Evaluation of phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus is an important medicinal plant belongs to family Gramineae. It originates from Ethiopia, India Africa America and is broadly extended all over humid, subtropical and warm temperate regions of the world. This present research work has been designed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of Cymbopogon leaves. The antifungal and antioxidant components of Cymbopogon leaves were extracted by means of four solvent systems (80% methanol, 100% methanol 80% ethanol, and 100% ethanol) and maximum extract yield (48.1 g/100g DW) was obtained in 80% methanolic solvent system. Cymbopogon leaves were analyzed in terms of total phenolic contents, showed that 80% methanolic leaves extract offered highest total phenolic contents (35.2 mg GAE/g DW) Antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH radical scavenging activity and by measuring reducing power. Results showed that 80% methanolic leaf extract showed maximum radical scavenging activity and reducing potential. Overall results of the present study showed that 80% methanolic Cymbopogon leaf extract can be used effectively mto make antioxidant agents which can be utilized in different industries like pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics