Antioxidant Activity Determination of Citronellal and Crude Extracts of Cymbopogon citratus by 3 Different Methods

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.