Evaluation of bioactive compound and antifungal activity in Cymbopogon citratus extracts obtained using different solvents

Abstract

Cymbopogon citratus contains secondary metabolites that are responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Thus, the objective was to obtain extracts from C. citratus using different solvents, determine their bioactive compounds, and evaluate their in vitro effect on the mycelial growth of Colletotrichum musae. The material purchased in Cajazeiras, Paraíba, Brazil was sanitized and dried. Then, extraction was carried out using alcoholic, hydroalcoholic, and aqueous solvents. Phytochemical analysis was carried out on extracts, fresh and dry samples. Using a spectrophotometer, the levels of chlorophylls, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and total phenolic compounds were determined. In the antifungal analysis, the species C. musae was treated with extracts at concentrations of 0.0%, 0.5%, and 1.0%. High levels of total phenolics were observed (responsible for antimicrobial actions), with an alcoholic extract concentration of 1538.92 ± 30.88 mg/100g, demonstrating a 70% inhibition against the studied phytopathogen. The aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts provided 1240.5 ± 20.26 mg/100g and 976.34 ± 11.41 mg/100g of phenolics, respectively, and demonstrated inhibition rates of 40% and 25%, respectively. Therefore, it is concluded that ethanol is more effective in extracting bioactive compounds. Furthermore, it presented the best performance in reducing the mycelial growth of C. musae, proving to be an alternative in controlling the pathogenic species.