Imperata cylindrica or compounds show promise against COVID-19.

Tabanone, in particular, could inhibit a key viral protein and is considered safe, offering hope for new treatments.

Commonly known as “speargrass,” “cogongrass,” “alang-alang” or “kunai grass,” Imperata cylindrica is a member of the Poaceae family.

“The existing therapeutic alternatives have presented various setbacks such as low potency, poor pharmacokinetic profiles, and drug resistance. The need for alternative therapeutic options cannot be overemphasized. Plants and their phytochemicals present interesting characteristics that make them suitable candidates for the development of antiviral therapeutic agents. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of Imperata cylindrica (I. cylindrica). Specifically, the objective of this study was to identify I. cylindrica phytochemicals that display inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro)”