Comparative Phytochemical Analysis and Therapeutic Properties of Essential Oils from Citrus Limon and Cymbopogon Citratus

Abstract

Background: Essential oils of Lemon (Citrus limon) and Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) are commonly used in therapeutic contexts including stress-reduction. There is paucity of detailed phytochemical research on chemical constituents of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus essential oils to delineate their therapeutic potentials including reduction of stress. There is also dearth of comparative studies focusing on their phytochemical composition and their efficacy substantiating stress management. Objective: This study aims to authenticate and compare the chemical composition of essential oils of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus and understand their potential in reduction of stress. Methodology: Leaves of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus were collected, authenticated and hydrodistillation was conducted to produce Essential oils. The essential oils were analyzed qualitatively using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The efficacy in reduction of stress was carried-out utilizing structured questionnaire and observational schedule. Results: GC-MS analysis of essential oils from Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus revealed 52 (C.limon) and 82 (C.citratus) compounds, respectively. Essential oils of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus exhibited appreciable composition of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes with therapeutic potency. Conclusion: The phytochemical composition of essential oils of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus confirmed their therapeutic eminence, especially in reduction of stress. The reported chemical profile of essential oils of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus affirms their efficacy in selective human therapy including aromatherapy. Recommendation: There is dearth of clinical research studies on essential oils of Citrus limon and Cymbopogon citratus substantiating their therapeutic efficacy in reduction of stress. Prevalence of stress and syndromes of anxiety related therapeutic developments are the dire needs of the present generation and therefore, concerted research efforts are worthy to substantiate their value in clinical therapeutics. Future predictive studies on variation in their chemical composition with strict attention on geographical and climatic variations are envisaged.