Cymbopogon Citratus Extract Research Articles

Hepato-Protective Potential and Phytochemical Screening of Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass) is a widely used herb in South Asia. The previous studies suggest thatit possesses various pharmacological activities such as anti-amoebic, antibacterial, anti diarrheal, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. Various other effects like antimalarial, antimutagenicity, antimycobacterial, antioxidants, hypoglycemic have also been studied. The purpose of this study is to evaluate hepatoprotective activity and phytochemical screening of aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citratus. The aqueous extract of Cymbopogon citrates was administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight orally for 15 days to normal healthy rabbit. The activity of extract was evaluated by determining enzyme level. The biochemical parameters, Alkaline phosphate (ALP), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminases (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) , gamma transaminase (GT) and Total bilirubin (TB) were analyzed and the degree of improvement in these enzyme levels were evaluated. The levels of biochemical parameters were compared with Control group. The Cymbopogon citratus extract at a dose of 200 mg/ kg exhibited significant difference. Reduction in biochemical parameter (ALP, SGOT, SGPT, GT and TB) were observed. Furthermore, the photochemical profile of the extract revealed the presence of bioactive elements which may be responsible for antioxidant effect. The result suggests that Cymbopogon citratus possesses significant hepatoprotective activity and this may be due to presence of different bioactive components.

Antifungal and phytochemical screening of some Nigerian medicinal plant extracts against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus

AbstractIn vitro study of ethanolic, cold and hot-water extracts of Cymbopogon citratus, Moringa oleifera, Ocimum gratissimum and Clerodendrum volubile was determined against toxigenic Aspergillus flavus. The antifungal efficacies of the medicinal plants were investigated using agar well diffusion technique and minimum inhibitory concentration. The phytochemical constituents of the plants were also investigated. It was observed that, hot-water extract of C. citratus was most effective against toxigenic A. flavus, cold water extract of M. oleifera was effective against toxigenic A. flavus, the most antifungal effect of O. gratissimum and C. volubile were efficient using ethanolic extraction method. One thousand milligrams per millilitres concentration of these plant extracts had inhibitory effect on toxigenic A. flavus. The results of phytochemical screening of the plant extracts for the detection of volatile oil, glycoside, tannins and saponins shows that saponin and tannin, were detected in the ethanolic...

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Plant extracts can have powerful antibacterial activity and may be used as biological control against important plant pathogens. This study assessed effect of extracts of Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Mentha piperita against two pathovars of Xanthomonas oryzae attacking rice. Both in vitro and in vivo approaches were used for different strains of X. oryzae originating from Burkina Faso. The three essential oils (EOs) have antibacterial activity in vitro test (agar diffusion method), but, EO from C. citratus at 1:5 dilution (v/v) resulted in the highest inhibition (over 30 mm of inhibition zone) against X. oryzae pv. oryzae and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola. However, they reduced significantly rice seed germination and induced herbicide effects on rice leaves. On the other hand, aqueous extracts from C. citratus stimulated bacterial growth, while extracts from E. camaldulensis had an inhibitory effect (28 mm of inhibition zone at 3:10 dilution, w/v). Therefore, the characterization of active compounds will determine one or more compound(s) involved in the antibacterial activity. Key words: Xanthomonas oryzae, rice, plant extracts, antibacterial activity.

Screening for larvicidal activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of selected plants against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus larvae

Objective: To screen for larvicidal activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts (95% ethanol) from Selaginella elmeri, Christella dentata, Elatostema sinnatum, Curculigo capitulata, Euphorbia hirta, Murraya koenigii (M. koenigii), Alpinia speciosa, Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus globulus (E. globulus), Jatropha curcas (J. curcas), Psidium guajava, Gliricidia sepium, Ixora coccinea and Capsicum frutescens (C. frutescens) against Aedes aegypti (A. aegypti) and Aedes albopictus (A. albopictus) 3rd instar larvae. Methods: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts were screened for larvicidal activity by exposing the A. aegypti and A. albopictus 3rd instar larvae (15 larvae per trial, triplicates) for 48 h, counting the mortalities every 24 h. Additionally, phytochemical screening for flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, anthrones, coumarins, indoles and steroids were performed on active extracts using spray tests. Results: Against A. aegypti, the three most active extracts were C. frutescens ethanolic (100% after 24 and 48 h), J. curcas ethanolic (84.44% after 24 h and 88.89% after 48 h) and M. koenigii ethanolic (53.33% after 24 h and 71.11% after 48 h). On the other hand, against A. albopictus, the three most active extracts were C. frutescens ethanolic (93.33% after 24 h and 100% after 48 h), J. curcas ethanolic (77.78% after 24 h and 82.22% after 48 h) and E. globulus ethanolic (64.44% after 24 h and 73.33% after 48 h). Phytochemical screening was also performed on the active extracts, revealing alkaloids, tannins, indoles and steroids. Conclusios: The results demonstrate the larvicidal activities of ethanolic extracts of Cymbopogon citratus, Euphorbia hirta, Ixora coccinea, Gliricidia sepium, M. koenigii, E. globulus, J. curcas and C. frutescens against A. aegypti and A. albopictus 3rd instar larvae. These could be used as potential larvicidal agents for the control of these mosquitoes.

Effects of Onion (Allium cepa) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Extracts on Lipid Oxidation and Acceptability of Frozen Deboned Milkfish (Chanos chanos)

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of red onion (Allium cepa) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extracts on lipid oxidation and on its effect on acceptability of frozen deboned milkfish (Chanos chanos). The deboned milkfish fillets were immersed in 5% (v/v) aqueous solutios of onion and lemongrass extracts including the Vitamin C and stored up to 30 days in frozen storage (18°C). Chemical indices of lipid oxidation were analyzed by Peroxide Value Determination, pH and Free Fatty Acid Determination. Changes in the organoleptic properties particularly flavor, color and odor were also determined using a Sensory Descriptive Score sheet and General Acceptability was likewise assessed using a 5-point hedonic scale. Results of the study showed that among the treatments, onion extract-treated samples exhibited a significant decrease in Peroxide Value at R=0.941 with a final Peroxide Value of 0.75 meq/kg sample which did not exceed the USFDA standard at 7-8 meq/kg, not exceeding to 20 meq/kg and not more than ≤ 5.0 meq/kg sample. No significant difference, however, were observed in Free Fatty Acid Value between treatments throughout the 30-day study period which denotes that the extracts have no effect on lipid hydrolysis brought about by lipolytic activity enzyme. Sensory evaluation revealed that among the treatments the lemongrass extract treated samples yielded the highest general acceptability scores within the 30-day storage period. Statistical analysis however reveals that there is no significant difference between treatments at 5% level of significance.

Comparative antiplasmodial evaluation of Cymbopogon citratus extracts in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice

Background: As malaria is still an important life-threatening infection in many tropical countries and drug resistance has become increasingly common to drugs used nowadays, there is a pressing need to find more drugs that may contribute to the reduction of malaria in the future. This calls for an inward look into harnessing the full potential of medicinal plants that abound around us. Objective: To evaluate the antiplasmodial activity of aqueous leaf and root extracts of Cymbopogon citratus against Plasmodium berghei in mice. Materials and Methods: Cymbopogon citratus extracts of 200, 400, 800 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg of chloroquine were used. Antiplasmodial activity of the extracts was evaluated using 4-day suppressive test model. Results: The extracts exhibited significant (P Conclusion: The results of the study suggested that the aqueous root extract possesses a better antiplasmodial activity than the aqueous leaf extract.

Ameliorative effect of Cymbopogon citratus extract on cisplatin-induced genotoxicity in human leukocytes

Cisplatin (Cis) as anticancer drug has many side effects and non-selective targeting of cancerous cells. In this work, the antigenotoxic potential of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) leaves aqueous extract (CC) against the cisplatininduced genotoxicity in human peripheral leukocytes was investigated in vitro. Firstly, the antioxidant activity of plant extract was investigated by DPPH method which proved a good antioxidant potential of CC extract. CC enhanced the proliferation and increased cell count when compared to the control and Cis-treated groups. Furthermore, the expression of nuclear protein Ki-67 as a marker of cell proliferation was tested immunocytochemically and the results supported the ameliorative effect of CC against the genotoxic effect of Cis. The nuclear dual acridine orange/ethidium bromide fluorescent staining of cells showed the distinct morphological features of apoptosis and cell death among Cis-treated groups. The reduction of total genomic DNA fragmentation on agarose gel was noted among CC-treated groups when compared to Cis-treated groups.

In vitro evaluation of the effect of aqueous extracts of Agave sisalana and Cymbopogon citratus on mycelial growth and conidia production of Pyricularia oryzae, causal agent of rice blast

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of aqueous extracts of Agave sisalana (sisal) and Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) on mycelial growth and conidia production of Pyricularia oryzae, causal agent of Rice Blast.Methodology and Results: The plants aqueous extracts were used at concentrations 0.1; 0.2; 0.3; 0.4; 0.5;1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 10; 20; 30% concentrations for Agave sisalana extracts and 0.5; 3; 5; 10; 15; 20% for C. citratus extracts. Fisher randomized block design with five (5) replicates was used to test the two extracts. All the two extracts tested had an inhibitory effect on the growth and spore production of the fungus. The Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Agave sisalana extracts was 3% (PI = 97%).For the C. citratus extract, the MIC was 20% and the concentration less than 20% had a mild effect on mycelial growth.Conclusion and application potential of the results: The use of pesticides of plant origin has been suggested by some researchers as alternatives to synthetic chemicals, in order to counter the potential hazards and pollution problems associated with the use of synthetic chemicals. The plants extracts tested showed antifungal activity. This result should enable use of aqueous extract of Agave sisalana to control blast diseases.Key words: In vitro, plant extracts, mycelial growth, spore production, rice blast, Pyricularia oryzae.

Cymbopogon citratus-synthesized gold nanoparticles boost the predation efficiency of copepod Mesocyclops aspericornis against malaria and dengue mosquitoes

Plant-borne compounds can be employed to synthesize mosquitocidal nanoparticles that are effective at low doses. However, how they affect the activity of mosquito predators in the aquatic environment is unknown. In this study, we synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuN) using the leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus, which acted as a reducing and capping agent. AuN were characterized by a variety of biophysical methods and sorted for size in order to confirm structural integrity. C. citratus extract and biosynthesized AuN were tested against larvae and pupae of the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi and the dengue vector Aedes aegypti. LC50 of C. citratus extract ranged from 219.32 ppm to 471.36 ppm. LC50 of AuN ranged from 18.80 ppm to 41.52 ppm. In laboratory, the predatory efficiency of the cyclopoid crustacean Mesocyclops aspericornis against A. stephensi larvae was 26.8% (larva I) and 17% (larva II), while against A. aegypti was56% (I) and 35.1% (II). Predation against late-instar larvae was minimal. In AuN-contaminated environment,predation efficiency against A. stephensi was 45.6% (I) and 26.7% (II), while against A. aegypti was 77.3% (I) and 51.6% (II). Overall, low doses of AuN may help to boost the control of Anopheles and Aedes larval populations in copepod-based control programs.

Phytochemical, Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Activities of Five Anti-malaria Plants

The study investigated the phytochemical, cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties of Allamanda cathartica (AC), Bixa orellana (BO), Cymbopogon citratus (CC), Ficus exasperata (FE) and Momordica charantia (MC) used traditionally for the anti-malarial preparations “Agbo” in Nigeria. Phytochemical screening of the plants showed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, cardiac glycosides and reducing sugars. Free radical scavenging activity of the plants with 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) recorded significant IC50 values for the inhibition of DPPH by ethanolic leaves extracts of AC (0.46), BO (0.45), CC (1.35) and FE (0.86), respectively and Vit. E (control), recorded higher activity at 0.5 mg mLG1 with an IC50 of 0.25 μg mLG1 . BO leaf extracts recorded the most potent effect (0.45) at low concentration of 0.5 mg mLG1 . The free radical scavenging activities of these plants doubtlessly contribute to their use in indigenous malaria therapy and may qualify them for anti-malarial drug screening.

Use of Nigerian Medicinal Plants Protected Liver from Injury in Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice

The effects of ethanol leaf extracts of Spilanthes uliginosa, Ocimum basilicum, Hyptis spicigera and Cymbopogon citratus on mice infe cted with malaria parasite was investigated . Eighty four (84) swiss mice of both sexes were used for the study. All the mice were passaged intraperitoneally with 0.2 ml parasitized blood suspension and parasitemia assessed by Geimsa stain thin blood films after seventy two hours. The mice were divided into 6 groups namely; A, B, C, D, E and F.

Protective Effect of Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) Water Extract Against Nephrotoxicity Induced by Cisplatin of Male Rats

The present study was conducted in order to examine the protective effect of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) water extract (LGWE) against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin of male Albino rats. Thirty five adult male Albino rats weighing between 120-140g were randomly separated into five different groups (7rats each). Groupl was a normal control group (-ve), fed on basal diet. Group 2 was the positive control group (+ve) fed on basal diet for 6 weeks and then injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with a single dose of cisplatin 5mg/kg of body weight. Groups 3, 4 and 5 fed the same as group2 and received 5, 7.5 and 10% lemon grass water extract, respectively, for 6 weeks and then injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with the same dose of cisplatin. Five days later all rats in all groups were sacrificed and the blood was collected for biochemical and histopathological investigations. Cisplatin treatment caused significantly increase in serum malondialdehyde, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine as well as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase (p<0.05) in +ve control group compared to —ve control group. Rats which were fed LGWE (groups 3, 4 and 5) showed marked reduction in the same biochemical investigations compared to +ve control group. Reduced glutathione (GSH), serum sodium and potassium mean values were decreased in +ve control group compared to —ve control rats. Feeding LGWE in groups 3, 4 and 5 showed a rise in the same biochemical parameters compared to +ve control group. 2, 2-Dipheny1-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), half maximal inhibitory concentration (ICH) and total phenolic content of lemon grass was assayed. Parallel to the above mentioned changes, cisplatin treatment enhances renal damage as evidenced by sharp impairment of kidney function corresponds to biochemical parameters and histopathological findings. Additionally, feeding LGWE caused gradually histopathological improvement in renal tissues in groups 3, 4 and 5. These results of this present study indicated that aqueous extracts of Cymbopogon citratus has antinephrotoxic properties against cisplatin induced renal oxidative damage in rats which might be ascribed to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property. According to these above results, it is recommended to conduct further studies on the use of LGWE and possible protection of human beings against nephrotoxicity.

The Role of Cymbopogon Citratus Extract in Protecting the Liver Against Injurious Effect of Dimethylnitrosamine in Rats

<i>Background:</i> N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a potent hepatotoxin that induces fibrosis of the liver. Cymbopogon citratus, a plant that is widely cultivated to be eaten either fresh with food or dried in tea or soft drink has been reported to possess a number of medicinal and aromatic properties. <i>Aim of the work:</i> This work is aimed to study the protective effect of Cymbopogon citratus ethanolic leaf extract against hepatic injury and fibrosis induced by repeated intermittent administration of Dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats. <i>Materials and methods:</i> A total of 30 rats divided into 3 groups were used. Group 1 served as control, Group 2 was given intraperitoneal injection with DMA at a concentration of 10mg/kg body weight on three consecutive days of each week over a period of three weeks. Group 3 was given DMA at a concentration of 10mg/kg body weight on three consecutive days of each week over a period of three weeks and 100 mg/kg body weight of Cymbopogon citratus ethanolic aqueous leaf extract 5 hours after administration of DMN. <i>Results:</i> It was found that DMN produces histopathological changes of the liver; including signs of severe hepatic injury. The cytoplasm of most hepatocytes appeared vacuolated with pyknotic and karyolytic nuclei, congested blood vessels and focal necrotic areas with marked increase of the collagen fibers deposition around the blood vessels. Ultrastructural changes showed Pyknotic nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm and reduction or complete loss of cristae in the mitochondria. These were reversed by simultaneous treatment with Cymbopogon citratus. <i>In conclusion:</i> The results of this present study indicated that aqueous leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus has an antihepatotoxic action against DMN induced hepatic oxidative damage in rats which might be ascribed to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property.

Evaluation of six plant species used traditionally in the treatment and control of diabetes mellitus in South Africa using in vitro methods

Context: Numerous plants are used by the local communities of South Africa for the treatment and management of type II diabetes.Objectives: For this study, we undertook a survey of the plants sold for the management of diabetes in the town of Newcastle, South Africa. Identified plants were subsequently evaluated for their in vitro antidiabetic activity.Materials and methods: Plants were identified through an interview with a herbalist at the market. Antidiabetic activity of extracts of purchased plants was evaluated using in vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity, as well as islets of Langerhans excretory activity.Results: Senna alexandrina Mill. (Fabaceae), Cymbopogon citrates Stapf. (Poaceae), Cucurbita pepo L. (Cucuribitaceae), Nuxia floribunda Benth. (Stilbaceae), Hypoxis hemerocallidea Fisch. and Mey (Hypoxidaceae), and Cinnamomum cassia Blume (Lauraceae) were identified. The hexane extract of S. alexandrina (EC50 = 0.083 mg/ml), ethyl acetate extract of H. hemerocallidea (EC50 = 0.29 mg/ml), and methanol extracts of Cymbopogon citratus (EC50 = 0.31 mg/ml) and Cinnamomum cassia (EC50 = 0.12 mg/ml) had the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity, albeit lower than acarbose (EC50 = 0.50 mg/ml). All the plants had good α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (>50%) with the exception of some methanol (Cinnamomum cassia, N. floribunda, and Cymbopogon citratus) and acetone extracts (Cucurbita pepo and N. floribunda). Only the H. hemerocallidea acetone extract had an insulin stimulatory effect (2.5 U/ml at 8 μg/ml).Conclusion: All the evaluated plants demonstrated inhibitory activity against the specific GIT enzyme systems evaluated. Only H. hemerocallidea had insulin secretory activity, adding evidence to the traditional use of these purchased plants in the management of the type II diabetic post-prandial hyperglycemia.

Anti-proliferative effect and phytochemical analysis of Cymbopogon citratus extract.

The antiproliferative and antioxidant potential of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass) extracts were investigated. The extracts were isolated by solvent maceration method and thereafter subjected to antiproliferative activity test on five different cancer cells: human colon carcinoma (HCT-116), breast carcinoma (MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231), ovarian carcinoma (SKOV-3 and COAV), and a normal liver cell line (WRL 68). The cell viability was determined using MTT assay. The DPPH radical scavenging assay revealed a concentration dependent trend. A maximum percentage inhibition of 45% and an IC50 of 278 μg/mL were observed when aqueous extract was evaluated. In contrast, 48.3% and IC50 of 258.9 μg/mL were observed when 50% ethanolic extract was evaluated. Both extracts at concentration of 50 to 800 μg/mL showed appreciative metal chelating activity with IC50 value of 172.2 ± 31 μg/mL to 456.5 ± 30 μg/mL. Depending on extraction solvent content, extract obtained from 50% ethanolic solvent proved to be more potent on breast cancer MCF-7 cell line (IC50 = 68 μg/mL). On the other hand, 90% ethanolic extract showed a moderate potency on the ovarian cancer (COAV) and MCF-7 cells having an IC50 of 104.6 μg/mL each. These results suggested antiproliferative efficacy of C. citratus ethanolic extract against human cancer cell lines.

Phytochemical Studies And Antimicrobial Properties Of Methanolic And Aqueous Extracts Of Lemon Grass Leaves ( Cymbopogon Citratus )

Phytochemical studies were carried out on aqueous and methanolic extracts of Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass). Agar well diffusion method was employed to assess the antimicrobial potency of the extracts against selected microbial pathogens. The mean zone of inhibition (mm) produced by methanolic extract at four different concentrations (50 mg%, 25 mg%, 12.5 mg%, 6.25 mg%) were Salmonella spp (31.75, 26.00, 21.50 and 15.00), respectively; and Pseudomonas spp (25.25, 19.25, 16.25 and 12.25) respectively. The aqueous extract demonstrated the least activity with mean zone of inhibition (mm) for test organisms Pseudomonas (20.75, 14.75 and 10.50) and Staphylococcus aureus (13.25). The MIC (Minimal Inhibitory Concentration) which is the lowest concentration of a drug that prevents growth of a particular pathogen for the methanolic and aqueous extract of Salmonella spp, Staphylococus aureus and Pseudomonas were 25% v/v and 50% v/v and the corresponding MBC were 50% v/v and 75% v/v. The aqueous and methanolic extracts showed no activity against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans Phytochemical screening showed that five active ingredients namely alkaloid, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and phlobatannins were present in both aqueous and methanolic solvents. KEYWORDS: Lemon grass, agar well diffusion, phytochemical analysis, Candida albicans , cardiac glycosides.

Pharmacological evaluation of anxiolytic property of aqueous root extract of Cymbopogon citratus in mice

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the anxiolytic property of aqueous root extract of Cymbopogon citratus in mice. Materials and Methods: In this study, stress induced hyperthermia (SIH), elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field experimental models were employed. Results: In SIH model, the extract caused a significant ( P T 2 and ∆T) at doses of 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg. Similar reduction in the body temperature was obtained by diazepam 2.5 mg/kg used as standard, while increase in the body temperature ( T 2 ) was observed in the normal saline group. In EPM model, experimental doses of 200, 400 mg/kg of the extract and 2.5 mg/kg of diazepam produced significant ( P P > 0.05) effect. In open field model, 200 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg extract doses significantly ( P Conclusion: In different experimental models used significant anxiolytic effect was observed of the aqueous extract at different dose levels in comparison to reference standard and normal saline group. This clearly justified its folkloric application in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

Antiplasmodial Activity of Aqueous leaf Extract of Cymbopogon citratus against Plasmodium falciparum Infected Rats

In Nigeria, malaria is a major public health problem and there are high cost of the effective antimalarial drugs, poor quality drugs and increased emergence of Plasmodial resistance. Thus, there is a need for alternative source of medicine in malaria treatment and prevention. The antimalarial potential of aqueous leaf extracts of Cymbopogon citratus was investigated in this present study. Twenty five Swiss albino rats with average weight of 30.80g were distributed into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) with five mice per group. Group B was infected with 0.2 ml O+ human parasitized blood of Plasmodium falciparum and 0.1ml Chloroquine (Bini Laboratories Pvt Ltd). Group C, D, and E were infected with 0.2 ml O+ human parasitized blood of Plasmodium falciparum treated with 40 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg and 120 mg/kg of Cymbopogon citratus extracts respectively for three days. The mice infected with 0.2 ml O+ human parasitized blood of Plasmodium falciparum were observed for 72 hours for general symptoms of malaria. The mice tail was punctured, blood was examined under light microscope (x10) resolution) and several malaria parasites were found. Significant decrease of parasitemia levels was observed in 120 mg/kg body weight treated group compared to 0.1 ml Chloroquine the positive control. The result showed that Cymbopogon citratus possessed a good antimalarial property and can be use for prophylactic and chemotherapeutic purposes.

Antioxidant Activity Determination of Citronellal and Crude Extracts of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Cymbopogon citratus&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; by 3 Different Methods

Cymbopogon citratus, better known as lemongrass, is a plant commonly used for culinary purposes. It is known to contain the compound citronellal, which is responsible for the lemon-scent of many of the plants of the genus Cymbopogon. A chloroform extract of Cymbopogon citratus was screened to determine its free radical scavenging activities. Three different methods were used to test the antioxidant activity of the extract, including FRAP assay (Ferric reducing antioxidant potential), DPPH radical scavenging assay (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical reducing power methods), and β-carotene bleaching assay. Cymbopogon citratus showed low radical scavenging activities compared to ascorbic acid, gallic acid and quercetin. The results obtained suggest that Cymbopogon citratus is best appreciated for its refreshing aroma and delicate taste, but has little to offer as a source of antioxidants.

Angolan Cymbopogon citratus used for therapeutic benefits: Nutritional composition and influence of solvents in phytochemicals content and antioxidant activity of leaf extracts

Folk medicine is a relevant and effective part of indigenous healthcare systems which are, in practice, totally dependent on traditional healers. An outstanding coincidence between indigenous medicinal plant uses and scientifically proved pharmacological properties of several phytochemicals has been observed along the years. This work focused on the leaves of a medicinal plant traditionally used for therapeutic benefits (Angolan Cymbopogon citratus), in order to evaluate their nutritional value. The bioactive phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of leaf extracts prepared with different solvents (water, methanol and ethanol) were also evaluated. The plant leaves contained ∼60% of carbohydrates, protein (∼20%), fat (∼5%), ash (∼4%) and moisture (∼9%). The phytochemicals screening revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids in all extracts. Methanolic extracts also contained alkaloids and steroids. Several methods were used to evaluate total antioxidant capacity of the different extracts (DPPH·, NO·, and H₂O₂ scavenging assays, reducing power, and FRAP). Ethanolic extracts presented a significantly higher antioxidant activity (p<0.05) except for FRAP, in which the best results were achieved by the aqueous extracts. Methanolic extracts showed the lowest radical scavenging activities for both DPPH· and NO· radicals.