Martinii Essential Oil Research Articles

In vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors study of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil and molecular docking study of predominant components, PASS prediction and ADME/Tox studies

In vitro α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors study of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil and molecular docking study of predominant components, PASS prediction and ADME/Tox studies

Preparation, characterization and in-vitro bioassays of nanoemulsions from palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii) essential oil

Cymbopogon martinii essential oil (Palmarosa essential oil, PRO) has a wide range of applications in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Because of its hydrophobicity, instability, and volatility, the best option to safeguard this oil is to encapsulate it using nanoemulsion technology. In this work, we synthesize O/W (oil/water) nanoemulsions from C. martini essential oil and analyze their biological activity. The study uses co-surfactants like ethanol and surfactants like tween 80 and sodium dodecyl sulfate to create O/W nanoemulsions. The nanoemulsions were investigated using UV, fluorescence, and FT-IR fingerprinting techniques in addition to parameters such as pH and conductivity. Additionally, the study explored the biological effects of the nanoemulsions, including their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-diabetic capabilities. The pharmacokinetics of drug release was also examined. By using GC-FID analysis, it has been determined that geraniol is the primary component of PRO. The concentrations of total phenolic, total flavonoid, and total condensed tannin were found to be 2.91 mg/g GAE, 9.29 mg/g RE, and 3.78 mg/g VAE, respectively. Palmarosa essential oil nanoemulsions (PNE) were discovered to have 93.24% encapsulation efficiency. The nanoemulsions remained stable and spherical even after 50 days of storage. PNE was synthesized with a mean diameter of 460.55 ± 98.65 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) value of 0.45 ± 0.04, and a zeta potential measurement of 0.1711 ± 0.05 mV. According to a drug kinetic analysis, PNE displayed a first-order model with an R 2 value of 0.930. PNE revealed a dose-dependent 92% inhibition of α-amylase. Additionally, PNE demonstrated potent anti-bacterial activity against the investigated pathogens that varied from 38% to 94%. In the same way, PNE demonstrated potent anti-fungal efficacy against the studied fungal infections, with a range of 50–95%. Anticancer research showed that the PNE-containing cells had a percent viability of 21.29% after 24 hours and 14.92% after 48 hours, respectively. The article explores the possible applications of nanoemulsions made from palmarosa essential oil in the cosmetic, food, and medicinal sectors.

A new strategy: Inhibitory effect and mechanism of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil on Aspergillus flavus

Cymbopogon martinii (C. martini) essential oil can inhibit the growth and toxin synthesis of Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus). In this study, C. martinii essential oil effectively inhibited radial growth, spore production, mycelium formation and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) synthesis of A. flavus. It also significantly changed the morphology and ultrastructure of mycelium. C. martini essential oil significantly changed the activity of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation level in mycelium, and ROS level increased significantly. According to proteomic analysis, 1604 membrane proteins of A. flavus have been identified. C. martinii essential oil treatment seriously damaged the integrity of the A. flavus cell membrane, and C. martinii essential oil treatment has destroyed 58 cell membrane proteins and released 157 membrane proteins. This study provided a new explanation for the inhibition mechanism of C. martinii essential oil on A. flavus, and also provided technical support for the application of C. martinii essential oil in mildew prevention.

Edible Coating Based on Carnauba Wax Nanoemulsion and Cymbopogon martinii Essential Oil on Papaya Postharvest Preservation

Papaya is a fruit of great importance worldwide. However, significant losses during postharvest have been reported, which can be minimized by applying lipid nanoemulsions as edible coatings associated with natural antimicrobial compounds. These coatings provide a barrier to gases and water vapor, in addition to improving mechanical properties, thereby delaying natural senescence and minimizing deterioration by phytopathogens during storage. The aim of this study was to investigate the preservation potential of papaya fruits treated with an edible coating based on an association between carnauba wax nanoemulsion (CWN) and Cymbopogon martinii essential oil (CEO). Coatings formulated with CWN and/or CEO were applied to papaya fruits, and resulted in late ripening during the 12-day storage period, without negatively affecting postharvest fruit quality parameters. The coatings reduced weight loss and maintained firmness, in addition to delaying changes in fruit color during storage. Coatings formulated with CWN + CEO were the most efficient formulations in reducing the incidence and severity of fruit rots during storage. CWN coatings incorporating CEO present additional functionalities in maintaining postharvest quality parameters of papaya fruits.

Cymbopogon martinii essential oil nanoemulsions: Physico-chemical characterization, antibacterial and antibiofilm potential against Enterococcus faecalis

Cymbopogon martinii is an aromatic crop cultivated for the production of its essential oil (EO) which has different applications. Bearing in mind that C. martinii EO (CMEO) has already been proved for high antibacterial potential the aim of this study was to formulate stable CMEO nanoemulsions, being capable to combat Enterococcus faecalis biofilm, especially within infected tooth’s root canal. Ten emulsions with variable CMEO content (2.5–10 % v/v) and Tween 80 (T80, 2.5–15 % v/v) were formulated (designated as E CMEO:T80 ) and screened for volume-weighted mean diameter (D4,3) and stability, using dynamic light scattering measurements. Chemical composition of stable nanoemulsions was monitored by UV–VIS and FTIR, while their antibacterial activity was estimated in microdilution assay. Antibiofilm properties of selected nanoemulsions were tested in vitro (cristal violet assay) and ex vivo (within root canals of the extracted teeth). Results showed that formulations containing 10 % of T80 and CMEO volume ≤ 6 %, as well as those having constant 2.5 % of CMEO and variable T80 volume (≤ 10%), namely E 2.5:2.5 , E 2.5:5, E 2.5:7.5, E 2.5:10, E 4:10 , and E 6:10 , were stable and nanosized (D4,3 <100 nm). FTIR and UV–VIS analyses confirmed successful encapsulation of the CMEO by T80 and showed that nanoemulsification did not affect CMEO composition. Evaluation of antibacterial potential showed that the most efficient were E 6:10 , E 2.5:2.5 and E 4:10 (MIC values 0.37–1.97 mg mL −1 ). Analysis of dependency of determined MICs on mean diameter and CMEO volume showed that antibacterial potential increased with both parameters. E 6:10 , E 2.5:2.5 and E 4:10 also reduced in vitro biofilm (inhibitory range 17.6–58.4 %), as well as intracanal biofilm (reduction ~2Log CFU) . Presented results suggest E 6:10, E 4:10 and E 2.5:2.5 as the good candidates for further research. • Emulsions with different ratio of C. martini oil and Tween 80 were prepared. • Characterization of the nanoemulsions showed successful oil encapsulation. • Nanoemulsions E 6:10 , E 2.5:2.5 , E 4:10 proved high antibacterial effect. • Nanoemulsions E 6:10 , E 2.5:2.5 and E 4:10 reduced ex vivo intracanal biofilm. • Nanoemulsification improved antibiofilm potential of the C. martini oil.

GC-MS Analysis, Thermal Characterization and Biomedical Applications of Essential Oil from Cymbopogon martinii: In vitro Approach

Background: Plant derived metabolites have served as the foundation of sophisticated systems in traditional medicine that have existed for hundreds of years and continue to supply mankind with novel treatments. Owing to its antibacterial characteristics, Gingergrass (Cymbopogon martinii) has been utilized in aromatherapy as a skin tonic. It's also been employed in Ayurvedic medicine to treat skin conditions and nerve discomfort. It helps with neuralgia, epilepsy, and anorexia, among other central nervous system disorders. Geraniol, the main constituent of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil, has numerous biological properties, including antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, and may constitute a new class of therapeutic medicines against pancreatic and colon malignancies. In this study, an attempt was made to explore the physiochemical and bioactive properties of Cymbopogon martinii Essential oil to understand the chemical composition and thermal stability of the oil along with its efficacy against biological agents. The hydro-distillation method was used to extract the Gingergrass (Cymbopogon martinii) Essential oil and its chemical composition as well as Thermal characteristics was determined. The essential oil's potential to scavenge free radicals was evaluated, as well as its anti-inflammatory effect was determined. The essential oil's antibacterial potential was tested against a variety of drug-resistant microorganisms, while its antimalarial efficacy was investigated against Plasmodium falciparum. In addition, the EO was tested against Hela and CHO cell lines for anticancer and cytotoxic activities, respectively.&#x0D; Results: The GC-MS Analysis of the essential oil characterized 10 major compounds which included different classes of alcohols, esters, ketones, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Thermogravimetric and differential calorimetric analysis revealed that the oil showed a stable thermograph when exposed to constant increasing temperatures. The essential oil exhibited promising antimicrobial and antimalarial activity against the drug-resistant pathogens. Further, moderate free radical scavenging activity was observed during DPPH Assay. The essential oil also showed reliable anti-inflammatory, anticancer and cytotoxic activity.&#x0D; Conclusion: According to the research, Cymbopogon martinii essential oil has a number of medicinal benefits and can be used as a therapeutic agent to address a range of health issues.

Molecular inclusion of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil with β-cyclodextrin as a strategy to stabilize and increase its bioactivity

An essential oil complex (EOP) of Cymbopogon martinii with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was evaluated as a strategy to stabilize the essential oil of Palmarosa and increase its bioactivity. The complexation methods used were co-precipitation and kneading, and, for comparison, physical mixing was carried out. To confirm the molecular inclusion, techniques were combined for the characterization of the inclusion complex, such as Fourier Transformer Raman Spectroscopy (FT-Raman), Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), which suggested the formation of the EOP-β-CD complex with complexation efficiency through the co-precipitation and kneading methods of 77.68% and 47.74%, respectively. Stability of the free and complexed EOP in relation to major compounds (linalool, geraniol, geranyl acetate and caryophyllene) during 14 days of storage was analyzed through Headspace Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry. Geraniol showed stability over the period of evaluation and increased availability when complexed by the Co-precipitation and kneading complex. Furthermore, the antifungal and antitumor activity of the EOP-β-CD complex was evaluated, showing reduced mycelial growth against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides strains compared to the free EOP (percentage of inhibition to toxigenic fungi A. flavus EOP-KM: 29.41%; EOP-CP and EOP-PM: 24.37 and 14.28%, respectively, and, the free EOP with 11.76%). In addition, an interesting activity against tumor cells (HeLa and HT-29) was observed against the tested complexes, which emphasizes the importance of the biotechnological use of β-CD for the stability of natural compounds.

In-silico ADMET Pharmacoinformatics of Geraniol (3,7-dimethylocta-trans-2,6-dien-1-ol) - acyclic monoterpene alcohol drug from Leaf Essential Oil of Cymbopogon martinii from Sirumalai Hills (Eastern Ghats), INDIA

Cymbopogon martinii is a grass from genus Cymbopogon (lemongrasses) native to India, but widely cultivated in other places for its aromatic essential oil. C. martinii known as Palmarosa smells sweet with rose-like odor. Geraniol, a terpene alcohol present in Cymbopogon martinii essential oil (CMEO) is much valued for its typical aroma and medicinal uses. In addition to the pleasant odor, Geraniol is known for fungicidal, nematicidal, acaricidal, insecticidal, repellent properties hence, used as Natural Pest Control Agent (NPCA) exhibiting low toxicity. Furthermore, geraniol has been suggested to exemplify a new class of chemoprevention agents in the treatment of cancer. Biological activities such as antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and vascular effects have been investigated. In the present study, GCMS based in-silico ADMET pharmacoinformatics aspects (Physicochemical, Lipophilicity, Medicinal Chemistry, Druglikeness, Absorption, Water Solubility, Distribution, Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics, Excretion, Environmental Toxicity, Tox21 Pathway and Toxicophore Rules) with PASS prediction of geraniol from CMEO has been bioprospected from human health perspective point of view.&#x0D; Keywords: GCMS; ADMET; Pharmacoinformatics; Geraniol; Essential Oil; Cymbopogon martinii; Palmarosa; CMEO; PBNPs; Sirumalai Hills; Eastern Ghats

Profile of Bioactive Phyto-compounds in Essential Oil of Cymbopogon martinii from Palani Hills, Western Ghats, INDIA

Worldwide interest in use of plants based natural products (PBNPs) has been growing, and its beneficial effects being rediscovered for the development of novel drugs. Literature survey on indigenous traditional knowledge bestows ethnopharmacological potentials of PBNPs that has inspired current research in drug design and discovery; PBNPs provide baseline for the development of novel drug leads against various pharmacological targets. Studies indicate that Cymbopogon martini Essential Oil (CMEO) exhibit wide range of biological activities such as hepatoprotective, antifungal, insecticide, antioxidant and antibacterial. Pharmacological properties in Palmarosa Essential Oil (PEO) may be due to the presence of compounds like 4-Decen-6-yne, (Z), 2-Ethylimino-4-methyl-pent-3-enenitrile, Dihydrocarvyl acetate, 2-Methylbenzaldehyde, Geranyl butyrate, 1,5,9,9-Tetramethyl-1,4,7-cycloundecatriene. However, its application is limited because of the odor, color and taste. In the present study, GCMS based profile of bioactive phyto-compounds in essential oil of Cymbopogon martinii along with its physiochemical, biological, molecular, pharmacological and drugable properties has been envisaged.&#x0D; Keywords: Cymbopogon martinii Essential Oil (CMEO); Pharmacological Activity; ADMET Properties; Bioactive Compounds; Plant Based Natural Products (PBNPs);

Essential Oils as Natural Fungicides to Control Rhizopus stolonifer-Induced Spoiled of Strawberries

Strawberry is a highly desirable fruit with a unique taste and a good source of bioactive compounds beneficial to human health. However, it has a short post-harvest shelf life, mainly due to the soft rot caused by Rhizopus stolonifer. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of essential oils (EOs) of Mentha piperita, Cymbopogon martinii, Cinnamomum camphora, and Mentha spicata using spore germination and micro-well dilution assays, and to test the effects of the vapor-phase application of M. spicata and C. martini on the incidence and severity of soft rot in strawberry artificially inoculated with R. stolonifer. In in vitro tests, C. martinii and M. spicata EOs were the most effective, inhibiting more than 95% of the spore germination. Additionally, in the microwell dilution test, these EOs had the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) (5 and 10 μg/mL, respectively), and for the microwell dilution test, the lowest MIC (5 μg/mL and 10 μg/mL, respectively) and MFC (10 μg/mL for both). High in vivo inhibitory effects of M. spicata and C. martinii EOs were observed at 10% concentration, with 100 and 78% reduction, respectively, in the R. stolonifer-induced spoilage. Our results suggest that C. martinii and M. spicata EOs can be used as efficient natural fungicides and can be an alternative to synthetic fungicides for preserving fresh strawberries from soft rot.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of essential oils and their combinations against Botrytis cinerea in strawberries

Strawberry has a short postharvest shelf life, mainly because of the gray mold caused by Botrytis cinerea. The chemical composition and antifungal activities of essential oils from Mentha piperita, Cymbopogon martinii, Cinnamomum camphora, Mentha spicata, and their binary mixtures against B. cinerea were evaluated by different in vitro methods, and also in vivo in vapor-phase on inoculated strawberries. The major components present in M. piperita essential oil were menthol (45.37%), menthone (20.13%), isomenthone (16.94%), menthyl acetate (3.81%), pulegone (1.89%), α-terpinene (1.88%), isopulegol (1.83%), neoisomenthol (1.19%), and α-terpineol (1.08%), in C. martinii essential oil were geraniol (83.82%), geranyl acetate (7.49%), linalool (2.48%), and caryophyllene (1.33%), in C. camphora essential oil were linalool (98.39%), and M. spicata essential oil were carvone (61.71%), limonene (20.22%), 1,8-cineole (5%), sabinene (2.28%), cis-dihydrocarvone (1.63%), and α-thujene (1.4%). The highest antifungal activity in vitro was presented by M. spicata and C. martinii essential oils by the direct contact, vapor contact, spore germination, and micro-well dilution methods. In vivo, strawberries treated with the vapor of M. spicata and C. martinii essential oils showed a reduction in disease incidence and severity. At a 10% concentration, M. spicata and C. martinii showed a reduction of 100% and 83% in the disease incidence, respectively. Thus, the M. spicata and C. martinii essential oils may be potential alternatives for the control of B. cinerea in postharvest fresh strawberries.

Antifungal and antimycotoxigenic effects of Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cymbopogon martinii essential oils against Fusarium verticillioides

ABSTRACT There is an increasing demand for fungi control in grains, especially toxigenic. Also, there is growing concern on the use of synthetic fungicides; thus alternatives are needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal and antimycotoxigenic action of essential oils (EOs) from Zingiber officinale, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Cymbopogon martinii against Fusarium verticillioides, a spoilage and toxigenic fungus. Essential oils were first chemically characterised by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and their antioxidant potential was measured by the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc diffusion were used to assess antifungal activity. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate morphological changes in the fungus. Antimycotoxigenic activity of the EOs against the production of fumonisin B1 and B2 by F. verticillioides was evaluated using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography system. Z. officinale, C. zeylanicum and C. martinii EOs were predominantly composed by zingiberene and geranial; eugenol; and geraniol, respectively. All the EOs had high antioxidant power, especially that from C. zeylanicum. The MICs were 250, 500 and 2,000 µg mL−1 for C. zeylanicum, C. martinii and Z. officinale EOs, respectively. Mycelial reduction of F. verticillioides was observed when EOs were used, and the lowest activity was detected in the Z. officinale EO. Overall, the tested EOs promoted structural damage to the fungal cell wall, decreased conidia size and mycelial reduction. Antimycotoxigenic evaluation of the EOs evidenced a significant reduction (p < .05) in the production of fumonisins B1 and B2 with all the EOs evaluated in the study. These results suggest that especially C. zeylanicum and C. martinii EOs are highly useful for controlling F. verticillioides and fumonisins production.

Wild Mus musculus response on two different essential oils with high repellent potential

Several herbal products have already been confirmed to have impact on rodent diet or behaviour. Some of them, rich in terpenes, have shown repellent effects. In that context, we evaluated the repellent activity of fresh and flat baits containing two different concentrations (0.03125% and 0.0625%) of commercial Melaleuca alternifolia and Cymbopogon martinii essential oils (EO) of determined chemical composition (GC-FID and GC/MS) against house mice (Mus musculus). The repellent effects of all tested baits varied depending on mice gender, bait freshness, and content of EO in baits. Baits with the higher concentrations of M. alternifolia and C. martinii EOs had the lowest preference indexes on the 1st day of exposure of both males and females to fresh EO baits [-0.77 and −0.88 (males) and −0.62 and −0.98 (females)], respectively. Baits with the lower content of M. alternifolia EO had an index value of −0.71. Long-term repellent effects can be achieved by using the higher concentration of either of the two tested EOs, while short-term effects can be expected from the lower concentrations.

Antifungal Activity of Chitosan Nanoparticles Encapsulated With Cymbopogon martinii Essential Oil on Plant Pathogenic Fungi Fusarium graminearum.

Application of synthetic fungicides in agricultural commodities has been restricted due to development of fungicide resistance fungi and deleterious impact on environment and health of farm animals and humans. Hence, there is an urge for development of mycobiocides, and the present study was undertaken to determine the antifungal activity of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil (CMEO) on post-harvest pathogen Fusarium graminearum. The CMEO was extracted by hydrodistillation and GC-MS chemical profile revealed the presence of 46 compounds and abundant was geraniol (19.06%). The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum fungicidal concentration of CMEO were determined as 421.7 ± 27.14 and 618.3 ± 79.35 ppm, respectively. The scanning electron microscopic observation of CMEO exposed macroconidia was exhibited a detrimental morphology with vesicles, craters, protuberance, and rough surfaces related to control fungi. The CMEO induced the death of fungi through elevating intracellular reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, and depleting ergosterol content. Regrettably, essential oils are highly volatile and become unstable and lose their biological features on exposure to light, heat, pH, moisture, and oxygen. To overcome these issues, chitosan encapsulated CMEO nanoparticles (Ce-CMEO-NPs) were prepared. The synthesized Ce-CMEO-NPs have spherical morphology with Zeta potential of 39.3–37.2 mV and their corresponding size was found in range of 455–480 nm. The Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed that bio-active constituents of CMEO were well stabilized due to chitosan conjugation and successfully formed Ce-CMEO-NPs. The in vitro release assay observed that the release of CMEO is stabilized due to the complex formation with chitosan and thereby, increases the lifetime antifungal activity of CMEO by gradual release of antifungal constituents of Ce-CMEO-NPs. In conclusion, antifungal and antimycotoxin activities of CMEO and Ce-CMEO-NPs against F. graminearum were assessed in maize grains under laboratory conditions over a storage period of 28 days. Interestingly, Ce-CMEO-NPs were presented efficient and enhanced antifungal and antimycotoxin activities related to CMEO, and it could be due to perseverance of antifungal activity by controlled release of antifungal constituents from Ce-CMEO-NPs. The study concluded that Ce-CMEO-NPs could be highly appropriate as mycobiocides in safeguarding the agricultural commodities during storage period in agricultural and food industries.

Evaluation of the insecticidal activity of essential oils and their mixtures against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

The search for new insecticides to control dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika vectors has gained relevance in the past decades. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the larvicidal action of essential oils (EOs) from Thymus vulgaris, Salvia officinalis, Lippia origanoides, Eucalyptus globulus, Cymbopogon nardus, Cymbopogon martinii, Lippia alba, Pelargonium graveolens, Turnera diffusa, and Swinglea glutinosa on Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti. The EOs were extracted by microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and characterized by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The chemical components of the EOs were identified by linear retention indices and mass spectra. Lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC95) were determined by probit analysis using larvae of Ae. aegypti between the third and the fourth instars. All EOs achieved larvicidal activity at LC50 values lower than 115mg/L. The lowest LC50 value (45.73mg/L) corresponded to T. vulgaris EO, whereas C. martinii EO showed the highest LC50 (LC50=114.65mg/L). Some EO mixtures showed lower LC50 than oils used individually, such as the mixtures of L. origanoides+S. glutinosa (LC50=38.40mg/L), T. diffusa+S. glutinosa (LC50=63.71mg/L), and L. alba+S. glutinosa (LC50=48.87mg/L). The main compounds of the EOs with highest larvicidal activity were thymol (42%) and p-cymene (26.4%).

Cymbopogon martinii essential oil: chemical characterization, effects on Propionibacterium acnes and immune response in lymphocytes

Cymbopogon martinii essential oil: chemical characterization, effects on Propionibacterium acnes and immune response in lymphocytes

The antibacterial effects of Melaleuca alternifolia, Pelargonium graveolens and Cymbopogon martinii essential oils and major compounds on liquid and vapor phase

Essential oils (EOs) are natural products from plant secondary metabolism. The antibacterial activity of EOs from Melaleuca alternifolia, Pelargonium graveolens and Cymbopogon martinii and terpinen-4-ol, citronellol and geraniol were investigated both in their liquid and vapor phases against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. From microdilution tests, geraniol showed a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 0.05% v/v against almost all strains. According to the inverted plate assays, Klebsiella pneumoniae was highly sensitive (inhibitory zone of 31 mm) to terpinen-4-ol and 100% of reduction under vapor microenvironment assays were recorded. The effectiveness of compounds as antibacterial agents was demonstrated, highlighting the damage caused to strains by C. martinii EO and geraniol vapors through transmission electron microscopy, and it was observed that geraniol was probably responsible for the antibacterial effect of C. martinii EO.

Chemically characterized Cymbopogon martinii (Roxb.) Wats. essential oil for shelf life enhancer of herbal raw materials based on antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic, antioxidant activity, and favorable safety profile

The study reports antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy of chemically characterized Cymbopogon martinii essential oil (CMEO) against aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus causing infestation to stored herbal raw materials. In addition, the antioxidant activity and safety profile of CMEO were also assessed to recommend it as ideal preservative for stored herbal raw materials. The GC–MS of CMEO showed nerol as the major component (79.91%). CMEO inhibited growth and aflatoxin secretion of A. flavus LHPA9 at 0.5 and 0.4 μl/ml respectively, showing better efficacy over synthetic antimicrobial Propineb 70. It also exhibited broad fungitoxic spectrum against fungi causing postharvest deterioration of herbal raw materials. The TEM analysis of CMEO-treated fungal cells showed disruption of plasma-membrane and deformed cell organelles. The EO also caused inhibition of ergosterol content emphasizing plasma membrane as active site during antimicrobial action. CMEO also exhibited pronounced antioxidant activity (IC50 = 49 μl/ml) better than nerol, the major component of CMEO. The LD50 of CMEO, determined through oral administration on mice, was calculated as 2569.16 mg/kg body weight indicating its favorable safety profile as preservative. CMEO may thus be recommended as postharvest preservative in enhancement of shelf life of herbal raw materials against storage fungi, mycotoxins, and oxidative deterioration.

Efficacy of Caesulia axillaris, Cymbopogon khasans and Cymbopogon martinii essential oils as plant based preservatives against degradation of raw materials of Andrographis paniculata by fungal spoilage

The study reports the qualitative degradation of raw materials of Andrographis paniculata during storage due to fungal and aflatoxin contamination and its control by essential oils (EOs) of Caesulia axillaris, Cymbopogon khasans and Cymbopogon martinii. The finger print profile of the herbal raw materials through high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) revealed the significant degradation of andrographolide content (the major active component) due to fungal and aflatoxin contamination. The three EOs showed potent preservative effects during fumigation in storage containers providing 71.93%, 93.86% and 88.60% protection of herbal raw materials respectively from fungal contamination. The EOs were found to control the degradation of the active component of A. paniculata as well as reduce aflatoxin produced by toxigenic Aspergillus flavus. The EOs may increase the shelf life of raw materials of A. paniculata by controlling fungal and aflatoxin contamination as well as active component degradation during post harvest storage.

Effect of Inhaling Cymbopogon martinii Essential Oil and Geraniol on Serum Biochemistry Parameters and Oxidative Stress in Rats.

The effects of the inhalation of Cymbopogon martinii essential oil (EO) and geraniol on Wistar rats were evaluated for biochemical parameters and hepatic oxidative stress. Wistar rats were divided into three groups (n = 8): G1 was control group, treated with saline solution; G2 received geraniol; and G3 received C. martinii EO by inhalation during 30 days. No significant differences were observed in glycemia and triacylglycerol levels; G2 and G3 decreased (P < 0.05) total cholesterol level. There were no differences in serum protein, urea, aspartate aminotransferase activity, and total hepatic protein. Creatinine levels increased in G2 but decreased in G3. Alanine aminotransferase activity and lipid hydroperoxide were higher in G2 than in G3. Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were higher in G3. C. martinii EO and geraniol increased glutathione peroxidase. Oxidative stress caused by geraniol may have triggered some degree of hepatic toxicity, as verified by the increase in serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase. Therefore, the beneficial effects of EO on oxidative stress can prevent the toxicity in the liver. This proves possible interactions between geraniol and numerous chemical compounds present in C. martinii EO.