Citronella Essential Oil Research Articles

Evaluation of Five Essential Oils by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and their Effect on Fungal Growth Inhibition and Sensory Acceptability of Soymilk

Essential oils are widely used in the food industry as natural food preservatives to extend product shelf life and as flavoring agents. However, not much has been done on their use in soymilk. The aim of the study is to determine the compounds of five essential oils by GC-MS and their effect on fungal growth inhibition and sensory acceptability of soymilk. The components of the essential oils of five spices, namely citronella, basil, cinnamon, eucalyptus and mint were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the essential oils was tested on the fungus Aspergillus flavus 3.4408 on PDA (agar dilution method). Sensory evaluation of soymilk flavored with the essential oils of citronella, basil and mint at different concentrations was done by ten member panelists using a 9-point hedonic scale. The main compound for basil was eugenol 83.26%. Cinnamon contained cinnamaldehyde (97.3%). The main compounds in citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) were limonene (38.51%), citronellal (30.29%). Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) essential oil mainly contained eucalyptol/cineole (76.70%), and Mint (Mentha arvensis): Menthol 42.72%, Menthone 25.72%. The MICs of citronella, basil, cinnamon, eucalyptus and mint were 5-10 µl/ml, 0.5-1 µl/ml, ≤0.1 µl/ml, >>10 µl/ml and 10-20 µl/ml, respectively. Thus, cinnamon was the most effective in inhibiting fungal growth, while eucalyptus was the least effective. These essential oils improved the soymilk flavor. Mint was the most preferred flavor, followed by citronella and basil. Thus, essential oils especially mint and citronella can be used for improving acceptability of soymilk at low concentration.

Effect of java citronella essential oil addition on the physicochemical properties of Gelidium corneum-chitosan composite films.

A new composite film was developed by combining Gelidium corneum (GC) with chitosan to enhance the physicochemical characteristics of GC film. In addition, to confer new functional property on the GC-chitosan composite film, various amounts (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) of java citronella essential oil (JCEO) were incorporated into the film. As the concentration of JCEO increased, the extensibility of the GC-chitosan film improved. In addition, the film became more opaque due to decreased light transmission. Especially, ultraviolet light was completely blocked in the composite films containing JCEO. Radical scavenging activities of the films also increased with increasing JCEO content, indicating that the films have antioxidant activity. Therefore, GC-chitosan composite film containing JCEO is applicable in food packaging to preserve food quality by retarding lipid oxidation.

Chitosan-Sodium Alginate Polyelectrolyte Complex Coating Pluronic® F127 Nanoparticles Loaded with Citronella Essential Oil

Pluronic® F127 nanoparticles were loaded with citronella essential oil (CEO) and then covered with chitosan-sodium alginate polyelectrolyte complex (PEC). The system was characterized according to size, zeta potential and stability over time. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) in different proportions of water/ethanol as a dispersive medium was important in confirming that PEC covered the F127 nanoparticles. Infrared spectroscopy also indicated interaction of F127 with PEC. The nanoparticle size evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) corroborated the value observed in DLS (hydrodynamic radius (RH) range of 100-200 nm). Encapsulation efficiency of 80% for CEO was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The release profile of the CEO was evaluated in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) containing 20% of ethanol and in simulated sweat fluid, achieving 74 and 81%, respectively. The releasing mechanism fitted the Korsmeyer-Peppas mathematical model, indicating Fickian diffusion behavior for both studied media.

USE OF CHITOSAN AND ESSENTIAL OILS TO CONTROL BIOTIC AND NONBIOTIC AGENTS OF BELL PEPPER FRUITS

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruits are appreciated in the food industry for its high content of bioactive molecules. However, vegetable fruits are a highly perishable food and might be attacked by phytopathogenic origin, which decreases its quality. The application of edible coatings by chitosan and essential oils [(Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Cymbopogon citratus L.] have been considered an innovative strategy to reduce postharvest losses and tended shelf life of pepper. This study carried out through 2018 and 2019 summer seasons to describe the effect of different concentrations of chitosan, citronella essential oil and rosemary essential oil on the bell pepper at refrigeration conditions (8 ± 1 °C), physicochemical characterizes and micro biotical properties were evaluated after 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of storage and shilf life periods. Generally, no decay was noticed and good general appearance of pepper fruits treated with 1.0% cetronella essential oil after 28 days of cold storage in both seasons. The results showed that the treated fruits have higher acceptance and quality than the control, being more effective with cetronella essential oil compared to chitosan and rosemary essential oil. It is noticeable that chitosan and cetronella essential oil resulted in an increase in the shelf-life of bell pepper up to 28 days. Furthermore, all dipping treatments under current study increased fruit firmness, total chlorophyll content, Vit. C and TSS characteristics than the control. In addition, treated bell pepper fruits by chitosan or essential oils delayed the loss of physicochemical and fungal growth, due to protection against the microbial development of aerobic mesophylls, molds, and yeasts.

Microencapsulated citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) essential oil as mosquito repellent finish for cotton

Microencapsulated citronella (<i>Cymbopogon nardus</i>) essential oil as mosquito repellent finish for cotton

Impact of Different Storage Conditions on Composition of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus L.) Essential Oil of Tien Giang Province, Vietnam

Essential oils are known to be susceptible to changes and degradation that can lead to loss of quality and pharmacological properties. In this work, lemongrass essential oil is stored under different storage conditions under the influence of light and temperature, assessing the physical and chemical properties as well as the chemical composition of the citronella essential oil respectively. The change in the chemical composition of citronella oil is determined based on the storage time of 4 months under different conditions i.e. light (45 ºC) and in dark (4 ºC). To determine the change in the composition of the essential oil, based on the results of GC-MS analysis methods to monitor the chemical changes of the essential oil. The content of main components of citral and β-myrcene increases significantly after storage time under the influence of light and temperature. Some low content components (β-citronello, β-caryophyllen, p-cymen-8-ol, etc.) are likely to be oxidized and lost under light conditions, even in the dark. Therefore, the importance of external storage factors for the chemical and physical stability of essential oils is a matter of concern to control the quality of scientific evaluation.

Therapeutic Potential of Citronella Essential Oil: A Review.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, filariasis, chikunguniya, yellow fever, dengue and Japanese encephalitis are the major cause of remarkable morbidity and mortality in livestock and humans worldwide. Since ancient times, aromatic plants are used for their medicinal value. Essential oils derived from these plants may be used as effective alternatives/adjuvants in pharmaceuticals, biomedical, cosmetic, food, veterinary and agriculture applications. These oils have also gained popularity and interest for prevention and treatment of various disorders. However, several reports on adverse effects including skin eruption, contact artricaria or toxic encephalopathy in children are available for synthetic repellent in the literature. Thus, natural insect repellents like essential oils have been explored recently as an alternative. One such essential oil studied widely, is citronella oil, extracted mainly from Cymbopogon nardus. This essential oil has exhibited good efficacy against mosquitoes. It is a mixture of components including citronellal, citronellol, geraniol as major constituents contributing to various activities (antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant, anticonvulsant antitrypanosomal and wound healing), besides mosquito repellent action. Citronella essential oil is registered in US EPA (Environmental protection agency) as insect repellent due to its high efficacy, low toxicity and customer satisfaction. However, poor stability in the presence of air and high temperature limits its practical applications. Since specific knowledge on properties and chemical composition of oil is fundamental for its effective application, the present review compiles and discusses biological properties of citronella oil. It also sheds light on various formulations and applications of this essential oil.

Essential Oils with High Activity against Stationary Phase Bartonella henselae.

Bartonella henselae is a fastidious Gram-negative intracellular bacterium that can cause cat scratch disease, endocarditis in humans and animals, as well as other complications, leading to acute or chronic infections. The current treatment for Bartonella infections is not very effective presumably due to bacterial persistence. To develop better therapies for persistent and chronic Bartonella infections, in this study, with the help of SYBR Green I/PI viability assay, we performed a high-throughput screening of an essential oil library against the stationary phase B. henselae. We successfully identified 32 essential oils that had high activity, including four essential oils extracted from Citrus plants, three from Origanum, three from Cinnamomum, two from Pelargonium, and two from Melaleuca, as well as frankincense, ylang-ylang, fir needle, mountain savory (winter), citronella, spearmint, elemi, vetiver, clove bud, allspice, and cedarwood essential oils. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination of these 32 top hits indicated they were not only active against stationary phase non-growing B. henselae but also had good activity against log-phase growing B. henselae. The time-kill assay showed 13 active hits, including essential oils of oregano, cinnamon bark, mountain savory (winter), cinnamon leaf, geranium, clove bud, allspice, geranium bourbon, ylang-ylang, citronella, elemi, and vetiver, could eradicate all stationary phase B. henselae cells within seven days at the concentration of 0.032% (v/v). Two active ingredients, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, of oregano and cinnamon bark essential oils, respectively, were shown to be very active against the stationary phase B. henselae such that they were able to eradicate all the bacterial cells even at the concentration ≤ 0.01% (v/v). More studies are needed to identify the active components of some potent essential oils, decode their antimicrobial mechanisms, and evaluate their activity against Bartonella infections in animal models.

Insights into the Relationships Between Herbicide Activities, Molecular Structure and Membrane Interaction of Cinnamon and Citronella Essential Oils Components.

Since the 50’s, the massive and “environmental naïve” use of synthetic chemistry has revolutionized the farming community facing the dramatic growth of demography. However, nowadays, the controversy grows regarding the long-term harmful effects of these products on human health and the environment. In this context, the use of essential oils (EOs) could be an alternative to chemical products and a better understanding of their mode of biological action for new and optimal applications is of importance. Indeed, if the biocidal effects of some EOs or their components have been at least partly elucidated at the molecular level, very little is currently known regarding their mechanism of action as herbicides at the molecular level. Here, we showed that cinnamon and Java citronella essential oils and some of their main components, i.e.,, cinnamaldehyde (CIN), citronellal (CitA), and citronellol (CitO) could act as efficient herbicides when spread on A. thaliana leaves. The individual EO molecules are small amphiphiles, allowing for them to cross the mesh of cell wall and directly interact with the plant plasma membrane (PPM), which is one of the potential cellular targets of EOs. Hence, we investigated and characterized their interaction with biomimetic PPM while using an integrative biophysical approach. If CitO and CitA, maintaining a similar chemical structure, are able to interact with the model membranes without permeabilizing effect, CIN belonging to the phenylpropanoid family, is not. We suggested that different mechanisms of action for the two types of molecules can occur: while the monoterpenes could disturb the lipid organization and/or domain formation, the phenylpropanoid CIN could interact with membrane receptors.

Effect of Column Length in Batch Vacuum Fractionation on The Distribution of Major Components of Citronella Oil (Cymbopogon winterianus)

The aim of this work was to assess the performance of a vacuum fractionation column length for fractions composition of major components of citronella essential oil. This study used column lengths of 1 m and 2 m. The column packing raschig ring-shaped cylinder with height 1.8 cm and diameter 1.5 cm. The column is filled as much as 75% of the length of the column. Fractions from column top, middle and residue were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The major components of citronella oil were citronellal (31.63%), citronellol (17.62%) and geraniol (10.92%). The use of 2 m packaging column length in batch vacuum fractionation distillation produced highest citronella content was (88.43%) on top fraction. The highest citronellol content were (24.48%) and (32.17%) in the middle fractions column for 1 m and 2 m column lengths respectively, while the highest geraniol was 58.26% and 37.76% in the middle and residue fraction for 2 m column length, respectively.

Microemulsions of essentials oils – Increase of solubility and antioxidant activity or cytotoxicity?

Essential oils (EO) possess a wide range of biological activities. However, their application in aqueous media is often limited due to their hydrophobicity and volatile character. This study was designed to prepare stable, water-dilutable microemulsions (ME) containing essential oils of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle), mint (Mentha x piperita L. ‘Multimentha’) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) and to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. The comparison of cytotoxicity of EO solubilised in microemulsions and in dimethyl sulfoxide as well as the recovery of volatiles from cells culture medium over time was also performed. The clear ME were obtained in a range between 10% and 50% of aqueous phase for citronella EO and up to 60% of aqueous phase for mint and eucalyptus EO, in all ratios of Tween 80 to oil phase (from 5:1 to 9:1). Microemulsions of EO (EO/ME) showed higher antioxidant activity compared to EO. The increase in activity was 13.96%, 22.25% and 45.60% for eucalyptus, mint and citronella EO, respectively. The analysis of cytotoxicity profiles of EO/ME and EO/DMSO in Vero and HeLa cell lines showed differences in activity, however, they were statistically significant only in case of mint EO. Furthermore, it can be concluded that after 24 h of incubation ME vehicle itself was responsible for the observed cytotoxic effect. At the same time ME provided good solubility of constituents of EO and diminished evaporation of volatiles from culture medium.

Composition on Essential Oil Extraction from Lemongrass Fragrant by Microwave Air Hydro Distillation Method to Perfume Dermatitis Production

Essential oils from fragrant lemongrass are generally obtained by conventional extraction methods that require large energy, a significant amount of solvents, and a fairly long processing time. This study used a method developed from microwave hydro distillation, which is a microwave water-hydro distillation to optimize the extraction of essential oils. The purpose of this study was to produce citronella essential oil with the best quality and a large amount compared to the extraction method, where the obtained fragrant citronella oil can be used as raw material for making perfume. Where extraction is carried out at 600 W power; the ratio of the raw material to be extracted and the solvent is 0.5 g mL-1 and the extraction time is 150 minutes. In extraction with microwave water-hydro distillation, the air flow rates used are 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 L/min. The results showed that the extraction of citronella oil with microwave water-hydro distillation was easier and produced higher yields compared to extraction by microwave hydro distillation method. Testing the physical properties of fragrant citronella oil shows that essential oils obtained by microwave hydro distillation and microwave water-hydro distillation have the same quality (refractive index and specific gravity). Furthermore, testing the chemical properties of fragrant citronella oil showed that essential oils obtained by hydro distillation-air microwaves had better flavor compared to oils obtained by microwave hydro distillation.

Eucalyptus and Citronella Essential Oils Used in Preservative Solutions Affect the Vase Life of Cut Philodendron Leaves

Cut leaves of Philodendron sp. (philodendron plu jeeb) are often used in bouquets and flower arrangements. Keeping quality is a key criterion for assessing the value of a cut leaf, by growers, traders, and consumers alike. This study set out to determine the influence of the essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus) and Cymbopogon nardus Rendle (citronella) on the vase life of cut leaves of the philodendron plu jeeb. Vase life was assessed in terms of relative fresh weight, electrolyte leakage, pigment content, hydrogen peroxide accumulation, and antioxidant activity. Philodendron plu jeeb petioles were treated with preservative vase solutions of distilled water and 12.5 µg·mL-1 eucalyptus essential oil, 25 µg·mL-1 eucalyptus essential oil, 12.5 µg·mL-1 citronella essential oil, and 25 µg·mL-1 citronella essential oil. Cut leaves were held at room temperature (c. 30°C) in daylight and with natural ventilation. Eucalyptus essential oil at 12.5 µg·mL-1 in the vase solution significantly increased leaf vase life and helped maintain relative fresh weight. The essential oils had positive effects on the retention of membrane integrity and antioxidant activity (DPPH radical scavenging assay). They also had inhibitory effects on hydrogen peroxide accumulation and on chlorophyll and carotenoid degradation. The results indicate that 12.5 µg·mL-1 eucalyptus essential oil has potential as a vase-life extender for cut leaves of the philodendron plu jeeb.

Effect of citronella essential oil fumigation on sprout suppression and quality of potato tubers during storage

Effect of citronella essential oil (CEO) fumigation on sprout suppression and quality of potato tubers during storage was investigated. Potato tubers were treated under conditions of single-phase (30 μL L−1, 0–10 d) and dual-phase (30 μL L−1, 0–10 d; 30 μL L−1, 35–90 d) fumigation. Changes in germination rate, weight loss, starch, reducing sugar, gibberellins (GA3), and α-solanine were measured. The results showed that CEO fumigation could control sprouting and improve the quality of potato tubers during storage compared to the non-treated tubers. CEO treatments inhibited the degradation of starch and the increase of reducing sugar content. The production of gibberellins (GA3) was suppressed, and the levels of α-solanine in the skin and flesh of potato tubers were decreased by CEO fumigation. Dual-phase CEO fumigation had a better effect on sprout suppression than single-phase fumigation, and possesses potential for postharvest application.

FUNGICIDAL ACTIVITY OF NANOEMULSIFIED ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST BOTRYTIS LEAF BLIGHT OF POINSETTIA (EUPHORBIA PULCHERRIMA) IN EGYPT

Botrytis blight was observed in Egypt (Nov., 2016) on Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) that caused small light brown spots at the edge of leaves and enlarged to include the whole leaf. The isolated fungus was identified as Botrytis cinerea based on its morphological and cultural characteristics. In greenhouse, artificial inoculation of plants developed blight symptoms. The effect of ultrasonication on the particle size of lemongrass and citronella essential oil nanoemulsions was determined. The results showed that the particle sizes from sonication for 30 minutes were around 90.6 and 79.8 nm, and TEM study revealed the spherical shape. Changes in the essential oil emulsions components were observed in the nanoemulsions compared with the original as the size of the oil particles become small, the stability and main component of the emulsion were significantly improved. In vitro, the nanoemulsion at different concentrations (1000 – 8000 ppm) were capable of adversely affecting the mycelial growth of Botrytis cinerea. In greenhouse experiment, poinsettia plants were sprayed with the two essential oils (emulsion and nanoemulsion) and the fungicide carbendazim 50% WP (as additional control), after and before inoculation by the fungus. The disease severity was decreased by the treatments compared to the untreated control. The lowest disease severity, being 10.0 and 13.0% with nanoemulsion of lemongrass, before and after inoculation by the fungus, respectively. The results indicate an increase in the concentrations of active substances in essential oils due to their exposure to ultrasonication and their conversion to nanoemulsions, as the results suggest the potential effects of lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion as a novel fungicide agent against Botrytis cinerea

English

Among the fungi that cause damage and/or are spread by seeds, Aspergillus sp. and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum stand out, which have a worldwide distribution and a wide range of hosts. A viable and safer option than chemicals would be to use natural compounds for plant disease management. The objective of this study was to evaluate cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) and citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) essential oils in the in vitro control of fungi Aspergilus sp. and S. sclerotiorum. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2x4 + 2 factorial scheme [essential oils x concentrations + (fungicide + standard control)]. Cinnamon and citronella essential oils were used in doses of 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mL L-1 (+Tween 80 to 1%) and the Captana (480 g L-1) and thiophanate-methyl + chlorothalonil (200.0 g kg -1 + 500.0 g kg- 1) fungicides, at doses of 3 g L-1 and 2 g L-1, for the fungi Aspergilus sp. and S. sclerotiorum, respectively. The products were diluted in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium in Petri dishes, and mycelium discs with 5 mm diameter were placed and incubated in a Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) incubator at 25 ± 1°C and photoperiod of 12 h. There was significant interaction between treatments. The dose of 1.6 mL L-1 of both oils showed greater inhibition of the mycelial growth of fungi Aspergilus sp. and S. sclerotiorum, and the greater inhibition of sporulation of the fungus Aspergilus sp. It is concluded that cinnamon and citronella essential oils control the fungi Aspergilus sp. and S. sclerotiorum. Key words: Alternative control, pathogens, Cymbopogon winterianus, Cinnamomum cassia, seed pathology.

Facile and highly diastereo and regioselective synthesis of novel octahydroacridine-isoxazole and octahydroacridine-1,2,3-triazole molecular hybrids from citronella essential oil.

A novel and highly efficient synthetic approach for the expedite construction of new octahydroacridine-isoxazole- and octahydroacridine-1,2,3-triazole-based molecular hybrids is first reported. Rapid access to the octahydroacridine core was achieved in a highly diastereoselective fashion via cationic Povarov reaction of N-propargyl anilines and citronella essential oil (Cymbopogon nardus). The subsequent 1,3-dipolar and Cu (I) catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition reaction of the terminal alkyne fragment with the corresponding oxime or azide affords the desired 3,5-isoxazoles and 1,2,3-triazoles, respectively, as interesting molecular hybrid models for pharmacological studies.

Inhibition of the mycelial growth and germination of Stromatinia cepivora by plant extracts and essential oils

Stromatinia cepivora is one of the major pathogens of Allium species worldwide. Assuming that substances pro­duced by plants may be used in the management of this pathogen, the effect of plant extracts and essential oils on the mycelial growth and germination of S. cepivora was assessed in this study. The fungus was grown on PDA medium with aqueous and ethanolic extracts (20 %, m:v) of mentrasto, rue, ginger, false saffron, garlic and citron­ella at the concentrations of 1 or 10 mL L -1 and the essential oils of citronella, rosemary, neem and Corymbia citriodora at 100, 200, 400, 800 or 1,200 µL L -1 . None of the plant extracts reduced the germination of the sclerotia. All aqueous extracts at 10,000 µL L -1 reduced the growth of the fungus from 28.0% to 53.5%. At the 1,000 µL L -1 , the ethanolic extracts of ginger, citronella, rue and false saffron reduced the mycelial growth of the pathogen up to 45.1 %, especially the extract of ginger. The essential oils of all the plants suppressed the mycelial growth of S. cepivora at 800 and 1,200 µL L -1 , especially the citronella and rosemary oils at 1,200 µL L -1 , which caused 100% of inhibition. 5 % of sclerotia germinated in PDA containing the oils at 1,200 µL L -1 , regardless the plants. The extracts of mentrasto, rue, ginger, false saffron and citronella and especially the essential oils of cit­ronella, rosemary, neem and C. citriodora at 1,200 µL L -1 have substances that inhibit the growth of S . cepivora .

Antibacterial activity evaluation of selected essential oils in liquid and vapor phase on respiratory tract pathogens

BackgroundThe increasing number of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the fact of antibiotic resistance is leading to a continuous need for discovering alternative treatments against infections, e.g. in the case of respiratory tract diseases. Essential oils (EOs), because of their volatility, can easily reach both the upper and lower parts of the respiratory tract via inhalation. Therefore, the aim of the present study was the antibacterial evaluation of clove, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus, thyme, scots pine, peppermint, and citronella EOs against respiratory tract pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, S. mutans, S. pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, H. parainfluenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Furthermore, we wanted to compare the antibacterial effect of these EOs in two different test systems to provide data for the development of an appropriate product formulation.MethodsMinimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined with in vitro vapor phase test (VPT) and broth macrodilution test (BDT). The chemical and percentage compositions of the EOs were determined by GC-MS and GC-FID analysis.ResultsAmong the EOs, thyme was the most effective against S. mutans (MIC: 0.04 mg/mL in BDT, but cinnamon bark and clove oils also presented high inhibition in liquid medium with MIC values of 0.06 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL against S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes, respectively. M. catarrhalis was the most sensitive to thyme EO (MIC: 0.09 mg/mL). Cinnamon bark EO was the most effective against Haemophilus spp. (MIC: 0.06 mg/mL). In the VPT, cinnamon bark was the most effective oil against all investigated pathogens with MIC values in the range of 15.62–90 μl/L. Surprisingly, the eucalyptus and scots pine showed weak activity against the test bacteria in both test systems.ConclusionsThe EO of thyme, clove and cinnamon bark may provide promising antibacterial activity against respiratory tract pathogens either in liquid medium or in vapor phase. However, their effect is lower than that of the reference antibiotics. The combination of EOs and antibiotics may be beneficial in the alternative treatment of respiratory tract diseases. In vivo studies are necessary to calculate the effective dose of EOs in patients and determine their possible side effects and toxicity.

AKTIVITAS ANTIJAMUR MINYAK ATSIRI SEREH WANGI (CYMBOPOGON NARDUS (L.) RENDLE)

Citronella fragrance is one of the many plants in Indonesia. Citronella fragrance is widely used by Indonesian people as a spice dish and has traditionally been used for various treatments. Citronella fragrance contains essential oils that have the potential to have anti-fungal effects and have traditionally been used for the treatment of skin diseases. Isolation of citronella essential oil with the method of vapor distillation. The tested fungi are opportunistic fungi that often infect human skin. In testing the antifungal activity of the citronella essential oil (Cymbopogonnardus (L.) Rendle) against the fungal causing skin infection. The research was done by using agar diffusion method and using the density disc as the diffusion medium against A research of antifungal�s activity of essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle ) to fungus that cause disease in humans has been done. This research used agar diffusion method to the fungus test Tricophyton rubrum, Tricophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans. The concentration that used 1%, 0,5%, 0,25% and 0,1%. The results showed that in concentration 1% essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus ( L.)Rendle) has the highest activity with Candida albicans with an average of inhibition diameter was 19,4mm � 0,15. In 0,1% concentration of essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) does not have antifungal�s activity to Tricophyton mentagrophytes that without inhibition diameter around the paper discs. Meanwhile, in concentration 0,1%, the essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle) still have antifungal�s activity to Tricophyton rubrum and Candida albicans with an average of inhibition diameter 7,4 mm � 0,35 dan 8,5 mm � 0,15. Keywords: Candida albicans, Sereh wangi (Cymbopogonnardus (L.), Tricophyton rubrum, Tricophyton mentagrophytes, Candida albicans