Abstract: Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. is a perennial grass. The plant is a rich source of metabolites such as proteins, carbohydrates, mineral constituents, β-sitosterol, flavanoids, alkaloids, glycosides and triterpenoides. The plant has been long used in the traditional medicines to treat various ailments such as anasarca, cancer, convulsions, cough, cramps, diarrhea, dropsy, dysentery, epilepsy, headache, hemorrhage, hypertension, hysteria, measles, rubella, snakebite, sores, stones, tumors, urogenital disorders, warts and wounds. The plant shows biological activities such as antiviral and antimicrobial properties. This study provides a comprehensive detail of the pharmacognostical characteristics, biological effects and medicinal uses of Cynodon dactylon. A review of some important patents on Cynodon dactylon is presented.