Phytochemical analysis of Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass) oil, its antifungal activity, and role in inhibiting biofilm formation in Candida albicans MTCC854

Background and objectives: Candida albicans is a highly adaptable dimorphic fungal pathogen capable of developing tolerance and resistance to antifungal agents. The treatment of candidiasis becomes more difficult due to the development of biofilms and their morphological variations. Lemongrass oil has been reported for various biological properties and is normally used in various medical applications. In the present study, Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass) oil was analyzed for phytochemicals, studied for its antifungal, anti-biofilm on C. albicans, and cytotoxic effect on HaCaT keratinocytes. Methods: Using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry, the quantitative phytochemical analysis of lemongrass oil was investigated. Antifungal activity and inhibitory activity on biofilm formation of lemongrass oil in C. albicans were evaluated. Cytotoxicity of lemongrass oil on HaCaT keratinocytes was determined by MTT assay. Results: The GC–MS analysis revealed that lemongrass oil contains 16 different components. The major components were 4-tert-butylcalix, panaquinquecol 7, and diethyl-, 3, 4-dihydro-1-naphthalenyl ester. The minimum inhibitory concentration was 1.25 µl/ml and the minimum fungicidal concentration was 2.5 µl/ml. Complete inhibition of biofilm formation was observed at 0.5 µl/ml concentration of lemongrass oil and 90.9% inhibition was observed at 0.25 µl/ml concentration. The cell viability of HaCaT keratinocytes was maintained above 51.5% at 1.25 µl/ml concentration, and only a moderate cytotoxic effect was observed at a higher concentration. Conclusion: Lemongrass oil showed antifungal activity against C. albicans and the lower concentrations inhibited biofilm formation. Cytotoxicity was not observed on HaCaT keratinocytes at lower concentrations. Further studies on the active components of lemongrass oil can be effectively useful in controlling biofilm formation in both medical devices and Candida related infections.