Cymbopogon Citratus Extract Research Articles

Performance of membrane photocatalytic reactor incorporated with ZnO-Cymbopogon citratus in treating palm oil mill secondary effluent

Green synthesis provides new avenues of nanoparticle synthesis using plants. In the present study, we attempted to synthesise ZnO nanoparticles via precipitation using different ratios of ZnO solution to leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus (3:1, 5:1, and 9:1). The modified ZnO was characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The influences of the modified ZnO-C. citratus (ZnO-CC) nanoparticles on the removal of colour from and decline in the flux of palm oil mill secondary effluent (POMSE) in a membrane photocatalytic reactor (MPR) were studied. The performance of ZnO-CC 3:1 in terms of colour (99.84 %), COD (98.97 %), BOD (96.24 %) and turbidity removal (99.89 %) of the treated POMSE was significant. The improvement of the performance efficiency for POMSE treatment using MPR correlate with the reduction in the size of ZnO-CC 3:1 (6.6–42.9 nm) which promote higher degradation activity and minimize membrane flux decline during the process. Thus, it can be deduced that the coupled MPR system has significant potential for application in the palm oil mill effluent treatment industry as it mitigates membrane fouling and yields treated effluent of good quality.

Cymbopogon citratus aqueous leaf extract attenuates neurobehavioral and biochemical changes induced by social defeat stress in mice

ObjectivePsychosocial stress has been implicated in the genesis of psychiatric disorders such as memory deficits, depression, anxiety and addiction. Aqueous leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus (CYC) otherwise known as lemongrass tea has antidepressant, anxiolytic and anti-amnesic effects in rodents. This study was designed to evaluate if C. citratus could reverse the neurobehavioral and biochemical derangements induced by social defeat stress (SDS) in the resident/intruder paradigm. MethodsIntruder male mice were divided into five groups (n = 7): group 1 received saline (10 mL/kg, p.o.; non-stress control), group 2 also received saline (10 mL/kg, p.o.; SDS control) while groups 3–5 had C. citratus (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 14 d. The SDS was carried out 30 min after each treatment from day 7 to day 14 by exposing each intruder mouse in groups 2–5 to a 10 min confrontation in the home cage of an aggressive resident counterpart. The neurobehavioral features (spontaneous motor activity-SMA, anxiety, memory, social avoidance and depression were then evaluated. The concentrations of nitrite, malondialdehyde and glutathione as well as acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain tissues were also determined. ResultsC. citratus (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) attenuated hypolocomotion, heightened anxiety, depressive-like symptom, memory deficit and social avoidance induced by SDS. The altered levels of oxidative stress and acetyl-cholinesterase in SDS-mice were positively modulated by C. citratus. ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that C. citratus might mitigate psychosocial stress-induced neurologic diseases in susceptible individuals.

Investigation and comparison of anti-inflammatory activities of different extracts of Cymbopogon citratus using various in vivo models

Investigation and comparison of anti-inflammatory activities of different extracts of Cymbopogon citratus using various in vivo models

<i>In vitro</i> evaluation of antisickling activity of herbal combination of three medicinal plants

Sickle cell disorder is a genetic ailment with enormous social and economic burden for patients and caregivers. The most promising management apart from being expensive particularly for poor African people, faces some major incompatibility problems. The patients consequently rely on herbal therapy which could be prepared in single or combination forms to manage the painful episodes and its complications. This present study aimed to formulate polyherbal combination and evaluate three purposively selected plants previously reported for their antisickling activities. The polyherbal products were formulated using both aqueous and 70% ethanol extracts into different combinational ratio with the best in 1:1:1 and evaluated for its antisickling activity. The antisickling activity involved both the inhibitory and reversal effects at varying concentrations from 1.0 mg/ml to 6.0 mg/ml using ciklavit as the positive control. The best inhibitory activity was found in ethanol extract of Piper guineense, Gongronema latifolium and Cymbopogon citratus (PGC) with 70.09 ± 0.67% when compared with the positive control (59.25 ± 0.05%) at 4.0 mg/mg while the reversal ability was 67.87 ± 1.23%. The aqueous extracts of the combinations had activity above 50% with the exception of PGC (2:3:1) which is a little less than 50% (46.67 ± 0.98%) while the highest was 60.02 ± 0.87%. The polyherbal ethanol extract had better effects than the aqueous extract and the standard drug used in this study.

UPLC-Orbitrap HRMS metabolic profiling of Cymbopogon citratus cultivated in Egypt; neuroprotective effect against AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) is commonly used in teas, soups and treat inflammatory-based ailments, vascular and nervous disorders. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of Cymbopogon citratus leaves through scientific protocol. The effect of aqueous (AE) and ethanolic (EE) extracts was evaluated against AlCl3-induced Alzheimer's disease (AD) in rats. Metabolic profiling of the plant, isolation of bioactive compounds and standardization of the active fraction were investigated. Materials and methodsAE of Cymbopogon citratus leaves was prepared as per traditional method (infusion), EE was prepared by repeated maceration in 90% ethanol, bioactive fraction (BAEE) was obtained from EE and the active compounds thereof were obtained by column chromatography. Metabolic profiling of Cymbopogon citratus was performed by UPLC-Orbitrap HRMS and HPLC was used for standardization. AlCl3-induced Alzheimer's rats were used to assess neuroprotective effect of the extracts. Neuroprotective mechanism(s) of Cymbopogon citratus extracts was clarified through histopathological examination of brain tissues, estimation of AD biochemical markers, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in brain homogenates. In addition, antioxidant (using DPPH assay) and anticholinesterase (using modified Ellman's method) activities were investigated. ResultsAlCl3-treated rats (17 mg/kg/day) showed histopathological alteration in brain tissues together with elevated levels of Aβ, tau proteins, MDA, NF-kB and IL-6. However, treatment with AE and EE of Cymbopogon citratus leaves prevented the pathological changes and maintained the levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. In addition, BAEE significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase enzyme (2.11 ± 0.11 mg/ml) and exhibited a strong antioxidant activity (24.99 ± 0.00 μg/ml). UPLC-MS of Cymbopogon citratus leaves showed peaks for twenty-eight compounds, twenty-one of them were identified. Three flavonoids; isoorientin, isoschaftoside and luteolin-7-O-neohesperidoside were isolated from BAEE as major constituents. The powdered leaves of Cymbopogon citratus was found to contain remarkable amounts of caffeic acid (3.49 mg/g dry wt.) and isoorientin (7.37 mg/g dry wt.) as determined by HPLC. ConclusionCymbopogon citratus ethanolic extract attenuates AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity in rats through inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. This effect could possibly attributed, in part to its high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Accordingly, we recommend Cymbopogon citratus leaves for protection against AD.

Phytochemical characterization and antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon citratus extract for application as natural antioxidant in fresh sausage

The development of natural additives is considered an important research topic. In this work, the use of Cymbopogon citratus (CC) extract as a natural additive for chicken sausage refrigerated was investigated. The CC extract was characterized by electrospray ionization with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-ToF-MS) and the identified compounds were directly related to the antioxidant activity demonstrated by CC in the fresh sausage. In total, 31 phytochemical compounds were identified, and 27 of these still were not described in the literature for CC. The antimicrobial activity showed that CC extract is a potential antibacterial agent. Besides, the results showed that CC extract reduced lipid oxidation compared to synthetic additive. The sensorial characteristics were maintained, demonstrating good acceptability by the consumer. The results confirmed that CC can keep the quality of chicken sausage refrigerated for up to 42 days of storage.

Cymbopogon Citratus Functionalized Green Synthesis of CuO-Nanoparticles: Novel Prospects as Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Agents.

Chemically synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) involve the generation of toxic products, which narrowed its biological application. Hence, we have developed a one-pot, green method for CuONP production employing the leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus (CLE). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis confirmed the capping of CuONPs by CLE esters (CLE-CuONPs). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) showed phenolics, sugars, and proteins mediated nucleation and stability of CLE-CuONPs. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed CLE-CuONPs between 11.4 to 14.5 nm. Staphylococcus aureus-1 (MRSA-1), Staphylococcus aureus-2 (MSSA-2) exposed to CLE-CuONPs (1500 µg/mL) showed 51.4%, 32.41% survival, while Escherichia coli-336 (E. coli-336) exposed to 1000 µg/mL CLE-CuONPs showed 45.27% survival. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of CLE-CuONPs treated E. coli-336, MSSA-2 and MRSA-1 showed morphological deformations. The biofilm production by E. coli-336 and MRSA-1 also declined to 33.0 ± 3.2% and 49.0 ± 3.1% at 2000 µg/mL of CLE-CuONPs. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) showed 22.80 ± 2.6%, 19.2 ± 4.2%, and 16.2 ± 3.6% accumulation of Cu2+ in E. coli-336, MSSA-2, and MRSA-1. Overall, the data exhibited excellent antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacies of esters functionalized CLE-CuONPs, indicating its putative application as a novel nano-antibiotic against multi drug resistance (MDR) pathogenic clinical isolates.

Multi-Drug Resistant Salmonella typhi among Out-Patients in Hospitals within Ilorin, Nigeria and their Susceptibility to Cymbopogon Citratus

The indiscriminate use of drugs, medication and non-adherence are one of the factors that has led to the emergence of multi-drug resistant Salmonella typhi. This study was conducted to assess the incidence of typhoid fever among out-patients in some selected Specialist Hospitals in Ilorin Metropolis and to determine the susceptibility of the causative agent to antibiotics and plant extract of Cymbopogon citratus. A cross-sectional survey was completed over a five-month surveillance period in these four locations namely: The Children Specialist Hospital Centre Igboro; Cottage Hospital; Adewole Specialist Hospital Alagbado; and Civil Service Hospital with a total of about 400 blood samples from out-patients across ages. Antibiogram profiling of the isolates to standard gram-negative antibiotics and antibacterial activity of Cymbopogon citratus extracts were determined using disc diffusion method. A total of Eight (8) Salmonella typhi isolates were recovered collectively from the patients. All the isolates were multi-drug resistant with a notable resistance to chloramphenicol, ampicillin and co-trimoxazole. Molecular confirmation of the isolates showed DNA size of 500 base pairs. The ethanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus was more potent with MIC of 12.5mg/ml and MBC 25mg/ml while the phytochemical screening of the plants revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, steroids and glycosides. The promising outcome of the plant extract against Salmonella typhi posits its possible application in treatment against the infectious agent.

Evaluation of the anticonvulsant and anxiolytic-like activities of aqueous leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus in mice.

Background Anxiety is a common ailment of high co-morbidity with epilepsy, a chronic neurologic disease characterized by recurrent seizures. Current drugs used for these conditions have several limitations such as disabling side effects, relapse, and ineffectiveness in certain population necessitating the search for alternative options. The aqueous leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus (CYC) is widely used for its various health-promoting effects including relief of seizures and anxiety in ethnomedicine. This present study describes its effects on convulsions, anxiety-like behaviors, and social interaction in mice. Methods Male Swiss mice were pretreated orally with CYC (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg), diazepam (1 mg/kg), or distilled water (10 mL/kg) 60 min before induction of convulsions with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of picrotoxin (10 mg/kg), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 85 mg/kg), or isoniazid (300 mg/kg). The animals were then observed for the occurrence of seizure for 30 min or 2 h for isoniazid. The effects of CYC on anxiety-like behaviors, social interaction, and spontaneous motor activity (SMA) were evaluated in naive mice. Results CYC (25-100 mg/kg) did not prevent convulsions nor delay the latency to convulsions induced by picrotoxin, PTZ, or isoniazid. Pretreatment with CYC (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o) produced anxiolytic-like effect, decreased SMA, and also enhanced social interaction behavior in naive mice. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that CYC did not exhibit an anticonvulsant property in mice injected with picrotoxin, PTZ, or isoniazid, but its anxiolytic-like activity and social interaction-promoting effect might be of benefit as an adjuvant in improving the quality of life of epileptic patients.

Larvicidal activity of some tropical plants on the mortality of Anopheles gambiae s.l mosquitoes

This study investigated the larvicidal activities of methanol leaf extracts of six tropical plants against Anopheles gambiae s.l mosquitoes. 10 healthy laboratory stabilized larvae were treated with extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Chromolaena odorata, Terminalia catappa, Carica papaya, Vernonia amygdalina and Cymbopogon citratus with different concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm) for 24, 48 and 72 hours after which the percentage mortality was calculated. All extracts tested were seen to possess moderate to good larvicidal effect against An. gambiae larvae in a concentration dependent manner with the highest mortality observed in O. gratissimum with 100%, Cy. citratus with 93%, Ca. papaya and V. amygdalina with 83%, T. catappa with 73% and the least being Ch. odorata with 63%at the end of the exposure period of 72 hours. These results showed that these plant extracts may be used as alternative insecticides against An. gambiae mosquitoes, with a further study on their phytochemicals, characterization and synergistic activities and their adaptability to field assay highly recommended.

Effect of Alcoholic Extracts of Cymbopogon citratus upon the Control of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in vitro and upon the Post-harvest Quality of Guavas

Aims: This work aimed at evaluating the effects of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of lemongrass upon the control in vitro of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and upon the post-harvest quality of guavas “Paluma”.
 Methodology: We analyzed the inhibition of mycelial growth and sporulation of the pathogen at different concentrations of the extracts (8%; 5%; 3%; 1.5% and 0.5%). In the post-harvest assay, the guavas were treated by immersion in distilled water, ethanolic and methanolic extracts (1%; 0.5% and 0.25%) and stored at 25ºC ± 2ºC for eight days. We evaluated mass loss, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, ratio, reducing and non-reducing sugars, ascorbic acid and pH and the incidence of anthracnose.
 Results: In the test in vitro, the pathogen growth inhibition was dose-dependent and the sporulation was completely inhibited upon higher concentrations of extract. At post-harvest, the fruits maintained their physicochemical characteristics, and the treatments were not efficient at retarding fruit ripening. Although the tested treatments inhibited the plant pathogen C. gloesporioides in vitro, they were not efficient at controlling the disease in vivo.
 Conclusion: The extracts showed control in vitro of C. gloeosporioides at 8%. However, the extracts were not effective at controlling the disease after harvest.

Characterization of Nanoformulations from Montmorillonite clay for the decontamination of zearalenonein cereals using X-ray Diffraction Technique

Montmorillonite clay due to its abundance and environmental friendliness has several industrial applications among which are the adsorption of mycotoxins in foods and feed. The mycotoxin; zearalenone (ZEA) is oestrogenic and has been implicated in hormonal and reproductive issues for both man and animals. Thus, nanoformulations from Montmorillonite clay and Cymbopogoncitratus (lemongrass) extracts were developed for the reduction of the toxin in millet. The various formulations include: Montmorillonite clay to which extract of Cymbopogoncitratus(lemon grass essential oil)has been incorporated (Mont-LGEO), Montmorillonite clay mixed with C. citratus(lemon grass)powder (Mont-LGP) and Montmorillonite clay washed with NaCl (Mont-Na). Pure Montmorillonite clay (Mont) and C. citratus (lemon grass) powder (LGP) served as the controls for the treatment. Each of these compositions were applied to millet samples at a concentration of 8 % and 12% and stored for 4 weeks. XRD patterns for compositions containing Montmorillonite clay revealed major peaks at 2-Theta value of 20.06° representing Montmorillonite and 26.56° and 68.53°representing quartz. The level of ZEA in all treated samples was quantified after 4 weeks using the Liquid Chromatography tandem mass spectrophotometer LC-MS/MS. All the compositions were effective in the decontamination of zearalenone. Furthermore, C. citratus powder was the most effective in the decontamination of zearalenone in the cereal after 4 weeks.

Defect related photoluminescence study of V2O5: Dy3+ nanostructures

Nanostructures of V2O5, doped with Dy3+ ions of different concentrations were prepared though solution combustion technique using Cymbopogon citratus extract as a fuel for its application towards white light LEDs (WLEDs). The characterization tools such as PXRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, DRS, SEM, TEM, EDS and SAED was employed to study the structural and morphological features of the V2O5: Dy3+ nanostructures. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is a non-destructive technique carried out to find out the type of defects evolved during Dy3+ ion doping into the host matrix, which has greater influence on the photoluminescence properties of the V2O5 nanostructures. The positron lifetime annihilation spectrum was analyzed with τ1, τ2 the lifetime components, τ1 is the shortest and attributes to the free positrons. τ2 was found to be longer and arises due to trapped positrons at the grains, grain boundaries and their interface. As the Dy3+ ion concentration increases positron annihilation lifetime increases due to development of strain gradient in host matrix.

Anti-giardial activity of the aqueous extracts of Cymbopogon citratus leaves (Lemongrass) and Pulicaria undulata herb in comparison with Metronidazole, in vitro and in vivo

Anti-giardial activity of the aqueous extracts of Cymbopogon citratus leaves (Lemongrass) and Pulicaria undulata herb in comparison with Metronidazole, in vitro and in vivo

Larvicidal Activity of Two Cymbopogon Species Leaf Extracts and Essential Oils against Anopheles gambiae Gilles (Diptera: Culicidae)

Aims: The present investigation aimed to assess the toxic effect of hexane, acetone and methanol extracts of Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon giganteus against 3rd and 4th instar of Anopheles gambiae larvae under laboratory conditions.
 Place and Duration of Study: Plant products were extracted from November 2017 to February 2018 in the Chemistry laboratory, while the larvicidal tests were conducted from April to June 2018 in the laboratory of Applied Zoology of the Faculty of Science, University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon.
 Methodology: Twenty five (25) 3rd and 4th instars of An. gambiae were subjected to methanol, acetone and methanol plant extracts of the two plants at doses of 1000, 500, 250 and 125 mg/L each while their essential oils were tested at concentrations of 200, 100, 50 and 25 mg/L. Dichlovos tested at the recommended dose of 1000 mg/L was performed as positive control while 1mL of tween-80 in 99 mL of natural breeding site water was used as negative control. Larval mortality was recorded after 24 h post treatment for plant extracts and after 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h post-exposure for plant essential oils.
 Results: At the highest concentration of 1000 mg/L, C. citratus extract caused 100% mortality of mosquito larvae while 84, 81 and 88% mortality of larvae were recorded with hexane, acetone and methanol leaf extract of C. giganteus, respectively. C. citratus (LC50=58.32 mg/L) and C. giganteus (LC50=372.36 mg/L) hexane extracts were more potent than acetone and methanol extracts of the plants. C. citratus extracts were the most effective against larvae compared to C. giganteus extracts. Essential oil of C. citratus (LC50=27.98 mg/L after 1h) was also the most toxic on mosquito larvae compared to C. giganteus (LC50=180.07 mg/L after 1h) essential oil.
 Conclusion: C. citratus plant and specially its hexane extract and essential oil could be taken into consideration as a new source of botanical insecticide and may be used in the mosquito control programs for An. gambiae larvae elimination in their breeding sites.

Phytochemical constituents and larvicidal efficacy of methanolic extracts of <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i>, <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> and <i>Vernonia amygdalina</i> against <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> larvae

This study assessed the larvicidal efficacy of the methanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina against the third instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. Qualitative analysis of the plants revealed that alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids, tannins, terpenoids and glycosides were present in all three plant extracts. Phlobatannins was present in trace amounts in O. gratissimum and absent in C. citratus and V. amygdalina. Larvicidal activities of the leaf extracts were studied on laboratory reared larvae of Cx. quinquefasciatus at a concentration range of 250 ppm to 1000 ppm. The percentage mortality was calculated and LC50, LC90 values were obtained from probit analysis using SPSS version 16.0 at 95% confidence limit (CL). Result of this study indicated that the percentage mortality of O. gratissimum extract was dose dependent with 250 and 1000 ppm having the percentage mortality of 18.33 and 43.3% respectively after 72 hrs. The percentage mortality in C. citratus extract after 72 hrs was 66.67% at 1000ppm concentration whereas at 750 ppm mortality was 8.33%. The percentage mortality for V. amygdalina increased from 250 to 750 ppm but decreased at 1000ppm with 750 ppm having a mortality of 63.33% and 1000ppm having a percentage mortality of 56.6% after 72 hrs. The LC50 and LC90 values of the methanolic leaf extract obtained after 72 hrs was 1008.19 and 1930.992 ppm for C. citratus, 1148.47 and 2210.727 ppm for O. gratissimum and 754.712 and 1548.499 ppm for V. amygdalina respectively. The methanolic extract of V. amygdalina exhibited a higher degree of potency when compared with the methanolic extract of C. citratus and O. gratissimum with a low LC50 value of 758.403ppm, 758.03 ppm and 754. 712 ppm at 24, 48 and 72 hrs respectively. In summary, this study reports the larvicidal effects of C. citratus, O. gratissimum and V. amygdalina against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae which can serve as an lternative to synthetic pesticides in Nigeria.Keywords: Leaf extracts, Culex quinquefasciatus, larvae, toxicity, mortality

Ovicidal activity of aqueous crude leaf extract of <i>Cymbopogon citratus</i>, lemon grass, (poaceae) against <i>Culex quinquefasciatus</i> mosquito (Diptera culicidae)

Despite the use of inorganic mosquito repellents and insecticides for controlling adult mosquito population, the breeding grounds of mosquitoes are still persistent. This study investigated the ovicidal potential of aqueous crude leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus on the wild strains of Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito at five (5) test concentrations in logarithmic range of 62.5-1,000 ppm plus a control (0.00 ppm) each quadruple replicated and had egg raft (containing approximately 150 C. quinquefasciatus eggs). Plant bioactivity of the aqueous crude leaf extract of C. citratus and its acute ovicidal activity on C. quinquefasciatus mosquito coupled with the water quality parameters of the test media were analyzed. Phytochemicals screened revealed strong presence of tannins, cardiac glycosides, phenol and resins. The 48-hrs acute ovicidal activity showed dose-dependent mortality; the highest (150.00 ± 0.00) mortality recorded at 1,000 ppm test concentration with median lethal concentration (48hr-LC 50 ) of 186.21 ppm. Water quality in test media analyzed were significantly different ( p 0.05) compared to the control. It can be inferred that the use of C. citratus leaf which is readily available, biodegradable and environmentally friendly could halt the egg-stage reproductive cycle and thus serve as biocide against C. quinquefasciatus mosquito. Keywords: Plant bioactive; C. citrates ; acute; ovicidal; C. quinquefasciatus

Pharmacological assessments of polyphenolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus leaves in rodent model of parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is amongst the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorders. Natural compounds, especially the polyphenols have gained great interest as potential therapeutic agents in recent research. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of polyphenolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus (C. Citratus) leaves in animal models of PD. In the given study PD was induced by administration of reserpine (5 mg/kg/day, i.p for 5 consecutive days), haloperidol (1 mg/kg, i.p.), in experimental animals. The symptoms of PD such as tremors, akinesia, rigidity and catalepsy were evaluated. Ethanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus (CC) in doses of 100, 200 & 400mg/kg were administered per oral (PO). The L-dopa and carbidopa (30 mg/kg, PO) combination was used as a positive standard drug. Behavioural studies such as locomotor activity were performed. In catalepsy model, there is significant reduction in catalepsy duration in CC (100, 200, 400mg/kg) treated group as compared to the haloperidol group. In reserpine model, there is significant decrease of muscular rigidity, tremors, and akinesia in groups treated with CC (100, 200, 400mg/kg) dose dependently. Thus, the present study suggests the beneficial role of C. citratus leaves polyphenolic extract in treatment of parkinsonian like symptoms.
 Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; catalepsy test; haloperidol; reserpine, rotarod test, polyphenols, Cymbopogon citratus

In-ovo antiviral assay of methanolic leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus (Lemon grass) on Newcastle disease virus

This study determined the in-ovo antiviral effect of crude Methanolic leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus on Newcastle disease virus. Cold extraction was carried out using analytical grade methanol. Phytochemical screening of the crude extract was carried out using standard procedures. Antiviral assay was carried out in nine-day old specific pathogen free embryonated hens’ eggs in three designs made of five eggs per group (Virus with extract, virus only and un-inoculated groups) with concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 100 mg ml−1. Egg toxicity of the extract was determined for concentrations of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg ml−1. Inoculated eggs were incubated at 37 °C and observed daily for 96 h for embryo survival and mortality. Spot haemagglutination was carried out on bacteria-free allantoic fluid from the embryonated eggs to detect the presence of the virus. Phytochemical assay revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenes, phlebotannins and terpenoids. Mild toxicity was observed at concentrations of 100 mg ml−1 and above. There was no haemagglutination of fluid from the eggs inoculated with a combination of Virus and extract at concentrations of 50 and 100 mg ml−1. The current findings demonstrated that leaf extract of Cymbopogon citratus has potential medicinal value as well as antiviral activity against Newcastle disease virus in-vivo. The specific mechanism of action remains to be studied to further elucidate on its potential as a therapeutic product for the treatment of Newcastle Disease.

Analytical Investigation of Cymbopogon citratus and Exploiting the Potential of Developed Silver Nanoparticle Against the Dominating Species of Pathogenic Bacteria.

Indian biodiversity is a hub for medicinal plants. Extensive research has been carried out to select plants with numerous properties which can be used for human welfare. Present research is about Cymbopogon citratus, an economically valuable medicinal plant. In this study Cymbopogon citratus was elected as a subject plant over the five selected plants (Azadirachta indica, Plumeria obtuse, Sapindus mukorossi, Capsicum annuum and Phyllanthus emblica) on the basis of antibacterial effect against dominating pathogenic species of gram positive (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis) and gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) bacteria. Further, bioactive agents behind antibacterial potential of Cymbopogon citratus was analyzed using analytical method (Phyto-chemical, FTIR, NMR and GC-MS). Due to the broad antimicrobial spectrum, silver nanoparticles have turned into a noteworthy decision for the improvement of new medication. Therefore, this investigation further elaborated in the development of Cymbopogon citratus silver nano-particles (CNPs). Antibacterial potential of CNPs examine in a range of C25–C150 (μg/ml) through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) where, C25 (μg/ml) concentration of CNPs were recorded as the MIC for all bacterial species and C25 (μg/ml) and C50 (μg/ml) noted as the MBC for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, Bacillus licheniformis, respectively. In agar disk diffusion assay of CNPs, maximum diameter of zone of inhibition was observed for C150 (μg/ml) concentration Bacillus cereus (20.12 ± 0.42), Bacillus licheniformis (22.34 ± 0.4), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35.23 ± 0.46) and Escherichia coli (31.87 ± 0.24). Involvement of bioactive component as a reducing and capping agent can be confirmed through FTIR spectrum of CNPs. Moreover XRD, EDXRF and SEM showed crystalline and cuboidal nature of CNPs with ∼35 nm sizes. Prominently, cytotoxic analysis was conducted to understand the toxic effect of CNPs. This research highlights the potential of CNPs due to the bioactive components present in Cymbopogon citratus extract: Polyphenols (phenol; 1584.56 ± 16.32 mg/L, Flavanoids) and mixture of terpenoids (Citral, Myrcene, Farnesol, β-myrcene and β –Pinene)