Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT EVALUATION OF CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS PLANT GROWN IN RANCHI DISTRICT OF JHARKHAND

Prakriti Shahdeo* and Dr. Arun Kumar

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Abstract

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a widely recognized aromatic herb that is popularly used in traditional medicine and culinary practices across the globe. In the present study, phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of the ethanolic extract of Cymbopogon citratus leaves was carried out. The secondary metabolites produced by this medicinal plant are reported to have therapeutic values. The secondary metabolites like phenol, flavonoid, saponin and alkaloid have been analyzed qualitatively as well as quantitatively in this species. The quantitative estimation has revealed the highest concentration of phenols (19.67 μg of GAE/gm) in ethanolic extract of whereas alkaloids (4.83 μg of QE /gm), flavonoid (12.128 μg of QE/gm) and saponin (15.6 μg /DE) of dry plant sample) were found to be in good quantity. Considering the importance of natural products in modern phytomedicine, the antioxidant activity of Cymbopogon citratus extract was evaluated. The ethanolic extract showed antioxidant activity by DPPH assay (IC 50 = 1.220 mg/mL). Such an effect might contribute to explaining the traditional use of Cymbopogon citratus in the treatment of various diseases.

Keywords: ethanolic extract, Secondary metabolites, Antioxidant activity, Phytomedicine, Gallic acid.