Phytochemical characterization and antioxidant analysis of essential oils isolated from Cymbopogon citratus
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1011-5386Keywords:
cymbopogon citratus, essential oil, medicinal plants, antioxidant, phytochemicalAbstract
The drive for novel phytocompounds of distinct bioactivities for treating diverse disease conditions has necessitated research into various indigenous medicinal plants for promising drug candidates of immense therapeutic efficacies. This study therefore investigated the phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity of essential oils isolated from Cymbopogon citratus in contributing bioactive phytochemicals for drug discovery and development. Standard methods of Association of Official Analytical Chemists were employed to characterize phytochemicals while MDA inhibition and reducing assays were used to assess antioxidant capacity. Results revealed the oils contained phytochemicals in appreciable amounts: alkaloids (10.00%), terpenoids (3.00%), phenols (0.22%), phytates (0.85%), tannins (0.17%), flavonoids (0.02%), and saponins (0.03%). Antioxidant assays demonstrated the essential oils inhibited lipid peroxidation and increased reduced glutathione levels in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum MDA inhibition and GSH elevation were observed at moderate concentrations (25–50 µg/ml), while activity declined at very low and high doses, suggesting reduced efficiency or possible pro-oxidant effects. Compared with standards, C. citratus essential oil exhibited lower potency but showed significant antioxidant capacity. These findings indicate that the plant essential oil contains appreciable amounts of phytochemicals and is a potential natural antioxidant source that may serve as a complementary therapeutic agent in oxidative stress-related conditions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Uchechukwu Chibuzo Ogbodo, Anuli Chiagozie Ogu, Emmanuel Israel Nsedu, Chidiebere Malachy Chigbo, Ijeoma Cynthia Anyaoku
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