Phytochemical analysis and biological activity of the essential oil of lemongrass (Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng) from the Algerian Sahara

Abstract

The work focuses on the phytochemical and biological study (antimicrobial activity) of the essential oil (EO) from the underground parts of Cymbopogon schoenanthus, collected from the cultural park of Ahaggar in southern Algeria. The extraction of the essential oil gives a yield of more than 4 ml per 100 g of dry matter (gdm). Chromatographic analysis of the essential oil of this species shows a richness in monoterpenes (59.7%) with a predominance of piperitone (50.25%) and secondarily α-elemol (11.06%). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil, tested on six microorganisms, shows a strong antifungal and antibacterial action. This bioactivity is mainly due to the richness of this essence in piperitone known for its effectiveness against microbial agents. The limit test of toxicity shows that a dose of 2 g of essential oil/kg of body weight is not toxic.