Abstract

GUERRA ORDONEZ, Marta; RODRIGUEZ JORGE, Mayra; GARCIA SIMON, Gastón  and  LLERENA RANGEL, Celia. Antimicrobial activity of essential oil and cream of Cymbopogon citratus (DC). Stapf. Rev Cubana Plant Med [online]. 2004, vol.9, n.2, pp. 0-0. ISSN 1028-4796.

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (DC). Stapf (lemon grass), a medicinal species cultivated in Cuba, as well as of an ointment prepared from it, was evaluated. The dilution method in liquid medium was used. The minimum inhibitory and the minimum microbicidal concentration against microorganisms of human clinical interest was determined. Taking into account the use proposed for the formulation, it was necessary to know its irritating potential. In this case, it was proceeded according to the ISO Norms described to this end. The characterization of the essential oil reveals the presence of citral as the most abundant component. The oil showed a significant antifungal activity, higher than the observed with the ointment, which justify the traditional use of this plant in Cuba. The formulation developed proved to be non irritating and it was suggested to use it as antidermatophytic. The most sensitive microbial species was Trichophyton rubrum

Keywords : Cymbopogon citratus (DC).; Stapf; essential oil; ointment antimicrobial activity; minimum inhibitory concentration.