well as in unstructured ways in folk, tribal and indigenous medicines. The medicinal significance of natural products has increased interestingly. The relationship between traditional and modern medicinal practices is dependent on contemporary clinical framework, which is based on technological developments including phytochemical analysis, biological assessments by experimental animal models, toxicity profiling, identification of molecular mechanisms and clinical trials. Moreover, therapeutic efficacy of phytoconstituents plays substantial role in lead identification in new drug discovery process.

Medicinal plants are not only mitigating human sufferings as home remedies but also playing its role in pharmaceutical industries commercially. Comprehensive analysis of Typha elephantina's literature provides an illustration that it had a rich heritage of conventional use by different ethnic groups across the globe. A variety of active compounds has been isolated. On the bases of its traditional use, it had been screened for the treatment of several ailments that reflects its therapeutic efficacy. Although, several studies had been done yet most of its hidden medicinal potentials needs more scientific exploration.

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Received on 02.11.2019 Modified on 11.01.2020

Research J. Pharm. and Tech. 2020; 13(11):5546-5550.

DOI: 10.5958/0974-360X.2020.00968.3