EVALUATION OF PHYTOCHEMICAL PROFILE AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS
Abstract
this study investigates the phytochemica composition and antimicrobial activity of Cymbopogon citratus
(lemon grass) extract to evaluate its potential as a natural therapeutic agent. The phytochemical screening
revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, volatile oils, and other bioactive
compounds, with tannins (+++), flavonoids (+++), and saponin glycosides (+++) being particularly abundant.
Quantitative analysis showed high concentrations of tannins (450.0 mg/g) and flavonoids (300.0 mg/g), while
alkaloids were present at 13.1 mg/g- The antimicrobial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus,
Escherichia coli, and Aspergillus niger using the agar well diffusion method. The extract exhibited
significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus (26.0 ± 0.94 mm zone of inhibition at 90 mg/ml) and
moderate activity against E. coli, while no activity was observed against Aspergillus niger. These findings
confirm the antibacterial potential of Cymbopogon citratus, particularly against Gram- positive bacteria,
supporting its traditional use in treating microbial infections. The study concludes that Cymbopogon citratus
is a promising source of bioactive compounds with significant antibacterial properties. Further research is
recommended to explore its full antimicrobial
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