Hepatoprotective Potential of Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd. (Egyptian Crowfoot Grass): A Systematic Literature Review

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@article{1718663,
      author = {Mohammed Alhaji Sule},
      title = {Hepatoprotective Potential of Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd. (Egyptian Crowfoot Grass): A Systematic Literature Review},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {12},
      pages = {375-385},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1718663.pdf},
      abstract = {Liver diseases remain a major global health challenge, with limited treatment options and concerns about the hepatotoxicity of conventional drugs. Dactyloctenium aegyptium (L.) Willd., commonly known as Egyptian Crowfoot Grass, is a medicinal grass widely used in African and Asian traditional medicine. Although recognised for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cytoprotective activities, its hepatoprotective potential has received limited scientific attention. This systematic review critically evaluated available evidence on the phytochemistry, bioactive compounds, and pharmacological properties of D. aegyptium associated with hepatoprotection. Thirty-two studies were analysed using adapted PRISMA and SYRCLE guidelines. Major phytochemicals identified included quercetin, catechin, tricin, vanillic acid, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. Experimental findings showed that D. aegyptium extracts possess antioxidant activity through free radical scavenging and enhancement of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Anti-inflammatory effects were linked to inhibition of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while cytoprotective actions were demonstrated in kidney and adrenal gland models. Evidence also indicated reduced hepatocellular injury markers, including ALT, AST, and ALP. Quercetin, the predominant constituent, was associated with hepatoprotective mechanisms involving the Nrf2/Keap1, NF-κB, and CYP2E1/BCL-2 pathways. Overall, the evidence supports the hepatoprotective promise of D. aegyptium; however, dedicated in vivo hepatotoxicity studies and clinical investigations remain limited. This review highlights the plant’s potential as a source of future hepatoprotective phytomedicines},
      keywords = {Dactyloctenium Aegyptium, Egyptian Crowfoot Grass, Hepatoprotection, Liver Disease, Phytochemistry.},
      month = {June},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I12-1718663}
  }