Abstract
Essential oils are worldwide used for their several biological properties. As such, the genus Cymbopogon is an interesting source of essential oils. Among the genus Cymbopogon, the most studied plant species, especially in West Africa, are C. citratus, C. giganteus and C. Schoenanthus. The essential oils extracted from these plants are sought for their various properties such as their insecticidal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypotensive properties. Their anti-leishmaniasis, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial anti-acetylcholinesterase, anti-trypanosomal, anti-nociceptive and anticonvulsant potentials were also noted. These different properties are related to the presence of secondary metabolites in these essential oils. It follows that, the Cymbopogon species as well as the volatile compounds contained in their essential oils constitute interesting sources of new bioactive substances likely to fight against several types of resistance phenomena. Thus this literature review constitutes a scientific basis which can contribute to the economic valorization of the genus Cymbopogon.
 Keywors : Cymbopogon species, volatile profiles, biological properties, cytotoxicity
Highlights
Cymbopogon citratus is a perennial grass with short rhizome up to 2 m high
Main volatile compounds of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (L.) Spreng (Poaceae) The main compounds identified in the essential oils of extracted from leaves and leafy stems of C. schoenanthus were commonly piperitone and 2-carene (Table 3)
The low cytotoxicity of extracts from Cymbopogon species was demonstrated since the in vitro cytotoxicity bioassays on human epidermic cell line HaCaT was shown with IC50 of 150 μL.mL-1 for C. citratus oil and 450 μL.mL-1 for essential oil extracted from C. nardus
Summary
Cymbopogon citratus is a perennial grass with short rhizome up to 2 m high. Fertile culms are rare and the leaves are highly aromatic [1]. C. giganteus is a perennial grass, 2.5 meters high, with slightly aromatic glaucous leaves. C. schoenanthus is an aromatic vivacious herb of drier parts of tropical Africa that can reach 60 to 80 cm high. This plant species possesses linear and fragrant leaves and its inflorescences are contracted in panicles [1]. Not as studied as the previous three species belong to the genus cymbopogon. These plant species are traditionally used in many area were they occur, mainly to fight against several diseases. Scientists are studied this genus to offer scientific bases to traditionally uses. The present review was conducted to highlight the traditional and scientifically demonstrated uses of cymbopogon species
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