TITLE:
Antioxidant Activity Determination of Citronellal and Crude Extracts of Cymbopogon citratus by 3 Different Methods
AUTHORS:
Y. Lu, T. J. Khoo, C. Wiart
KEYWORDS:
Antioxidant Activity; DPPH Assay; FRAP Assay; β-Carotene Bleaching Assay; Citronellal
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.5 No.4,
April
15,
2014
ABSTRACT: Cymbopogon citratus, better known as lemongrass, is a plant commonly used for culinary purposes.
It is known to contain the compound citronellal, which is responsible for the
lemon-scent of many of the plants of the genus Cymbopogon. A chloroform
extract of Cymbopogon citratus was screened to
determine its free radical scavenging activities. Three different methods were
used to test the antioxidant activity of the extract, including FRAP assay (Ferric reducing antioxidant potential), DPPH radical
scavenging assay (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical reducing power methods), and β-carotene bleaching
assay. Cymbopogon citratus showed low radical scavenging activities compared to ascorbic acid, gallic acid and
quercetin. The results obtained suggest that Cymbopogon citratus is best appreciated for its refreshing aroma and delicate taste, but has
little to offer as a source of antioxidants.