Antibacterial activity profile and quality standards of Cymbopogon citratus Stapf- an aromatic grass used in Indian system of medicine

Abstract

Background: Cymbopogon citratus stapf. an aromatic grass found cultivated commonly in India, used in ancient texts of Ayurveda to cure infectious diseases related to respiratory system. The aromatic, long leaves are major used part of this drug. Materials and methods: Leaves collected form mature plant, cleaned properly, macro-microscopic characters recorded as per standard methodology. Physico-chemical constituents and major secondary metabolites found in the leaves are marked. HPTLC fingerprints of methanolic extract of test drug drawn out. In vitro antibacterial activity of aqueous and methanolic extract of test drug carried out as per disc diffusion method, zone of inhibition measured. Results: Macro-microscopic characters, physicochemical standards are a measure of its quality. Secondary metabolites like triterpenoids, tannins, flavanoids etc revealed its chemical nature. HPTLC fingerprint further prove its chemical nature. Both methanolic and aqueous extract of the drug has shown sensitivity against all four bacterial strains. Conclusion: Methanoilc extract of test drug has shown better zone of inhibition against S. pyogen, S. aureus, P. auregenosa, thus proved a promising source of antimicrobial drug.