Comparative Analysis of Antidermatophytic Potential of Cymbopogon citratus Essential Oil Stored in Different Temperature Condition for Two Years

Background: Cymbopogon citratus commonly known as lemon grass is a valuable medicinal plant. In present investigation variation in the antidermatophytic potential of C. citratus essential oil was estimated in different temperature and storage periods. Materials and Methods: C. citratus essential oil was extracted through hydrodistillation methods and kept in amber bottles in three different temperature conditions like room temperature (variable from 8-45°C), refrigerator temperature(2-6°C) and 30°C for 2 years. Minimum inhibitory concentration was determined after every fourth month of storage against selected dermatophytes. Results: Antidermatophytic activity of C. citratus oil was found prominent due to high concentration of citral derivatives. MIC was found to be stable against Trichophyton rubrum (MTCC 296) (0.1μL/mL) and T. mentagrophytes (MTCC 7687) (0.1μL/mL) at the end of experiment in all three temperature conditions. 30°C temperature condition was also found quite stable. A very slight increase of MIC was found against Candida albicans (MTCC 3018) and Microsporum fulvum (MTCC 2837) at 24 months (Sixth testing) of storage. Oil stored at room temperature showed variation in MIC as compared to initial one. MIC was found to double against M. fulvum (MTCC 2837) at sixth testing (0.4μL/mL) of storage as compared to first testing (0.2μL/mL). Conclusion: Present work concluded that essential oil stored in low temperature condition can maintained their primary composition and properties for long time. Therefore, storing of essential oil products in low temperature (below 8°C) condition is best practices for long time application of medicinal products.